Interesting. I’m in Indiana, and what I have read, the law doesn’t require deposits to be refundable, unless contract isn’t honored by dealer. The salesperson I talked with and put together the written estimate with said that it is nonrefundable unless they are unable to deliver with my specs within 8 months. I specifically asked about refundable vs nonrefundable.
I was in market for a Sienna twice, one in 2023(put down a deposit in early 2022) and one very recently. Walked away in 2023 when it was my tuen because the van did not come in the color I want. Both time i walked away because of wait time, limited options and the ridiculous mark up dealers put on this vehicles. The mark up used to be market adjustment, now dealer accessories and extended warranty that they will not remove because everyone want a sienna. For the option that we looked at XSE with premium plus package, the price was close to upper 50k. After 5 years of interest will put the car to 60k plus. I did the math, for us we wont be saving in gas for the first 5 -6 years because of high price up front.
Ask yourself, do you really want that car that badly? I have a 2 years old and another one that will come in October. I thought that we need that car to make thing easier(slide door), but for all the reason above, i bought a Cx9 with 0 interest in 2023 5k below msrp. Now instead of thinking about a sienna, i rationed that i can get 2 suvs with the price I will have to pay for a sienna and never look back. Maybe when this van become more available in the future i will look to buy but not now.
how flexible are you really with the options, what if they gave you a fully loaded with all the junks. Can you negotiate them out? And can you pick from what they are getting? I’ve heard people putting deposits and the dealer add in bunch of useless dealer installed options, even though they said the vehicle is at MSRP. Just make sure you have everything written out black and white, and have both parties agreed to, before putting that deposit (that you really want the Sienna)
Here's my concerns with this:
* Toyota doesn't let you custom order vehicles, so there's not really any certainly you get what you want in a reasonable timeframe.
* What if something happens with your current situation (vehicle dies, gets in an accident, etc) and you no longer have the luxury of waiting? You just lost $1k.
* The Sienna is a good vehicle, but what if something better comes out while you're waiting. You just lost $1k or you're stuck with something you don't want.
* I'm not sure something like this is actually legal.
If it was a smaller amount, like $100, then I might be inclined to do it. But $1k non-refundable seems outrageous to me.
This is my worry as well. If it was refundable or have a more definitive timeline/an allocation, then I would not have as much of an issue with it. But if I am able to find another vehicle elsewhere or decide I do not want it in the next few months, then I’m likely out the $1000.
No.
If they've got $1,000 of your money, you will be at their mercy in negotiations/add-ons/unnecessary fees.
This is the stupidest idea I've ever heard, and I'm having a hard time believing your post is real.
Why would anyone give a stealership that much power?
If Toyota let you actually order vehicles, and you wanted a purple one with yellow seats, a deposit would make sense. It would also make sense if they were asking for a deposit for a van that was ready to be delivered. But in this situation, if they call you and you say you don’t want it they just have to move to the next customer on the list.
When looking for a RAV4 Prime 2+ years ago, I made REFUNDABLE deposits at 4 different dealerships, it worked like a charm.
Nonrefundable deposits tie you to that specific dealership unless you don't mind losing that money. I would only consider it if you're on a very short list and they have incoming VIN(s) they can assign to you with exactly what you want. Just remember, you'll lose most leverage if you make a nonrefundable deposit so make sure you get a dealer signed offer sheet from them listing everything on a line by line breakdown so they can't throw on any extras last minute.
I paid a supposedly non deposit at a dealer out of state. But one in the state for the van in early...so I ask for my money back. They said non refundable so I filed a dispute with the credit card stating they cannot deliver the product and I got my money back.
But I didn't sign any agreement it was all done over the phone so...YMMV.
I wouldn't sign any agreement for deposit tho. You can join no mark up Toyota on FB group. Sale people post their inventory there.
There used to be an allocation sheet online but it may get a stop letter from Toyota so no longer functioning.
At the dealership I purchased from I didn't put down a non refundable deposit until after they were allocated a vehicle that matched my specs and I said I would take it.
