Is there a best way to use the college rebate?
 

I'm not exactly sure how the college rebate factors into the sale of the vehicle, but at what point of the conversation would it be best to mention it?

Could I go in and negotiate an OTD price/financing option, and then only after I'm happy with the number, bring up the rebate for additional savings?

I don't want the rebate to be used as part of the "dealer incentive" in the negotiation process, because really, it's a rebate that I've already been prequalified for.

I'd love to know how others have used their prequalified rebates in the negotiation process!

It shouldn't make a difference. If you qualify for the rebate you get it. It shouldn't affect the dealer one way or another

That's probably a good idea. I bet if you just waited until you sign all the final paperwork, you could 'let them know' about it then to potentially get the most off the car as you could. The financial manager's job is to account for any misc. things at the end anyway so that sounds like a good option to me as the price still wouldn't be 100% finalized.

That being said, I don't know if you'll be able to negotiate - scion has something called "pure pricing" which means you always pay the MSRP price. At least my dealer did. Stupid, IMO...

I know that I'll get it, but when is the rebate applied? Is it applied in the negotiation process, or through the finance department AFTER I've already negotiated a price at the dealer (which would mean additional savings on my behalf)?
I've never dealt with car dealerships before, so I'm not too familiar with the entire process.

Yeah, Scion's pure pricing... (n)
But I'd be going for the BRZ anyway, so I know that it's still possible to work your way with the numbers. :P

Ah ok, you posted in the fr-s forum so I just assumed sorry about that.

The dealer shouldn't use it as leverage, you should agree on a car and when the "handshake" happens (after you agree on the car and price and begin the paperwork) bring it up. Make sure you have proof, this is very important. A copy of your degree or an official transcript should do.

It shouldn't matter when you bring it up, the dealer gets the money anyway through Scion.

Woops! I thought I was in the BRZ forum (should I repost it there?), but I guess it wouldn't matter where I asked. And no need to apologize, your input was helpful too. :)

Thanks, this was exactly what I was wondering.
I graduated in calendar year 2011, so I still have some time before I sign the dotted lines. Just looking to get the most out of it! :P

I had anther discount valid before I purchased my FR-S so I didn't mention the grad rebate until the final OTR price was done at which point i gave them the details that I was eligible for a grad rebate. The fact of the matter is that the grad rebate is self its from Toyota Canada(or U.S.) and not from an individual dealership so they seemingly have no gain or loss from you claiming a grad rebate. Presumably the later you mention the better, that's the option I chose and it worked well for me.

Sounds like solid advice. No point in telling them you have an extra 1k cash off the bat.

GL with getting your new brz, btw, don't baby her too much :burnrubber:

No negotiating at Scion, they'll just take the 500 off for the student discount and that's that.

Just make sure they take the $500 off the PRE-tax amount...free tank of gas depending on your states tax.

I got $1000 off for recent grad when I purchased beginning of March. I mentioned it while we were doing paperwork early on.

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The rebate comes from the manufacturer, so this does not affect the dealer's revenue. You can bring it up anytime you want.

I did it right in the beginning and then told them about the APA pre-negotiated price. Ended up getting the car for ~$30,700 after everything (tax, freight, etc.) and Global-i registration.

This is Exactly it. Although, some dealers will want to Steal it from you. Rebate belongs to you from the Manufacturer.

Negotiate first, then After the price is Negotiated, put the Rebate on top of that price.

So, for example, if you can negotiate the car from 27,000 to 25,000, then Rebate 1000 = you have the car at 24000. The dealer still selling the car for 25,000

Again, Some dealer will want to steal it away. Always ask for the Sell price without rebate. If that is un-reasonable high, then do not go for it, just walk away

There is no point for someone without rebate buying at the same price as You with the Rebate. That means they Stole it.

BTW, the rebate is Before Tax.....