Buying a car can be a fraught process. Aside from the fact it’s a major financial commitment, it’s also just a major commitment, period. Like entering into a relationship with a partner who, on the surface, doesn’t give much back. How do you know you’re compatible after just one date? Is there more to life than just being really good-looking? And if so, what environmental and safety features need to be considered?
And then, time. In today’s pressured world, who wants to spend their precious weekends running around various car yards ensnared in trust issues with various salespeople?
Enter Toyota’s Drive Happy program, designed to remove all these pain points from the process. What exactly is ‘Drive Happy’? We break down the key things you need to know.
1. No haggling
There’s no negotiating with Drive Happy. There’s just one price, guaranteed, at all Toyota Stores throughout the country . This takes many gendered stereotypes out of the equation. A woman shopping on her own need not worry about being spoken down to, or taken advantage of, and a man need not brace himself for an antiquated negotiation process. A haggle-free purchase program also works for the elderly and vulnerable. Everyone should feel safe, and happy, when making a major commitment like a new car purchase. Drive Happy promises this to be the case. The pre-set prices also include on-road costs, so there are no hidden extras or unpleasant surprises once you’re ready to take the plunge.
2. No impulse buys
Toyota Stores only have demonstrator vehicles on on the lot, enabling potential buyers to view and test drive, and if necessary drive home to test for the weekend. This alleviates the potential for impulse buys brought upon by sales people pressured to get ageing vehicles off their yard, and makes for a much happier, more authentic relationship between the salesperson and you, the buyer. It also takes the impulse away. Toyota gives you the time you need to make the right decision when making that important purchase.
3. 7 day money back guarantee
If you change your mind about your new car, Toyota will take it back (depending, of course, that it’s still in new condition and done less than 500 kms. You may not purchase the amazing GR Yaris to drive to your high school reunion in Hamilton for the weekend, with the intention of returning it afterwards!)
4. ‘Drive Away Value’ is included up front with all new cars
When you’re ready to commit to your new Toyota car, you do so knowing it comes with on-road costs and the Toyota Care Service Advantage. This basically means for five years, assuming you keep up your service schedule, your car has a warranty, WOF, capped price servicing and roadside assistance, guaranteed.
5. Start your research at home
Knowledge is power, and Toyota.co.nz has knowledge in spades. The website has been designed to let the car buying process begin at home, for those who are interested. It’s a simple process of selecting the car best suited to your needs, seeing what colours it’s available in, viewing the interior options and perusing any available add ons. And as Toyota Stores don’t carry stock, wherever you go for your test drive will be able to order in your custom creation.
This content was created in paid partnership with Toyota.
