New here - 2024 Order - Hasn't started out well

Just 'ordered' a 2024 Off-Road (6MT, Bronze Oxide) from a local dealer. Not sure how it's going to go. The entire process didn't give me any warm fuzzy feelings.

Dealer tried doing a $5000 market adjustment that I pushed back hard. Based on the look on the sales managers face I don't think they've had anyone rip up the paperwork and get up to leave before. They relented an went back to MSRP and things quickly got back on track.

Paid my $1000 to get an 'allocation'. Not sure I fully understand their ordering process since it sounded a little hokey. Apparently they won't get another allocation until the middle of the month and then they have to submit the request to Toyota. Seemed super-convoluted compared to other vehicles I've purchased. Told me to expect (best case) April/May or (worst case) Sept/Oct and that they would be in touch once they know something.

Not sure what to think at this point.... this is my first time looking for a Toyota and the first time I've dealt with their dealers.

Any advice? I'm not sure I even 'trust' the process at this point since they couldn't explain it in a way that makes sense.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Normal. Call other dealers within a 100 mile radius, see what they have on the lot.

The more specific you get with your wants (and 6MT is very specific), the more you should expect to bend over.

 

Welcome! I agree with Rock Lobster, check around your area and see who’s willing to beat the deal. Did you already hand over the $1000?

 

I've already paid my $1000 'allocation'. I'm just having a terrible time trying to understand how this process actually works - especially since even the dealer couldn't explain it.

 

Truthfully, I’d probably go and try to get my money back. To my knowledge, Toyota can’t technically order a vehicle for a customer so who knows how long it might actually take for your truck to get delivered. Seems like a lot left up in the air, especially if they’re not explaining it in terms that makes sense to you.

 

There is no order process for Toyota. The dealership gets allocated certain build slots and trims and then can try to modify those prior to production. It’s not like with most domestic brands where they will spec and build a truck the entire way down the production line that is tagged to you and your exact options.

 

This whole 'allocation' thing is what doesn't make sense to me. When I purchased my last vehicle, I went into the Subaru dealership, told them exactly what I wanted, paid a down payment and had a 'reservation number' a few days later that showed all the options I requested and allowed me to track the whole process from a website.

Apparently Toyota uses Tarot cards or something.