Paying for Vehicle Before Delivery?

Hey all, so one of my family members wants a 4runner and I found one for a really good deal in Arizona. Called over 20 dealerships in Socal who either did msrp only or markup lol.

Anyways, the vehicle we're looking for is a non-kdss vehicle which is almost impossible to find except for the one in Arizona. However, it is still being built and it will be a month before delivery. But, I always thought that you just place a deposit and do paperwork that will be ready to go. This dealership however says it's against the rules to place a deposit for a vehicle and we HAVE to pay it in full right now. So we would have to pay interest from the loan on a vehicle that won't arrive for another month. Does this sound right? Not really comfortable with it since our down payment is huge.

 

If I read that correct, that doesn't sound right.

I put a $500 deposit on my truck that was "inbound / allocated" to my regional dealer. It went towards the truck price.

My truck was built though, it was just a transit / logistic deal.

Edit: I had test drove a sport and SR5 before I put down my deposit.

 

Never-ever-ever.

Ever.


Payment happens after test-drive and walk around, with the intent of taking delivery same day. Never accept a term of payment before that.

 

Agreed.

They know you want *this* vehicle, so theyre pushing to close the sale.
I wouldnt sign a contract with a $40,000 price tag without seeing the product first, but thats just me.

 

Yeah they say this one is built and has a vin number, just waiting for it to arrive at the dealer from Japan.

 

I told them that's a lot of money to give for something I won't have for a month so I would think about it.
They told me it's against the rules to take a deposit for the vehicle because it's already built and has a vin already.

I'm gonna let them know I'm out of the deal. Guess we'll have to buy a kdss 4runner then.

 

Glad to hear. Have to admit that's a much more polite reaction than I would have given. Me personally I don't use up my time to contact them. If they care, then they can take the time to contact me.