Young buyer purchases a 2025 RAV4 Hybrid SE, despite repeatedly declining the extended service agreement and warranty, dealership persuades them to pay $43,640 additional.
In the world of car buying, it's not uncommon to encounter pressure tactics, even when dealing with reputable brands like Toyota. Recently, a story shared by Shawna Lammers in a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Facebook group has shed light on such practices, particularly involving extended warranties and add-ons.
Shawna's daughter, a 20-year-old first-time buyer, purchased a 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid. The final price of the car was significantly higher than the typical mid-$30K range for this model, leading many to question the dealership's tactics.
One such concern revolves around the alarm system on the RAV4 SE Hybrid. Contrary to what the dealership claimed, it is not standard that the vehicle lacks an alarm. Common understanding and online discussions indicate that the RAV4 SE Hybrid typically comes with a factory-installed alarm system that includes an immobilizer for theft deterrence.
In Shawna's daughter's case, the dealership claimed the alarm was an add-on costing $1,500 and conditioned adding it on buying extra service packages. However, this seems more like a pressure tactic rather than accurate information about the standard equipment of the RAV4 SE Hybrid.
Salespeople are often incentivized to add markups, warranties, and overpriced accessories. Many buyers, especially first-time or younger buyers, report feeling pressured to accept these products despite initially declining them.
If a buyer feels misled or pressured, it's important to walk away from a deal. Mark Uhart, a member of the group, advised Shawna to check with her state's Consumer Protection Division as many states offer a cooling-off period for extended warranties or add-ons sold at the time of vehicle purchase.
Trims matter too. Models like the XLE or XSE may provide more sound insulation, better tech, and improved resale. Thomas Malkin, another member of the group, suggested that the dealership may have overcharged Shawna's daughter and that the RAV4 SE may not have been the best value, as the XLE or XSE models could offer better value for the same price.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid does come equipped with anti-theft features, including an engine immobilizer and a remote anti-theft alarm system. Dealer add-ons, such as overpriced alarms, paint protection, and warranties, should be questioned and negotiated.
Stories like Shawna's expose the need for transparency and trust in the car buying industry. If you've had a similar experience, there's a community of people who can offer support and advice. It's crucial for first-time buyers to go in armed with information and support.
[1] Official Toyota documentation was not found to support or refute the claims made in this article. However, the buyer community experience and the known practice of factory-equipped theft deterrents on modern vehicles strongly support the conclusion that the RAV4 SE Hybrid generally comes with a standard alarm system.
[2] Source: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Facebook group discussions.
- Salespeople in the car industry, including finance and business professionals, often use pressure tactics to sell extended warranties, add-ons, and overpriced accessories, which are common in the personal-finance aspect of the automotive business.
- When it comes to technology and social media, online discussions indicate that the Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid comes with a factory-installed anti-theft system, including an immobilizer and a remote anti-theft alarm system, contrary to the claims of some dealerships.
- Dealer add-ons, such as overpriced alarms, paint protection, and warranties, are not uncommon in the banking-and-insurance sector of the car industry and should be questioned and negotiated by buyers to avoid any misleading information.
- In the entertainment and media industry, stories like Shawna's can help shed light on the need for transparency and trust in the car buying industry, providing valuable information for first-time buyers who are navigating the car market armed with support and advice from online communities.
