New ORP next week, Dealership tips please.

Hi Everyone,
I'm stoked, but wary to say the least. My hope is to pick up and pay for it without being ravaged by rip-offs. My fear is I will have my work cut out for me. Research I've done on this site and elsewhere show I'll likely have all sorts nasty shenanigans waiting for me. And this is my first time buying a new vehicle.
The dealership in question is Crown Toyota in Holland, Michigan in case anyone around here has had experience. I chose them because after visiting the three dealerships in the area, their salesman didn't give me a bad vibe. And they had the best selection. I put down a $500 deposit, and he got his manager to match Toyota's military discount despite not technically meeting their strange criteria.
I feel a bit uneasy joining a site and immediately asking members for advice but this is my 1st 4runner, coming from the Jeep world. What should I watch out for? Any tips or advice folks offered this newb would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dennis

 

Why are you uneasy? It is not a Jeep forum Congrats on the ORP, you will love it. My recommendation would be to drive it for a while. That will give you a good indication of what you would like to do first.

 

Welcome.

DON’T LET EMOTIONS GET IN THE WAY

Go in early and make sure to read every document before signing. Don’t take their word or let them rush you. Practice saying “no” firmly in the mirror. You’d be surprised how the finance department likes to wear you down and make you feel like you need something. If something doesn’t feel up to snuff, walk away.

With all of that said, enjoy your new 4Runner!

 

Hi Dennis. Have no fear.

Is your deposit associated with a particular car? If so, have the dealer email you a pdf the window sticker. Make clear which accessories you want that do not appear on the sticker, and that you will not be paying for anything beyond that. In this regard it’s an advantage that you’re putting a deposit down on a vehicle that the dealer hasn’t gotten their hands on yet.

When it’s time to pick up the car, ask to see the pre-delivery inspection checklist. Check everything yourself. Every function. Every knob, switch, bulb. When I picked up my truck the parking brake had never been adjusted, and the tires were at 50 psi.

Cheers

 

That's the plan! I'm immediately replacing the Dunlops with an AT (trying Pirelli AT Plus, stock size),and taking the 4runner waterfall hunting and trout fishing for a week or more. I want to keep it as stock as possible, especially while under warranty. I imagine I won't be able to resist a few little tweaks (real front skid plate and sturdy front tow points are being researched), but I want to spend my time and money on being in the woods!

Thanks for the advice,
Dennis

And thanks to all for your replies.

 

Yes, dealer will try to wring out money out of you, especially at finance office. Be prepared to walk away, and use THAT when firmly saying NO to upsales and crapware.

I like this channel that offers good advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EA-74yr5D4

My personal advice, get pre-approved from your bank for a full car loan. This way you can always say no to everything finance manager throws at you.

 

Perhaps I am just lucky and found a good dealership, but they did not care if I bought anything extra from them. When I bought my new Tacoma in 2020, I asked about extended warranty as it was first new vehicle and I did not know any better. The finance manager laughed and said I was buying a Toyota and did not need extended warranty. I paid $5k under MSRP too.

When I bought my 4Runner I did have them do the undercoating, rust proofing and PPF as they beat the price I was getting from independent shops.

 

So confused but already put $500 down and need tips?

Did you not agree on pricing or anything already?

 

Nobody in the area had any on their lots. The $500 down was the only way to get one. Most of the inbound ones were already taken according to their website. I realize the downpayment weakens (maybe eliminates?) my bargaining position, but I couldn't think of a viable option at the time. Trout season is three weeks away. Does this mean I'll be forced to accept every additional charge they can fabricate? They were all MSRP.

 

That's what I told the finance guy when he asked if I didn't see the value of an extended warranty. He didn't have an answer to that.

If you want the extended warranty, you can get one at a generally better price from a gentleman at a dealer in the Midwest, I don't recall his name but I'll search for it if you like. You do not have to buy the warranty from the same dealer that sells you the vehicle. Also, it might be worthwhile to check the price from this gentleman (he'll give prices for several mileage/year options) and you can take the dealer price if it's better. Make sure the dealer tell you the total cost of the warranty, not the monthly cost, so you can compare apples to apples.

