I'm 25 and I just bought my first ever brand new car. It's a 05 Prius, Driftwood Pearl Pkg #6 
Anyway, something to watch out for is that when I walked into the dealer my sales rep informed me that Toyota's base MSRP had gone up $100. I had just checked online an hour prior, so I knew that even if it were true (can't believe it was), I could talk him down to the internet advertised price because he wasn't charging me extra because the car was so in demand. I didn't say I didn't believe him or anything, I just looked disheartened and mumbled something about budgeting for this down to the penny. He quickly waived the "new" MSRP in favor of the old.
So now I'm not below MSRP, just where I should be. I get a print out detailing the expenses and near the end they have Floor Mats (5) : $186. Honestly, the way the Toyota site builds quotes, I thought that was an option. I actually didn't want carpeted floor mats. So when I complained about that, he said he couldn't do anything about that, I had to get the mats (don't know if I really believe that). Then he added that he couldn't nix the charge but could knock $100 off. I took the compromise.
The major price break I got was because I am a member of Costco. That got me another $750 under MSRP. Membership cost me $35 annually on my parent's business. I think it's $45 annually for individuals, but not sure.
So basically I negotiated $100 off (I'd like to say $200, but that "new" MSRP just sounded like crap, don't think many would fall for it) and didn't have to pay another $750.
I should have said that when I walked into the dealer and they asked me what color and trim package I wanted, they had my first choice IN STOCK. I financed at the dealer after they matched my best online quote and drove off after spending less than 3 hours at the dealer.
Never having a new car before, I paid for Lojack (TIP: If you want one research non-dealer installers! this was the only thing I bought on impulse and I really hope I didn't overpay too much) up front and just ordered a VIN etch kit. I hope it's not overboard, but I'm very nervous. Once my parents repay the money I lent them, I'll get my extended warranty from Warranty Direct. The dealer quoted me about $1500 for an extra 4 years coverage and Warrant direct about $1000 for an extra 7 years coverage (wear and tear included with mechanical failure). I showed the financing guy their coverages and the only thing he could speculate about was that maybe they didn't cover the nav computer. At saving $500 to get 3 more years, I'll risk it.
Thanks for all the posts here, I lurked around for 2 days soaking it all in. You all were a very big help to me!
Anyway, something to watch out for is that when I walked into the dealer my sales rep informed me that Toyota's base MSRP had gone up $100. I had just checked online an hour prior, so I knew that even if it were true (can't believe it was), I could talk him down to the internet advertised price because he wasn't charging me extra because the car was so in demand. I didn't say I didn't believe him or anything, I just looked disheartened and mumbled something about budgeting for this down to the penny. He quickly waived the "new" MSRP in favor of the old.
So now I'm not below MSRP, just where I should be. I get a print out detailing the expenses and near the end they have Floor Mats (5) : $186. Honestly, the way the Toyota site builds quotes, I thought that was an option. I actually didn't want carpeted floor mats. So when I complained about that, he said he couldn't do anything about that, I had to get the mats (don't know if I really believe that). Then he added that he couldn't nix the charge but could knock $100 off. I took the compromise.
The major price break I got was because I am a member of Costco. That got me another $750 under MSRP. Membership cost me $35 annually on my parent's business. I think it's $45 annually for individuals, but not sure.
So basically I negotiated $100 off (I'd like to say $200, but that "new" MSRP just sounded like crap, don't think many would fall for it) and didn't have to pay another $750.
I should have said that when I walked into the dealer and they asked me what color and trim package I wanted, they had my first choice IN STOCK. I financed at the dealer after they matched my best online quote and drove off after spending less than 3 hours at the dealer.
Never having a new car before, I paid for Lojack (TIP: If you want one research non-dealer installers! this was the only thing I bought on impulse and I really hope I didn't overpay too much) up front and just ordered a VIN etch kit. I hope it's not overboard, but I'm very nervous. Once my parents repay the money I lent them, I'll get my extended warranty from Warranty Direct. The dealer quoted me about $1500 for an extra 4 years coverage and Warrant direct about $1000 for an extra 7 years coverage (wear and tear included with mechanical failure). I showed the financing guy their coverages and the only thing he could speculate about was that maybe they didn't cover the nav computer. At saving $500 to get 3 more years, I'll risk it.
Thanks for all the posts here, I lurked around for 2 days soaking it all in. You all were a very big help to me!
