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Stressed

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Fraydenz, Mar 13, 2011.

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  1. Fraydenz

    Fraydenz New Member

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    Hi all. I just got back from the Toyota dealership, and omg was I given a hard sell. I told the first 2 people I talked to that I was info-gathering, not buying, and they were cool with that. Then a third guy grabs me omw to my car (currently a 2007 Altima Hybrid) and spent the next 2 hours trying to get me to leave in a Prius.

    I have every intention of buying a 2011 Prius (if I didn't want one I wouldn't have spent so much time there, obviously), probably the base model with a few extras. I finally had to resort to calling my wife to get me out of there, lol. He even told me that if I didn't buy right now, that the he'd have to split the commision with the first 2 guys I talked to, which means he'd get $37.50 for all his work with me. Granted, I learned a lot from him, but dang I hate being pressured like that.

    He also said that due to rising gas prices and the tragic earthquake in Japan, I might not be able to get a Prius at all if I wait much longer. I had planned to purchase in April, but that actually makes sense to me. Unless he is using the earthquake to add more pressure, which would be pretty low class. I'm all confused right now. So... many... options...

    Anyway, sorry for the ramble - I aim to join the Prius family, just wanted to share my experience today.
     
    #1 Fraydenz, Mar 13, 2011
  2. tpfun

    tpfun New Member

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    I would too. Wow, that's high pressure sales.

    Yeah, coincidentally someone here also made the same argument !

    I would wager he's a salesman as well.
     
    #2 tpfun, Mar 13, 2011
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  3. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    Is there another dealer in your area or nearby town/city you could go to? Most places have internet sales departments that might work also?
     
    #3 dustoff003, Mar 13, 2011
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  4. Fraydenz

    Fraydenz New Member

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    Maybe the other guy was a dealer too, and they are just adding the quake to a list of tactics. I hope not.

    There are several dealers here in Vegas, but I am a bit reluctant to visit another one just yet. I signed up with whypaysticker.com, and also with USAA's auto search, so I will see what happens with that. I have purchased 3 cars in my life (drove a Ford Escort for 15 years, lol), and each time I left feeling vaguely...soiled. I'm excited about owning a Prius, and I want to do better this time. I've never put so much effort into researching a purchase, that's for sure.

    Thanks for listening. :)
     
    #4 Fraydenz, Mar 13, 2011
  5. twittel

    twittel Senior Member

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    Your dealer experience reinforces my belief that internet/email research and requests for quotes is the only way to buy a car. When I bought my Prius, I did all my research/shopping only. I went to the dealership only to sign papers and take delivery. Sweet!

    Welcome to PriusChat. You'll find lots of answers here. BTW, there may be some truth to a shortage of Prius due to Japan's tragic disaster. I promise you that dealers will attempt to profit on Japan's tragedy.
     
    #5 twittel, Mar 13, 2011
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what did they offer you for a price?
     
    #6 bisco, Mar 13, 2011
  7. scottalan

    scottalan New Member

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    When they get crazy like that, you just have to leave no matter how rude it may seem. If you have checked resources like edmunds.com to see what a fair price is, then you are armed with the info you need to make a good decision. It is a shame that they use the situation in Japan to try and make a sale, but they will do whatever it takes. They also don't take into acount what your time is worth when they are running you through the ringer! I agree with twittel, do all you haggling using the internet and talk to them over the phone if necessary to make a deal. If you have no trade, it should be fairly cut and dried. Good Luck!
     
    #7 scottalan, Mar 13, 2011
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  8. mountaintodd

    mountaintodd Junior Member

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    While we were shopping for our Prius we had the same experiences at several dealerships. For some reason some salesman like to grab you and pull you in to sit at their desk while they ramble on and try to look busy. It must be that they get brownie points or something because it doesn't seem like a good way to sell a car. When I'm at a dealership, I'm interested in two things, the cars and prices, and if I'm going to spend my money there I don't want to be jerked around. We had one salesman who said, "Honestly" all the time. Now if you have to say that all the time does that mean when you don't say it you're lying.

    When it comes down to prices, then they need to go talk to their sales manager who might come out to talk with you about what you want. I don't appreciate my time being wasted like that because I just told the other guy what I wanted.

    Now that you know what the Prius looks like and how it drives, I'd recommend shopping online or going straight to the sales manager. You're going to love your new Prius! I wish you all the best!
     
    #8 mountaintodd, Mar 13, 2011
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  9. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    You could take a drive over to Carson Toyota in CA, and see PC member Dianne Whitmire.
     
