Toyota Access: How flexible can they be?

[Taiphun]

Hey everyone.

I'm considering buying a Toyota.. but they have this Toyota Access (http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WWW.woa/11/wo/1MRRwgpOZ3lPYKSNgtkxV0/6.11) thing that eliminates haggling.

I still think 36k (incl. GST) for a GTS TRD is a little high (33-34k would be what I'd be more willing to pay).

Forget about trying to suggest other vehicles.. it's the Celica I'm after... (can't fit in RSX-S, not buying another Nissan, unsure about Cooper S, etc etc etc).

Thanks.

[PGT]

If the dealer believes that the Toyota Access approach is a fair (to them, not necessarily you) price, then they won't haggle. If they think that there's room to move still, and your offer is reasonable, they'll negotiate... it's in their nature. What are you basing the 33-34k on? If you lay out your assumptions during the negotiation, at least you'll find out which of your assumptions needs adjustment, or which one to focus on in your discussions with them.

Just make sure you take into account the local demand for this car; don't base your price limit on what you might be able to get the car for if you were somewhere else in North America or even the world.

[JustMike]

Go to the dealership and tell them the absolute maximum you're willing to pay. Even better, have the bank draft/money order with you if you're paying cash. The worst they can do is say "no" and you'll have to decide if the difference is worth it to you.

It's not rocket science :)

[BoxsterS]

I believe Toyota's access pricing was declared illegal in Canada by a judge and that Toyota dealers have the right to sell their cars for whatever price they want.

[bchow]

Hi,

Before you use Access Toyota, be sure to view this clip from CBC Disclosure.

I think it is a required viewing. Good luck on finding your dream car. :)

http://www.cbc.ca/disclosure/media/030211_access.ram

You may also want to read a press release from Govt of Canada

Click HERE (http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomeic.nsf/cdd9dc973c4bf6bc852564ca006418a0/85256a220056c2a485256cf70058d087!OpenDocument)

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

LOL yeah price fixing is a bad thing.

HHBL

[Beradon]

I'm confused. Hasn't Saturn been selling cars the same way for years? I admit I haven't checked out on their selling practices lately but I always remembered them have a "no-hassle" policy.

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

Yeah, Saturn's prices are the same all across the line, but not all Toyota dealers fix their prices identically. Some dealers might be in the Access program, some not. I remember watching or reading that story about a person going around Ontario to different Toyota dealers to negotiate a price. They ended up with a better deal from a non Access dealer!

I don't think you'll find a Saturn dealer that will talk price (I could be wrong though?). There's good info at http://www.carbuyingtips.com/ where I think they go into the average percentages that brand X dealers are willing to discount.

HHBL

[Beradon]

Yeah, Saturn's prices are the same all across the line, but not all Toyota dealers fix their prices identically.  Some dealers might be in the Access program, some not.  Well, I think as long as all Toyota dealers in canada were forced in the access program then it will level the playing field. It saves time from haggling and shopping around since you're paying the set price for a vehicule. Some people will sleep better at night knowing that they didn't get 'suckered' into paying more than the next guy.

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

Yeah I guess, but what happens if they just set that price really high? Sure, everyone would be buying a Toyota Camry for $35 000, but in general price fixing is bad for the consumer. Better deals to be had help keep prices down and competitive. I'm no economics expert, but I would prefer a variety of prices to choose from rather than having only one choice.

I don't like haggling either, but with some ideas (from that site I posted above), you can go in better equipped to negotiate a deal.

:-) HHBL

[grant]

Go to the dealership and tell them the absolute maximum you're willing to pay.  Even better, have the bank draft/money order with you if you're paying cash.  The worst they can do is say "no" and you'll have to decide if the difference is worth it to you.

It's not rocket science :)

That's a pretty poor negotiating tactic!

What if the dealer is willing to sell for $2000 less than your maximum? that's $2000 you're leaving on the table!

Your idea is GREAT if you hate negotiating, and don't care about anything but staying within budget.

[grant]

Well, I think as long as all Toyota dealers in canada were forced in the access program then it will level the playing field.  It saves time from haggling and shopping around since you're paying the set price for a vehicule.  Some people will sleep better at night knowing that they didn't get 'suckered' into paying more than the next guy.

From my (the consumer's) point of view, who cares if they save time?? If they're making $300 + profit off me, I deserve days worth of attention!

Hit the dealership @ 5:00 pm on a friday and grind them for 6 hours... that's my vote!

[weqa]

Does anybody know whether Toyota access program is still available? Thanks!