OT: Avoid Toyota of McDonough in GA, my fellow Gregs...

[AUBKV]

I had a horrible experience there on Friday evening. Basically, I took a half day on Friday to trade my lemon F150 for a Tundra. Drove an hour and a half in traffic to get there, spent 3 worthless hours there getting scammed and drove home empty handed. My dad and his dad were both car dealers, and I buy cars way more than I should, so I'm used to these games but these guys were worse than usual.

Anyways, basically they tried to:

1) Sneak an $800 dealer fee in there twice
2) Charge me $350 for a $41 title fee
3) Add $2,295 in tint, mats and LoJack (lol) that wasn't on price sheet I agreed to
4) Made a sight unseen appraisal offer via email and I had to bargain my way back to that amount.

(Read first letter of each numbered item on list)

Just trying to warn my fellow GREGs because I love you all and want you all to avoid having the same shitty experience that I did.

 

[AUBKV]

Oh and all of this was over a '17 model that they desperately should've been throwing money at me to get off the lot and replace with an '18 (if they were smart). They must've sunk too much money in it, IMHO, and that's why it's January and they have a 17 on their lot. Plus it had ugly ass wheels that I was going to sell.

Story ends happily though because I ended up getting a great deal on my trade and paid $1k more to get an '18 with the off-road package (that was significantly below dealer invoice and hold backs).

 

[CJ3131]

Oh and all of this was over a '17 model that they desperately should've been throwing money at me to get off the lot and replace with an '18 (if they were smart). They must've sunk too much money in it, IMHO, and that's why it's January and they have a 17 on their lot. Plus it had ugly ass wheels that I was going to sell.

Story ends happily though because I ended up getting a great deal on my trade and paid $1k more to get an '18 with the off-road package (that was significantly below dealer invoice and hold backs).

Thanks AUBKV.

Where did you end up getting a deal?

Glad it all worked out.

_____

Still getting over my bout with the flu.
You got your 18 from them?

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

I had a horrible experience at the exact same place. Ended up buying at World Toyota and had a fantastic experience.

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

Thanks AUBKV.

Where did you end up getting a deal?

Glad it all worked out.

You feeling better Papa Bear?

 

[CJ3131]

You feeling better Papa Bear?

Thanks SJ-much better.
Hope you are ok too. That flu bug is bitting hard.

Blaze ON SJ_Blaze ON!!

 

[AUBKV]

Thanks AUBKV.

Where did you end up getting a deal?

Glad it all worked out.

Thanks, Papa Bear! Hope you're feeling better. Anyways - Toyota of LaGrange. They still tried a bait and switch on my trade but I was so tired and weary that I let them have $500. Took me trying to leave like 3x before they even accepted that offer. Either way I still got a really good deal. No hard feelings to them - my dad was in the business and he taught me all the tricks, plus I am the cheapest son of a bitch alive (my wife thinks my mom might've had a Jewish side-piece, sorry if that offends anyone), so I am easily a nightmare buyer that can make their lives awful.

I had a horrible experience at the exact same place. Ended up buying at World Toyota and had a fantastic experience.

This makes me feel a lot better. They're a bad dealership and I don't think they'll stay in business long by not turning cars over aggressively and letting customers walk away, leaving good $$$ on the table. They called me back the next AM and left a message, wanting to know if I had changed my mind (lol). I hope they call me back at month-end, asking me for money and I can tell them personally to EAD.

World Toyota was right by my old house in Chamblee. Used to see people test driving in our hood all the time. They're just a tiny dealership but the one time I went there, they were super nice. Glad you got a great deal. My dad worked across the street at Curry.

 

[CJ3131]

Thanks, Papa Bear! Hope you're feeling better. Anyways - Toyota of LaGrange. They still tried a bait and switch on my trade but I was so tired and weary that I let them have $500. Took me trying to leave like 3x before they even accepted that offer. Either way I still got a really good deal. No hard feelings to them - my dad was in the business and he taught me all the tricks, plus I am the cheapest son of a bitch alive (my wife thinks my mom might've had a Jewish side-piece, sorry if that offends anyone), so I am easily a nightmare buyer that can make their lives awful.

