Alarm system included in MSRP?

[concept]

I see that some dealerships are charging an extra $2000 for an alarm system. Ss that essentially ADM? I can't believe the alarm system, if installed by the dealership, is more than $500.

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[Delta1Seven]

I would never purchase a car with dealer add-ons, especially non factory ones. Remember, no matter how charming or honest your salesman seems, you are 100% getting screwed... always.

I worked at a dealership a few years ago.

Tints where $1200+, where you could go down the street and have them installed for $200.

Nitrogen in tires, I remember we didn't even have anything that was able to pump nitrogen, yet we charged extra for it on new and used cars.

If you finance thru the dealer, you typically get a higher rate than if you were to go directly to that bank/credit union. The dealer just increases the rate and profits the difference (unless they have a finance special)

And that BS "interior protectant" (scotch guard) was a total scam. There was no spray nor was anything performed, this was just a markup.

Also some dealers "force" you to get the tire and wheel warranty or the interior/exterior protection plan. Read up on their terms and conditions online, as I believe Toyota states they are NOT required and a dealer can not force them on you, no matter what your salesman tells you.

I absolutely hate the entire car sales industry as a whole, and wish there was a way to purchase more cars direct-manufacture-to-consumer.

rant over.

 

[concept]

Thanks for that excellent info, Damien. The part I dislike the most about buying a new car is the mandatory time spent saying no to all the extras. This is why I'm not averse to buying out of state if necessary. The last time I did that was in 2001. I had to go down to the local DMV to show them the car and an emissions sticker under the hood.

 

[razorlab]

Car has an alarm system from the factory, as do pretty much every new car sold today.

 

[concept]

That's what I thought, meaning the $2000 for an alarm the dealership shows on their website may be considered fraud unless they are adding cameras and additional sensors. Still, I would never pay that much.
In 2014 when I bought my last car, the alarm systems were installed at the Mazda dealership. The finance person told me that they could remove it if I wanted, but the amount they were asking was fairly reasonable.

 

[baagel]

They've rigged it so you can activate Sentry Mode and view your Supra through the Tesla app

 

[concept]

They've rigged it so you can activate Sentry Mode and view your Supra through the Tesla app

That would be nice!

 

[SupraYYJ]

That's what I thought, meaning the $2000 for an alarm the dealership shows on their website may be considered fraud unless they are adding cameras and additional sensors.

I doubt it's outright fraud. Instead, they're adding the same POS aftermarket security system they'll try to add to any car they sell, regardless of whether the car has its own security system from the factory.

Dealers seem to be universally pieces of shit, but them trying to sell you something shitty is not illegal. That said, obviously don't buy their shit.

 

[concept]

I doubt it's outright fraud. Instead, they're adding the same POS aftermarket security system they'll try to add to any car they sell, regardless of whether the car has its own security system from the factory.

Dealers seem to be universally pieces of shit, but them trying to sell you something shitty is not illegal. That said, obviously don't buy their shit.

Correct. And I refuse to pay ADM. Some of the used Supra prices represent ADM, also.

 

[shaloot]

Some CA dealers tried to tack this on to me as well. The salesman was adamant that it wasn’t just the stock alarm system. Said I didn’t want anyone touching anything on the brand new car I had planned to buy. He insisted it was mandatory. Must be a Cali thing. Pass.

 

[baagel]

Some CA dealers tried to tack this on to me as well. The salesman was adamant that it wasn’t just the stock alarm system. Said I didn’t want anyone touching anything on the brand new car I had planned to buy. He insisted it was mandatory. Must be a Cali thing. Pass.

Bought my car brand new in CA and it did not have whatever this aftermarket alarm is. It's a dealership thing.

 

[Andrew4Supra]

The finance office hates me at every new car purchase... my response to all up sales... NO NO NO & HELL NO. Just buying the car only.

And I always bring my own financing via my credit union, etc. Eg... Toyota Financial in 1/2021 was at 7% and when shopping around outside of the dealer... US Bank was at 2.8%.

The dealer is doing you no favors and always padding the deal.

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