Updated - Buying a Small Hatch / SUV

SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 15:19
Last edited 22/05/2025 - 21:33

UPDATE: I've changed the heading; I'd originally asked about tips buying a Toyota Corolla and received many great tips and learned some things from chatting to dealers.

Thank you everybody :)

Toyota Corolla - Order Tips?
Does anyone have tips when buying from a Toyota dealership?

I'm wondering if there are any tips on getting value from:
- Toyota extras
- Toyota insurance

I've owned a Toyota Yaris since 2014.
I'm looking at a Toyota Corolla ZR; silver with black roof, red lining would be nice.

I want the rain shields for the windows, boot protector, maybe a boot liner. (I don't know if they have rubber floor mats)

The dealer said Toyota can install Blackvue dash cams, front and back, 2k or 4k, with $400 extra battery as a primary power source. (I presume there'd be a bit of a premium but it'd be covered by insurance in the event of damage in an accident)

Where I went, they said there's a 4 month wait time on orders placed with them.

I could pay for the car outright; I assume credit card usage should be at least partially possible and then I pay that off on time to get points without interest.
Someone once mentioned that finance sometimes has benefits.

I've heard of waiting till near the end of the month and especially near the end of the financial year and the sales people can usually go a bit better (tip from years ago)
I'm guessing if I do a trade-in, I assume I could drive my current car till the new one arrives.

Does anyone have any tips?

Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • zonra on 20/05/2025 - 15:35
    +8

    assume credit card usage should be at least partially possible and then I pay that off on time to get points without interest.

    You’d be hit with transaction fees that make earning points, well, pointless.

    I'm guessing if I do a trade-in, I assume I could drive my current car till the new one arrives.

    Generally yes, you normally hand in your car when picking up the new one.

    The dealer said Toyota can install Blackvue dash cams, front and back

    It’s almost always cheaper to have tinting, surface protection and dashcams done outside of dealership. Dealership will most likely outsource these services and add their mark up.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 15:45
      +1

      Thanks Zonra,
      I've heard the last part before. I think tinting's included in the ZR.

      Surface protection, I'll have to check the prices from elsewhere before hand. Thanks

      Dash cams, I'll make sure to check the prices from elsewhere before hand, thanks.
      Note: Insurance will only cover cover dash cams installed by the dealer (I have to double check this).
      I lost one dash cam so far, so I'm mulling over paying the extra to get it dealer installed.

      • JimB on 20/05/2025 - 15:50
        +1

        How are you losing dash cams?

        • MS Paint on 20/05/2025 - 15:53
          +1

          OP could download the footage to find out.

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 15:57

          Driver drove into the back of the car.

          After the hit, the Viofo footage sometimes showed flickering, the defaults are sometimes wrong (eg microphone being on), the buttons don't respond (eg turning off microphone usage), the image on screen stays on and is stuck at some point during my journey instead of streaming what is going on real time then turning off after a bit etc

          So, maybe the device got shaken up? Something could be loose or wiring could be snapped.

      • geekcohen on 20/05/2025 - 15:58

        Note: Insurance will only cover cover dash cams installed by the dealer (I have to double check this).

        What insurance company provides a discount if Dash Cam is installed? I haven't found any and none that even discount for a GPS tracker.

        Are they also honestly going to check? Do they need some sort of certificate?

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 15:59

          I'm talking about the dash cam got broken in the accident. It wasn't covered because the insurance called it a modification.

          • geekcohen on 20/05/2025 - 16:14
            +1

            @SomeGuyOnOzB: Ah right, I misread.

          • spackbace on 20/05/2025 - 16:20
            +3

            @SomeGuyOnOzB: It would've been an undeclared accessory. You hadn't separately declared it was on the car.

            Whether you have the dealer install it, or you install it, if you can't prove it was in the car they won't pay for it

            • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 16:25

              @spackbace: If the dealer installs it, then I have the receipt?
              I have the footage from the camera which proved it was in the car, but they told me it came under "modifications" to the vehicle. They did say I was insured for personal effects but it did not come under that. Maybe my RACV insurance is worded differently

              I have to check if RACV calls it a modification if the dealer installs it

          • LFO on 21/05/2025 - 10:12

            @SomeGuyOnOzB: Wouldn't any future insurance claim (dealer installed broken dash cam) imply paying the excess??
            Is it worth it?

    • JimB on 20/05/2025 - 15:49
      +3

      Agree on all points.

      Some dealers will accept a 5% deposit via credit card without a surcharge but you hear idiots online spruiking to pay the whole lot on credit card.

