[TurboGT]

So out of curiosity, I decided to contact Toyota corporate, explain my concerns with dealer markups and how it will hurt sales of this platform, which many of us want to see succeed beyond initial expectations. I also asked if they had any system in place to deter dealers from doing so, or If it was possible to order factory direct to avoid price gouging altogether. Their response:

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and sharing your feedback about your interest in a Toyota GR Corolla. We believe it’s in the best interests of Toyota customers, Toyota dealers and the Toyota brand for customers to be able to purchase Toyota vehicles with full confidence in their buying experience, including the price they pay and the value they receive. As part of our effort to promote customer confidence and satisfaction, we have established a Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for each of the Toyota models that we offer. Toyota dealers are independently owned and operated businesses, and we cannot mandate the actual retail price at which independent dealers sell their inventory. We have spent decades earning the trust and confidence of Toyota customers and we will continue to work diligently to help ensure that customers who purchase our vehicles retain confidence in Toyota and our more than 1200 independent Toyota dealers. Additionally, COVID-19 has created well-documented, global automotive supply chain challenges which are causing significant inflationary pressures on most raw materials including extraordinary cost increases. As a result, vehicle prices have been increasing significantly across the industry. Effective May, we are increasing MSRP on most Model Year 2022 Toyota and Lexus vehicles. These increases average approximately one percent per vehicle. Together with our supplier partners, we continuously work to control costs as much as possible, while adding customer-focused value to our products, all with safety and quality at top of mind. If you are interested in learning about incentives in your area, we encourage you to look for special offers on our Buy a Toyota website at https://www.toyota.com/deals-incentives/. You may also contact your salesperson at your local Toyota dealership. Your comment has been documented at our National Headquarters. Sincerely, Evette V. Toyota Brand Engagement Center



So what ive gathered here is they aren't the least bit concerned with what the dealers do, once the car leaves the plant.

 

[Tokyotexan]

So out of curiosity, I decided to contact Toyota corporate, explain my concerns with dealer markups and how it will hurt sales of this platform, which many of us want to see succeed beyond initial expectations. I also asked if they had any system in place to deter dealers from doing so, or If it was possible to order factory direct to avoid price gouging altogether. Their response:

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and sharing your feedback about your interest in a Toyota GR Corolla. We believe it’s in the best interests of Toyota customers, Toyota dealers and the Toyota brand for customers to be able to purchase Toyota vehicles with full confidence in their buying experience, including the price they pay and the value they receive. As part of our effort to promote customer confidence and satisfaction, we have established a Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for each of the Toyota models that we offer. Toyota dealers are independently owned and operated businesses, and we cannot mandate the actual retail price at which independent dealers sell their inventory. We have spent decades earning the trust and confidence of Toyota customers and we will continue to work diligently to help ensure that customers who purchase our vehicles retain confidence in Toyota and our more than 1200 independent Toyota dealers. Additionally, COVID-19 has created well-documented, global automotive supply chain challenges which are causing significant inflationary pressures on most raw materials including extraordinary cost increases. As a result, vehicle prices have been increasing significantly across the industry. Effective May, we are increasing MSRP on most Model Year 2022 Toyota and Lexus vehicles. These increases average approximately one percent per vehicle. Together with our supplier partners, we continuously work to control costs as much as possible, while adding customer-focused value to our products, all with safety and quality at top of mind. If you are interested in learning about incentives in your area, we encourage you to look for special offers on our Buy a Toyota website at https://www.toyota.com/deals-incentives/. You may also contact your salesperson at your local Toyota dealership. Your comment has been documented at our National Headquarters. Sincerely, Evette V. Toyota Brand Engagement Center



So what ive gathered here is they aren't the least bit concerned with what the dealers do, once the car leaves the plant.

Beating a dead horse honestly. Should have done your research and found a MSRP only dealer in your region prior to reveal, and placed a deposit or get added on their "list". And if they aren't taking a deposit or making a list yet, you should call them frequently until they do have a list or start taking deposits.

 

[TurboGT]

Beating a dead horse honestly. Should have done your research and found a MSRP only dealer in your region prior to reveal, and placed a deposit or get added on their "list". And if they aren't taking a deposit or making a list yet, you should call them frequently until they do have a list or start taking deposits.

I wasn't reaching out on behalf of myself. I was reaching out on behalf of the community collectively.

It doesn't do a single one of us any good for the imbalance that random dealer markups brings to the overall distribution pool. It throws "giving everyone equal chance" totally out the window.

 

[Tokyotexan]

I wasn't reaching out on behalf of myself. I was reaching out on behalf of the community collectively.

It doesn't do a single one of us any good for the imbalance that random dealer markups brings to the overall distribution pool. It throws "giving everyone equal chance" totally out the window.

Just like Covid, markups are here to stay. Gone are the days of negotiating a price for a new car below MSRP, nowadays you are getting a deal if you find a new car at MSRP. It sucks, but it is what it is.

