Best dealership in WA?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Voltmeter @ Oct 8 2006, 07:06 PM) [snapback]329933[/snapback]</div>

Hi Voltmeter

It is hard knowing if a reply to you would be helpful without knowing where you are in the State and how much consideration you have given to the Prius as a purchase. Since I am "shooting in the dark" I will tell you about my purchase experience.

I first decided I wanted a hybrid because it is an exciting new technology. I think the most appealing thing about it to me is that it combines the best of the electic motor (low speed torque) with a relatively small internal combustion engine (for the convenience of gasoline and economy). I chose the Prius because it seems to be the best thought out Hybrid. I know the color I wanted and the options so the only thing left was choosing the dealer. My investigations led me to believe that it was unlikely that I would find a car for less than MSRP but that I should not have to pay more. I decided that, in the long term, the one who mattered most to me would not be the sales person but the Service Manager since I would likely be dealing with that person many times but just once with the salesman. So I went to the three dealers in the greater Spokane area (including Coeur d'Alene ID) and interviewed the Service Managers. On that basis, I chose Downtown Toyota in Spokane and I have not been sorry that I did.

In the 2006 year there were 8 packages of accessories available on the Prius not all of which were available in Washington State. You can get the up to date information on packages and retail prices by looking at the Toyota web site and selectinig the "build your Prius " procedure. As I said, I had made all my decisions on these matters before starting the purchase process.

I then established contact through the Internet Department of Downtown Toyota to make a purchase and handled almost all of the transaction at my computer at home. It was as nearly a flawless purchase as I have ever made and I have purchased at least a dozen new cars over the years.

PriusChat is an extemely valuable resource. I feel I know my Prius better than any other car I have owned. I feel that I appreciate the uniquemess of the car and its special design as well. It is a car that has been designed from the "ground up" as a new kind of car and built with both care and quality. This shows in big and little ways, not the least of which is that I have yet to have a SINGLE malfunction of ANY kind, unless you include a low tire caused by running over a nail. It never got flat, just low.

You asked about Mileage. My over all calculated average in just 6000 miles is 48.86 mpg. The best single tank mileage was 56.1 mpg and the worst was 45.4 mpg. This car tends to have the best economy around town and the worst on the freeway which is a switch from the usual.

Another thing about the Prius is that it looks small on the outside but feels quite spacious on the inside. They are used for taxi cabs in many cities, not only because of the unusual economy and dependability, but because there is ample foot room in the back and luggage space. It is well equipped, but not a luxury car. Like any machine, it can fail (and some have), but the odds it will not fail are many times better than most cars (and that includes luxury cars).

If you are seriously interested, my recommendation is that you find one to rent and drive it for a day or two without a salesman looking over your shoulder. Drive it where you usually drive, the way you usually drive. I find it is just fine for me. That doesn't automatically mean it is right for you. If it fits you and your pocketbook and you like what it has to offer, I can assure you that it is a wise car purchase.

If you decide to own a Prius, be prepared for a wait. It is uncommon (but not impossible) to find one on a lot for sale, especially if you have a color and equipment preference. Some have found that travelling to places like Yakima and Moses Lake have resulted in quicker purchases if that is a priority. Others have had good luck with giving a number of dealers a chance to make a bid on a sale. Most dealers won't respond to that but those who do often make attractive offers.

Good luck and feel welcome at PriusChat what ever you decide.

 

Answers to questions listed below...

What toyota dealership in WA would you recomend, and why?
Bob Bridge Toyota, Renton, WA. Offer Prius at sticker (but you wait). Excellent salespeople for me and two other Prius owners that I have referred. Ask for Sunny.
Originally tried Michaels Toyota in Bellevue, but they were really smarmy (they have that reputation). Back on October 2005, they were doing the "who will pay the most over sticker" game for a Prius on their lot. Really turned me off.

* Who had the best customer service?
Can only say that Bob Bridge is excellent.

