Do dealers think we are idiots?

See the 2015 4 Runner Trail Edition wheels on my truck? Some guy was gonna buy this white 4 Runner but he wanted a Pro. So we swapped on wheels and a grille. Then dude backed out of the deal when an actual Pro showed up.

First the wheels went on my Taco. Now they are on my Tundra. Just to give you guys an idea of where the "extra" factory parts go.

 

I only looked at one other Tundra that they had in the showroom: an SR5 "TSS" with the same Rough Country lift and fender flares- $64,400.00. You know, the funny thing is, I explained that I was in the market to purchase in the next month, WITH CASH, and they would not take me seriously. I wanted to open up the truck, possibly test drive (as I had never driven a Tundra before) and discuss the cost of options. They did not want to help me. i swear, I felt like Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman". I ended up going to the sales manager's office (with my three children in tow) and requested his help. Even then, he was non-responsive because I was not prepared to purchase that day. They can go to hell.

 

That's a real shame Adam ( @preacher35 ). When I contacted the internet sales manager at my dealer, it was very clear that they didn't have the color I was looking for (Barcelona Red), but they told me to come in anyway. When I got there, the only Platinum they had (my current silver one) was prepped and waiting for me to drive. Everyone was very courteous and discussed the process to order the color I wanted since it was not available anywhere in the sales area. I drove the car around for 1+ hours with the salesman and then we talked. At that point, and after seeing Barcelona Red on another model, I decided to buy the silver one. But I still had to "get my wife in the loop" and kept it for 4 more hours and then kept it the remainder of the weekend and didn't sign the paperwork until Monday without any $$ exchanged until then - they did have my trade-in and we agreed on a deal Saturday evening.

The point is, they asked me to come in and drive and i was treated very well without any commitment to buy. Shame on them! There are plenty of other dealers that will be glad to help you. I know Round Rock is a bit away from Alvin, but they treated me very well at Round Rock (and my son too when he bought his Tacoma!).

 

That's cool. I'm glad you had a good experience. For the record, this was not my first tussle with Toyota of Alvin. Last year, I went in there to get my dash board replaced on my 4Runner via a special modified warranty offer that Toyota USA was giving to owners with prematurely cracking dashboards. I took mine in to Toyota of Alvin to get the mandatory inspection (prior to them ordering the part). Two months later, they called me to tell me that the part was in and come on down to get it replaced. I spent that night removing all of my electronics (stereo, GPS, USB ports, BT mic, etc) so that they would not have to deal with all of the aftermarket wiring etc. Got to the service department the next day and they told me they had no idea why I had come in as the part was NOT in stock. They stated that they had never called me either. I was furious. They looked at me as if I was lying to them about the call. Anyway, there are plenty of other dealers to work with. BTW, it took a year to get in, but I finally have my new dashboard from Mak Haik Toyota.

 

Those dashes can take awhile to get in. Luckily, the 4 Runner is the easiest of the affected dashes to replace. You take a few bolts out and it nearly falls out in your lap. I don't know anything about your dealership choices but survey scores are important to Toyota, if you want to make an impact.

 

I bought 4 toyotas from same dealership and same sales rep. The reason I keep going back to the same person is he build a trust and good relationship and knows exactly what I want and what I'm willing to pay for it, no BS and also takes care of people I refer him to.
As far as dealership custom builds it's nice to look at but me personally, I enjoy looking at others builds, talking to other Tundra owners, doing research, up coming SEMA shows, after market up grades, saving $$$$ and plan a build all my OWN custom fit for ME, as you all do likewise.

 

I work at a dealership and there is something for everyone. Some love to build their own, some just want what they see, others just need something from A to B. You have to provide something for everyone.

Not one scenario applies to all people. You need to know who you're talking too and figure out what path is best. I like to provide options and then my guest (customer) can decide how they want to throw their money around. They worked for it, so damn if I care what they decide. As long as I've provided them the honest information, be free and wild!

 

I agree, buy what you want if you have the money why not, it's your money. if someone wants to buy a customized tundra little over priced let him each to his own like @Krezz said, and beside he/she is not an idiot cause 1st of all he/she is buying a Toyota so in my book that's a smart choice.

 

I have dealt with that dealer before. Nope.

 

I use to trade vehicles every 2-3 years. Lately it has been about 4. I have not had the opportunity to be a repeat buyer with a sales person because around here they just do not seem to stay put long.

 

yeah, I gave a dealer basically an F because of the service department. Only one I heard from was the dealer's service manager asking why and begging for me to give them another chance.

 

I really like the dealer I go to as far as service. AS far as purchasing a new model truck that's already been modded....... no thank you. There's a certain satisfaction of doing something yourself that can't be had by just buying an already modded truck. Hell, that goes for anything as well. I believe he only stupid people are the ones who bite off more than they can chew.

 

They're doing it because people will buy them. I don't have a problem with that, nor do I have a problem with the person that buy's one - their money, their choice.

When looking for mine, there was a nice MGM CM at a dealership I went and looked at. Had a small lift and some black 20" wheels and tires. They were asking 54,900 for it. Looking at it, it was an SR5 (no slight against those that own one) with cloth interior....for 55k. Needless to say, didn't purchase it - but having driven by the dealer since then and buying my mats from them - the truck has since sold. More power to seller and buyer...

 

I have a buddy who just bought a brand new Toyota Tacoma 4X4 from a dealer. The dealer had a local shop customize it with a lift, new rims and aggressive tires, push bar with LED lights, tinted windows, etc.

He paid more for that truck than I did for my 2016 Tundra SR5 !

At the end of the day, it's what he wanted and he didn't want to do the customizations himself. So, there's definitely a market for that because the local dealer does 2 or 3 per month.

I personally enjoy the process of doing my own mods....

 

I use that analogy about not having to be faster than the bear, just faster than at least one other guy. In this case, the dealer is just trolling for the biggest idiot on the lot.

 

I happen to enjoy doing my own mods and understand that some do not and do not tools, place or wherewithal. I also like saving money and not paying ridiculous markups for stuff. I agree with others that what people do with their money is their business but do not like the fact that when people over pay it can affect my negotiating power. When dealers think the next guy on the lot will buy a truck with an inflated price they tend to hold firmer. Gen3 Tacomas especially Pros are a case in point. I am concerned that I will be hard pressed to find a truck I want that does not have a bunch of port or dealer add ons such as step rails. Almost every full size truck I see has them. I don't want them and even if I did I am perfectly capable of adding them myself.