Buying from local dealer.

Good morning!

Long time listener, first time caller!

I'm thinking I have a new Tacoma in my future. I'm in no hurry so I've got the time to shop around and try to find a decent deal. I'll probably even try to order one so I can get exactly what I want.

My question is; has anybody ever regretted not buying from your local dealer? I bought my wife a new Rav in 2016 from the local dealer and they seem to take care of her well. Would this not be the case if it had been purchased from another dealer?

What got me thinking about this was an experience while serving as a juror many, many years ago on a trial that pertained to the repossessing of a new Ford. It came out in testimony from a Ford representative that the service they provide to the customer was definitely different when the vehicle was not purchased from them. What came out was so shocking that the judge even interrupted the proceedings to quiz the witness for more facts. Now granted, this was a LONG time ago so it may be much different nowadays with all the increased completion and emphasis on customer service.

Has anyone regretted not buying local?

 

1. Welcome to TW!

2. Never heard of whatever was promised not being delivered. Every vehicle I've purchased since 1990 came with a dealer contract. If they promised free oil changes for life (as long as I owned it) I got them, even when the dealership changed owners.

3. There are a lot of choices out there, and dealerships know that their reputation is important. I think if you've got a reputable dealer and a relationship with them, there shouldn't be any issues.

Your mileage may vary, but I don't think there would any regrets unless my local dealer was a douchebag.

 

Buy wherever you want. The service at the local dealer won't be any different if you're service person is worthy.

 

From my point of view as a Tech (boat dealership):
Every customer is important to keep our doors open. However, if I get a customer that did not purchase from us, I tend to give a little extra for them, it may be as simple as a free detailing job, maybe something was about to break and they didn't know it or they didn't bring it up, I will fix it and usually at no cost. Why do I do this? It will make them come back for future service and maybe sway them to purchase from us in the future or tell their buddies/family.
Are there good customers that did purchase from us that get the same service? Yes, of course.
I have a few customers that will drive almost two hours, passing by at least one other dealer by the same name, to come to our shop.

 

The dealer gets paid to service your vehicle so it shouldn't matter where you purchased from, I would bet the Dealer makes more income from Parts and Services anyway.

 

I believe most would rather purchase locally, however to get the best price you typically have to be willing to broaden your search.
I saved about $4000 on my '18 TRD Sport DCSB by traveling about 100 miles and $12,000 on my '17 C7 GS Corvette by traveling from Va to Indiana.

And in both cases I was able to purchase the exact color-combo and features I wanted where I would have had to settle for less if purchased locally.

Local dealers have to service your new vehicle regardless of where purchased per their FZ-manufacturer's agreement. Besides, it's additional revenue for local dealers to service regardless where vehicles were purchase.
However some don't seem to see it that way.

 

Usually, yes. Parts are marked up quite a bit, and labor rates have a nice cushion built in.

 

Buy from a dealer that you trust and has treated you well. Even if it is a little more up front, the good customer service goes a long way

 

C8 wanted........... Bored in my 17 Z51. I’d love a ZL1 1LE but my woman can’t drive a manual. Screw the 2020 auto version. Meh

 

I've purchased 2 Toyotas from my local dealer. Bought my 2020 Tacoma 100 miles away. Why? Because my local dealer started adding paint protect film, pin stripes, tint, wheel locks etc. to EVERY Tacoma on the lot. I'm loyal, but not $1400 loyal.
The local dealer still gives me good service.

 

I’m lucky because both Chevy and Toyota are next door to each other and the same owner where I go. We buy from both and get great service and super solid discounts

 

Not bored at all with my Grandsport, love the wide-body w/MRC. I wouldn't recommend getting a C8 until at least 2022.

 

I agree, I wouldn’t let her pre order a C8. First year will definitely have some kinks. She’s a Corvette head ( on her 6th one ). I wish she’d just let me teach her to drive a manual and grab a ZL1 1LE for 2 years and then go trade for a C8. Hopefully a GS will be out then. The C7 ZO6 sucked, I hated how it drove. Your GS is the perfect balance for the C7 frame etc.

 

The Batmobile is pretty though.

 

When if came time to buy my Tacoma I emailed that same salesman we bought a Highlander from along with a salesman at every other dealer in a 300 mile radius and said "here is the exact truck I want, the lowest price OTD gets the purchase". It should be noted that the Highlander purchase has a crazy story behind it, I did not want to purchase a vehicle from this dealer because they did not have a great reputation as being easy to work with. The chips were all mine though and price really wasn't an issue at all on that purchase.

Despite their reputation, the local dealer actually came back as the lowest price by a significant margin and I got them to remove the dealer add-ons I did not want. I am guessing it is because they knew I would go elsewhere and they wanted the potential of being able to service my vehicle in the future.

Moral of the story, I recommend doing what I did and using dealer A to make a deal with dealer B. If you play your cards right you can get the same deal from your local dealer.

Edit: Since I have now purchased two vehicles from this dealer, I can walk in and they all know who I am. It makes everything easier.

 

I was told that service based on where vehicle was purchased is illegal. If dealership is willing to put that policy in writing, consumers and lawyers would have a field day in court

 

How do you like your Highlander ?? I looked at one while Taco shopping. Wow it has come a long way since I actually paid attention to one. I’d probably buy a Highlander before I’d buy another 4 Runner. I loved the interior. It was white with the buck skin type colored leather.

 

One minor detail you may care about.

My State doesn't require a front license plate, but I bought a 2 year old IS350 from a State that does. It came with screw holes in the front bumper . I later replaced the bumper.

 

Have you checked out the newly redesigned 2020 Highlander? Pretty nice

 

I've had this exact same plan in the back of my mind.