2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Prices Paid and Buying Experience

johlia04

My purchase agreement is completely bland...

Vehicle purchased description:
2005 Toyota Corolla SD Red

Purchase price disclosure:
Cash price 17053.50 (this includes the 199 fee, the maintenance humerang and GAP i purchased)
acc. purchased n/a
total selling price 17053.50
trade in allow. n/a
discount n/a
trade diff. or sale price 17053.50
payoff on trade in n/a
factory rebates n/a
customer cash down 1500.00

total purchase price 15753.00

and thats literally all that is on my purchase agreement... :confuse: thanks for helping me out. you rule the world

toyotaken

That has to be one of the most unusual purchase agreements ever. Doesn't tell you a thing about what you're actually purchasing the vehicle for and what other costs there are.

That being said, on a Corolla LE automatic, Invoice should be around $15,500 or so. So $16,200 isn't horrible, but not the absolute best either. With one with ABS and side airbags would invoice around $16,300 or so. If that were the case, you'd have a more than fair deal.

As an alternative, you may want to consider asking them to "reimburse" you for the MSRP of the ABS and side airbags seeing as it was "promised" to be on this car. I don't think they have any obligation to do anything if you've already signed paperwork and you don't have anything in writing about that equipment though. There's nothing to be lost by asking though.

Ken

johlia04

ooh! Ok, so wait, even with all the amenities I listed, it would invoice at 16.3 or are you just talking ABS and side air bags? i dont know if you read my earlier post but it has a bunch of other humerang on it:

alloy wheels
audio pkg
cargo net?
security upgrade
blah blah blah... but it IS a 5 spd... tell me what you think of the whole package and what would be a good game plan. i am meeting with the sales manager tomorrow afternoon to follow up on the major gripe fest this morning and will DEFINITELY request that if you think that is fair. he told me this morning that it wasnt fair to HIM to make him to basically give me over $1000 in options for free. i just feel like he is taking me for the longest ride! so basically, my final question (sorry... but thank you so much!!!) is, if I decide to just have the car that they are already bringing in for me, is 16.2 too high seeing as how it doesnt have the ABS or side air bags? my beef is def. one of being told one thing and getting another HOWEVER, i will settle for not having those two things (maybe) if i know i am getting the best deal i can get. is this making sense? man, you are a trooper... thank you thank you thank you for all your input.

cooldoc

Hi Johlia04,

I saw your messages and I felt I should write my experience. After looking at all the recent deals in this discussion group I found that I can come with a general rule:
Good deal=Edmunds.com Invoice price - ($300 to $500)

In words:
Take Edumunds.com Invoice price including all of your accessories price and subtract $300. Then it will give you a good deal.

You apply this formula to your deal and see how you did?

Good luck
Cooldoc

johlia04

thanks so much! I'm new to all this but i will do what you say and let you know how it goes! :shades:

toyotaken

I'm honestly at home, so can't look up pricing for the alloys, etc. However, from what I recall, between the pricing of the other equipment you're listing, it looks like you recieved a price just above, at, or just below invoice on this car. So no, you didn't do badly even without the ABS and side airbags. Keep in mind that that those options were something that the sales consultant didn't bring up to the sales manager too. Not that this is right either, by any means, but you bringing it up may have been the first time the sales/general Manager(s) may have known this was part of what you were looking for on your particular vehicle.

In either case, it's not going to hurt to ask and keep in mind that those who go in with a chip usually don't get as far as those who are reasonable in attitude and expectations while explaining themselves well. Be firm and know what you're hoping to get during the discussion.

From what you're describing, it sounds promising as they're willing to at least listen to what you're problem is in person. And don't hesitate to go over the sales manager's head to the GM if needed.

Ken

johlia04

Thanks for your input! I just did the TMV pricing thing the guy told me about and without the ABS/air bags it came out to 16,3 but without them was like 15,1 or something. I definitely have an agreeable/reasonable attitude towards this (as far as I know?) but I just don't want someone taking me for a ride... I was considering telling them to give me the car they are already bringing in for me for 15,5 and the deal is done but I didn't know if that was reasonable or not. As for the sales manager not knowing, he is the one who helped with my deal originally (I didn't know this until I talked to him) so he is pretty aware of everything (unless the sales guy didn't bring upthe ABS and airbags, although I dont see why he wouldnt since those were my main two things going into it...) Anyway, off to work and off to see the man at noon. I'll keep you posted! thanks!

