So I've succumbed finally to the lure of a minivan. A sleek silvery blue Toyota Sienna, complete with leather seats, and a DVD player for the kiddies. I think the funny part for me is that years ago, when driving my sister's minivan and being told just how good I looked in it, and shuddering at the very thought, to now, knowing that not only was this the vehicle for me, but that I had eyes for no other... its just funny.I won't say a whole lot about the dealership I dealt with, but as Brian points out, who cares if a car salesman does not like you, they are car salesman. I bargained pretty hard. They did not make much on me. The amusing highlights:
Thirty-Five: Just as I was leaving the dealership, the Indian gentleman asked if I saw the thirty-five. I of course had not seen a thirty-five and assumed it was a code name for some piece of paperwork they had. I said, what thirty-five. He said, no, thirty-five. This went back and forth for 3+ rounds, with me getting more and more confused (and likely him as well), until Brian said, "He want to know if you know its CERTIFIED."
"Are you serious? People are loosing their homes..." After having paid for my car, been handed the keys, walking out to leave, I noticed that I only had 1 remote for the car (supposed to have two), so I turned around and pointed this out to the "closer" (read extra slimy and very pushy guy that replaces your salesman) and he said that the car only came in with one, so that was all I got. I said that this had not been disclosed to me by my salesperson, and I expected two, so would he please do what needed to be done to arrange for me to get a second one. He said they didn't have one. I pointed out that they were a car dealership, and who better to have one than a Toyota dealership. He said I could purchase a second one one. I said I thought I had. He said that it was unfortunate I hadn't been told, but that is that. I said I wasn't leaving without a second one (you'll see this had escalated to a childish battle, but for what I paid, I am pretty sure I was in the right)... To which he exploded and almost yells, "Are you serious? People are loosing their homes... " Suddenly the head-head manager appears and instantly admonishes the closer and apologises to me (and it actually felt like an authentic apology, which is probably why he's the manager), and sends folks scurrying to produce another key fob.
The Magna Shield. In order to keep the deal and compensate for some minor damage in one of the leather seats, the salesman offered to throw in the MagnaShield interior & exterior treatment (see spray on treatment that cost $50 but is billed out at $795, and STINKS to high heaven). I said fine, not thinking what of what this would mean to me, Mrs. Scent Sensitive. Not only did Brian have to drive the car home, but he drove it for the next week, and every night we parked it in the garage with all the windows open so it could air out. We call her Stinky... Stinky Stella :)
Magic Number. Walking off the lot 3 times can save you $3000 or more dollars. Never show up without a copy of Edmonds and KBB in hand, don't purchase ANY aftermarket items through the dealer (200-1000% mark-up, and better quality through private installers), and it almost all cases, if you want a wrap around warranty, it is cheaper to purchase it from a private party than through the dealership. Oh yes, and when you are going to pay for and pick up your car, have a very sick husband and kids at home for nap so you can seriously say, "If I can walk out of here from start to finish in 1 hour, then we have a deal."