* Who had the best price for the Prius?
Not sure how things are now, but in fall of 2005 (shortly after Katrina), best you can get was MSRP.

* What was your buying experiance there? Where the salesmen helpful or did they jump on you like vultures?
My salesperson was great. Bob Bridge doesn't appear to tolerate smarmy salespeople.

* Would you go back to this dealer for your next car?
Yes. Already sent two friends there. Planning on getting a Sienna Hybrid when they come out.

And relating to the car itself....

* Did you have any problems getting used to it?
For the first month or so, I would jump every time the engine shut off. Brief panics subsided after about a month. Also, takes a while to get used to the steering wheel controls. Go to turn up the heat and change the radio station.

* What life-time issues have you run across so far?
I just had to start using reading glasses. Hair is thinning a bit, but I'm a ways off from the combover. Also, testorone levels are running low, so I get a shot of testosterone in the butt every month or so. I feel great now. Only side effect is a regular craving for sex and beef. The wife will only offer me beef.

* Would you buy another Prius? Recomend one to a friend/family member?
Yes, and already have.

* What real-world gas milage are you getting?
~ 50 MPG. 43 when my wife drives it (speeding off to buy more beef).

 

Our local dealer in Olympia seems good as does the Challis dealer that I got a Ford from several years ago. Do not buy over sticker! The one in Mosses Lake is well spoken of. Our service in Olympia is very good ask for Mike! He cares about cars! Just drive it to begin with then ask and you will get more than enough information on "how to drive your car" Life time issues are limited to 35K (not much) and I have spent nothing except oil and tire rotation. Brakes are still above 90% according to my mechanic I should use breaks from time to time. (Why? does he need a new boat?) I would recommend the car and as for my figures look at the signature! Be well and prosper!

 

Just to chime in, my wife and I bought our Red 2007 Prius (base model, no added packages) at Michaels Toyota in Bellevue last weekend. We had very friendly service from two different salespeople. No issues at all. Paid a little bit over MSRP but felt it was worth it as all I've seen on the lot before were models in the wrong color and packed with expensive options that my wife and I didn't need (handsfree blue tooth phone? get real). The financing went without a hitch as they were having a promotion through BECU, though we went through Toyota as they were matching the offer anyway.

Car is a kick to drive. 44.1mpg average so far in 120 miles...

Dave

 

Good for you! As long as the Prius is in strong demand we will all get a good deal at MSRP or close to it. Service will be the next step. I would recomed you meet and shake hands with the Prius Tech at the dealership, tell them you are intrested in the car and have done your home work. Discuss service, and what you expect!

 

Short story: I ended up going with Lake City Toyota in Seattle (John Morganroth) last Saturday and so far I'm very happy. Long Story: I asked for quotes from 10 different dealers from their "instant quote" web pages. I tried not to talk to them on the phone. I just asked them to send me what they were asking for for a package #2 and what colors they had. I tried not to tell them I *really* wanted the Silver Pine Mica color. I kept a spreadsheet of the responses. The spreadsheet "knew" what the invoice prices were for the various add-ons and calculated MSRP then compared that price to what the dealer was offering. The best price was from Broadway Toyota in Portland, OR which was $1000 under MSRP. But I'm in Seattle and I had a beat-up Camry to trade in. Very tempting, but I figured if they knew I'd driven 300 miles to trade in a vehicle, they'd know I'd might be willing to take a low-ball trade amount. On a whim, I called Lake City Toyota in Seattle and they had a Silver Pine coming in that night (the night of the big wind storm). John Morganroth was my sales guy and is a pretty low-key sales guy and I liked that. I got a fair trade-in on my old Camry too.

For every dealer I did talk to on the phone, it seems they have several Prius' on the lot. So don't buy the "very popular in short supply" argument. They'll try to tell you to buy before the end of December 06. Read the IRS web page on when the $1500 tax credit ends. My understanding is it's in March 07 (not end of this year) like some sales weasels will tell you. And the sales tax write-off extension congress just passed goes until the end of 07.

