Young customer purchases a 2025 RAV4 Hybrid SE, yet dealership persistently persuaded her to buy an extended service agreement and warranty, resulting in a total cost of $43,640 despite her continuous refusals.
In a recent incident, Shawna Lammers shared her daughter's experience of purchasing a 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid, highlighting the need for transparency and trust in the car buying industry. The final price of the car, at $43,640, was significantly higher than the typical mid-$30K range.
The car, as it turns out, did include anti-theft features. Standard equipment for the RAV4 SE Hybrid includes an engine immobilizer and a remote anti-theft alarm system. However, the dealership reportedly pressured the buyer into purchasing an extended service agreement and a top-tier warranty, claiming that the car didn't come with an alarm system.
This incident serves as a reminder to be wary of dealer add-ons such as overpriced alarms, paint protection, and warranties. Thomas Malkin, another member, pointed out that non-X models of the RAV4 might be noisier and suggested that buyers should consider at least an XLE or XSE model, which are routinely reviewed as top-tier offerings. These models often provide more sound insulation, better tech, and improved resale.
It's essential for buyers, especially first-timers, to go in armed with information and support. Mark Uhart, a member of the Facebook group, advised that extended warranties might not be worth it and that buyers should check their state's Consumer Protection Division for a cooling-off period. Many states allow add-on cancellations within a short time window.
Trims matter, and models like the XLE or XSE often provide more benefits. However, it's important to note that it is not very common for new Toyota vehicles like the RAV4 Hybrid to come with an additional dealer-installed alarm system. Dealers may offer add-ons or accessories for other features, but an extra alarm system as a dealer-installed add-on is not typical or broadly advertised in official listings.
Stories like Shawna's expose the need for transparency and trust in the car buying industry. Regarding the worthiness of paying extra for such an add-on, the factory-installed alarm system on the RAV4 Hybrid should be sufficient for most owners. If a more advanced security system is desired, aftermarket installations could cost several hundred dollars, but this is a separate aftermarket service rather than a common dealer-installed package on new Toyota RAV4 Hybrids.
Salespeople are often incentivized to add markups, warranties, and overpriced accessories. Always ask about every fee and get everything in writing. Be sure to research your vehicle thoroughly before stepping foot in a dealership. By doing so, you can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
In summary, the RAV4 Hybrid comes with a built-in anti-theft alarm system, and additional dealer-installed alarms are uncommon and may not provide enough benefit to justify their cost for most buyers. It's crucial to approach the car buying process with caution, arm yourself with knowledge, and never feel pressured into making a purchase you're not comfortable with.
- Shawna Lammers' recent car-buying experience with a 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid underscores the need for transparency and trust within the automotive industry.
- The RAV4 SE Hybrid includes standard equipment such as an engine immobilizer and a remote anti-theft alarm system, but dealerships may pressure buyers into purchasing unnecessary extras like extended service agreements and top-tier warranties.
- Thomas Malkin from the group suggested that buyers consider at least an XLE or XSE model, as they often provide more sound insulation, better tech, and improved resale compared to the non-X models.
- Mark Uhart, from the group, advised that extended warranties might not be worth it and that buyers should check their state's Consumer Protection Division for a cooling-off period to cancel add-ons within a short time window.
- Trims matter, and models like the XLE or XSE often provide more benefits, but it's important to note that dealers may offer add-ons or accessories for other features, with an extra alarm system not being common or widely advertised in official listings.
- Dealers may incentivize salespeople to add markups, warranties, and overpriced accessories, so it is crucial to approach the car-buying process with caution, arm yourself with knowledge, and never feel pressured into making a purchase you're not comfortable with.
- Shopping for a car requires a careful examination of both the vehicle and the associated costs, such as dealer add-ons, paint protection, and warranties.
- Apart from car-buying, being mindful of potential add-ons, researching thoroughly, asking about every fee, and getting everything in writing is essential for making informed decisions in industries such as finance, business, home-and-garden, lifestyle, transportation, sports, sports-betting, and weather-forecasting.