 

[ADent]

That is how cars are sold in this country

You can not buy a car from Toyota in most states. You buy one from your local dealer. An idenpenent business man. Just like you buy a shirt from Dillards or Nordstrom or TJMaxx.

Maybe you could get your state to pass an anti-gouging law like they do for storm supplies or such. Or maybe a law to allow you to buy directly from a manufacturer - like Tesla does it.

 

[TurboGT]

That is how cars are sold in this country
.

Obviously.

It doesn't take away from the fact that it's bullshit.

I know I'll be met with a response of "we just need to stand up against these practices in order to end them." While this would be a correct statement, we are fighting two battles. The first, is un-just business practices. By refusing to purchase the product, we induce battle number two. Which is a lack of sales of said product, which ceases that product's existence.

I merely sent an email asking a way to circumvent shady business. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[Ilikecivics]

Honestly if you do the research it’s mostly artificial inflation in the car market. If the car is over 35k that’s honestly disgusting. These cars don’t even have a nice interior or anything theya re just corollas. I would 100% buy one at 30k or even a little over but I don’t think they’re gonna be reasonably priced. They are super cool and the first Toyota I’ve ever seriously considered. But the same thing that happened to the focus is gonna happen here and if they can’t be found anywhere I’m just gonna drop 1/4 the price on a k swap in my eg and get similar if not better performance. OEM is only selling 6500… they keep the supply low they charge whatever they want and i wont buy into it at that point. based off what im reading i think they can sell 2,3,4 maybe 5 times over that figure but then then the car would be reasonably priced and who wants that?

 

[luluna]

Honestly if you do the research it’s mostly artificial inflation in the car market. If the car is over 35k that’s honestly disgusting. These cars don’t even have a nice interior or anything theya re just corollas.

I'm pretty sure the interior is not the selling point of the GRC. Its literally...everything else.

 

[Ilikecivics]

I'm pretty sure the interior is not the selling point of the GRC. Its literally...everything else.

My point is it’s still just a cheep economy car w some groovy features and they’re gonna treat it like a Ferrari and ask 15-20k over base model corolla the base model is 20k this car should have a max of a 10k premium making it around 30k even if it’s priced at that dealers gonna mark up another 5k which is what like 18% I’ll be sticking away from it at that price point it’s not worth it anymore.

 

[jdm-v35]

Honestly if you do the research it’s mostly artificial inflation in the car market. If the car is over 35k that’s honestly disgusting. These cars don’t even have a nice interior or anything theya re just corollas. I would 100% buy one at 30k or even a little over but I don’t think they’re gonna be reasonably priced. They are super cool and the first Toyota I’ve ever seriously considered. But the same thing that happened to the focus is gonna happen here and if they can’t be found anywhere I’m just gonna drop 1/4 the price on a k swap in my eg and get similar if not better performance. OEM is only selling 6500… they keep the supply low they charge whatever they want and i wont buy into it at that point. based off what im reading i think they can sell 2,3,4 maybe 5 times over that figure but then then the car would be reasonably priced and who wants that?

You will probably just have to be happy with your K-swap then. A fully loaded normal corolla hatchback is already around 30k so i think that alone would dictate a benchmark. Toyota's intent with this car is purposely not for the masses; it is not meant to be the new WRX you see around every corner. The want it to be exclusive, sort of like a lower budget GT4 RS for normal people. I don't think the subaru vape kids working at mcdonalds are their target market. They outright said in the press releases after that they do not want to make enough for everyone to get one and they never want any sitting on the lot.

I am sure they are also aware that if the car would start getting into that wrx crowd it would tarnish its reputation as most of the people on this forum seem to be a bit older and I am sure would probably not want to be associated with that and getting revved out on the street by a kid trying to street race etc.

Depending how long they make the car, you may be able to get one more normally at msrp, probably never below. But even then I would say that is 3 years out based on waitlists alone.

I am 100% in the exclusivity boat as well with this platform and am for the most part circuit edition or bust.

 

[jdm-v35]

My point is it’s still just a cheep economy car w some groovy features and they’re gonna treat it like a Ferrari and ask 15-20k over base model corolla the base model is 20k this car should have a max of a 10k premium making it around 30k even if it’s priced at that dealers gonna mark up another 5k which is what like 18% I’ll be sticking away from it at that price point it’s not worth it anymore.

Youre comparing a base corolla with NO features.. These would be more equivalent even interior-wise to a fully loaded current corolla hatch with even more features such as the better gauge cluster and seats. The car may be based on the same platform, but it is also a redesigned widebody with reinforcement, improved interior and an entirely new performance drivetrain and engine. So I would spec out a fully loaded corolla hatch as a starting point, then think about everything additional that is improved on top of that in comparison.