I went over Snoqualmie Pass on Tuesday with no problems (45 mpg).

 

I got my 2007 magnetic Gray (with Pkg #5) Prius yesterday for 5% over invoice at Doxon Toyota in Auburn (south of Seattle). They mathced a cars.com quote from another dealer. Fair and knowledgable sales team. They weren't as rough on me when they saw me walk in with a folder of research (credit reports, prepared financing, warranty quotes, competitive quotes, package information, invoice pricing, and on the front - a sheet with address, name and number of all the Western WA Toyota dealers... ) Ask for Nick Cruthers and tell him Myk OLeary sent you over. If he doesn't treat you right, let me know...

Bob Bridge in Renton had a salesman call me. He flat out lied about packages and said that there were no Prius available in the area that had package 5, and that to get nav I had to get leather (package 6). I told him his lying cost him a sale before I even walked on the lot. I will never go there, and I will recommend to everyone NOT to go there as well.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Voltmeter @ Oct 8 2006, 08:06 PM) [snapback]329933[/snapback]</div>

Your experience at a dealership is only as good as the salesperson you deal with. I recommend Sean Bishop at Bob Bridge Toyota in Renton.

Bob Bridge Toyota in Renton, Toyota of Olympia. The email correspondence I had with both dealerships were professional and courteous.

Bob Bridge Toyota

There were some dealerships on that were unprofessional even online! One of the most unpleasant (as well as impatient) was the salesperson at the Burien dealership. After I asked if he had any leeway on the price he gave me, the salesperson wrote, "If you dont <sic> want to buy a car, then you are doing a great job at making that happen." It almost seemed like he still thought he could sell Prii at a premium over MSRP.

The salespeople at Toyota of Seattle insisted that I go to the dealership to talk while all the while they kept on saying they were aware my time was preicous (which was the reason I was soliciting quotes online in the first place!). They finally did give me a quote but it came long after I've already purchased my Prius.

The salesperson I dealt with at Bob Bridge Toyota, Sean Bishop, was professional and courteous. I recommend him highly. (Usual caveat applies: I'm in no way connected to Bob Bridge Toyota aside from being a satisfied customer.)

Absolutely, but since I've only dealt with Sean, he will be the first one I solicit a quote from. As I told Sean, this was the most pleasant purchasing experience I've ever had.

Getting used to the push-button start as well as the different transmission system but that didn't take long to get accustomed to.

Higher gas mileage!

Yes and yes.

I'm getting mid-30s at the moment but I only have 60 miles on the vehicle.

 

I got mine at Doxon as well and they were very nice. I don't know much about cars as it is, so my Dad went with me and was able to ask the proper performance and finance questions. My dad was pleased with my purchase, and still is.

The gentleman that helped me is no longer with the dealership, but I can say that Doxon Toyota is VERY much into follow up. Not only did I get a follow-up survey and a tin of chocolate chip cookies as a thank you, they also maintain the information on their side with you as they called me to let me know that the salesperson that I worked with is no longer there, and that was about 6 months after the purchase of my car. So I give them much praise. I'll be going there again to purchase any future cars.

To answer the rest of your questions:

* Did you have any problems getting used to it? - Yes, only because I was already used to small to mid sized SUV for 5 years. So there is that bit of time where you adjust to the size and the power of the new vehicle.
* What life-time issues have you run across so far? Having a car payment again. LOL. I hadn't had one for almost 3 years (I paid the SUV off in 2 years). The Higher MPG, and with that, only having to fill up once every other week, versus once every 4 days. The money that I save just goes toward my car payment.
* Would you buy another Prius? Recomend one to a friend/family member? In a heart beat!!! I love the one that I have, so I wouldn't go right out and buy another. But if I want to upgrade to whatever Toyota comes out with in the future, I will want to get it. My sister wants to get a Hybrid of some sort, so I have converted her. But that won't be happening for a while.
* What real-world gas milage are you getting? Right now, due to the change in weather and driving in the dark, I am getting 44. MPG. Of course, I wish it here higher, but then again...it is twice the average of my old SUV.

