Scare tactic price increase?

[Moti]

So I test drove a Limited 2011 4Runner today at Peterson in Boise, Idaho and the salesman was telling me that there is going to be a 5% increase across the board because of the earthquake in Japan. He said it was about supply and demand.

I asked if it was temporary and I told him since I was probably not going to be ready to buy until the 2012 model year that I figured things would be back to normal by then.

The salesman said that prices never go down once they've gone up and so the 5% would be permanent and therefore 4Runners will never be cheaper than they are right now.

It all sounded like a scare tactic to me, but I figured I'd bring it up here to see if others have heard similar rumors or if any rumors can be confirmed.

The test drive was wonderful by the way and the suspension on the Limited really makes for a smooth ride.

Moti

 

[DaveS]

$600 increase was recently announced due to strength of Yen - hardly 5% - shady salesman I say

 

[Uneek]

For Toyota, they're stuck between a rock and a hard place. They're still having to deal with the damage to their reputation for the recalls. Loyalist to the Toyota brand will go back, but those who are shopping all brands will easily pass over Toyota especially when the alternatives are nearly, just as good or in some cases even better.

I'd push back.

 

[vooduguru]

I bought my 4Runner and several others from Menlove Toyota in Bountiful, They changed owners, but the great management team has remained. Go down and see Jeff Garrison. They are now known as "Bountiful Toyota"

He's a truly exceptional salesman, which is rare in that industry.

 

[Will733]

Tell him that expert analysts are forecasting a 5% decrease across the board on ALL SUV's due to rising gas prices. Less people are looking for SUV's now and like he said earlier...It's all about supply and demand.

 

[Uneek]

Toyota resumed full production on Monday.

 

[vooduguru]

News report this morning, that Japanese automakers are doing a final inspection prior to putting vehicles on ships, looking for radiation. That's gotta suck.

 

[DaveS]

Got to assume Government Motors is going to make the most of all this - wonder if anyone is checking parts being shipped to them from Japan for radiation?

 

[TOY2G]

Toyota has added a 1.5% increase, (one of the highest in years) but 5% would add 2k to a 4runner. This is a case of bad information. This information is direct from Gulf States Toyota and is the most accurate out there.

 

[TOY2G]

I am not sure where you got this info.

The production issues are due to plants that make certain parts not being avail. I have 21 pages of parts that are in manual allocation only from Japan. Toyota uses a supply on demand system called "just in time ordering" this gives them the parts for production as they need them to build vehicles. With many parts not being made at this time there is not a set date when we will be at "full production". Parts still not being made include, electric motors for windows and door locks, composite body parts, many bearings, and other external body trim. they can not sell a 2012 Prius with no rear bumper, no power windows, and short a rear view mirror. even the little parts all have to be there to produce the car, ever clip, sensor, exc.

We are hoping that these broken supply links are fixed soon but right now I have a monster list of items I can not order and no eta.

 

[rx900]

I have heard of prices being stiff, but not jacked up by 2% in my area. All I was told was that the "cheapest" brand new prius you can buy is MSRP.

As far as the supply goes, only my local Lexus dealership (which they're really snooty, they only believe that the rich can buy a Lexus) told me that the prices of cars will hold value and possibly go up due to supply. I personally don't believe that, maybe supply is low but I don't think they're gonna jack prices up since Toyota does have to rebuild their name after a blow from those ridiculous recalls. Then again I heard that someone who is ordering a brand new Lexus CT200H is still waiting and is paying MSRP for it :smashputer:

 

[Uneek]

Toyota resumed full production on Monday.

Late night posting...

Toyota resumed production this past Monday from the halt. They're not at full production capacity, but ALL plants are producing vehicles.

 

[Uneek]

I have heard of prices being stiff, but not jacked up by 2% in my area. All I was told was that the "cheapest" brand new prius you can buy is MSRP.

As far as the supply goes, only my local Lexus dealership (which they're really snooty, they only believe that the rich can buy a Lexus) told me that the prices of cars will hold value and possibly go up due to supply. I personally don't believe that, maybe supply is low but I don't think they're gonna jack prices up since Toyota does have to rebuild their name after a blow from those ridiculous recalls. Then again I heard that someone who is ordering a brand new Lexus CT200H is still waiting and is paying MSRP for it :smashputer:

With that mentality, Lexus will be in a world of hurt. MB, BMW and Audi have more appeal with their redesigns and taking market share. Don't get me wrong, I like Lexus and Toyota. But Lexus has gotten really boring and they need to release something interesting. IMO, their last model launch that has appeal is the 4th gen LS. The other models are severely lacking. The HS and CT, I'll take a Camry Hybrid or Prius over those two any day.

Lexus need the same flair as they had when the 2nd gen GS came out. Something that will make me say, "I want that Lexus."

 

[08medic4x4]

Tell him that expert analysts are forecasting a 5% decrease across the board on ALL SUV's due to rising gas prices. Less people are looking for SUV's now and like he said earlier...It's all about supply and demand.

exactly what i was thinking!

 

[bertsch911]

Tell him that expert analysts are forecasting a 5% decrease across the board on ALL SUV's due to rising gas prices. Less people are looking for SUV's now and like he said earlier...It's all about supply and demand.

nicely put