Wouldn't this just be dandy?

[Lomeinhu]

Hmm...with that whole new brand that Toyota's coming up with that MAY include the Celica, I sure hope that it doesn't just mean that we can't bargain, but that we can skip the whole painful dealership experience.
Click <a target=new href="http://www.industryclick.com/microsites/Newsarticle.asp?newsarticleid=264943&srid=10250&instanceid=7738&pageid=1604&magazineid=1004&siteid=26">HERE</a> for the news.

[larryd]

thatd be different..? is how do you test drive it??

[Lomeinhu]

What I think would be really cool is if the dealer did these things(which are purely fantasies, mind you):

1. Set up multiple kiosks in this "special" corner of the dealership with consoles playing racing games with modded Celi's, i.e. Tokyo Xtreme Racer, GT3, etc. for us to play with while they're waxing our cars for the test drive. BONUS: arcade machines instead of consoles. For free, of course.

2. An extensive, interactive survey on a computer that asks us what we'd like to see in future Toyota models. Maybe even concept designs on which we comment as to whether they fit our tastes. And then we can all ask for a 2.0L (WRC limit), Turbo-charged, AWD Celica or a relatively affordable new Supra.

3. Perhaps even a personal electronic method of evaluating our financial history and automatically figures that into how much the dealer is willing to sell a car to us. For example, for someone with great credit history, good job, or even driving history, etc. can get a Celica for $100 over invoice vs. someone with so-so history, etc. and get charged a higher amount to offset the loss in profit. For cars sold late in the model year, it can figure the depreciation, too. I see 2 benefits in this: 1. No-hassle purchase experience once customers adopt to the process (much like Saturn dealers). 2. Incentive to be good drivers and financially responsible to save money. Downsides: 1. Too much personal info leaking out. 2. Once you mess up, you may be screwed for life. Eh....just an idea

4. And the best one: 3-day trial of any car with a refundable deposit of amount X and sufficient background check. Each trial car is chipped to be located by GPS system in case of thieves. Much like rentals, but with cars of your choice (hint, hint, TOYOTA.)