Do you usually have to put $ down on a car in which you are on the waiting list to see?

Question

My husband said his mom put between six and seven thousand down on a Toyota Prius at a car dealer because they don't have any models in stock. She hasn't see the inside of the car or test drove it yet, but she put money down just so she can be the first to see it when her turn comes around on the waiting list. That sounds bogus to me.. I don't know why you'd lie about something like that. What do you think?

Answer 1

I would be getting every dime back, especially after reading about all the problems with the Prius.  

Answer 2

That is a heck of a lot to put down to be on a waiting list.  But, that money isn't just to see one when it comes in, she has placed that money down to buy it, not look at it.  Those cars are in such high demand, they will not take a deposit just for someone to kick it's tires.  

Answer 3

Wow...if she is that desperate, she can buy mine.  

I have a 2007 with 8,000 miles, silver, package 2.

Chicago, IL

$500 is a normal deposit at a dealership.  

Answer 4

I think your husband's mom just got screwed. The Prius is not the most reliable car around. Not only that it will be months before she'll see the car, if ever. ...and the dealers will not refund the deposit paid on the car. If she read this site: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotiv...

I think she'll be sick to her stomach. I read some of that site myself. I'm not a Prius owner (have a Corolla) but reading that still made me feel ill.