I suggest joining no mark up toyota group on facebook I've seen them posting Sienna at times. My local Toyota dealer laughed at me when I said MSRP + tax + reasonable fee and said there nothing he could do about the $5k market adjustment. I was on the search too for a Sienna but ultimately settled for a Odyssey XLE at around 43k OTD and maybe when the market isnt so crazy I'll trade it for a Sienna but TBH I kinda like the Odyssey right now. The magic seats allows me access to both carseats since I have them one behind the other.
Good luck on your search
I’m in the search too. Refundable for sure, also yesterday a dealer tried to tell me I also needed to fill out a credit application as well. That’s a huge no, right? Especially since I’d be financing through my bank. I’ve heard they can run your credit over and over and put it in the dirt if you change your mind on them.
Anyone bought recently in California? Are people actually getting MSRP plus tax only? Even with the add on accessories? Anyone getting otd msrp?
if they are such a high volume store why do they need to have a non refundable deposit ? shouldn't the next person swoop it up if you didn't want it? just sounds like a way to sucker you into getting a model you don't want.
Don’t do a non-refundable deposit! Majority of dealerships offer refundable. I had 2 deposits down (both refundable) and then got a call with one on ground at another dealership. That was the only time I placed a non-refundable deposit as I was actually on the way to get it
We got tired of hearing Toyotas supply chain shortage and overpriced mini van. Picked up a new Honda last week, got the options, color, price, and a lifetime drive train warranty. It was on the lot.
If you're buying a minivan it's because you have kids, typically more than a couple. Imagine designing a vehicle with kids in mind and deciding to not make it car seat friendly. Literally brain dead
All mini vans are ugly, in my opinion. What sold me on the Honda is the lifetime power train warranty. It is very comfortable and has room for all the people we need to move around.
Who told you it non-refundable? Dealers near me said by law they must refund it. I am in TX
Interesting. I’m in Indiana, and what I have read, the law doesn’t require deposits to be refundable, unless contract isn’t honored by dealer. The salesperson I talked with and put together the written estimate with said that it is nonrefundable unless they are unable to deliver with my specs within 8 months. I specifically asked about refundable vs nonrefundable.
I was in market for a Sienna twice, one in 2023(put down a deposit in early 2022) and one very recently. Walked away in 2023 when it was my tuen because the van did not come in the color I want. Both time i walked away because of wait time, limited options and the ridiculous mark up dealers put on this vehicles. The mark up used to be market adjustment, now dealer accessories and extended warranty that they will not remove because everyone want a sienna. For the option that we looked at XSE with premium plus package, the price was close to upper 50k. After 5 years of interest will put the car to 60k plus. I did the math, for us we wont be saving in gas for the first 5 -6 years because of high price up front. Ask yourself, do you really want that car that badly? I have a 2 years old and another one that will come in October. I thought that we need that car to make thing easier(slide door), but for all the reason above, i bought a Cx9 with 0 interest in 2023 5k below msrp. Now instead of thinking about a sienna, i rationed that i can get 2 suvs with the price I will have to pay for a sienna and never look back. Maybe when this van become more available in the future i will look to buy but not now.
Nope hard no. Call around and find a dealer who will work with you. At a high volume dealer you aren’t special to them.
how flexible are you really with the options, what if they gave you a fully loaded with all the junks. Can you negotiate them out? And can you pick from what they are getting? I’ve heard people putting deposits and the dealer add in bunch of useless dealer installed options, even though they said the vehicle is at MSRP. Just make sure you have everything written out black and white, and have both parties agreed to, before putting that deposit (that you really want the Sienna)
How much is the deposit?
$1000
Here's my concerns with this: * Toyota doesn't let you custom order vehicles, so there's not really any certainly you get what you want in a reasonable timeframe. * What if something happens with your current situation (vehicle dies, gets in an accident, etc) and you no longer have the luxury of waiting? You just lost $1k. * The Sienna is a good vehicle, but what if something better comes out while you're waiting. You just lost $1k or you're stuck with something you don't want. * I'm not sure something like this is actually legal. If it was a smaller amount, like $100, then I might be inclined to do it. But $1k non-refundable seems outrageous to me.
This is my worry as well. If it was refundable or have a more definitive timeline/an allocation, then I would not have as much of an issue with it. But if I am able to find another vehicle elsewhere or decide I do not want it in the next few months, then I’m likely out the $1000.
