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Thinking of buying a C-HR in California...

2024 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  lewisrassel
Hello all!

My wife and I live in Northern California (in the Silicon Valley/San Francisco Bay Area). She really likes the Toyota C-HR as a replacement for her Ford Escape. However, I've noticed that the local dealerships are largely out-of-inventory AND they keep listing the prices well above MSRP (for both new and used C-HR inventory). I've even seen a 2019 C-HR XLE with over 33,000 miles selling at a dealership for over $30K.

I'm interested in either the 2022 XLE or the Nightshade Edition.
What can I expect in terms of the final cost?

In the past, I usually try to get the price down to as close to the listed inventory price as possible. I've been told by some friends who worked in dealerships that a vehicle that sells $200 over inventory is (usually) still a profit for the dealership. However, for each inquiry that I make, the local dealerships keep quoting the MSRP plus add-ons (such as "Eco Block" -- which seems to be a ridiculously overpriced "add on" made mandatory by some local dealerships).

Just today, a local dealership quoted me a final drive-off-the-lot price of $28,500 for a gray XLE. He emailed the quote to me and then called to follow up. When I told him that I wasn't interested in paying MSRP -- let alone add-ons like Eco Block -- the dealership guy laughed. He assured me that I will pay higher than MSRP in "today's economy."

I know that there is a global chip shortage. I know that inflation is terrible. Yet, I'd rather not buy a car than overpay for one. My sister-in-law recently purchased a brand new Subaru Forester and got a great deal -- near invoice and with 0% APR for 60 months. It seems reasonable that other dealers might do the same.

So, what is a truly good price for a 2022 C-HR XLE or Nightshade?

Also: Has anyone ever bought a C-HR through the Costco Auto Program? I like the idea of no-hassle auto purchases.

Thanks in advance for any help that you can offer!
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"Today's Economy" may change tomorrow. I purchased my C-HR in 2020 at or slightly under MSRP with 0% APR for 60 months. PS. I don't even know what "Eco Block" is.
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"Today's Economy" may change tomorrow. I purchased my C-HR in 2020 at or slightly under MSRP with 0% APR for 60 months. PS. I don't even know what "Eco Block" is.
Thanks for the reply. That is comforting. I might put off a serious consideration until I learn about the Memorial Day sales as well as any info about 2023 models due this fall. I just find it strange that some of the dealers around here are adding features -- like third party "Eco Block."

BTW, "Eco Block" is a wax-like coating to the paint to serve as a "paint sealer." I learned that some dealerships get it added in bulk to their entire fleet relatively cheaply and then consider it an added "accessory." While it may be a decent option (if it actually worked -- which is debatable), it might not be worth an additional $1,250 onto your price (especially if the dealer paid less than $50 to have a third party apply it).

I noticed that one Toyota dealership in the Bay Area had it listed on the price of every vehicle that we saw on the lot.
Hey FrmDaLeftCoast, I wanted to add one last thing: Your car looks amazing!
first question, how many dealerships do you have in the area? I had 1, so I didn't have a choice, so a new 2021 XLE was 30k with tax etc. sounds like you got a dealer that won't work with you, go to the next one. while it is true that everyone is adding "market adjustments" to the price of the car, that doesn't mean you have to pay it....keep looking.

I haven't looked into the Costco program, Sam's has a similar program, so it may be worth checking out before going all-in at a dealership.

Knowing the climate, I went in with a monthly price I felt comfortable with paying and went from there...I actually got a lower payment per month so I'm okay with the rigamarole I went through...

Now DELIVERY TIMES...that's another story! Good luck and when you finally get one, enjoy it for what it is...it's no F1 race car that's for sure...but it does handle great so your mountainous rides in northern CA will be lots of fun!
I'd never buy a car based on a monthly payment figure. That's what the sales people are counting on. You always always negotiate the out the total out the door price.

I didn't plan on buying my 2019 LE the night I was checking the car out. But ended up negotiating an out the door price of $20,700. But this was 3 years ago before the nutty car market we're in now.
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Hello all!

My wife and I live in Northern California (in the Silicon Valley/San Francisco Bay Area). She really likes the Toyota C-HR as a replacement for her Ford Escape. However, I've noticed that the local dealerships are largely out-of-inventory AND they keep listing the prices well above MSRP (for both new and used C-HR inventory). I've even seen a 2019 C-HR XLE with over 33,000 miles selling at a dealership for over $30K.

