We're seriously considering purchasing a new Corolla soon. I know that sedans are in HIGH demand right now so can anyone comment on how much dealers are offering off the sticker price these days? Can we expect a lower-than-sticker price when we go to the dealership? Thanks!

Seems like I got 800 or 900 off the LE base model sticker with no add ons or extras. I dont remember exactly because I needed a car bad at the time (company vehicle taken away because they said gas was too high) and corolla was the best MPG and price for what I got at the time.

I did get mine in AL and the dealer was having a hard time moving vehicles due to the area economy. I have heard some dealers won't budge in our area.

If it helps, I bought a 2009 Corolla CE yesterday with a standard transmission for $13,938.00

A pretty darn good price if I do say so myself. Well below MSRP, and it appears to be below what is published as invoice...

I agree that the prices are going to be less negotiable as the gas price goes up...

I wasn't in a hurry, but figured I should buy now while my trade was still worth something... I had a 2004 CRV with 103K on it. The mileage was decent, and I could probably drive it another 2 years... But the mileage with the Corolla will be at least 1/3 better and I was able to negotiate a good price on my trade...

Hi all,

I would highly recommend speaking ONLY to the fleet/internet people at your local dealership. Tell them
you're shopping around on the web for the best deal and they will be much more motivated to treat you
right price-wise. I just bought my '09 XRS just a couple of weeks ago and paid invoice. The dealer showed
me the paperwork and it showed the invoice price and $399 in hold-back. They did tell me that they would
NOT touch the holdback. So in essence they made just $399 on my car. I was quite happy with the deal
they offered so I told them to "write it up!". Sticker price was not even mentioned. Edmunds.com has a
"configure with options" tool that will give you the invoice price on a configured car. I recommend using
it prior to visiting the dealer. The more savvy you come across (not cocky) the better you will be treated.
Be nice and let them know that you are well informed. Tell them you have friends who you will refer to
them if they treat you right, that helps too. Good luck.

09XRS-Guy

Edmunds configurator can be tricky. You need to click the info tab and read the details.

And with Toyotas no site, including mine, shows only the configurations available in your region. Toyota and Lexus models are tricky this way. In some cases an overpriced "accessory package" with floormats and such will be required to get other options.

Also, be aware that dealers get various sales and CSI bonuses. They won't be relying entirely on the holdback to pay the bills on a car sold at invoice.

But they do have to pay bills--it costs money to sell cars.

My configurator, which is much easier than most is here (with the above caveat):

Car prices and price comparisons

To answer the original question, I'm surprised dealers are discounting the Corolla as much as they seem to be. This will change if supplies run really short.

I got a XLS 09 Corolla for 2000 dollars off the sticker plus the 2.9 interst rate plus a 185 dollars gas card

I wouldnt expect a dealer to discount a Corolla much at all. Small cars are in high demand right now, so they have little reason to work with you on the price.
Personally, Ive never dealt with a Toyota dealer who was willing to go below sticker price.

They must read you as someone who'll pay sticker.

Here in Michigan the dealers sell only models in short supply at or near sticker. Others sell at large discounts. The margins on Toyotas are much larger than those on competing cars.

Could be, but Im not. Ive walked away many times when they wouldnt deal. Thats mostly why Im driving an F-150 instead of a Tundra...

Maybe you tend to shop when a model is brand new? Initially dealers will try to charge sticker, and see if people will pay it.

They're certainly not charging MSRP for a Tundra now...

Not really. I bought my F-150 in '01 and back in '04 I tried to get a deal on a Tacoma and they wouldnt go below sticker.
Its like the dealers around here think that just because it has a Toyota emblem on it that you shouldnt try to haggle with them.
Thats one thing that has always annoyed me about buying a Toyota. Everyone thinks that just because it has a Toyota emblem on it that its worth big money.
In a year or 2 Im going to be in the market for a Yaris. Im going to request quotes from various dealers in my area and while Id prefer to pay as little as possible for it, if I end up paying sticker, so be it. I'll gladly pay more for something that I know is a quality vehicle.

I just got an '09 LE for 15,890.00 w/ cruise all power, vehicle stability control/traction. That was 800.00 below invoice. sticker was 18,250.00 That was at DarCars in Silver Spring,MD Mike Somerville was my salesman...he was top notch!