johlia04

Ok, I guess it ended up okay... not the best but not the worst either. I got away (OTD) for 15.9 and got the following:

Corolla LE
-audio pkg (cruise and 6-cd)
-vehicle pkg
-alloy wheels
-floor mats (whoopee - they were coming in the car already so had to go w/it)

NO ABS/NO SIDE AIR BAGS (bummer...majorly)

It was actually less but he slammed me on the ad fees and doc fee (199) and wouldn't budge. I tried for 15.8 and he was wringing his hands (yeah right) and said he wouldn't go below the 15.9 because of the alloy wheels "costing him soooooooooooooooooooooo much." :surprise: He actually pulled up Edmunds.com and went over all sorts of stuff with me about how I was getting a good deal and I didn't really argue after that. I am still reeling and am not sure if I got away great, just good, sort of okay, or kinda bad... but that's the update and for the most part, I'm resigned to the fact that at least it's over now and I don't want to do a new car deal for a long long long long long long long long time. :sick: but, I'm feeling okay with the whole thing at least and that is important. I get another new car to drive around :lemon: because my car won't be in for another week so that too is good. thank you to everyone for all your advice and input and everything. I seriously don't know what I would have done without your help. I really appreciate it. so thank you thank you thank you a million and know that you seriously did me a huge favor!!!

toyotaken

Congratulations on the new car. Now that the stress is over, I'm sure you're going to enjoy it.

Ken

ghulet

....make sure you check their math, which according to the first Purchase Agreement (post 737) is off by $200, naturally in their favor ($17053 minus $1500 down is $15553, not $15753).

blick49

I just bought a 2005 Corolla S with standard equipment plus
--AM/FM/6 disc in dash cd player with 6 speakers
--Extra value package #1 with 15" alloy wheels, power windows, cruise control, rear spoiler, and keyless entry
--carpet floor mats (4 pc. set)
MSRP was 17,353.00
I got it for 16,000.00
I got screwed on the alarm 695.00
regestered the vehicle theft scrach proof alpha-numeric code in the tracking data base 200.00
Document fee 45.00
Sales tax 7.75% in Ca 1312.85
license fees for Ca 182.75
Subtotal out the door 18435.60
I thought I did pretty good untill I relized i got screwed on the alarm. Any comments on how I did?

redacr

here in ny, vin etcing is done free ofr charge by the police dept.

svec7186

i am looking for a corolla LE with ABS and asked for quotes form from local dealers. Toyota Of Manhattan came in with the lowest quote of $12,500 + tax + dmv. i thought it was a to good to be true. i called several times to reconfirm that this was a real price and not some scam. i finaly made an appointment with the person who gave me the price this sat. when we got there we took a test drive picked out colors and the sales person said we had a SLIGHT problem with the quote being underpriced. he came back with $15,900 + tax _ dmv with a corolla le with no abs. i should have seen it comming. it was a big scam!!! when we got up to leave, they brought over the floor manager. i explained what the situation was and after talking back and forth he said something amazing. "we (the dealership) did our part to get you in". he admited to using false prices to get people in the door and then try to give they a more realistic price afterwords.

my family currently has several toyotas and many in the past. i will be calling toyota CS - 1800-331-4331 to tell them about this terrible dealership. want to know what toyota thinks about looking a good customer to possible honda.

PLEASE stay away from Toyota Of Manhattan

johlia04

buying a new car stinks. i swear, in this day and age you would think that buying a car wouldn't be such a primitive experience. we live in 2005 for crying out loud.
why can't EVERY dealership be a "no hassle-no haggle" situation?!?!
:mad: there would a lot more car buying if people didn't have to deal with all the crap. i hate it so much. im sorry you had to waste your time. good luck in finding a car. there has to be SOMEONE out there who could possibly be decent for a few seconds while you are trying to buy. good luck! :shades:

mcdawgg

Your problem is that you want ABS, side air bags, and a stick. Getting a 5 speed is tough as it is, but just about impossible with those options. I know - I had to order a LE 5 speed with ABS (this was in '99 - no side air bags available.) It took 3 months, but it was worth it.

svec7186

kbb shows the msrp and invoice prices but excludes the TDA (mendetory advertising fee) that the dealer adds to the invoice price like the destination fee. each car model has a different TDA fee. what is the TDA for a 2005 corolla LE?

thank you

neptum

Just got my new Indigo Ink Pearl Corolla S with:

Moonroof
Value Pkg - cruise, power windows and doors etc, keyless entry
Weather Guard Pkg.
AM/FM In-Dash 6-CD Changer
Mat

Sticker Price - $17,885 Invoice Price - $16,100
Purchase Price - $15,700 plus title, Doc fee and Tax
with 2.9% APR financing.

