Julie, what happened was this: I was actually shopping for an SUV and was at the dealership test driving yet another one when my husband suggested I test drive the Camry. I relented and liked it. The next day after research, the salesperson wrote up the numbers and I signed and talked to Finance and was good to go. When I got home, I did an online search to send a link to a family member and lo and behold, the online price was $3000 less. I called and they (amazingly) apologized and rewrote the agreement - claiming an error was made by the internet team. If I had searched on line while I was originally sitting in front of the salesperson, I would've have found it. I was just lucky I wanted to share my purchase with my sister!
Julie, a couple of thoughts from my new car purchase in 2025.
Check the online price the dealership is offering after you get a price from the salesperson. I saved $3000.
My 2025 Camry XLE came with cheap tires that need replacing after only 18,000 miles. The prognosis? "cupping" - and that's not covered under the Bridgestone warranty, and definitely not covered by Toyota.
Finance person forced me to buy Protection Plus (a security sticker on window) for $286; he said it was not optional. I had to call the attorney general's office to get my money back.
Be sure to book an appointment every fall with a SHIP counselor to evaluate your Medicare plans! So far, this federal program, which is administered at the state level, is still funded.
Comments
Julie, what happened was this: I was actually shopping for an SUV and was at the dealership test driving yet another one when my husband suggested I test drive the Camry. I relented and liked it. The next day after research, the salesperson wrote up the numbers and I signed and talked to Finance and was good to go. When I got home, I did an online search to send a link to a family member and lo and behold, the online price was $3000 less. I called and they (amazingly) apologized and rewrote the agreement - claiming an error was made by the internet team. If I had searched on line while I was originally sitting in front of the salesperson, I would've have found it. I was just lucky I wanted to share my purchase with my sister!
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 25, 2026
Many libraries offer access to Consumer Reports too. Good idea!
Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 22, 2026
Julie, a couple of thoughts from my new car purchase in 2025.
- Check the online price the dealership is offering after you get a price from the salesperson. I saved $3000.
- My 2025 Camry XLE came with cheap tires that need replacing after only 18,000 miles. The prognosis? "cupping" - and that's not covered under the Bridgestone warranty, and definitely not covered by Toyota.
- Finance person forced me to buy Protection Plus (a security sticker on window) for $286; he said it was not optional. I had to call the attorney general's office to get my money back.
Good luck!Post: Buying a car in retirement
Link to comment from July 22, 2026
Be sure to book an appointment every fall with a SHIP counselor to evaluate your Medicare plans! So far, this federal program, which is administered at the state level, is still funded.
Post: My Social Security IRR
Link to comment from January 24, 2026
Olin, may I suggest trying the Accessibility features on your device to have it “speak” ebooks to you?
Post: Talking My Book
Link to comment from April 6, 2024
Too easy: Buy low, sell high.
Post: What’s your favorite financial quote?
Link to comment from April 15, 2023