Quick Question - Dealer asking for a deposit
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 11
From: MI
Quick Question - Dealer asking for a deposit
So I'm ready to buy a new ES for ($37,000 plus TTL) and the vehicle I want is not on my dealer's lot. My dealer wants a deposit to bring it to them before Saturday. Is this reasonable? Any other tips?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,297
Likes: 1,589
From: SE PA
Let us know how you make out. GOOD LUCK!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 439
From: oh
Is the deposit fully refundable? I presume you're going to take it for a test drive before you buy it. What happens if there's something wrong with it and you decide not to buy it? Is the dealer going to expect you to pay the costs of transporting the car to their store (and back?)?
Also, why is the price $37,000?
Also, why is the price $37,000?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 11
From: MI
Is the deposit fully refundable? I presume you're going to take it for a test drive before you buy it. What happens if there's something wrong with it and you decide not to buy it? Is the dealer going to expect you to pay the costs of transporting the car to their store (and back?)?
Also, why is the price $37,000?
Also, why is the price $37,000?
I called the dealer late (730pm) , didn't think that would be an issue to give my ok to get the car over to my dealer. Spoke directly with the manager to give her a deposit of a refundable $500. She told me that I didn't have to give her a deposit because apparently the other dealer can be slow to respond. She's calling them first thing tomorrow. I'm actually ok with the sale going through or if she can't get the car, I'm just going to wait until December for another deal.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 11
From: MI
So suppose when the car gets there you see something you don't like. Just sayin'... Do you get the deposit back? Or is this a charge for bringing the car in? Additionally, this sounds like the car is too cheap. Make sure that they're not low balling you and will add more charges when the car gets there. This is an old trick...i.e. dealer prep, waxing, undercoating, VIN etching on the windows, all BS charges that you don't pay...
Let us know how you make out. GOOD LUCK!
Let us know how you make out. GOOD LUCK!
This is what I got on the prelim. bill of sale - MSRP - $45217 - dealer discounted to $39200, less $2250 rebate = $36,950 plus TTL, the out the door price is $39,559
Pole Position
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 837
From: Idaho
For what it’s worth, I had to pay a deposit to bring the car from another dealer, which was applied to shipping cost. I didn’t ask if it was refundable but I have high confidence in this dealer to do the right thing (I know eyes will roll when many of you read this but my experience with this dealer has been very positive). So the practice may not be that unusual when the car is at another dealer.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,560
Likes: 3,398
From: NJ
For what it’s worth, I had to pay a deposit to bring the car from another dealer, which was applied to shipping cost. I didn’t ask if it was refundable but I have high confidence in this dealer to do the right thing (I know eyes will roll when many of you read this but my experience with this dealer has been very positive). So the practice may not be that unusual when the car is at another dealer.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 11
From: MI
Thanks everyone! My dealer did get the car I wanted. Picking up tomorrow!
The first place she tried to get it "was slow getting back to her" and "wouldn't give it to her" because that dealer knew I had called them earlier this month looking for the same car. (That dealer tried to only give me 10% off the MSRP, so I said sorry, no thanks. Call me if you want to sell later in the month. Didn't hear back from them.) She got it from another dealer, so it all worked out.
I thought this was interesting, since I have read a lot of posts here and never heard of that before.
The first place she tried to get it "was slow getting back to her" and "wouldn't give it to her" because that dealer knew I had called them earlier this month looking for the same car. (That dealer tried to only give me 10% off the MSRP, so I said sorry, no thanks. Call me if you want to sell later in the month. Didn't hear back from them.) She got it from another dealer, so it all worked out.
I thought this was interesting, since I have read a lot of posts here and never heard of that before.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
From: PA
I got the 2019 ES350 with exactly same MSRP! I paid $500 more ($40K even) Out the Door but still happy with purchase. They suckered me into ProtectAll package. Did you add any frills? What exterior/interior did you get?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 11
From: MI
Hey, we both got great deals! I got the Atomic Silver with Chateau interior. You? I love it so far, except for the Enform App still has me at pending, even after the 15 minute and talking to the "SOS" people. This time I did not get any frills, they didn't push anything. The only thing she said she might recommend is that tire/rim protection, since to repair is about $1500. I got suckered into the fabric protection when I bought my Tahoe a few years ago, it excluded everything once I read the fine print. I promised myself no more add-ons!
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 1,581
From: CA
Did they reduce the price by the deposit amount?
The only time I put down a deposit was to order my Corvette and the dealership "forgot" the agreed upon price when I went to pick it up. Then they "forgot" the $1,000 deposit I put down too. Luckily I had paperwork for both. Crooked dealership.
The only time I put down a deposit was to order my Corvette and the dealership "forgot" the agreed upon price when I went to pick it up. Then they "forgot" the $1,000 deposit I put down too. Luckily I had paperwork for both. Crooked dealership.
Driver
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 18
From: FL
The only downside with putting down a deposit is the dealer knows you are now more emotionally committed to the car and easier subject to financial "surprises" at close time. Make sure they don't try to add on any additional fees or costs at closing. If they do, demand your deposit refund and walk out. They'll be calling you back before you get to your current car willing to waive the add on fees.