Hey everyone. First time Toyota owner, I just bought a 2009 Prius from a local Toyota dealership. While I was signing the papers they gave me a flyer for a new owners event at the dealership that is happening today. I am assuming that this is a "add on sales" sort of thing where they will be telling my how important it is that I go back to their dealership for repairs and what not. They did mention prizes and I was wondering if anyone knew if it was worth it to go to these things. Anyone have any experience here? Thanks!
You got it sales pitch to come back to the dealership for all parts and service. I went and took the free cleaning kit. Several other car dealership do the same. I always go and take the gifts.
I don't think this is a corporate Toyota strategy. I think some dealerships do this, some do not. Go if you want to go. Don't if you don't. Call and ask how long they normally last. I'm assuming they don't lock you in, and you are free to leave at any time. Saturn Dealerships used to do this. I thought it was a good marketing strategy. They'ed give you a sales pitch on keeping up with maintenance, maybe show you some basics about tire changing and checking the oil, air pressure. I thought it was a good way for the dealerships to try to initiate a longer term service relationship. You could probably miss it, and it wouldn't significantly impact your life or car ownership experience in any meaningful way. Depends on how desperate for entertainment and or how clueless you might be about some rudimentary things about your vehicle.
We took our dealership up on it. There was a slide show on the wonders of Toyota, introduction to service staff, some give-aways, a demo oil change, and a light buffet style dinner. Didn't really learn anything, but was sorta interesting, and kept us off the street
The dealer provided a certificate for a free oil change in the future for each customer that participated. It is to be used after the free Toyota maintenance is completed. Not a bad deal!! There were other door prizes as well
I went for the free Oil Change coupon, got a sandwich, Coke, and a info talk about the joys of having your car serviced at the dealership! Worth the free oil change!
Free dinner (probably pizza and/or sandwiches) Free coupon worth $x (enough for an oil change or good at Parts Dept.) Door prizes (hat, keychain, toy car) Chance to talk to some Service Dept people & check out the place. Chance to share wisdom with other Prius owners (mention site). Worth going to if convenient enough.
It was terrible I tell you, terrible. Several fights broke out and a couple of people were killed. I'll never go back.
Wow! I'd go if worthwhile prizes were offered. The Saturn one I attended with my Dad was just some crummy hotdogs, chips, a pop, and a few talks/demonstrations on basic auto stuff. Along with the implied threat that not keeping up with maintenance and/or going anyplace other than the dealership would result in the instant destruction of your vehicle and cancellation of the warranty. Nobody took home a television.
I went solely because they give you coupons for free oil changes and you have a chance of winning other prizes. Sometimes it's also a good time for some QA about your car. As an added bonus, Longo Toyota also did a live airbag deployment demo (airbag module was in a cage and they pressed a button to deploy it). It was loud...and scary, but cool to experience. But yes, it's mainly to tell you about their awesome service dept... still worth to go.
