Unfortunately, we have a lot of experience buying new cars and using CCC. Ultimately, it depends on the vehicle in question. If it's a entry level/less expensive model with limited options, the markup on these vehicles tend to be quite minimal, in which case CCC will likely not save you thousands of dollars. The same may apply to vehicles that are in high demand, or on limited release..unless the dealership or salesperson is desperate for numbers.
For example, a 2013 FR-S is listed (with $1495 freight) with no options at $27,895. The wholesale price as per CCC on the same vehicle is only around $1500 at $26,399. The 'recommendation' is to take the wholesale price and add a fair dealer markup/profit (recommended by CCC between 3-6%), minus any factory incentives, and go from there. Also do not be surprised if there are additional fees (e.g. admin) that the dealers will throw into the final price. We have never had difficulty having them omit these fees from the final price.
From our experience, CCC has been extremely beneficial to us. We have used it as a negotiating tool on our past 4 vehicle purchases and have given the remaining reports to my co-workers. The discount has been anywhere between cost, to cost + 3% for us. If you are from out of town and have no vehicle to trade in, I have even negotiated over the phone with CCC. If you can wait till month end or year-end, we have found dealerships to be even more motivated to work with you and negotiate.
To save yourself the $40, it may be worthwhile to see if somebody on here has remaining reports that they can spare?
Not sure which Toyota dealership you are planning to deal with; we have purchased Toyota's through Country Hills, High River (over the phone with a trade in), Charlesglen, and South Pointe. I'd highly recommend High River.
Good luck!
Last edited by carzcraz; 07-01-2014 at 07:06 PM.
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