mf7lakes

What procedures did you guys go through with dealer to order or reserve your new car?

What kind of paperwork did you fill-out? If you put any deposit in advance ???

Anything sketchy asked for?

Thanks in advance

95bat

I was 2nd on a waitlist. When the car became available I emailed my online build, they ordered it. No deposit, no paperwork. When it arrived I went down and signed docs, traded the ES, drove home. Easy!

Bechtold

I put down a deposit and my name was put on a list with the color(s) I wanted. Granted that was before the 2022 models had actually been released. Then I waited and ended up with a 2023. No paperwork, just a check which was never cashed. No paperwork, no markups, just an easy "I want a car" and that's it.

Benibiker1558

I went in to test drive a Base 23' Ultrasonic Blue and decided to get an Infrared Premium also in stock. They said the car would be ready in a few days and wanted $1k deposit, I refused for whatever reason, LOL and they said ok, we'll call in a couple of days when it's ready. Two days later they called and sent pictures, we closed the deal that day. There was no mark-up on the IS but I had to fight like hell for my 2020 NX300h trade-in price. Initially offered $25K, played their game, walked out a couple of times and finally got $39k which is what I wanted .

Longwaldo

Sales price is just part of the deal, trade in is so important.

Moonman89

My current '23 Infrared I put a $1k deposit down over the phone & immediately received a signed receipt signed by the Sales Manager. That way the car was reserved for me while it was in transit to the dealer.

arentz07

I think every dealership is different. I suggest you reach out to your local dealership and see if they can even get you an allocation.

HJP12

I went in to my local dealer and test drove a 23 IS500, went back a couple of days later and saw a 24 Blue Vector on the showroom floor that just stood out and said buy me! This local dealer put a couple of addons on all their cars such as window tint and PPF on front bumper and edge of door at ultra high markup, my negotiation was all about the trade which we ultimately came to an agreement. It also helped that this was late December 2023 and the dealers want those year end sales.

mf7lakes

Hey Moon -- when you put the $1000 down for deposit, what did paperwork (if any) say ?? I mean, did you just have a thousand out there, floating in the wind ? Or did it say this thousand is only for a deposit towards an IS500 of the color that I want ???

I'm asking cause dealer wants an open credit card number on file, but nothing saying what it's for !!!

95bat

Open credit card sounds like a really bad idea. I've never had to do that for any car purchase.

arentz07

Communication is your friend. Ask them what it's for. I've never heard of such a thing. Typical thing is to ask for a deposit.

Benibiker1558

That's basically why I refused to put a deposit, they wanted $1k on my credit card which I assume would have said "for deposit". I told them I'd write a check and they refused so I said no, I won't put any deposit then, if you want to sell the car call me when it's ready. It helped that I was still kinda on the fence about the car. I loved everything about it, but it didn't really matter if I got it or not. I was still looking at the BMW M3 and Acura Integra Type S. I don't regret the IS 500 at all!

HJP12

You actually have better protection using your credit card VS a check, if the purchase doesn't happen and you want your deposit back you can always work with the credit card company if they give you a hard time, once they have your cash you are at their mercy!

Benibiker1558

You gotta point there. I just really didn't want to put a deposit .

marjenmill

I had a deposit by CC at 2 dealers to search/reserve the color combo I wanted, and I got something in writing that says they are 100% refundable at your discretion to cancel. Neither dealer came up with the car I wanted, but I found one myself searching on the link below (change the ZIP and Distance). The car was out of state, but it was an easy transaction. I got a purchase agreement from the dealer after negotiation on price/options (they didn't require a deposit, but others might), and worked out payment and pick up time with them.

No matter where you buy the car, you will still have to pay your state's sales tax (NC) to register it in your state. I saved about $250 just in 'document fees' by buying in another state, plus I got it below MSRP with no dealer add-on crap, which I couldn't get in GA.

Lexus IS500 Search

After I purchased and picked up my new car (just 2 weeks ago), I contacted the 2 dealers where I had deposits and requested refunds. One credited my CC back, the other sent a check.