This makes me feel a lot better. They're a bad dealership and I don't think they'll stay in business long by not turning cars over aggressively and letting customers walk away, leaving good $$$ on the table. They called me back the next AM and left a message, wanting to know if I had changed my mind (lol). I hope they call me back at month-end, asking me for money and I can tell them personally to EAD.

World Toyota was right by my old house in Chamblee. Used to see people test driving in our hood all the time. They're just a tiny dealership but the one time I went there, they were super nice. Glad you got a great deal. My dad worked across the street at Curry.

Glad it all worked out. When I get to that point of buying another, I need to pay you a commission as I do not enjoy the back and forth with these dealers. I walk out quite a bit as my old ESV is still running-.

I do not drive as much right now but this could change. Mama Bear wants me to buy the truck I have always wanted. She is being very nice to me.

Thanks-this bug is tough on the olds like me-heck, it is tough on the young too. Nasty stuff.

Blaze ON AUBKV!!

 

[Harvey Specter]

I want a Tundra but I’m a poor so it doesn’t quite compute

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

I want a Tundra but I’m a poor so it doesn’t quite compute

Go get yourself a Tacoma. Best truck on the road.

 

[CJ3131]

Thanks, Papa Bear! Hope you're feeling better. Anyways - Toyota of LaGrange. They still tried a bait and switch on my trade but I was so tired and weary that I let them have $500. Took me trying to leave like 3x before they even accepted that offer. Either way I still got a really good deal. No hard feelings to them - my dad was in the business and he taught me all the tricks, plus I am the cheapest son of a bitch alive (my wife thinks my mom might've had a Jewish side-piece, sorry if that offends anyone), so I am easily a nightmare buyer that can make their lives awful.

This makes me feel a lot better. They're a bad dealership and I don't think they'll stay in business long by not turning cars over aggressively and letting customers walk away, leaving good $$$ on the table. They called me back the next AM and left a message, wanting to know if I had changed my mind (lol). I hope they call me back at month-end, asking me for money and I can tell them personally to EAD.

World Toyota was right by my old house in Chamblee. Used to see people test driving in our hood all the time. They're just a tiny dealership but the one time I went there, they were super nice. Glad you got a great deal. My dad worked across the street at Curry.

Did you ever look at Beaver Toyota in Cumming?
The dealership is 5 miles away and I may go by there tomorrow and see if Linda Beaver will show me the Tundra--or, as I just read SJ's post, a Tacoma.

They opened up a few months ago and their commercials got my attention--

 

[anon_xdkqbpnrbtnct]

Did you ever look at Beaver Toyota in Cumming?
The dealership is 5 miles away and I may go by there tomorrow and see if Linda Beaver will show me the Tundra--or, as I just read SJ's post, a Tacoma.

They opened up a few months ago and their commercials got my attention--

Linda Beaver, nice lady. I know her brother Harry and he’s a good guy.

 

[AUBKV]

Did you ever look at Beaver Toyota in Cumming?
The dealership is 5 miles away and I may go by there tomorrow and see if Linda Beaver will show me the Tundra--or, as I just read SJ's post, a Tacoma.

They opened up a few months ago and their commercials got my attention--

I did not. I live south of the city so cumming is a hike. I will say I considered it because one AM while getting ready and watching TV, my wife goes "holy crap that lady has some knockers". Unfortunately, I missed it and couldn't rewind so I pondered going up there just to judge them myself.

I would go. The closer the dealer, the better. It gives you more leverage to walk. I noticed that once the guys saw I was from Sharpsburg, their tune changed because they didn't think I would walk over "small" dollar amounts.

 

[CJ3131]

[

I did not. I live south of the city so cumming is a hike. I will say I considered it because one AM while getting ready and watching TV, my wife goes "holy crap that lady has some knockers". Unfortunately, I missed it and couldn't rewind so I pondered going up there just to judge them myself.

I would go. The closer the dealer, the better. It gives you more leverage to walk. I noticed that once the guys saw I was from Sharpsburg, their tune changed because they didn't think I would walk over "small" dollar amounts.