I live in Naperville, IL
Any comments?

mrbuffalo

Hey guys, just bought an '05 Silver Corolla CE off the dealership forum member "toyotaken" works at (bought it off him actually). It was a very pleasant experience all around. I didn't have any trouble getting a fair price for my trade and didn't have to make multiple trips in order to negotiate the price I wanted. Ken was very straightforward with everything and we even talked about edmunds a bit so that he knew where I was coming from with the invoice pricing (which he printed out for me to see anyway!).

I picked up a Corolla CE with floormats for

$13,700
-$1000 college graduate instant rebate
=$12,700

+ $625 for 6yr/75k mile bumper-to-bumper toyota platinum warranty and 3.9% financing for 48 months

I was able to get $5800 for my trade-in of an '01 OLDS ALERO GLS too which was on par with what the Honda dealership would have given me.

The Corolla is driving great right now and i'm for once relieved to have a car that is going to be very reliable down the road. This is my 5th car owned and my first brand-new one. I'm done with used cars! I have a Mitsubishi 3000GT that's my "babe magnet" that breaks down every 1,000 miles...I'm glad I now have a daily driver that is getting me 40 mpg I have only used about 2/3 of the initial tank of gas right now but am at 330 miles on the odometer. With the gas prices climbing the way they are I feel I made the right choice.

Two things I don't like about the car though -

1. The tires suck, they're very thin and just don't look right on the body of the car
2. I am a competitive bodybuilder with fairly big legs. My right leg is always uncomfortable against the middle console but i'm used to it by now.

ddoyle

Hi
i am in naperville and looking to buy a corolla. What dealership did you purchase from?

neptum

Hi, I bought my corolla from Toyota/Scion of Naperville. The sales man seems OK there. Good luck!

cooldoc

Hi,

I plan to buy Corolla LE in this week. I took internet quotes from the dealers near my city (Connecticut). The best I found:
MSRP: 17645 (weather+ABS+Sidebags+Audio)
Offer: 16200
dealer fee:210+reg fee+taxes
Invoice price:16K (Cars.com,Edmunds.Com)

Anyone can recommend the best price. After reading the past discussions I figured Invoice price can be easily get. Is it possible to go below Invoice?
I am also thinking to wait for August 1 st. May be Toyota announces manufactoring rebate !! (Since Honda Civic summer sales is announced). Any speculations?

I will appreciate if anyone can share his thoughts. I am stuck and try to save money.

regards
Cooldoc
:confuse:

crt123

Hi

i just bought a 2005 corolla le automatic with 6 disc cd changer and cruise control for 16400 out of the door price.I also bought extended waranty for 6 yrs 75000 miles(another 600).I bought this car in atlanta .any suggestions if this is a good price ,the dealer gave me financiang of 3.9%apr.

johnn8

Hi,

So was the value $12,700 basically your out-of-the-door price? Or, were there taxes, distination charges, title, fees, etc that were also added onto the price?

Basically, was your price $12,700 + ($1500 in taxes, destination charge, fees) = ~ $14,200. (just a random guess of the fees). The invoice price of corolla is $13,500 on edmunds. So is paying 12,700 what people mean when saying out of the door cost is below invoice?

also, what were ur finance charges? was there a loan fee upfront? tahnks.

ghulet

....compared to MSRP? I was getting offered basically $2000 off MSRP on a loaded 'S', a bit less on one with a lower MSRP. This was back in May, both on manual transmission cars, if that makes a difference. I don't know if the deal would have materialized (decided to wait til the '06s come out), but the deals should be at least as good now, since it's August, basically the end of the model year. Of course, selection might not be so hot. This is in Chicago.

art9

I live in central fl. & would like to find a year end deal on a 05 corolla with a/t & side airbags. SE toyota region does not have any. (You would think that failing the side safety crash test this year would have changed this). My question is where ( what part of country) can one find a year end (price) deals on the above mentioned vehicle? Thank you all for maintaining interesting forum.
art9

hopofireland

Looking at a Corolla LE in the Baltimore area with the following options:

* ALL WEATHER GUARD PACKAGE
* ALUMINUM WHEELS
* ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
* AUDIO VALUE PACKAGE
* PREFERRED ACCESSORY PACKAGE
* SUNROOF AND SIDE AIRBAGS

Sorry that was copied from the dealer site. I've got a standing offer from them of $17,200 but he says he's willing to match another dealer offer or go $200 under invoice (of $17k), whichever is lower. I'm actually quite interested in this car, but I definitely don't want to pay too much. I know Honda has a big clearance going on, but Toyota hasn't formally announced any rebates or whatnot. I'm a recent college grad (May 05) but likely won't be using dealer financing.

