I've now started serious Prius shopping in my area (Central Texas) since my first post on this site two days ago. (Thanks again for the helpful replies.)
None of the dealers I've talked to have the car I want on the ground. The shortest wait I've heard about is 3-4 weeks. Two of the dealers who sound good (no premium above MSRP, relatively short wait) want a $500 deposit to put me on the waiting list.
Since the $500 is supposed to be returned (or the check not cashed) unless I actually buy from that dealer, I can't see much downside to this other than having to scratch several $500 checks and distribute them.
Is this a standard practice among dealers?
Any thoughts about whether to do it or not?
None of the dealers I've talked to have the car I want on the ground. The shortest wait I've heard about is 3-4 weeks. Two of the dealers who sound good (no premium above MSRP, relatively short wait) want a $500 deposit to put me on the waiting list.
Since the $500 is supposed to be returned (or the check not cashed) unless I actually buy from that dealer, I can't see much downside to this other than having to scratch several $500 checks and distribute them.
Is this a standard practice among dealers?
Any thoughts about whether to do it or not?