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Can’t necessarily fault the dealers for not allowing test drives if the vehicles are already sold; however, when I was inquiring about pre-orders, some dealers in my area were requiring nonrefundable deposits. I felt like telling them that would be equivalent of finding someone on an online dating site and buying an engagement ring strictly based on the person’s online profile before going on the first date….
Personally, I think Scion corporation deserves its fair share of the blame too. When I look at the posts, it seems a lot of frustration originates with them. Consider the following:
- Apparent lack of communication during the First 86 program between dealers and Scion. How many winners called to place their deposits with the dealers only to have the dealers reply back they knew nothing of the First 86 promotion, let alone a winner selected their dealer.
- The inconsistency of doc fees and lack of enforcement of Pure Pricing. For a system that markets itself as consumer friendly, it is obvious that the consumer is at a disadvantage. I can understand local / state taxes and registration fees varying, but unless there is a legal limitation, dealers are free to charge whatever they want for doc fees. If Pure Pricing was indeed for the benefit of both buyer and seller, then dealers who markup beyond MSRP should receive the same repercussion as those who sell below MSRP.
- Considering the overwhelming demand for the car, why advertise on TV now? There are pre-orders yet to be filled and what is Scion going to accomplish when the average consumer is interested at goes to the dealer only to discover there are none available to see or test drive. Most of us here in the forum have waited and are willing to wait, but I doubt the average consumer is that patient considering other vehicles that are readily available. IMHO, the marketing money initially spent on these advertisements could have been better used on more driving events like the ones in Baltimore and Charlotte. Let the car sell itself!!
I’ll get off my soapbox now.
/Rant
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