Lots of nice knockers in Beaver Toyota.

Was there earlier today and it is one of the nicest dealerships I have ever visited.

Maybe I should get out more, but Beaver has a very nice deli, massage chairs upstairs, a coffee shop, and more. Was very impressed.

I sat in a Tacoma TPD (??) and it was very nice ($53800-) but perhaps a little small for my big butt. I teased the pretty salesladies and told them I needed help getting out of the truck and they obliged.

Think I will go back in a few days and test drive a Tundra.

 

[L I G E R]

I live south of the city so cumming is a hike.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Go get yourself a Tacoma. Best truck on the road.

What year do you have? I’m looking at trucks now

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

What year do you have? I’m looking at trucks now

2014. You won’t go wrong. Best resale value of any vehicle on the road. I would suggest buying new rather than slightly used with Tacoma’s because most folks trade them in right after the 36k mile bumper to bumper warranty expires and you’re only going to save 3-5k off the price of a new one.

 

[FormerlyKnownAsSOLLY]

What year do you have? I’m looking at trucks now

1) Decide what model you want, colors acceptable to you, minimum options wanted and anything else you desire.
2) Call 4-5 dealerships closest to you and tell them you want an out the door price delivered to your work or home. Tell all of them that you are only asking for their best deal ONE TIME, and if they have the best price, they will get a call back for purchase. If they don't give you the best price, they won't hear from you again. Be very nice & succinct and wish them a good day.

I've been doing this since 1983 & it's worked for me almost everytime, but I don't like to look, shop and of course I hate salesmen (even loathe myself). The ONLY time it didn't work was the day I was trying to buy a Toyota Cressida around 1987 when I called for a quote at Tuscaloosa Toyota. They told me they didn't give quotes over the phone, so I thanked them, gave them my name and told them that they must have changed their policy since 83, because they delivered me a Cressida to Buccaneer Homes in August that year. About two minutes later the sales manager called me with a price & they delivered it the next day. Did I say I hate sales people?

 

[Harvey Specter]

2014. You won’t go wrong. Best resale value of any vehicle on the road. I would suggest buying new rather than slightly used with Tacoma’s because most folks trade them in right after the 36k mile bumper to bumper warranty expires and you’re only going to save 3-5k off the price of a new one.

Just looked at the 2018 models. Those are beautiful. Having a hard time even picturing myself in something that nice after driving crap for so long

 

[Harvey Specter]

1) Decide what model you want, colors acceptable to you, minimum options wanted and anything else you desire.
2) Call 4-5 dealerships closest to you and tell them you want an out the door price delivered to your work or home. Tell all of them that you are only asking for their best deal ONE TIME, and if they have the best price, they will get a call back for purchase. If they don't give you the best price, they won't hear from you again. Be very nice & succinct and wish them a good day.

I've been doing this since 1983 & it's worked for me almost everytime, but I don't like to look, shop and of course I hate salesmen (even loathe myself). The ONLY time it didn't work was the day I was trying to buy a Toyota Cressida around 1987 when I called for a quote at Tuscaloosa Toyota. They told me they didn't give quotes over the phone, so I thanked them, gave them my name and told them that they must have changed their policy since 83, because they delivered me a Cressida to Buccaneer Homes in August that year. About two minutes later the sales manager called me with a price & they delivered it the next day. Did I say I hate sales people?

I’m probably the world worst at pulling stuff like this off. How much you charge for this service? I’m the least confrontational person I know

 

[GloryDays2012]

 

[CJ3131]

I’m probably the world worst at pulling stuff like this off. How much you charge for this service? I’m the least confrontational person I know

Solly is very good at this, Harvey. He would be a huge help.

I hope you are able to get the car you want.

I seem to recall posting a Mona Lisa about my experiences with crap on one of the boards we were banded from a year or so ago.

Old memories.

Blaze ON, Harvey, Blaze ON!!