    #9 dustoff003, Mar 13, 2011
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  10. Fraydenz

    Fraydenz New Member

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    Thanks all, I still don't know quite what I'm going to do, but I am fairly sure I will not be going back to that dealer unless they turn out to be the best deal. While I was there I saw a black Prius that just kinda clicked for me, so...Oh, and the sales manager actually came up to me twice while I was there to try to find out what I needed (I needed time, so he didn't stay long, lol). His name was Rocky (very fitting, too) - maybe I should just call him.

    Actually, we never got that far. The sticker was $25K and the guy said he would throw in leather seat covers, floor mats, and some other stuff I forget. I told him I wanted a $350/month payment, at which he grunted. I also have to trade in my current car (worth $14K, owe $19K), making things more interesting. As for final price out the door, I don't know. I have really good credit, so, I don't know, maybe that will help - maybe the offers will come in from my internet searches on Monday.

    I'm encouraged to know that people have done this entirely online with success, so I will keep at it. I checked out the website for Carson - they have what I want, but if would have to be an awefully good deal for me to drive there. We'll see. :)
     
    #10 Fraydenz, Mar 13, 2011
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ouch.
     
    #11 bisco, Mar 13, 2011
  12. TheSpoils

    TheSpoils Member

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    Welcome.
    I wouldn't stress much over it. Remember you are the person with the cash to buy, they have to serve you and answer all your questions.
    I have made many auto purchases over the years, one thing that always worked for me was visiting a dealer with old dirty clothes, heck I had a hard time getting anyone to come over to make the sale.
    Good Luck
     
    #12 TheSpoils, Mar 13, 2011
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  13. J5A

    J5A Active Member

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    Seriously, find a different dealer. You should never feel you were pressured in anyway over any aspect of purchasing a vehicle.
     
    #13 J5A, Mar 13, 2011
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  14. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Gas prices are no longer rising -- they were flattening out even before the quake -- and crude prices have actually dropped a bit. Reduced economic activity in Japan over the next few months should take a bit of pressure off oil demand.

    I have no idea where the Middle East tensions will go, but this disaster greatly reduces the visibility of conflict in Libya, much as Jacko's death greatly reduced pressure on the regime in Iran.
     
    #14 fuzzy1, Mar 13, 2011
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  15. Fraydenz

    Fraydenz New Member

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    Ok, I can see the temporary reduction in oil demand. I can also see the ADD media forgetting all about the Middle East for a while. So basically when they tell me there are going to be no more shipments of Prius', and gas is gonna be $5, I need to take it for what it is - yet another pressure tactic. Geez. Yeah, gonna check a different dealer.
     
    #15 Fraydenz, Mar 13, 2011
  16. Fraydenz

    Fraydenz New Member

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    You mean the $25k sticker price, my $350/mo limit, or my trade in? ;)
     
    #16 Fraydenz, Mar 13, 2011
  17. J5A

    J5A Active Member

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    Dealers love when people walk into their dealership and give them a monthly price/limit. IMO it gives them the upper hand by showing you a lesser equipped vehicle than if you went in knowing exactly how much the vehicle you want is truly worth.
     
    #17 J5A, Mar 13, 2011
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  18. Fraydenz

    Fraydenz New Member

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    Gotcha, I appreciate that. My experience at the dealer made me think maybe I should look at a used Prius (2009-10), but it seems like the pricing on them is more or less the same as a brand new one. I looked at a 2007, which was quite a bit cheaper, but I like the new style better. My dad always said (and recently reiterated lol) never buy a new car since its value drops like 20% as soon as you drive it away, but if the price is similar, I might as well buy new. Right? If I do it will be my 1st ever. :)

    I so much want a 2011, and that in itself is worth a certain amount, too, I suppose.
     
    #18 Fraydenz, Mar 13, 2011
  19. Fraydenz

    Fraydenz New Member

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    Sorry to quote myself, it's from my OP. Since I am still not sure what I will, I was wondering if anyone knows if this is true? Does a sales guy make so little? He said if I bought then and there he's get $75.

    I know pay varies, but can anyone guess if this is an exageration? I want to know, you see, because if he is not only guilt tripping me, but lying to me as well, then I won't feel obligated to call him tomorrow to say I won't be there. I just won't be there.
     
    #19 Fraydenz, Mar 13, 2011
  20. UGC

    UGC Member

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    lot of good advice here, and yes, shop by price NOT BY MONTHLY NOTE.

    That is where salesman make their money, when they know how much a month you are willing to spend, then sell you a lower priced vehicle (for a higher price), and extend the months to finance and wah-laaaa....your MONTHLY NOTE. ...always seems to fit your budget don't it?...lol

    And don't let them pull that "Four Square" crap on you either. I know all the salesman tricks because "I are one" (not a type "O").

    Only thing is, I do all my business above board, and CAN NOT stand crooked salesman.

    Good luck, and anything I can do to help...just let me know.
     
    #20 UGC, Mar 13, 2011
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