      To be honest most people who why a car like a corolla will be better off with an EV under a novated lease.

      Went to the Toyota website, Jesus Christ- $43,285 driveaway for a Toyota Corolla ZR. What a rip off.

      • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 15:54
        -5

        Do EV batteries last a long while? I'd heard some people claiming that their EV's batteries died < 5 years and then they were told it was more expensive to get a new EV battery than buying a new car.

        I'm not familiar with a novated lease.

        Also, I sometimes go on long drives on the weekend (eg 4 hours each way), so I'm thinking a pure EV would require a lot of charging time.

        I'm hoping the ZR will last 10 years +

        • MS Paint on 20/05/2025 - 15:59
          +8

          I'd heard some people claiming that their EV's batteries died < 5 years and then they were told it was more expensive to get a new EV battery than buying a new car.

          I'm calling bulltish on this. Warranty is typically 7 to 10 years on batteries.

          • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 16:03
            -2

            @MS Paint: So what does happen if your battery dies at 7 years?

            Can you get a new battery installed at an economical price? An article I read said that some EV cars were ending up in landfill because people ended up buying a new car when the battery died. Then I'd spoken with a couple of people who said they bought a new car because it wasn't going to be worth installing a new battery.

            • MS Paint on 20/05/2025 - 16:09
              +6

              @SomeGuyOnOzB: At 7 to 10 years it's likely to be uneconomical to replace the battery just like for some 10yo cars it's uneconomical to replace the engine with a new one.

              Plenty of EVs around the 7 year mark with healthy batteries still so it was more scaremongering and fear of the unknown.

        • JimB on 20/05/2025 - 16:07
          +6

          EV battery warranties are usually 8 years (guaranteed to retain 70% capacity). Realistically it will last much longer. e.g. last 20 years.

          Frankly the people who claim their EV battery died <5 are full of shit. Maybe it did, but it would be under warranty. Petrol engines have been known to break down at 3 years too, however they are covered under warranty.

          Fully charge it before your 4 hour drive, a 15min top up at your destination will get you back home.

          The ZR being a Toyota will last 20 years easy. Most EVs sold today will also last 20 years.

          If you're working, a EV with a novated lease makes more sense than buying a $43k small car outright.

          • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 16:10

            @JimB: Ah, no, I'm self employed. But thank you for the tip that novated leases would be better.

            Thanks it's good to know a rechargeable EV can hold enough to drive 7 hours+ . I'm new to the whole EV thing

            I guess the <5 years thing might've been poor luck for those people but like you said, if they had a 7 year warranty back in the day, then they should've been able to get it replaced.

            • oscargamer on 20/05/2025 - 16:14

              @SomeGuyOnOzB: Not at 100kph

              • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 16:16

                @oscargamer: Don't the EV batteries like helping to sustain100kph speed?

                I work from home, so limited driving during the week, then often a drive on the weekend to the city (1 - 2 hours each way) or much further out (3 - 4 hours each way).

                • MS Paint on 20/05/2025 - 16:26
                  +2

                  @SomeGuyOnOzB: EV range is severely degraded on long flat drives as there is no battery regeneration from braking and the drag at highway speeds.

                  • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 16:35

                    @MS Paint: Thanks; interesting (I don't know much about EVs nor almost anything on how to best drive them)

                • Psdsoft on 21/05/2025 - 13:31

                  @SomeGuyOnOzB: Better to talk distance than time. Ev doesn’t use power just because it’s on, only when it’s moving does it use real power. After 2-3 hours drive a nice cup of coffee gives time to get some more power on board. No need to think in terms of ‘full tank’. You do not run your car dry before putting in petrol.

            • JimB on 21/05/2025 - 10:47
              +1

              @SomeGuyOnOzB: I didn't say an EV can hold enough to drive 7 hours+ but did say you can drive 4 hours and back with a top up inbetween.

              I don't own an EV but lots of people talk shit about EV because they are anti-EV for whatever reason.

              No one who has purchased a new EV has had to pay for a replacement battery within 5 years of purchase.

              The same people are likely spout lies and bullshit about other things too.

      • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 16:09

        @JimB I re-read what you said and realised yes, it applies to the Corolla ZR, being an EV.

  • jv on 20/05/2025 - 16:11
    +1

    Order Tips?

    I never tip unless the service is exemplary…

  • AndyC1 on 20/05/2025 - 20:03
    +1

    Tips:
    1) Do not pay up front.
    2) The rain shields suck compared to the ones from 15 yeas ago.
    3) Google the extras and especially SCA for teh boot stuff
    4) Get floor matts where the driver matt has rubber under the places wher you rest / use your feet as the Toyota one I got in the last Corolla sucked, but the one before that was great.