 

[AUBKV]

I’m probably the world worst at pulling stuff like this off. How much you charge for this service? I’m the least confrontational person I know

You can do it - i am a nice guy too. @FormerlyKnownAsSOLLY has some great advice. I can help out too. A couple tricks for you:

1) find the invoice price of your desired tacoma on edmunds true market value pricing. For all intents and purposes, shoot for that price on a new vehicle. They can go lower btw.
2) Find out your trade value by getting the value off mannheim using comparable make/model auction prices. Its subscription required but there are message boards that will look them up for you. Also, ive found edmunds has solid trade values. CarMax does a good job appraising and you can use their buy offer as leverage to get a better value.

PS welcome to @GloryDays2012!!

 

[FormerlyKnownAsSOLLY]

I’m probably the world worst at pulling stuff like this off. How much you charge for this service? I’m the least confrontational person I know

I actually LOVE doing this. When I bought that Cressida in 87, I realized my new wife was driving a 10 YO Monte Carlo, and I started guilt tripping OUT. I called a several Nissan places to surprise her with a new Maxima, and I ended up going through a retailer in Decatur. My ONLY stip was it couldn't be white, because my car was white & the Cressida & Maxima looked a WHOLE lot alike. Mine had a sun/moon roof & leather seats, but I told the salesman that these two options weren't required for her vehicle. So he calls me back & says he is having one brought in from South Carolina so we all good. THEN he starts reeling me in. Tells me he has one on location that they need to move & it has the sun/moon roof for around $750 PLUS leather for around $1250, and I can buy that car for only $109 more than the one that is coming in from SC. The only thing is it's WHITE lol. Well for $109 dollars we ended up with almost identical cars, which ended up being pretty funny. I took a picture of them in front of our Cavalier 14x66 trailer & then I blew it up, and had a title put on it "Signs of the Stock Market Crash of 1987", we still laugh at that picture. Funny (& stupid) thing about it, was both of the cars cost way more that the trailer house, but it's a pretty good memory for the both of us. Stupid , yes, but I guess we got away with it in the long haul.

 

[Harvey Specter]

You can do it - i am a nice guy too. @FormerlyKnownAsSOLLY has some great advice. I can help out too. A couple tricks for you:

1) find the invoice price of your desired tacoma on edmunds true market value pricing. For all intents and purposes, shoot for that price on a new vehicle. They can go lower btw.
2) Find out your trade value by getting the value off mannheim using comparable make/model auction prices. Its subscription required but there are message boards that will look them up for you. Also, ive found edmunds has solid trade values. CarMax does a good job appraising and you can use their buy offer as leverage to get a better value.

PS welcome to @GloryDays2012!!

CarMax will buy cars without buying from them? And I'm currently driving my wife's old Kia Spectra with over 200k miles, so I think if I get a 20 oz. Dr Pepper for the trade-in, I've come out on top

 

[AUBKV]

CarMax will buy cars without buying from them? And I'm currently driving my wife's old Kia Spectra with over 200k miles, so I think if I get a 20 oz. Dr Pepper for the trade-in, I've come out on top

Yep, they will!

If I were you - I would get a trade appraisal but consider selling yourself. You will get more money out of it than a trade. One less thing for the dealer to try and fvk you on.

 

[Harvey Specter]

What are our thoughts on other mid size trucks, e.g. Colorado, Canyon

 

[Harvey Specter]

Yep, they will!

If I were you - I would get a trade appraisal but consider selling yourself. You will get more money out of it than a trade. One less thing for the dealer to try and fvk you on.

What’s the deal with these dealers that offer thousands of dollars off, but then say you have to finance with them to get it? I prefer having my financing ready to go before I walk into the place

 

[AUBKV]

What’s the deal with these dealers that offer thousands of dollars off, but then say you have to finance with them to get it? I prefer having my financing ready to go before I walk into the place

take the money and their financing, make your first payment and then immediately refinance at a lower rate. Honestly, on the tundra I just bought, the best rate I got was through southeast toyota.

On your other post - if you are going mid-size and want a truck that will last a while, go toyota. If you were leasing, I might suggest the Colorado. But if you're buying, go Japanese. Invest in resale/reliability over tech and fuel economy if you want to own over the long haul.