Regarding financing, if you get pre-approved by your bank/credit union, you can still take the dealer financing if they can beat your pre-approved rate.

Always be prepared to walk if there's any BS.

 

I’d say you better call the salesman ahead of its arrival and tell them you won’t be purchasing anything that was not installed from the factory, otherwise they may start sticking stuff like VIN etching, $800 window tint, protective film, etc.

I would say your bargaining position has been compromised slightly, but you’re probably not out of the game.

 

Any down payment you should of already came to terms on cost without accessories.

Hope they don't try to pull a fast one on you and add on dealer charges. Did you sign anything with this deposit?

 

I had deposits at two dealers for the same reason. Both were refundable. I ended up getting refunds from both because a third dealer found what I wanted first. If your deposit is refundable, again be prepared to walk if they start any BS. If it's not refundable you'll have to decide if you're willing to lose the $$ vs. paying over your acceptable price.

It's worth doing some research about dealer add-ons so you know ahead of time what to avoid. Things like Nitrogen filled tires, VIN etching on windows, paint sealer, fabric protection, and others are generally considered to be low value/overpriced.

 

Also I’d be prepared to walk away and lose the $500 over paying $2500 in dealer markup if they try to get stupid.

 

They gave me this if it means

 

Really means nothing as its not a contract etc.

Its just a print out. Like others said just be ready to walk if they try to add shit.

 

Looks fine, just make sure you go over the final documents, they make "mistakes" all the time.

 

I did call the salesman yesterday and told him not to add anything at the dealership without my prior approval. Specifically asked for no nitrogen in tires. Told them if they undercoated it, they keep it. I hate to walk away from the $500 but getting ripped off for thousands is worse. I read on this site that the market is getting better in some areas but around here these are hard to come by.

 

I wouldn't sweat it, no need to stress about it ahead of time when you've already had a good experience with the dealer in the past.

Btw they can't keep your deposit, it's illegal, at least in my state. Your window sticker price is the price you should pay, plus tax and title, minus any discounts you can negotiate.

 

It is better to walk away then get stuck with a bad deal. You will end up hating the car as it will always remind you of getting cheated. In my life I purchased 5 new cars (and many more used). All different makes and models and never from the same dealership. Each time dealer tried to get more out of me. Some were much worse that others and one was outright abusive, like not giving me back keys to my old car so they can prevent me from leaving. Especially the first new car I purchased I got taken for a ride because I did not know what I was doing.

You can't go in and not be prepared to walk out. Write max all-in price on a blank paper and put it in your wallet. If it ever goes above that, for whatever reason - you are not thinking clearly and you must walk away.

 

I hope to not die of old age before experiencing something like that, but odds are not in my favor. I am healthy and have lots of years left.

 

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply. I feel like a dope. Believe it or not I spent months doing research and still muffed a lot up. Maybe it will all work out but maybe not. As I research more it also appears getting a black one was a big mistake. Sounds like they are a LOT of work to keep looking nice. Especially if it's used off road which mine would be. Whole thing is starting to look like a $50,000 error.

 

Don't give up. It's not an error yet - it's only an error if you buy what you don't want. Get in touch with your sales person and tell him you want a different color. It might be better to communicate via email or text so if he throws any curve balls you'll have time to think before you reply. Actually, I tend to favor text/email for the majority of the communication as it gives you a record of who said what in case you have doubts.

They shouldn't have any trouble moving "your" black 4Runner. The question for you is how long are you willing to wait for the color/options/price you want? For me it was almost a year, but I think things are improving supply-wise since I got mine last year.

Get what you want. Good luck.

 

@Stones
@IVRunner is correct, don't give up, it will just be a slightly different method taken to make the final purchase.
I ordered brand new bright white ORP in '16, was coming from factory to dealership, but timing changed and options came and the exact 4R I wanted w/ minimal miles showed up at a different dealership in my Province - had to switch gears and got that one.

