Schaumburg Toyota Dealer Requires Customers to Pay Extra $3,994: What You Need to Know
If a letter posted online is genuine, Schaumburg Toyota has a policy dating back almost a year that requires customers to pay at least $3,994 extra when they buy a car. They seem to justify that cost by appealing to customers’ goodwill before thanking them for their loyalty. Here’s a quick breakdown of everything that just leaked from this Illinois dealer.
On Saturday, August 12th, a Facebook post featuring the message quickly garnered attention. In it, it says that as of September 8th, 2022, Schaumberg would charge “a minimum of $3,994 in predetermined aftermarket products” over MSRP on “all new cars and trucks.” We don’t need to do the math for you to understand how much extra coin that is if the dealer is really applying it to every vehicle it sells.
Of course, the value of a vehicle could make a $3,994 markup like that seem pretty reasonable in today’s market but on something like a base Toyota Corolla it’s ridiculous. It’s easy to argue that the whole thing is ridiculous since Toyota sets its customers up to pay one price with its own advertising only for Schaumberg to pull the rug out from under the feet of those same customers with this tactic.
What’s seriously shady is how the dealer tries to convince Toyota’s customers to just accept the situation. It claims that it has to add these charges on “in the interest of retaining all current employees.”
That makes it sound as though if you’re not willing to pay for whatever “predetermined aftermarket products” Schaumburg decided you should, somebody might have to get fired because the dealer simply can’t afford to pay its employees.
It even goes on to say that customer “loyalty is appreciated during these difficult times” before wishing customers who read the sign “warmest regards.” What a touching letter. Evidently, it didn’t touch the heart of the original poster though because their caption of the photo said “We wasted our time coming in just to get scammed for a package that isn’t even on the vehicle.”
Now, as defenders of dealers who consistently sell at MSRP, it should be noted that it almost sounds as though Shaumburg sells close to it. But that mention of “a minimum of $3,994” really seems to indicate that pricing is about as transparent there as the GR Corolla Circuit’s forged carbon roof.
This news has caused quite a stir among car shoppers and enthusiasts. Many are expressing their disappointment and frustration with this policy, feeling deceived by the dealer’s tactics. Customers expect transparency and fairness when purchasing a vehicle, and this policy seems to go against those principles.
It’s important for consumers to be aware of such practices and to research dealerships before making a purchase. Reading reviews, checking for any complaints or controversies, and comparing prices from different dealerships can help ensure a smoother car-buying experience.
In response to the leaked letter, Toyota has not made an official statement yet. It remains to be seen if they will address this issue and take any action against Schaumburg Toyota. However, this incident serves as a reminder for automakers to monitor their dealerships’ practices and ensure they align with the brand’s values and customer expectations.
In conclusion, Schaumburg Toyota’s policy of charging customers an extra $3,994 for predetermined aftermarket products has sparked outrage among car shoppers. The lack of transparency and the attempt to justify the charges by appealing to customers’ goodwill has left many feeling deceived. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of such practices and research dealerships before making a purchase. This incident also highlights the importance for automakers to monitor their dealerships’ practices and ensure they align with customer expectations.