Just wanted to post about a positive experience in what seems to be a mass of less than stellar ones. We just finished purchase of a 2008 package 2 through Ackerman Toyota in St. Louis. We dealt with Rebecca, who is the internet sales person (if you call the "sales" number on their website, you get her), and her father, who is the sales manager. From our first conversation, Rebecca was very realistic about wait times - and we ended up beating her low estimate. We were very laid back about color, but wanted a package two. Ackerman ostensibly takes a $500 deposit, but Rebecca told us our card would not be charged, and it was not. We received prompt calls when we were allocated a car, and when it arrived. My one "pest" call (I'd forgotten I was on another list and before I passed on the car I got allocated from them, I wanted to make double-sure I had a car from Ackerman) was handled promptly and professionally by other staff when neither of my folks was in. We got our car at MSRP (not sure if they're charging a premium at this stage or not). The only add-ons were floor mats and the rear bumper applique, and I fully admit that I forgot to ask about not getting these things. Financing was a snap. No pressure on the extended warranty, just a simple pros and cons spiel that took all of two minutes, along with mention that we could buy it at any time prior to the expiration of the standard warranty, and didn't have to buy it through Ackerman. There was no mention of prepaid maintenance, rustproofing or any other silliness. We also got very fair value on our two trades. Overall an incredibly positive car buying experience.