His processing fee is $97 plus 5% sales tax, plus tags and title.

Never bought a car before, trying to save some money. Help!

Many thanks,
Hop of Ireland

toyotaken

Just a couple of suggestions. First, if you're able to purchase it for under invoice, jump at the chance. This doesn't happen all too often. Second, take advantage of the college grad rebate. Finance it through Toyota even if it's only for 30 days and when you get your first statement, there isn't anything keeping you from refinancing the loan through your credit union, bank or paying it off in cash if you have it. If you qualify for it, it's free money. Take it.

Just my $.02

Ken

hopofireland

This is probably a really stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyway. I have zero interest in aluminum wheels. I mean none at all. That's an extra $312 invoice and $390 MSRP. Can I just have them swap the wheels with another Corolla in stock? Saves me money.

Ken - Thanks for the input. Hadn't really thought about refinancing after getting the new grad rebate.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

erasmusmrr

erasmusmrr

Looking for a corolla LE with side curtain air bags and ABS added in as options. What is a good price to buy the car in cash? What would be a good lease price for 36 months if i wanted to put 0 down, but i would put down all fees up front. Tax, first month, bank fee, etc. Thanks

cooldoc

Just purchased new Corolla LE in CT. Here are the details

Corolla LE 4 dr Sedan Automatic+ABS+Side airbags+Audio+Weatherguard+mats
MSRP:17733
Invoice: 16243
Buying price: 16003
+Dealer fee 300+Reg fee+6%tax

Just wanted to let the group know. If anyone is planning to buy in CT area, one can use my car price.


Cooldoc

fadam

Went with a friend to purchase a new Corolla LE from Findlay Toyota in Henderson, NV (Las Vegas area):

Phantom Pearl Corolla LE, Auto, Audio Value pkg, All Weather Guard pkg, Floormats
MSRP: $16,688
Invoice: $15,472
Negotiated Price: $15,371
Fees: $389 (!) doc fee, $299 "VTR" fee (gap insur?), $28.25 Title Fee
Tax: $1204.43 (7.5%)
Total: $17,291.68

The dealer really made out on the fees, in the "VTR" fee case claiming that it was required by Nevada law. We should have ran away as soon as we heard that, but my friend and I were both new to the negotiating process and worse yet my friend privately indicated he had to have the car that night and wouldn't consider driving to another dealer. Great learning experience for me, my friend is happy with the purchase, but I know we could've done better, and every part of the delivery process felt like pulling teeth (gas tank not filled, floormats missing).

Does getting quotes through the 'net obviate dealing with the crazy fees, or are you hit with them when you go pick it up from the dealership. I love Edmunds and all you posters out there.

art9

live in central florida. & would like to find a year end deal on a 05 corolla with a/t & side airbags. SE toyota region does not have any??. My question is where can one find a year end (price) deal on the corolla with auto trm & side air bags? Thank you all for maintaining interesting forum.
art9

mrbuffalo

John, $12,700 INCLUDED the $575 destination charge but DID NOT include taxes, title, license. THere were no b.s. VTR or GAP fees or anything, just like $50 for registration and title or whatever it was. My tax in NY is 8.25% which is steep but it was taxed AFTER my trade-in was deducted so you have to figure $12,700-5800 for trade so I was only taxed on $6,900. Good Luck!

mrbuffalo

Another thing, I graduated from college in '04 so I qualified for the $1000 instant cash back from toyota when financing through toyota financial. I got a great rate through them as well (2.99%, 3.99, or 4.99% fixed) depending on if you want 36,48, or 60 months of payments. I decided on 48 months just because I just moved down south to start a new career and didn't wan't to deal with a bigger payment just incase things don't work out for whatever reason.

svec7186

is this price for a manual cd or an auto ce?

what is the dealership that sold you the car?

thanks

rightofthebat

Then, what was your out the door price?

