Pre ordered Toyota Prius dilemma?

  • Thread starter Thread starter myhonda Civic
  • Start date Start date
M

myhonda Civic

Guest
About 5 months ago I paid $500 to pre order Toyota Prius 2009 at Schaumburg Toyota Dealership. Finally, when the vehicle came, my budget won't allow me to afford it and plus the dealer is asking to put down at least 7K with a interest rate of 8% which is obviously tough for me at this time of economy.
The dealer tells me if I don't purchase the veichel with the given rate and the down payment, he will not give my $500 deposit back.
Can he do that? Isn't this against the law? What can I do to get my money back?
 
Tell whoever is putting this on you that you will be contacting the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau immediately if they do not return your deposit. Then, be prepared to do exactly that.
They are real good at getting your money back, plus will warn others about the practices of this dealer IF they find your case a valid one.
No business wants anything bad on their BBB record as it effects more than you can imagine.
Just have the facts, dates, cancelled check, etc. and names ready as they don't mess around with legitimate claims!
 
Since the Prius is in such high demand, you might try to reason with him. I am guessing he will not have trouble selling it.

If he gives you a hard time, Contact Toyota Corporate. With the hard economy, the last thing they need is a black eye publicity wise from one of their dealers. I think they might be helpful.


Good luck!
 
If he had to order it, he had to make an expenditure to get it there.

So yes he can keep a reasonable amount of the deposit for his trouble. Remember, he has to carry the inventory cost now. You might want to help him find a buyer for it and see if he will lwt you off the hook.

The Prius is a piece of crap anyway and especially at 7k down and 8% APR. I suggest you buy a used $2000 "ashtray", drive it until it drops and then donate it to one of those places that takes used cars. Put as much oft the difference you can in the bank.
 
Is any of this in writing, agreed to before your order was placed? If not, then you MAY be able to fight it to get the deposit back. If the down payment and interest rate was agreed to when the car was ordered, then you either have to pay up, or will most likely have to forfeit your deposit. You should contact an attorney and see what they advise.
 
Back
Top