Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

DH and I made a deal on a 2011 Toyota Sienna Lease.

We signed 1 piece of paper stating the make, model, features, lease term, monthly payment, and deposit left.

We gave them 2 color choices. They told us the inventory manager would locate the car and someone would be in touch with us within a day or two.

It has been 1 full week. And after a few calls back to the dealership they have been unable to locate the car. The sales "manager" has told us he sees a date for one of the colors of January 7th which is a good sign but not a guarantee. If that car doesn't come in they will just have to refund the deposit. I suppose refunding the deposit would mean cancelling the sale? The last time DH spoke to said "manager" he mentioned we would be willing to consider another color, and the manager just sort of brushed it off.

I never thought locating the minivan would be this difficult. And I certainly didn't think they'd "sell" us the car knowing there might be a chance they can't get it. Is this normal or is something fishy going on here? What would you suggest our next step be?

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

my boss had this happen almost the same exact thing but with nissan. we think the sales rep just gave him a deal that was too good, and they couldn't honor it.

he had gone in with numbers from another dealership and he was hoping they would match it. they did, but then never found the car this was in july when the car had been out for a lot of months

go to toyota.com and search their inventory and see what lots the car you want is on. then call your dealership and tell them you found it, and if they don't want to sell it to you, refund your money and go to that dealership that has it.

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

What about going around to a few Toyota dealerships and looking at what they have?

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

Same exact thing happened to me with Kia. I knew exactly what I wanted, price range, color, etc and wasn't budging though. I got my deposit back and found the car I wanted at another dealer, had to drive further away for it though. It's true that if that dealer does not own the vehicle they will try to get it from somewhere else, or they may have a list of the "inventory" that is on it's way from Korea/Japan! They make you sign, deposit, etc. because they don't want to lose you as a customer, and I guess they will try to talk you into leasing something else after all the time you spent with them.

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

I wouldn't put up with a dealership like this.

We just leased a different model car this summer, and everything was basically taken care of the same day.

The dealer had several lots where they parked the vehicles so we drove around to them with him and picked the one we wanted.

This was a Monday, and we picked up the new car that Wednesday.

I have a Mazda CX-9 and recommend Wantagh Mazda to anyone who is looking and considering this kind of car.

We dealt with no BS like several other dealerships in the area.

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

It doesn't sound fishy, but I know a lot of the back end stuff since DH was in the business for nearly 20 years.

The dealer probably tried to do a dealer locate. If the other dealer floor plans, they simply can swap in the car from another dealer. However, they may have located the minivan and were not able to complete the swap with that dealer for a number of reasons (not having the car they need in return). Refunding your deposit would then be standard protocol.

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

Posted by sunflowerjesss

Posted by chmlengr

Refunding your deposit would then be standard protocol.

So then we get a refund and have to start all over?!

Re: Is this normal? (Car Lease question)

Jess what happened?