Anyone use AmEx buying program?

[RyanE]

Been lurking here for a few weeks, and finally decided to pull the trigger on a 2010 4Runner...Limited/Nav/3rd row.

First off, getting a dealer in Chicago to even admit Toyota makes a 3rd row for the T4R is tough. My local dealer told me flat out "they're not making them, you can't even order it" until I told the sales guy I'd seen them myself (here, by the way), and would be buying a different brand if I couldn't get the 3rd row. He went to double-check and came back to let me know they could special order it, but it would take 6 months. No problem there, we're not in a hurry so 6+ months is completely acceptable.

Wife and I completely liked the fit, finish, styling, and everything else about it, so it now comes down to the $$$$... AmEx offers an auto-buying program, and apparently a dealership 200 miles away from me will sell me the car for invoice.

This seems like a fantastic deal, but I'm an eternal skeptic. Anyone have any experience with the AmEx program?

 

[T4RunnerTay]

I think you'll find several of us used to some type of car buying program to purchase our 5th Gens, either from a "selected" dealer or used the price protection to get our preferred dealer to match it.

I personally used AAA but several users went through USAA. We were all equally skeptical at the outset but all came home with really good deals (and less hassle than trying to negotiate sans program).

My advice would be to get a quote from the far away dealer in writing, or at lease written affirmation they'll honor the "at invoice" price. Then, if you prefer to buy from your local dealer, take that written evidence to them and see what they'll do for you.

Good luck!

 

[TTown]

I agree with T4RunnerTay. If you don't get a dealer to bite, then 200 miles isn't that bad of a drive to save some money. Heck, make a day of it and have a nice celebration dinner! You shouldn't feel leary about the buying programs. If you are a savy buyer, you could generally match and sometimes beat the prices many companies like USAA, AAA etc. offer. For most, it is generally a hassle and not worth the pain of dealing with the dealership.

It's funny you can't get a 3rd row in Chicago. In SoCal it seems every 4Runner comes with the 3rd row. That is just how they allocate them! You will appreciate the 3rd row. It was the key decision maker for us since we had a 4th gen without. It shouldn't take 6 months to get one though. In 6 months they will be selling the 2011 model!

 

[TheDude]

I used the Amex program to buy my 4runner at invoice. One of the "Guaranteed Low Price" dealers was an AutoNation Toyota here in South Florida, so I pretty much dealt with the Autonation rep on the phone. Once they located a vehicle being shipped from Japan that met my needs, they took a deposit and I had the car 2 weeks later.

If you used that Email that you have for American Express Car Buying Program, print out the price with options and you should be good to go. What the price showed is what I paid. Good Luck

 

[RyanE]

Thanks for the responses...good feedback.

It's very odd about the 3rd row here. I got the same response from the Costco dealership - "can't be done". Both dealerships gave me some BS about Toyota not wanting to cut into Highlander sales...who knows.

Got a call from the far dealership today and the guy found my exact vehicle, but his "invoice" price was $500 over what was initially quoted "because this one has some extra features like the backup camera and XMRadio." I called him on the lie and the $500 surcharge immediately disappeared. Wouldn't be a car salesman if he didn't lie a little, I guess.

The invoice he sent includes the following:

Limited: $35,524
Nav: $ 1,215
3d Row: $ 812
Destination: $ 800
TDA: $ 700
Gasoline: $ 11
Dealer Holdback: $ 796
Whsl. Fin Reserve $ 398

This totals $40,256, and his quoted price to me is $39,755 + tax + $150 doc fee. Between the Holdback, TDA, doc fee, and the "Wholesale Financial Reserve" it looks like there's still a lot of wiggle room.

Not exactly the no-haggle experience I was hoping for, but $39,900 isn't a horrible place to be starting from. As suggested above, I'll use this number to shop around. Again, thanks for the advice.