I'm interested in either the 2022 XLE or the Nightshade Edition.
What can I expect in terms of the final cost?

In the past, I usually try to get the price down to as close to the listed inventory price as possible. I've been told by some friends who worked in dealerships that a vehicle that sells $200 over inventory is (usually) still a profit for the dealership. However, for each inquiry that I make, the local dealerships keep quoting the MSRP plus add-ons (such as "Eco Block" -- which seems to be a ridiculously overpriced "add on" made mandatory by some local dealerships).

Just today, a local dealership quoted me a final drive-off-the-lot price of $28,500 for a gray XLE. He emailed the quote to me and then called to follow up. When I told him that I wasn't interested in paying MSRP -- let alone add-ons like Eco Block -- the dealership guy laughed. He assured me that I will pay higher than MSRP in "today's economy."

I know that there is a global chip shortage. I know that inflation is terrible. Yet, I'd rather not buy a car than overpay for one. My sister-in-law recently purchased a brand new Subaru Forester and got a great deal -- near invoice and with 0% APR for 60 months. It seems reasonable that other dealers might do the same.

So, what is a truly good price for a 2022 C-HR XLE or Nightshade?

Also: Has anyone ever bought a C-HR through the Costco Auto Program? I like the idea of no-hassle auto purchases.

Thanks in advance for any help that you can offer!
I live in the bay area too. Not sure about the XLEs, but I bought my 2021 CHR a couple months ago for 27K out the door at a Vallejo Dealership. Because of the crazy market, this was one occasion where purchasing a brand new car was actually cheaper than purchasing a used one with over 20k miles on it. (Exactly $1150 cheaper.) They had none on the lot when I bought it, but they just happened to have one in transit from the port in LA. Had to wait 2 days, but totally worth it. It's a great litter car.

Best of luck on your hunt!

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I live in the bay area too. Not sure about the XLEs, but I bought my 2021 CHR a couple months ago for 27K out the door at a Vallejo Dealership. Because of the crazy market, this was one occasion where purchasing a brand new car was actually cheaper than purchasing a used one with over 20k miles on it. (Exactly $1150 cheaper.) They had none on the lot when I bought it, but they just happened to have one in transit from the port in LA. Had to wait 2 days, but totally worth it. It's a great litter car.

Best of luck on your hunt!
Thanks! Beautiful car, by the way!

As for used cars: This seems to be the norm right now. I've seen 2019 Toyota C-HR LE vehicles selling for the same price as a 2022 C-HR XLE MSRP. I suppose that it's due to the complete lack of inventory around the Bay Area. If they ever get any new models in Vallejo, I'll make the trip!
I got mine 26k otd with 60 mo 0% financing as well.

But what is eco block LOL
I got mine 26k otd with 60 mo 0% financing as well.

But what is eco block LOL
Nice.

Oh, and EcoBlock is some sort of after-market waxy semi-permanent paint sealant. Dealerships can buy it in bulk and apply it to their vehicles rather cheaply and then charge prospective customers big $$$ as an "add-on feature." I've read some good and bad reports about it. However, there is no way that it is worth $1,250 -- when you can essentially apply it yourself for roughly $40 and with one wash/wax in about 30 minutes.
It's one of those ceramic coat things? We apply that to our cars annually and me/friends are still on our 1st jug of $60 lol.

I heard they have a better one that also works in the interior, but those are only good if you get it right when you purchase the car. But yeah not 1k worth, maybe 3-400 to me.
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I paid $800 to get my 135i ceramic coated with Opticoat. It has a 3 year warranty on it and doesn't require annual re-application. I had an authorized detailer do mine. Part of that cost is prepping the paint of the car. The detailer did a full wash and then went through the entire car with a polisher to ensure most of the scratches were removed from the paint. He said he didn't have to do a full paint correction. I paid the amount as my car is 9 years old and was showing some signs of the wear and tear that comes with that age. The results are phenomenal. Because I don't daily my 135i anymore, I can keep this showroom condition look for a long time as the car is garaged kept with a car cover.
hey just happened to have one in transit from the port in LA. Had to wait 2 days, but totally worth it. It's a great litter car.




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