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[kokopelli]

Treat them all like insurance companies or banks.. They just want your business and will promise lots of stuff; and do none of it. I grew up in the car business and my entire family worked in it at some capacity. The first thing is to have fun with it. You're spending lots and lots of money, so enjoy the ride. Research, research, research and know what you want on the vehicle and what you should be able to get it for. Go shopping.. If the first dealer has what you want on the lot and will give you the deal you want.. Buy it and never look back. If they don't, well it's another day and another dealer. Never be afraid to make an offer. That's what they want you to do, but it's the only way to learn what they will actually do. Remember the "half rule"! If they want $32K and you offer $26k, they'll B&M and say that they might be able to do $30-31k.. You say no way, but I'll go $27k and no more.. They'll ask you to write it down, agreeing to buy the FJ and sign it. Do it and let them see their manager. Now the "half rule" begins. They'll say they can't do that and will give you a price of $29.5K or there abouts.. You say too bad and walk. They say "but what will it take to get your business" and you say $27K like I said. They'll B&M and say "we're only $2500 apart, so I'll meet you half way".. "Will you do that". You say sorry, but if you give me "whatever else I want" (i.e. I got the 16" wheels, roof rack and rubber mats) I'll give you $28k and that's it.. Don't back off and you'll have the FJ for what you intended to pay all along.. Ron

PS: I drove on to the lot at 2:00PM and closed the deal at 9:00PM.. Make sure you have eaten and just wear them out.

mjm previously said:

I am looking to buy an FJ in the next week or so and don't really know anything about the local toyota dealerships and haven't ever owned a toyota before. I did a few searches but couldn't find anything current that wasn't about service so I figured I would just ask and see what people in the know had to say. I am looking at the manual TT for no other reason than the color.

I am just looking for no hassles, to not be overcharged, to possibly get a decent deal and to deal with a dealership that I can feel comfortable enough with to go to for service. So far I haven't had any luck with marrietta toyota actually calling me back, though they quoted me a really low number. Stone mountain toyota is a little too overzealous, won't budge on price and doesn't really know anything about what they are selling, they actually told me one thing then handed me the brochure which stated the exact opposite. I have yet to try toyota mall of ga since its out in buford and thats a heck of a cab ride.

Dealing with dealerships is probably my least favorite thing to do since I hate going into something knowing I am going to get screwed in small petty ways.