4 years ago
Went there yesterday and made a deal on a hybrid R...
Went there yesterday and made a deal on a hybrid RAV4, which was to be delivered today. When I get there, the car they pulled up was missing the $2000 package I specifically wanted on the vehicle. They himhaw around saying the paper I signed didn't have that package listed and that the sales man just misunderstood what was actually on the vehicle (maybe salesmen should be trained in what they are selling, talk to Tesla, maybe they can give you some tips on proper training). When I asked them to show me the documents I signed, they run around about 10 minutes and finally bring me "my" file, and to everyone's surprise, the paper with all the features listed didn't have my signature, hmm, I wonder where it could have gone. So, being the overly empathetic person I am, I asked if they could get the car I want and how much more it would be...which sent them on a 20 minute hunt for the vehicle. I left after 15 minutes and they called me with a price...it would be an extra $2000, totaling $2800 dollars more than what I agreed to (they use special math here). They said I should try to meet them half way...so I suggested a price $1000 dollars greater than what I agreed to...but surprisingly, that was not sufficient.
One thing I want to get clear, the MSRP of the vehicle I ordered, according to Toyotas own website is $31,185, before the $3000 discount on RAV4s. This would mean the original agreement would actually be $185 less than the actual MSRP...if you do the real math (not 'their' math), their offer comes back at $31,800 after discounts...they sure give good deals...
Now, for a word of warning. They equip all cars with an anti-theft device...$2000 add-on which you don't say you want, and they seem to fight tooth and nail to keep on there. If you are persistent, though, you can get them to take it off. Pretty lame tactics when it is an after market box they can simply remove from the vehicle and put on another...no real loss for them short of profit.
So I've had a horrible experience here (not really been impressed by any stealership I've gone to, but what are you going to do). I like Toyotas, but will not be purchasing from any stealership again, I will simply buy used vehicles directly from owners, or purchase from a company who refuses to stoop to such low measures...cough...Tesla.
Now my conditions for Toyota. Until a time at which you require your stealerships to sell the vehicles at advertised prices, you have lost me as a customer.
UPDATE 1
Wanted to thank the folks at Toyota of Alvin for giving me the kick in the pants I needed to purchase the vehicle of my dreams. Proud owner of a Tesla Model 3. Ended up costing about as much as a decked out hybrid Rav 4, except I actually paid advertised price, was able to purchase in about 15 minutes on my phone (not sit in a dealership for 4 hours), have practically no maintenance, costs as much to operate as a 100 mpg vehicle, and did I mention it drives itself. Good luck finding that here or any Toyota dealership.