Got a "near-exact" Grand Highlander arriving this week, but a competitor just offered $1,500 off. Do I try to leverage it or keep my mouth shut?
Hey everyone, looking for some strategic advice on a Toyota allocation situation.
I currently have a refundable deposit down at Dealer A for a 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid. It is a "near-exact" build of what I want. They just told me it's expected to arrive anytime between today and July 10th (so, literally this week). Up until now, the rep at Dealer A has been pretty cagey and has refused to give me an itemized breakdown, only providing a total Out-the-Door (OTD) number.
Out of nowhere, Dealer B reached out and sent me a formal, manager-approved proforma deal sheet. They are offering the identical build for a base sale price that is roughly $1,500 cheaper than what Dealer A is projecting.
The catch? Dealer B admitted that they don't actually have the car on the lot or in their immediate pipeline—it could be 2 to 4 months away while they wait for an allocation slot.
I know Toyota doesn't do custom orders and the allocation lottery is a gamble, so I am absolutely not giving up a guaranteed car arriving this week just to sit on a waiting list for 4 months to save $1,500. The car at Dealer A is the bird in the hand.
However, since Dealer A's rep is being so cagey with the final paperwork, I would like to use Dealer B’s quote as leverage to force total transparency and maybe get a discount or some thrown-in accessories.
My questions for the group:
Since Dealer B's quote doesn't have a VIN yet (because it's a future allocation request), will Dealer A just see right through it and call my bluff because they know they have the only physical car arriving?
Should I send Dealer B's itemized quote over this weekend to force Dealer A to show their line-by-line breakdown before the truck hits the lot, or wait until Dealer A finally gives me their official paperwork?
If Dealer A refuses to drop the hard cash price because the car is so hot, what are the chances I can get them to throw in dealer accessories (like the cargo lights or all-weather mats) to bridge that $1,500 value gap?
Appreciate any insight from anyone who has dealt with the Toyota allocation chess game recently!