 

[CJ3131]

take the money and their financing, make your first payment and then immediately refinance at a lower rate. Honestly, on the tundra I just bought, the best rate I got was through southeast toyota.

Yes! This ^^^^^^
I am doing this on Wednesday---for Mama Bear.

 

[Harvey Specter]

take the money and their financing, make your first payment and then immediately refinance at a lower rate. Honestly, on the tundra I just bought, the best rate I got was through southeast toyota.

On your other post - if you are going mid-size and want a truck that will last a while, go toyota. If you were leasing, I might suggest the Colorado. But if you're buying, go Japanese. Invest in resale/reliability over tech and fuel economy if you want to own over the long haul.

I’m just always skeptical of financing at dealerships because I feel like everything is moving too fast and I’m signing up for terms that I wouldn’t normally. But maybe it’s more transparent than it used to be.

And Tacoma or Tundra would be my first choice. I’m just considering my options because 30-35k is a lot for a vehicle in the Specter household

 

[Harvey Specter]

Yes! This ^^^^^^
I am doing this on Wednesday---for Mama Bear.

What’s MB getting?

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

What’s MB getting?

Probably a Range Rover seeing as how she’s married to a balla...

 

[CJ3131]

What’s MB getting?

2018 Escalade.
She wants the Caddy and has been waiting a decade since her last one so I try to make her happy--.

Classic in Sandy Springs sealed the deal when they located a GSM employee discount for me.

PB liked the large Toyota a lot but Mama is a Caddy fan.

Blaze ON Harvey, Blaze ON!!

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

2018 Escalade.
She wants the Caddy and has been waiting a decade since her last one so I try to make her happy--.

Classic in Sandy Springs sealed the deal when they located a GSM employee discount for me.

PB liked the large Toyota a lot but Mama is a Caddy fan.

Blaze ON Harvey, Blaze ON!!

 

[AUBKV]

I’m just always skeptical of financing at dealerships because I feel like everything is moving too fast and I’m signing up for terms that I wouldn’t normally. But maybe it’s more transparent than it used to be.

And Tacoma or Tundra would be my first choice. I’m just considering my options because 30-35k is a lot for a vehicle in the Specter household

You should be very skeptical and not much has changed. Do the math before you go on what your out the door price and monthly pmt should be, down to the dollar, and do the math again there. Break down every last dollar in the price - every option etc. Say no to the extended warranties, no gap insurance etc. take your time! Seriously - don't let them rush you - take your time. They're going to take a lot of your time when you go.

@WDE_Tarp - on your question below - I don't believe there are closing costs. If there are, they should be minimal but I don't think I've ever seen them. That includes both the initial financing and the refinancing.

Just pretend they're trying to fvk you and your job is to figure out how they're doing it.

 

[Harvey Specter]

2018 Escalade.
She wants the Caddy and has been waiting a decade since her last one so I try to make her happy--.

Classic in Sandy Springs sealed the deal when they located a GSM employee discount for me.

PB liked the large Toyota a lot but Mama is a Caddy fan.

Blaze ON Harvey, Blaze ON!!

BIG MONEY

 

[CJ3131]

BIG MONEY

You are too kind--you and SJ.

Blaze ON Brothers!!
Blaze ON!!

 

[WDE_Tarp]

take the money and their financing, make your first payment and then immediately refinance at a lower rate. Honestly, on the tundra I just bought, the best rate I got was through southeast toyota.

On your other post - if you are going mid-size and want a truck that will last a while, go toyota. If you were leasing, I might suggest the Colorado. But if you're buying, go Japanese. Invest in resale/reliability over tech and fuel economy if you want to own over the long haul.

Are there closing costs for car loans?

 

[demeat]

I’m just always skeptical of financing at dealerships because I feel like everything is moving too fast and I’m signing up for terms that I wouldn’t normally. But maybe it’s more transparent than it used to be.

And Tacoma or Tundra would be my first choice. I’m just considering my options because 30-35k is a lot for a vehicle in the Specter household

Eh, they use banks and save a lot of time and hassell and he past two times gave me the best rate.

Dealerships can slash prices because they often get a manufactures rebate and their service Dept makes them a lot of money.