deal and deposit question

gdotgarrett · #1 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 01:36 PM

I was offered 1800 under MSRP for a CrewMax 4x4 SR5, and if there is a rebate/incentive in 4-6 months (their estimate for the duration of this special order) for this truck then it would also be applied at that time. I countered and asked for another $1500 (due to the current incentive) off and also the ability to deduct any rebates that may (or may not) be available in 4-6 months since I am having to wait so long and take the risk of not getting an incentive. The rep came back and said that he would write the lower price on the PO but include a condition that reads "price dependent on incentives at time of delivery". So basically he re-worded the agreement but didn't change anything. Also, he is saying that they require $500 deposit to place a special order. I wrote back saying I would not accept his new "unchanged" offer and questioned the amount of the deposit. He now is not replying...

Any feedback or advice on this situation? Does that deposit sound high? I mean 6 months from now gas could be $4-5 and I may change my mind and I sure would hate to lose $500.

Bill K · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 02:01 PM

$500 is normal for a deposit on a ordered car or truck.

blackgts2002 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 02:54 PM

Check to see if deposits are refundable in your state. They are in MA.

gdotgarrett · #4 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 03:02 PM

I asked the representative if it is a refundable deposit, but he is not replying now.

blackgts2002 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 03:03 PM

Check a few state law websites, or just call another dealer in your state. Does not have to be a Toyota. Just ask a general question.

bay area as in CA?

bugchucker · #6 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 03:19 PM

Never asked for a deposit! I must seem trustworthy over the internet.

StatCoder · #7 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 03:39 PM

I would be surprised and suspicious if they didn't ask for a deposit. I'm surprised that they aren't asking for $1,000. It's would be very easy for you to become impatient, see one on the lot that you like and buy it leaving your dealer with a truck coming that nobody is likely to buy anytime soon.

As Howie says...

"Deal or No Deal"

gdotgarrett · #8 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StatCoder

I would be surprised and suspicious if they didn't ask for a deposit. I'm surprised that they aren't asking for $1,000. It's would be very easy for you to become impatient, see one on the lot that you like and buy it leaving your dealer with a truck coming that nobody is likely to buy anytime soon.

I don't mind paying the deposit if I get the right deal. However, now I think the rep has gotten annoyed with my negotiating and is not replying.

Hey where did you order your Tundra? In Austin? How long are they saying the wait is? I bought my Tacoma from Champion Toyota in 2005.

philthy · #9 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 03:46 PM

gas 4-5$ in 3 months and you back out? Thats the reason he wants the deposit he does not want to get stuck with the truck. I don't think he is being unresonable.

gdotgarrett · #10 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philthy

gas 4-5$ in 3 months and you back out? Thats the reason he wants the deposit he does not want to get stuck with the truck. I don't think he is being unresonable.

I was exagerating by giving the fuel cost example. My point is that having a customer wait 6 months is a long time and all sorts of things could occur during that period. "Stuck with the truck", come on, you can't get a 4x4 crewmax sr5 at hardly any dealer in texas and that is why I have to order in the first place. The truck would easily sell down here. There is a lot more risk to me than to the Toyota dealership in this case!

StatCoder · #11 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 04:39 PM

Apparently, there are only so many orders allowed per dealer depending on volume so they are giving up something if you order a specific truck and walk.

I ordered my truck from a small dealership in New Mexico in order to avoid buying anything in the Gulf States Toyota region. Do a search for "Gulf States Toyota" if you want to read all about it. Basically, I'm not happy with the way the trucks are pre-configured in this region. Usually, there is one nice factory option per truck and several port options that the buyer grudgingly accepts. Not me. I wanted a relatively loaded package of factory options with little or no port options (see my signature). I found them configured that way in the Denver distribution area. I was able to pick from the way that CrewMaxes are being built and was able to find one that was being built 6 weeks later (now next week).

Hopefully, I'll fly out there in 3 weeks and pick up my loaded CrewMax for under $40K + TTL. It was a no-hassle internet price and I think it's a good deal. Not because it's $500 over invoice or something but because there are only options on there that I want - the factory ones that I can't install myself and because I got to pick the exact color combo I wanted.

davidrs26 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 05:22 PM

How Could You Asked A Dealer To Build The Truck That You Want, And Not Get Any Commentment Out Of Yourself. There Spending The Time And Money To Get A Truck For You. Hell Ya There Should Be A Deposit. Because Nobody Is Good On There Word Anymore. You Haven't Even Bought This Truck Yet And Your Already Talking About Backing Out!!! Maybe You Should Ask Yourself If You Really Want A New Truck... I Ordered My Truck And Can't Wait For It To Get Here. I Was Happy To Give A Deposit.

gdotgarrett · #13 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidrs26

How Could You Asked A Dealer To Build The Truck That You Want, And Not Get Any Commentment Out Of Yourself. There Spending The Time And Money To Get A Truck For You. Hell Ya There Should Be A Deposit. Because Nobody Is Good On There Word Anymore. You Haven't Even Bought This Truck Yet And Your Already Talking About Backing Out!!! Maybe You Should Ask Yourself If You Really Want A New Truck... I Ordered My Truck And Can't Wait For It To Get Here. I Was Happy To Give A Deposit.

I don't know about you but if I am going to buy a $40k plus truck I don't think I should have to wait 6 months. I have no intention to back out of the deal if it is the deal I want. My problem is the long wait to get the features that they advertise in every piece of marketing material. nav, moonroof, floor shifter with bucket seats, etc. Additionally, so far I have not been impressed with the service in my area. I requested quotes from 5 dealerships in Houston and only 1 replied and after a simple counter offer the guy is now not replying to me. And like I said above I am happy to give a deposit as long as the deal is right!

BTW: capitalizing every word and poor punctuation makes it hard to take you seriously and for that matter to even understand you...

StatCoder · #14 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 05:36 PM

I think you get farther on the internet with dealers who are some distance away because they know that there is no way that you are going out there unless you get a great price and a done deal before showing up. The local guys think you are just getting a low price to take to a lot and use as a bargaining tool. They figure that if you were serious, you'd come to the lot. I can't blame them.

gdotgarrett · #15 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StatCoder

I think you get farther on the internet with dealers who are some distance away because they know that there is no way that you are going out there unless you get a great price and a done deal before showing up. The local guys think you are just getting a low price to take to a lot and use as a bargaining tool. They figure that if you were serious, you'd come to the lot. I can't blame them.

You are probably right, but I didn't tell any of these dealers my location yet. Anyways, this subject has been exhausted and it appears the consensus feels that I am in the wrong. Thanks for the feedback. When I order and purchase my truck i'll post a pic...