    Make sure there is a penalty for late delivery, like $20 per week or a free service if it is late.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 23:34

      Thanks AndyC1

      1) I guess, try to set it up so they don't get the majority till after it arrives and is what I want
      2) Oh, that doesn't sound good
      3) I guess boot liner wouldn't have to be Toyota
      4) thank you for the suggestion on floor mats

      Penalty for late delivery sounds good

  • Muppet Detector on 20/05/2025 - 20:22

    Do you need seat covers?

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 20/05/2025 - 23:49

      If I get the surface protection done somewhere, I think I don't need the seat covers (plus I haven't checked yet, I remember there was a reason for not covering Toyota Yaris seats but cannot remember why)

  • tabitha731 on 21/05/2025 - 09:06
    +1

    i ordered my Corolla 2 years ago & had to wait 8 months for it.. you won't get any bargaining aspects, as its all flat pricing now, no dealership can offer a better price than another & you all have to wait in the queue to get your car made.. its not like the old days when there was plenty of cars waiting to be sold.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 21/05/2025 - 10:29

      ah, thanks; it is very different.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 21/05/2025 - 11:39

      You've saved me time checking if I can get a pre-order faster through a different dealership.

  • Euphemistic on 21/05/2025 - 10:14

    Make sure you get the paint protection and tint from the dealer. That wy you get to soend more time with the ming mole.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 21/05/2025 - 10:31

      Googled ming mole; learned a new word

  • Yonaton on 21/05/2025 - 10:27
    +2

    Also if you don't like to negotiate with dealership, try Motor Scout. I used them recently, its free and fast, they work to get you quotes and do the negotiation on your behalf, and most of the time can get you a better discount.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 21/05/2025 - 10:32

      Thanks; I'll have a look at them

  • JimB on 21/05/2025 - 10:59
    +1

    I use to like Toyota for what they offered.

    Cheap reliable cars but boring to drive so I never bought one back then.

    Now they are still reliable^ but now very expensive for what you get. At least they are better to drive these days. But would not recommend a Corolla (other than GR) or RAV4 which are their biggest sellers, due to the high price they charge.

    Their range of sports cars and hot hatches are fantastic these days.

    Toyota made terrible cars to drive from the 90s to until 2020's. Stock Mk4 Supra was nothing to write home about.

    Recently purchased a secondhand GR86. I'd get a GR Corolla if I needed 5 seats.

    ^ GR Supra long term reliability is questionable.

    • SomeGuyOnOzB on 21/05/2025 - 11:22

      Thanks for the suggestions. I like your car but I'm not a GR driver.

      When I go on drives on the weekend, it's to an event, rather than being just for the pure of driving.
      Then the the GR is nearly twice the price of the ZR.

      I know people say the Corolla has gone up in price but unfortunately, all of them have around that size.

      • JimB on 21/05/2025 - 11:40
        +1

        If you're looking for a non-EV hatch, I think it would be a good idea to at least test drive the Mazda 3 G25 Evolve SP. You can negotiate too unlike Toyota.

        If you're going to events, the current Corolla hatch has a tiny boot.

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 21/05/2025 - 11:52

          Thanks for the suggestion; checking it now

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 21/05/2025 - 14:45

          CX-30 is a definite contender for my next car; many thanks

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 22/05/2025 - 21:37
          +1

          @JimB Thanks so much!

          JimB -> Youtube Videos -> Toyota, Mazda and Hyundai contender list -> test drives -> Mazda CX 30

          Thank you so, so, so much for the suggestion. Such a nice car and yes, and with the driving tech I like :D

          • JimB on 23/05/2025 - 00:36

            @SomeGuyOnOzB: Go for a test drive of all the cars

            In the end you may like the Corolla the most but at least you will know which car suits you best

  • 82norm on 21/05/2025 - 14:59
    +1

    Privacy tint, but not UV.

  • Jono05 on 21/05/2025 - 20:21
    +2

    I’ve had my Corolla ZR hatch for 3.5 months now. It was a 5 month wait for me (was told 6 months). Great car to drive. Fuel economy is less than 5L/ 100km. Don’t regret it for a minute.
    Good luck getting a discount. There’s a waiting list for these cars so dealers don’t need to offer a discount. You can always ask for a discount on accessories. I got a discount for the window tint and the boot liner.

  • 82norm on 22/05/2025 - 15:49
    +1

    Toyota have an online merchandise store. See if they can throw in a golf umbrella or drink bottle, etc.

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