 

I bought my 2008 touring Prius from Doxon Toyota in Auburn. Could not be happier with the service and the price that I got. Highly recommend them, and if you go there, ask for Tom. He is awesome!

I started out doing the "build your Prius" on the toyota.com web site. Then sent it to every Toyota dealer in a 100 mile radius. Doxon came back with the lowest price by far.....$350 over invoice.....much lower than MSRP.

I had a similar experience with Bob Bridge in Tacoma that Johnny had. Told me that the car I was looking for wasn't available. They wanted me to buy a car that they had on their lot. Doxon found me the exact car that I was looking for.

No flocking of salesmen when you pull in the lot at Doxon. In fact, I had to go to the showroom to get a salesman to go for a test ride. In fact, they gave me a Prius to drive for the day to see how I liked it.

Bellevue Toyota was snooty, and even said that they did not have to sell at MSRP. They said demand was so high that they could add $$$ to MSRP and sell all they wanted.

Bottom line is....VERY happy with Doxon in Auburn. Only negative was that the "finance guy" was rather pushy on the extended warranties and had an attitude when I kept telling him "no thank you". I complained about that in the follow up survey, so maybe that has changed.

Good luck....and let us know how your Prius buying adventure goes.

Mark

 

I have to say I'm really happy with Heartland Toyota in Bremerton.

We solicited email bids on the 2008 Prius, Silver Pine Mica, pkg #2 and got four pretty close to what we were aiming for. Heartland happens to be closest to us. I called Friday and talked to the internet coordinator, Susan. I told her what we wanted and what we wanted to pay for it (lowest bid: $22,990). She called me back within 15 minutes, agreed to the price and said they didn't have one but had located one and would do a dealer trade with a $500 deposit.

We went in Saturday to pay the deposit. We went in armed with printouts of our quotes and a printout of exactly what we wanted. We also went ready to argue price and resist sales pressure to buy more than we wanted before it went down on paper.

The salesperson, Matt, and the internet manager, Mike, are both pleasant, relaxed gentlemen, a pleasure to talk to. We had nothing to fight about or resist. It was kind of a let down ;-). They did not try to sell us more than we wanted. The price agreed to on the phone was set. The only stumbling block was that the car they found Friday had been sold. They hunted down another one and dispatched a driver to get it while we were there.

We did all the paperwork and had a free latte. The finance manager was a little pushy about selling the extended warranty. My jaw almost dropped at what they wanted for it (more than twice what one can get it for elsewhere). We had to say no three times. He did explain all the paperwork well.

Total time at the dealership: 2 hours, mostly just chatting with Matt and sipping lattes while Mike hunted for the exact car we wanted and had the paperwork typed up.

We picked it up yesterday (Sunday). It's lovely! I just have to nail my left foot down since I've always driven a manual. Mike took us through the orientation to make sure we were comfortable operating it and he and Matt waved us goodbye as we drove off in our new car. We are very, very happy, although I'm still shaking from writing a five-digit check.

BTW, we had a slightly lower bid come in from Kirkland Toyota after we made the phone deal. They have a flock of bad reviews all over the net. I wouldn't have trusted that bid for love nor money after reading the reviews. Ironically, that's where Heartland traded for the car we bought.

Senket

 

Having just purchased a 2006 model, we're thinking about a new one two years from now (my son thinks he's taking possession when he leaves for college), so I'm reading these posts with interest. Here's a datapoint I've been thinking about--I've noticed a wide disparity in parts prices, and I'm wondering if the dealers with good parts prices also tend to treat their customers better.

