My recent purchase of a new 2014 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Long Bed at Beaverton Toyota went very well, quickly, and smoothly. I worked with Beaverton Toyota Sales Representative Andrew Hudson, who I found easy to work with, reasonable, and very straightforward.
Having said that, I must say that I did A LOT of research about what I wanted BEFORE even visiting the dealership. Before going to the dealership, I went online and browsed and learned all I could about the various Toyota Tacoma models, configurations, options, features, accessories, price points, etc. I first started with Toyota's main corporate site, then I went and visited each Portland and Southwest Washington area Toyota dealership website. That included Toyota Dealerships in Hillsboro, Portland, Gladstone, Milwaukie, Gresham, Salem, Wilsonville, Southwest Washington, as well as a few others (such as Salem and McMinnville). At each dealership website I visited, I researched and evaluated existing dealership vehicle inventory for what I was wanting, and took copious notes about the various available models/colors/options/configurations each dealer was stocking (or soon getting delivered), as well as their respective internet specials, prices (MSRP and discounted prices), incentives, rebates, and more. This gave me a good overall view of the entire Toyota Tacoma vehicle inventory in the greater and surrounding Portland metropolitan area. It did not take more than a couple hours to do this task, and I feel helps make a smarter and more informed buyer. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to do quick dealer comparisons, and without the haggle of having to drive to each dealership, or make phone calls, or deal with sales people before you are ready to actually buy.
From each dealer website I printed out pages for one or two trucks they had listed, and matching closely, if not exactly, my desired configuration. Living in the Beaverton area, it was my desire to do business with Beaverton Toyota, so I took my printed pages of the various Toyota dealership and Toyota Tacoma vehicle listings to Beaverton Toyota. That's when I met Beaverton Toyota Sales Representative Andrew Hudson.
I knew Beaverton Toyota had a Toyota Tacoma which matched a configuration I desired (via the Beaverton Toyota's website). I told Andrew that, and also showed him a printed sheet from the Beaverton Toyota website showing the same vehicle, which of course had the reference to the VIN number, dealer stock code, MSRP, etc. We then walked out to the lot and quickly found the truck sitting there. It was shortly after that when I showed Andrew a printed sheet from a competing Toyota dealership from across town, with the competing dealership's price being about $3000 less than Beaverton Toyota's asking price for the same configuration of vehicle. I told Andrew that if Beaverton Toyota could at least match the price of the competing dealership, then I would be serious to buy. Andrew then took the printout to his manager, and not more than 5 minutes later came back and said they could match the competing price and do the deal. A quick handshake and we had a deal. It was a quick process with no haggling, no stress, and it all being very clear, and as black and white as the printed sheets I brought with me to the dealership.
In about less than 90 minutes after I first arrived at Beaverton Toyota, I was driving off the lot in my new Toyota Tacoma pickup. I am happy, and for Beaverton Toyota it was a quick and easy sale, which I imagine is what any dealer desires. Andrew Hudson did a great job working with me, being clear and up-front through the process. But then again, I came armed to the dealership with a lot of knowledge in my head and in my hand on those freshly printed sheets, and a very focused and clear idea of what I wanted (and conversely, did not want). I know Andrew realized that I had done my homework, and just wanted to make the process as fast and easy for me as possible.
I consider the experience a success, and would definitely do business again with Beaverton Toyota in the future.
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