New car buying experience

[bear4]

I got 2 toyota echos and was on this site for quite some time now. I was looking into a new 2011 yaris for several months now and finally this last weekend was ready to purchase. Went to the local toyota dealer in Florida and test drove 2011 white sedan. Liked it a lot and made an offer of $15,000.00. The salesman came back with $20,100.00 offer which was shocking. And I was going to pay cash! They won't come down from this price so I walked away.

Researched online and found 2010 Yaris at the dealer in GA that was about 5 hours away. Called them and made a preliminary deal for $15,700.00. Drove up there the next morning (it was on Sunday), but when I got there they could not find the yaris we talked about! All other yarii were 2011 and more expensive. While looking for that yaris the salesperson suggested to test drive 2010 Corolla LE. I really liked it - very smooth and quiet ride, cruise control, everything power, 1.8 dual vvt-i engine... My scangauge showed 38 mpg on the freeway at 70 mph. Got back on the lot and they still could not find the yaris. They offered me $15,800.00 for the corolla and I counteroffered $15,300.00. They accepted my offer and I signed the check. Drove the corolla back to FL for 5 hrs and was very impressed with how smooth and quiet it is on the freeway.