Kirkland seems to have about the highest prices, while Seattle and Renton seem among the lowest. OTOH, when I balked at the high price of transaxle fluid, the parts saleslady at Kirkland knocked the price down substantially. I'm still looking for the cheapest place to get a smartkey programmed, but so far it's $50 and up. I mailorder most stuff from Conicelli Toyota, but have ordered filters from Amazon. Admittedly, I don't expect to be purchasing much else for a while.

Any favorite parts and/or service departments in the Seattle area?

 

I emailed Toyota of Seattle and talked to the internet manager. After 3 days, no reply so I decided to call Toyota of Seattle today (after hearing nothing for almost 2 weeks) and talked to the internet manager (that I've been contacting for a while). They still didn't know my package preferences and color choices, even though the salesman said he will get it done for us after our test drive.

We wanted bisque so we chose super white and magnetic gray. The salesman told us that we would be able to get Magnetic Gray with Bisque leather, but as far as I can tell, this isn't even an option.

I'm just really surprised and a bit angry that they did not contact us or anything. On the phone, the manager said that our request was specified on "the sheet" but he just had to update his database, or something.

He asked me (once again) what my preferences were and what package I wanted. I heard a few keyboard strokes and he told me 1-4 months and no notifications until the day it arrives. Assuming that I didn't call, would we have received the car we wanted? Very careless, in my opinion.

We exchanged some OK's and goodbye's and he didn't confirm my choices so I guess I will have to call again tomorrow for extra safety. I hate dealing over the phone.

 

I just did a search for 'certified' vehicles in the Seattle area, and was astonished at the high prices. Guess that reflects the market--or the premium for a vehicle available 'now'. I'm thinking we might go ahead and get on a list for a 2009 1/2 model now, as some folks are doing. Anyone order through Costco? When you say you solicited bids via email, was that separate emails to various dealers? Or through a third party service of some kind?

BTW, I did get a smartkey programmed for $50 at Bellevue, but after they finished they said they'd made a mistake, and would never do another one for that price--should have been $100!

 

What toyota dealership in WA would you recomend, and why?

* Who had the best customer service? Michael's Toyota of Bellevue
* Who had the best price for the Prius? I shopped around, got pretty much the same quotes everywhere
* What was your buying experiance there? Where the salesmen helpful or did they jump on you like vultures? I walked in and reminded them that I was buying my 4th Toyota from them. I told them I won't take any shenanigans or high pressure. They treated me like gold, as they always have.
* Would you go back to this dealer for your next car? I already got in touch with my salesman Joe and told him to let me know as soon as a 2010 upgrade model is available.

And relating to the car itself....

* Did you have any problems getting used to it? Not really
* What life-time issues have you run across so far? The only issue is the blind spot. I got blind spot mirrors to resolve that issue
* Would you buy another Prius? Recomend one to a friend/family member? Yes
* What real-world gas milage are you getting? 48-52 mpg

 

Bob Bridge - Ask for Ron Lewis.

 

We used Costco's auto buying program and were referred to Heartland Toyota in Bremerton. They honored the Costco program, gave us a woman salesperson like we asked for and did a great job for us. We have been back twice for oil changes and would buy another car from them as we need to do so. Good luck. Glad to help!

 

We bought our 2007 Prius from Heartland Toyota in Bremerton. One of the things I was most impressed with was their new car buyer orientation session. They had an evening for those who bought new cars recently. They provided sandwiches and drinks, and went over warranties, service options and then gave us a tour of the service bay and parts department. Oh, and they split the group up by Prius and non-Prius owners! They had a Prius up on a rack to display the bottom for us and the computer with the technical manual up. Cool!

 

Ok.. If you live on the other side of the state, Appleway Toyota is GREAT!!! I called them up a few months ago, and had a Seaside Pearl Pkg 2 Prius not more than 2 weeks later. NO MARKUP!!!

When I passed by there a couple days ago, there were NEW 09 Prius Sittin on the lot! If I had the extra money, I would have gotten another one. There were 4 various colors of the 09s and 5 or 6 of the 08s

Our Salesperson was Brenden O'Riley.