Visited T.V. Toyota last weekend. We were looking for a new car...particularly a 2021 Camry Hybrid.
When we arrived at the dealership, we were greeted by Forrest. We inquired about the Camry Hybrid in their lot. Forrest informed us that their inventory was very low due to the shortage in new vehicles due to COVID and the new issues with chips.
When we were looking at the Camry on their lot, we were not impressed with the base model nor the putrid red interior. Upon looking at the MSRP sticker on the passenger window, it listed for $34k. Forrest immediately told us not to refer to the MSRP pricing, rather to refer to the new "Price Tag" on the windshield. When we looked at that price, this $34k car was now priced at $48k. When we asked what the jump in price was for, Forrest told us it was the increase ALL dealerships are imposing on all new inventory due to the shortage in new cars. He told us it was going straight to the dealership. Of course, that was an immediate turn off. I am not doing business with a dealership that is out to bilk the consumers. Shortage or not, tacking on $14,000 to the MSRP sticker price "just because" is a HUGE red flag of the integrity of the company.
I was not impressed with the Salesmanship of Forrest. He seemed irritated with helping us because we were asking questions. He seemed irritated because we didn't jump on the Camry that they had on their lot (the 3 they had were with that God awful red interior. When we asked for a "soft" quote and an appraisal on our vehicle, it seemed like another "chore" for him. When my husband explained to Forrest to keep in mind that the rims on the vehicle were not stock. They were upgraded low profile. Forrest shot back with a comment "well we need to buy tires for your trade in". That just did not set well with me. I found that comment very rude and uncalled for. He could have easily responded with a simple "ok".
Needless to say, our experience at T.V. Toyota was not a pleasant one. I am beyond disgusted that a dealership would tack on such a large percentage to the sticker price as if people are desperate to throw their hard earned money away to a dealership, just because. WRONG!! And again, Forrest made sure he told us several times ALL dealerships are tacking on approx $10k over MSRP Sticker price on their new inventory.
During the week, I contacted Moss Toyota in Moreno Valley. I spoke to salesperson Martin (pronounced Marteen). I asked about their new Camry Hybrids. He said he had 4 on his lot. I asked for the pricing on them. He quoted me the MSRP Sticker prices which were approx $34k (pretty much the same as TV Toyota). I then asked about the added cost on top of the MSRP Sticker price. He said yes they do have a dealership price over and above the MSRP. He stated that for the car I was inquiring about, the added cost would be $9,900. So this $34k car is now being sold at $43k. $9,900 for the dealership, just because the inventory is low. Martin explained to me, just as Forrest did, that ALL dealerships are doing this. He told me it doesn't matter where I go, whether it be Ford, Chevrolet, Mazda, Honda, etc, that they ALL add the additional fee over and above the sticker price.
Late yesterday afternoon, my husband and I decided to go to the local Honda dealership in Lake Elsinore. I was now very curious to see if ALL dealerships were charging extra fees over the MSRP. Lo and behold, on all the vehicles we checked out, all the vehicles pricing was their MSRP Sticker price. When I explained about Toyota's pricing tactic, they were shocked. The LE Honda dealership apologized for us being mislead by Toyota claiming ALL dealerships are upping the pricing on cars "just because" of a car shortage.
We ended up purchasing a new Hybrid from the wonderful team at LE Honda. I'd rather give our business to a company with integrity and honesty, than to Toyota and their unethical sales tactics. Honda's gain, Toyota's loss...for being greedy and bilking the consumer and taking their hard earned money.
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Follow up - (Wednesday 08/04/21)
Mr Rudnai
Mr. Brown attempted one phone call to me and that was this morning (Wednesday - 08/04/21) at 10:30am. The message was left during normal business hours, where it is difficult to answer personal calls on my cell phone while I am working. I'm sure you understand.
I did respond to Mr Brown via email once I got home from work this afternoon, assuming Mr Brown has a work schedule similar to mine, this would be the best way to communicate.
I am very curious as to the "misunderstanding" over the pricing that both Temecula Valley AND Moss Toyota have given to my husband and I. Nonetheless, I will be more than happy to answer any questions I may have missed in my Yelp review.
Thank you
Christi read more