3 stars — Good outcome, but a serious process problem - jcolang58
3 stars — Good outcome, but a serious process problem buyers should know about.
I'll start with the positives: my 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid arrived on time, the delivery was smooth, and I'm genuinely happy with the vehicle. Salesperson Cohen was helpful and professional throughout. This review is not about him, and it's not about the car.
It's about a dealership policy that blindsided me after I had already made significant financial and logistical commitments — and that I believe every potential buyer deserves to know about upfront.
When purchasing a vehicle from incoming inventory (factory orders aren't available through Toyota right now), this dealership requires full payment — we're talking $50,000+ — weeks before the vehicle is delivered. Not a deposit. Not a hold fee. The entire purchase price, in advance.
I have purchased multiple vehicles over the years and have never encountered this at any other dealership. After my experience, I called several other Toyota dealers in the greater Seattle area — none of them have this policy.
Here's what frustrated me most: this was never mentioned during our negotiations. Days after my first visit, I was contacted and asked to come back in to finalize paperwork and "bring my checkbook" — which any reasonable person would take to mean a deposit to hold the vehicle. It was only at that final visit, at the last minute, that the salesperson disclosed they expected full payment on the spot, weeks before the car would arrive.
I asked the finance manager to explain the rationale behind the policy. He was unable to offer a coherent one. The closest thing to an answer was that it was simply easier for the dealership — which, with respect, is not a justification that accounts for the burden placed on the customer.
If you're considering purchasing incoming inventory here, ask about payment requirements before you negotiate or commit to anything. The car I got is great. The process of getting it was unnecessarily stressful — and it didn't have to be.
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