Dealer Persuades 20-Year-Old Buyer to Purchase 2025 RAV4 Hybrid SE and Extended Service Agreement for $43,640 Despite Reiterated Refusals
In the world of car buying, it's essential to be well-informed and vigilant. A recent case involving the purchase of a 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence.
Shawna Lammers, a concerned parent, shared her daughter's experience of purchasing a 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid on a Facebook group. She expressed worries about dealership pressure tactics, which led to the purchase of an extended service agreement and top-tier warranty, as well as an offer to install an alarm system for an additional $1,500.
However, it's worth noting that the 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid comes equipped with anti-theft features, including an engine immobilizer and a remote anti-theft alarm system, as standard. The specific listing in the available search results does not explicitly confirm an alarm for the SE trim, but Toyota’s vehicles, in general, include such security systems as part of normal equipment.
Regarding the extended warranty, the value varies by owner preference. Extended warranties typically offer additional coverage beyond the standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. While they can provide peace of mind for some owners, their necessity depends on factors like expected usage, reliability, and maintenance costs. Toyota vehicles are generally known for their reliability, so some owners may choose to skip extended coverage, while others may prefer it for longer-term protection.
It's essential to remember that salespeople are incentivized to add markups, warranties, and overpriced accessories. Be wary of dealer add-ons, such as overpriced alarms, paint protection, and warranties. If you've ever walked away from a car deal because something felt off, or regretted a decision made under pressure, your experiences are valuable to share.
Moreover, trims matter. Models like the XLE or XSE often provide more sound insulation, better tech, and improved resale. In this case, Thomas Malkin, another group member, mentioned that his 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid cost the same price, suggesting that the dealer might have been ripping off the buyer.
Lastly, it's worth noting that many states allow add-on cancellations within a short time window. If you find yourself in a similar situation, checking your state's Consumer Protection Division could be beneficial.
In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, Aram Krajekian, an automotive journalist, brings a fresh perspective to his coverage. His insights can help navigate the complexities of car buying, ensuring a smoother and more informed experience for all.
[1] Toyota USA - 2025 RAV4 SE Hybrid Warranty Information: https://www.toyota.com/rav4-hybrid/warranty/ [3] Toyota USA - 2025 RAV4 SE Hybrid Standard Features: https://www.toyota.com/rav4-hybrid/build-and-price/2025/SE/
- In the realm of personal-finance, careful planning and research are crucial, as evidenced by Shawna Lammers' cautionary tale about buying a 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid.
- Shawna's daughter experienced dealership pressure tactics, leading to additional expenditures such as an extended service agreement, top-tier warranty, and a $1,500 alarm system.
- Interestingly, standard security systems, like an engine immobilizer and remote anti-theft alarm system, are already incorporated in Toyota's 2025 RAV4 SE Hybrid vehicles.
- Whether or not to invest in extended warranties is a matter of personal preference, but they can offer extra coverage beyond the standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.
- Salespeople may try to upsell various add-ons, like expensive alarms, paint protection, and warranties, so it's important to stay vigilant and question such dealer add-ons.
- Car enthusiasts might find it beneficial to consider higher trims like the XLE or XSE, which often provide enhanced features such as better sound insulation, superior tech, and improved resale value.
- When faced with such situations, it's worth checking your state's Consumer Protection Division for potential options to cancel add-ons within a specified timeframe.