Also, if you bought the car in Silver Spring, Maryland, how come you paid 3% Virginia tax instead of the 5% Maryland tax?

jchavez

Thats better than anything I'm getting in NYC. I would really appreciate the info on your dealer. I'm not too familiar with CT so if you would share the town of the dealer that would be great.

sr45

Price paid prior to taxes in Florida

2006 Corolla LE Super White $ 16,029.00

JBL system
Rear Spoiler
Mud Guards
Carpet Mats
Auto Dim Mirror
Cruise Control
Window Tinting
Anti Lock Brakes
Automatic Trans

riddlermyth

I'm a student looking for a Corolla CE automatic. I'm located in Florida (tax is 6.25%), and wanted to ask what is the best OTD price?

The best price I have gotten is 14,600 for a basic CE (automatic), and 15,460 for CE auto with power doors.

Please help!! I need to buy a car within the next 24 hours!!! Its between the Corolla and the Scion tc.

Thanks!!!

glavinsolo

What I want:

2005 LE Auto:
Sunroof & Side Airbags
Leather Package
Mats

This should come out to a pre tax price below invoice but I don't want to go into the dealership without knowing what I can get away with.
I just graduated college and am eligible for the $1000 credit if I finance with toyota, which I plan on doing for the first 30 days.
What are the 2006's going for these days? If I could get one at $100 above invoice that would be a killer deal.

Can Side airbags be installed after the car is purchased?

riddlermyth

$1000 rebate? I just called Toyota and they said its a $400 rebate. How are you getting $1000 back?

glavinsolo

It is $400 I was mistaken.

jchavez

Either I am being unrealistic or my friend who told me that because there are so many people to buy cars in NYC it is difficult to get a good bargain during the year end clearance is correct, but the best I have found so far is 16,400 and the salesman didn't even want to tell me the Invoice price! I believe I can find something less outside of NYC. Can anyone help?! :confuse:

PS Thanks for the info in Florida, but that is too far for me to buy a car.

riddlermyth

Ok, so I called this other place in North Florida, and I'm getting a price of $15k OTD. You can always try www.carsdirect.com or buy it in Florida (or any state) and get it shipped to NY for 500 through Toyota. Better than paying 16.4 for the car...

pastor_john

I live in Pensacola. What dealership did you get this price from?

pamike1

I recently bought a Corolla S and found best prices on the Internet and the prices differed quite a bit among dealers. Find a "hungry" dealer and give it your best. The Toyota dealers call in "internet pricing." Catchy ;-)

My 2005 Corolla S:

Standard CD and AM/FM
5 speed (wanted the best MPG)
Sun roof
Rear Spoiler
Mud Guards
Carpet Mats
Auto Dim Mirror
Cruise Control
Window Tinting
AC
Carpeted floor mats
Optional Wheels
Wheel Locks
Dealer Maintenance Package (Lifetime oil changes (I provide Toyota filter) every 3K if I choose and lifetime rotation and balance (every 5 to 6K) - Doing every other oil change or 6K miles (This worth it to me as I commute 160 miles 4x week.

Total delivered including 6% PA tax and tags and title $16,200.

BTW, first considered buying either a 2003 or 2004 used Corolla but since they seem to hold their value so well opted to go new.

fockerdvds

I am getting ready to purchase a 2005 Corolla S and I am wanting to have a DVD player added to the cost (for the kikds). They told me that it would cost $1700 to have it installed. Is that price accurate? Has anyone else here had a DVD player installed? If so what was the charge for it.

Thanks!!!!!!

svec7186

i've shopped for a 2005 corolla le in manhattan and suberbs. DO NOT try "toyota of manhattan" they are liers and will feed you bs to get you to come in. i got a price of 14,450 from paul miller toyota and 14,900 from rockland toyota.

hope that helps

laurelgrae

Hi,
I bought a 2005 Corolla S with all the options, I'm talking ALL the options last year in Eugene, Oregon for 16900 (after the 400 college rebate). Options included: All weathe rguard, 6 disc changer, ABS brakes, Sunroof/sideairbags package, extra value package 1 (alloys, power windows, cruise, spoiler, keyless entry), carpet floor mats/cargo mat, VIP plus security system and some silly Door sill enhacements and a chrome shift knob. I accepted those (and the security system) because they said it was the only one in the region with the ABS and side curtain (which I wanted). ANYWAYS. So, now, 13 months later some stupid kid rearends me into a SUV and the insurance company has totalled my car. GRRRR. So in the market again. Any idea what people are paying for them loaded like this now? 2006s? Pacific Northwest area? I looked for used ones within 250 miles of me but NO S models have the ABS and side curtain airbags (so I guess they weren't lying that mine was the only one...I had to wait for it from the factory!)