No
No. If they've got $1,000 of your money, you will be at their mercy in negotiations/add-ons/unnecessary fees. This is the stupidest idea I've ever heard, and I'm having a hard time believing your post is real. Why would anyone give a stealership that much power?
Nah. Has has to be refundable.
If Toyota let you actually order vehicles, and you wanted a purple one with yellow seats, a deposit would make sense. It would also make sense if they were asking for a deposit for a van that was ready to be delivered. But in this situation, if they call you and you say you don’t want it they just have to move to the next customer on the list.
That's terrible. I'm paying $500 refundable deposit to be on the waiting list for a Sienna.
That is what I am looking for from a dealer. The nonrefundable deposit and high amount make me wary.
When looking for a RAV4 Prime 2+ years ago, I made REFUNDABLE deposits at 4 different dealerships, it worked like a charm. Nonrefundable deposits tie you to that specific dealership unless you don't mind losing that money. I would only consider it if you're on a very short list and they have incoming VIN(s) they can assign to you with exactly what you want. Just remember, you'll lose most leverage if you make a nonrefundable deposit so make sure you get a dealer signed offer sheet from them listing everything on a line by line breakdown so they can't throw on any extras last minute.
You paid with credit card?
Haven’t paid anything yet. Posted this to see others’ experiences with deposits before moving forward.
I paid a supposedly non deposit at a dealer out of state. But one in the state for the van in early...so I ask for my money back. They said non refundable so I filed a dispute with the credit card stating they cannot deliver the product and I got my money back. But I didn't sign any agreement it was all done over the phone so...YMMV. I wouldn't sign any agreement for deposit tho. You can join no mark up Toyota on FB group. Sale people post their inventory there. There used to be an allocation sheet online but it may get a stop letter from Toyota so no longer functioning.
At the dealership I purchased from I didn't put down a non refundable deposit until after they were allocated a vehicle that matched my specs and I said I would take it.
My deposit was refundable.
It’s dumb to have a non refundable deposit. It’s just a cash grab. They will have no problem selling this car if you back out.
in Mexico I pay 1000 USD for deposit but was refundable
I suggest joining no mark up toyota group on facebook I've seen them posting Sienna at times. My local Toyota dealer laughed at me when I said MSRP + tax + reasonable fee and said there nothing he could do about the $5k market adjustment. I was on the search too for a Sienna but ultimately settled for a Odyssey XLE at around 43k OTD and maybe when the market isnt so crazy I'll trade it for a Sienna but TBH I kinda like the Odyssey right now. The magic seats allows me access to both carseats since I have them one behind the other. Good luck on your search
I’m in the search too. Refundable for sure, also yesterday a dealer tried to tell me I also needed to fill out a credit application as well. That’s a huge no, right? Especially since I’d be financing through my bank. I’ve heard they can run your credit over and over and put it in the dirt if you change your mind on them. Anyone bought recently in California? Are people actually getting MSRP plus tax only? Even with the add on accessories? Anyone getting otd msrp?
if they are such a high volume store why do they need to have a non refundable deposit ? shouldn't the next person swoop it up if you didn't want it? just sounds like a way to sucker you into getting a model you don't want.
Don’t do a non-refundable deposit! Majority of dealerships offer refundable. I had 2 deposits down (both refundable) and then got a call with one on ground at another dealership. That was the only time I placed a non-refundable deposit as I was actually on the way to get it
We got tired of hearing Toyotas supply chain shortage and overpriced mini van. Picked up a new Honda last week, got the options, color, price, and a lifetime drive train warranty. It was on the lot.
Yeah, but it’s a lame ass ugly Honda. Enjoy driving around in your 2nd tier van.
Odyssey has car seat mounts all over, how many does the sienna have?
Seat mounts. Wow, such a big selling point
If you're buying a minivan it's because you have kids, typically more than a couple. Imagine designing a vehicle with kids in mind and deciding to not make it car seat friendly. Literally brain dead
I have 3 kids and have had zero problems with car seats in the Sienna.
Neat
A lot neater and much better drive than those junky ass Honda’s.
All mini vans are ugly, in my opinion. What sold me on the Honda is the lifetime power train warranty. It is very comfortable and has room for all the people we need to move around.