If I had to give a tip, bring someone to the deal like a good older friend or family member who's bought many cars.

 

Just purchased a 2024 TRD ORP w/ KDSS In Underground 4 weeks ago. Negotiated over the phone only. Searched their website for the exact model/trim/options I wanted then wrote down the vin#. Was in transit, approximately 2-week wait. Called and asked for the fleet sales manager, his name is Allen Hon. Gave him the vin#, ground on him, but not much really. He gave me approximately 5% off Msrp. He asked me how I am paying for it, said I would wire transfer the money when it gets in. He asked for a $500.00 deposit to hold the vehicle, I gave him my debit card number. Around 10 days later he called and said the truck is here, emailed me the purchase agreement which was in a doc-u-sign format. Looked it over very carefully, a couple times. Signed, wire transferred the money, less the $500.00 deposit. He called and said when would you like to pick up the truck, told him this Saturday at opening, which was 9:00 am. Got there 15 minutes early, traffic was light. The truck was parked on the curb out front (see avatar) of the truck dept. on the curb. I texted him I was there outside by the truck. I stopped at the truck and looked it over thoroughly, inside and out. He walked out, I shook his hand, said thanks, he handed me a pair of keys, he said all the paperwork is in the glove box. I got in and drove away, it had 3 miles on the odometer. This purchase took place at Longo Toyota, El Monte, CA. They tout that it’s the largest Toyota dealership in the world. At the time of purchase, they had over 3,000 new vehicles on the lot, of that 103 were new 4Runners. Never saw the F & I dept. Never even went inside the stealership. That was the easiest commission he made that day. I posted this last on 03/21/2024, just cut & pasted it in for you!

 

Black is not a deal breaker unless you just hate polishing your car. I've had multiple black cars, including a 2015 I bought new and still own 9yrs and 150k later. It is VERY easy to maintain your black paint with clay bars, a dual action polisher, mild pads, and a high quality mild polish!

 

I actually rather enjoy washing, waxing and detailing vehicles. Only problem is I have zero shade in my driveway. Garage is way too small. Maybe I can get one of those car "tent" thingys if they're not stupid expensive. If I can find a somewhat economical way to help minimize branch scratches and safely remove bug splatter from the front fascia, I'd love the black. I read the entire detailing section but more research is necessary. There has to be a way. Thanks for the reply.

 

I had black cars before, never again. It looks dirty/dusty the moment you park it outside. Pollen, dust, rain water residue all show up right away. I am already starting to regret dark gray color I got, as it is almost as bad. Go for a light color that doesn't show dust, especially if you going to take it offroad.

On other hand, if you decided you don't want black car - this would be a good opportunity to go to the dealer and go through the process and see what they throw at you. Say YES to everything, roll over on all sales pitches, then at the last moment say "this is too expensive" and walk out.

 

The dealership emailed me a signed and dated Vehicle Purchase Agreement. Told them I needed one so I had a final amount so I could bring in a cashier's check in the correct amount. There were no dealer add ons or other charges outside of the standard fees I expected. I asked the salesman to not have my vehicle washed/waxed/detailed by them, that I preferred to do it myself because I read elsewhere on this site that I could expect anything from a skimpy job to outright damage. There wasn't even a charge for dealer prep. There is still an opportunity for shenanigans at the final signing when it's picked up on Thursday, but things look good so far. I won't drop my guard until the final bell rings.
After some thought I decided to stay with the black. I took a walk around my neighborhood and looked at all the black Toyotas. Despite them being several to many years old, they all look great. And these are vehicles that live outside in Michigan year around. Black trucks always looked sharp to me and none of the other colors really wowed me.
If I don't get hit with a last minute blast of crap at the signing I should be posting up pictures in a few days!

Dennis

 

Glad to hear things are looking up for you ^^^


Definitely looking forward to you pics on Thursday!!!