Only Get Price Quotes From Dealers That Have the Car In Stock
Hey there! Let’s discuss something that could save you a lot of headaches when shopping for a car: getting price quotes from dealers that actually have the vehicle in stock. It sounds simple, but trust me, after 25 years of helping folks with their car-buying decisions, I’ve seen too many people get tripped up by this. Let’s break it down in a way that’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal without any sneaky tricks.
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Why You Should Only Get Price Quotes From Dealers With Stock
Here’s the deal: if a dealer gives you a price on a car they don’t even have on the lot, how can they be held to it? You can’t buy a car that’s not there, and they know that. Sure, some dealers are upfront and honest, but there are plenty out there using low-ball quotes on cars they don’t even have to make you think you’re getting a great deal.
So, the bottom line? If they’ve got the car in stock, you can hold them to that price. No funny business, no “oops, we couldn’t get the car” excuses.
The Risks of Out-of-Stock Price Quotes
Let me break it down for you: if a dealer doesn’t have the vehicle you want, the price they quote you might not be accurate. And I don’t mean they’re lying, but let’s say they give you a super low price, and then you go to another dealer to try and get them to match it. The other dealers won’t go for it because the car’s in their inventory, and they know what it costs to sell it at a fair price. The first dealer, though? They might’ve never intended to sell the car to you for that price in the first place.
You’re left stuck with a price no one else can beat, and the dealer who gave you the original low quote is nowhere near getting you the car. Frustrating, right? That’s why it’s best to avoid the hassle altogether by sticking to dealers who actually have the vehicle on hand.
The Low-Ball Offer Tactic
Here’s a trick that some dealers use: they give you a super low price, hoping to get you in the door or, at the very least, keep you out of other dealerships. They know they don’t have the car, but they’re banking on the idea that you’ll keep coming back, or they’ll keep stalling and then hit you with the real price once you’re hooked.
You must remember that you can’t force a dealer to sell you a car they don’t have. And if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. They might promise you the moon and the stars, but once you find out they can’t deliver, it’s too late. Stick with quotes from dealers who can get you the car now at a price you can hold them to.
The Dealer Trade Excuse
Here’s another common excuse: they’ll tell you they’re trying to get the car from another dealer through a trade. “Oh, sorry, we’re working hard to get that car in, but it’s taking longer than expected. But don’t worry, we’ll let you know as soon as we have it!” Yeah, right. What they’re not telling you is that if they do manage to get the car, the price will suddenly change—sometimes by quite a bit.
Dealers will apologize for the delay but then tell you they can’t honor the original price because the situation has changed. It’s a sneaky way of moving you up the price ladder without you realizing it.
How to Avoid the Trap
Here’s where you take control: don’t even entertain price quotes from dealers unless they’ve got the car in stock. It’s as simple as that. You’re not trying to play their game, so don’t let them draw you in. Do a little homework—most dealerships will show their inventory online, so make sure the car you want is there before you even ask for a price.
Ask straight-up questions, too. “Is the car I’m getting a quote for in your inventory right now?” and “Is this price for the exact vehicle you have on the lot?” You want clarity from the start, and any dealer worth their salt will respect that.
The Impact on Your Time and Money
Listen, time is money, right? You’re wasting both if you’re stuck in the loop of chasing phantom cars that don’t exist. When you get an actual price on a real car, it’s easier to budget, make decisions, and get the deal done. No more wasting your weekends visiting dealerships only to find out the car you wanted is still “on its way.”
And financially? You’re setting yourself up for a big surprise if you rely on a low-ball quote that won’t hold. Stick with dealers with the car on hand; you’ll know exactly what you’re working with from day one.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Car Buying Experience
Here’s the takeaway: protect yourself by only getting price quotes from dealers who’ve got the car in stock. It’ll save you time, energy, and a ton of frustration. You’ve got the power to ask the right questions and get a fair deal. So go out there, do your homework, and make sure you’re getting the car you want at a price you can count on.
And hey, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I am happy to help you navigate the process.
Good luck out there, and happy car shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
When a dealer has the car in stock, they can be held accountable for the price they quoted. If the vehicle isn’t in their inventory, the price they give might not be reliable, and they might not honor it later.
If the dealer doesn’t have the car, the price quote could be misleading. They may give you a low-ball offer to draw you in, but since the car isn’t available, they may change the price later when they can’t deliver on the quote.
Not all out-of-stock quotes are dishonest, but some dealers use this tactic to make their pricing look better than it really is. It is safer to stick to quotes from dealers with the car on their lot.
Some dealers might give you a very low price to lure you in, even though they don’t have the car in stock. When you try to hold them to the quote, they’ll make excuses or change the price once the car becomes available—or never get it for you at all.
Only get price quotes from dealers who actually have the car in stock. Check the dealer’s inventory online or ask directly if the vehicle is available before accepting a quote.
Be cautious. Dealers might promise to get a car through a trade but later say they couldn’t acquire it. Even if they do, they may change the price, claiming circumstances have changed.
You can verify the availability by checking the dealer’s website, calling the dealership, or asking for a vehicle identification number (VIN) specific to the car they’re quoting.
You risk wasting time and possibly getting a higher price later. If the dealer doesn’t have the car, they might change the deal, leaving you frustrated or delaying your purchase.
While some dealers may genuinely try to get the car, this can be used as an excuse to delay and change the price. It’s better to wait until the vehicle is physically available.
Stick to getting price quotes only from dealers who have the car in stock. This way, you know the vehicle is available and can hold the dealer to the price they’ve given you.
Note: Always refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for more detailed information about your specific vehicle. Safe driving practices should always be followed. For more details, contact your local Toyota Dealer or visit Toyota.com.
Cedric Jackson
Cedric is a Sales Pro with 20+ years of experience. He is currently a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Riverside. He aims to share his passion for product knowledge of the Toyota brand here on his blog. Cedric writes content here and produces short-form videos on YouTube, Instagram & TicTok. Connect with him here or on all social media @ cedricthecarguy 🙏🏾🤙🏾
Cedric Jackson
Cedric is a Sales Pro with 20+ years of experience. He is currently a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Riverside. He aims to share his passion for product knowledge of the Toyota brand here on his blog. Cedric writes content here and produces short-form videos on YouTube, Instagram & TicTok. Connect with him here or on all social media @ cedricthecarguy 🙏🏾🤙🏾
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