I called probably 50 places. Some dealerships were quite rude. Had one dealership just outright insult me. And another this wonderful lady that even searched around trying to help me find one. They had one but couldn't sell to out of state. Man I wish I would have been able to buy a car from her. Then @Rhane gave the heads up of the blue one I purchased. Sad it's not a manual, but wow do I love this car! Makes up for all the trouble to find one
I second this, Modern Toyota in Winston Salem have amazing staff and charge MSRP. I currently am waiting on a Tacoma TRD Pro from them (I'm working with Marisa over there; extremely friendly)
Yeah SET is horrible. But at least with my dealer, their Toyogaurd comes with lifetime oil changes.I second this, Modern Toyota in Winston Salem have amazing staff and charge MSRP. I currently am waiting on a Tacoma TRD Pro from them (I'm working with Marisa over there; extremely friendly)
That said I did have to travel to find a Supra at MSRP and willing to sell out of state (without additional charge). Fitzgerald Toyota Chambersburg, PA is a really small dealership in the middle of nowhere but are great people to deal with (Alex helped me out)
Like Modern Toyota, they only require a deposit once an allocation is confirmed (unlike other dealers that require it even when they don't have allocations, therefore you're not even guaranteed one)
Speaking of allocations, Toyota releases allocation twice a month. Hopefully you're on a call list..this way as soon as a dealer has an allocation they'll contact you that day.
Lastly, as good as Modern Toyota has been to me, I do try to avoid buying a new Toyota from SET (Southeast Toyota Distributor) because they annoyingly add on the most over priced items (including a $699 TOYOGUARD package which is just two oil changes and some paint sealant that'll last maybe a season). Most times these are options that cannot be negotiated out.
I prefer to deal with Central Atlantic Toyota dealerships.
Here are the same accessories but as you can see pricing is different due to region.
Appreciate the guidance. Trying to do as much research as possible, but feel like Supras are unique in the sense that they are not your average car sitting on the lot. Because they only make a few thousand a year, does this give me more or less power with the dealership since again I'd be trying to order through them online. Any tips and "homework" you share is much appreciated.Yeah what @LateBraker5 said. If you’re like me and want to do almost everything online, I searched the toyota website for the car I wanted (red interior/grey exterior) and found the dealers that had them. Then, I reached out to their online manager. They will have someone call you. I made it very clear what I‘d pay (MSRP) and if they were willing to do that. So basically, I did the work for them and made sure the terms were clear. You don’t have to go into the dealer. I did it for two different dealers, two Supras. Hope that helps
Almost forgot… at the end of the purchase, even long distance like me, they will put their “finance” guy on the phone with you to sell you lots of end of sale goodies. My recommendation, don’t buy a thing. Anything they are selling you can buy better after market. Clear coat for the vehicle, extended warranty (don’t need it), special dealer service package, you name it. It’s just not needed unless the money in your pocket is absolutely burning a hole in it and that dealer is now your favorite charity. Also, do your financing prior to going into them. Sometimes they can get the best deal. In my case, not even close. So it’s best to do your homework. It’s actually fun being in the driver’s (seat so to speak) of a car purchase.
Bottom line: it’s your money. You can be nice but firm. They will be glad to take your money. If not, move on to another dealer. You’ll get what you want… Capitalism at its best!
yea that's hilarious and absolutely trash. Do they get enough business that they can be THAT selective?
Apparently they do have enough business, at least for their limited selection of cars that come in. The salesperson said they get so few cars in that they had to limit their customer base to just certain city residents. It's rather short sighted if you ask me.
Like I said, search online until you find the car you like. Keep changing the zip code to expand your search. Contact the dealer online. They will call you back. Ask if they will sell the car at MSRP and out of state. Once you find that, SOLD. Then you just pick a transport company. Modern Toyota used their own shipping company and was great. I promise you are not buying a Ferrari.
Gotcha. Appreciate the wise words. Because the Supra is a bit more rare than a camry or an accord, do I have the advantage when conversing with a dealer or is it in their hands? Trying to do as much research on the purchasing and negotiating process, but they always seem to go over common vehicles like F-150s and the like.
Mine had the mirror caps on too. But it was on the window sticker. You shouldn't have to pay anything more than what's on the sticker. Unless its something they can't take off like lowjack
I don't know how to tell if lojack is even truly installed. If you have an idea let me know. I will be looking into this. I tried to negotiate it out.... it was kind of hard to negotiate it out when I got the car 1500 under sticker price.