 

[Tokyotexan]

Honestly if you do the research it’s mostly artificial inflation in the car market. If the car is over 35k that’s honestly disgusting. These cars don’t even have a nice interior or anything theya re just corollas. I would 100% buy one at 30k or even a little over but I don’t think they’re gonna be reasonably priced. They are super cool and the first Toyota I’ve ever seriously considered. But the same thing that happened to the focus is gonna happen here and if they can’t be found anywhere I’m just gonna drop 1/4 the price on a k swap in my eg and get similar if not better performance. OEM is only selling 6500… they keep the supply low they charge whatever they want and i wont buy into it at that point. based off what im reading i think they can sell 2,3,4 maybe 5 times over that figure but then then the car would be reasonably priced and who wants that?

I mean how many times are you going to mention your fantasy of swapping a K series engine into your crusty ass EG civic? Nobody in this forum gives a shit my guy. Keep it moving....

 

[ryno9100]

Part of the problem is that people think they need a new car every few years and aren't willing to put in the effort we are to find MSRP only dealers. They walk into a dealership, tell the dealer what they want and walk out at whatever price is asked of them. If we got enough people to stop paying over MSRP and only buying at MSRP dealers, I guarantee we'd see more and more dealers switch to that model.

The only Toyota dealer in my town is charging at least $5k ADM on nearly every car on their lot. And their sales have only increased. I do wish Toyota would take action, but I'm not sure what they could do.

 

[jdm-v35]

Part of the problem is that people think they need a new car every few years and aren't willing to put in the effort we are to find MSRP only dealers. They walk into a dealership, tell the dealer what they want and walk out at whatever price is asked of them. If we got enough people to stop paying over MSRP and only buying at MSRP dealers, I guarantee we'd see more and more dealers switch to that model.

The only Toyota dealer in my town is charging at least $5k ADM on nearly every car on their lot. And their sales have only increased. I do wish Toyota would take action, but I'm not sure what they could do.

I think current supply, demand and inflation dictate that in addition to exclusivity of this specific model. The same dealer I bought my 4runner at for 3k under msrp in 2018 is the same one here now wanting 25k markup for a GRC.

 

[ryno9100]

I mean how many times are you going to mention your fantasy of swapping a K series engine into your crusty ass EG civic? Nobody in this forum gives a shit my guy. Keep it moving....

Seriously? No need to be a jackass man. Just because it's not your cup of tea doesn't mean it isn't his.

I think current supply, demand and inflation dictate that in addition to exclusivity of this specific model. The same dealer I bought my 4runner at for 3k under msrp in 2018 is the same one here now wanting 25k markup for a GRC.

Yeah. I know supply chain shortages are a somewhat valid reason for markups, but $25k extra is insane. I think $5k extra is insane.

 

[jdm-v35]

Seriously? No need to be a jackass man. Just because it's not your cup of tea doesn't mean it isn't his.


Yeah. I know supply chain shortages are a somewhat valid reason for markups, but $25k extra is insane. I think $5k extra is insane.

I think 25k is insane for sure, 5k may be within reason though. I do have a hard stop on pricing for this car though, only because at a certain point I feel the bang for the buck is diminished, and that will be a jumping point for me to upgrade to a different platform. Or once the dealer allocations get out and they tell me they swiped the circuit edition from under me and I won't get one.

 

[Tokyotexan]

Seriously? No need to be a jackass man. Just because it's not your cup of tea doesn't mean it isn't his.

Yea seriously, dude makes multiple posts about his fantasy K swap and comparing the price of this mystical beast of a swap to the absolutely insane price of $30k+ for a GRC (insert sarcasm smirk) as if anyone in this forum cares.

 

[jdm-v35]

Yea seriously, dude makes multiple posts about his fantasy K swap and comparing the price of this mystical beast of a swap to the absolutely insane price of $30k+ for a GRC (insert sarcasm smirk) as if anyone in this forum cares.

LOL mystic beast

 

[ryno9100]

Yea seriously, dude makes multiple posts about his fantasy K swap and comparing the price of this mystical beast of a swap to the absolutely insane price of $30k+ for a GRC (insert sarcasm smirk) as if anyone in this forum cares.

Doesn't give you the right to be a jackass. All I'm asking is that you tone it down. If you don't like his k swap idea, ignore it and move on.

I think 25k is insane for sure, 5k may be within reason though. I do have a hard stop on pricing for this car though, only because at a certain point I feel the bang for the buck is diminished, and that will be a jumping point for me to upgrade to a different platform. Or once the dealer allocations get out and they tell me they swiped the circuit edition from under me and I won't get one.

Agreed. I won't pay for than $40k (before taxes and crap). At that point, it's more worth it for me to invest in a different platform.

 

[jdm-v35]

Doesn't give you the right to be a jackass. All I'm asking is that you tone it down. If you don't like his k swap idea, ignore it and move on.


Agreed. I won't pay for than $40k (before taxes and crap). At that point, it's more worth it for me to invest in a different platform.

I would think 40k is only possible with PP and at MSRP. Any other packages would probably drive it >40k.