A car dealership promised $500 off to a couple for a Toyota Sienna online. Then in person? “MSRP only.” But the move soon backfired when the buyer pulled up the dealership’s own online quote and exposed their lie.
TikTok user Olivia and her husband Justin wanted to buy a Toyota Sienna and began searching for one online. The couple soon got an online quote from a dealership, showing a price $500 lower. But when they walked into the store, the sales staff insisted the vehicle was at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price only. “There’s no negotiating,” they said.
On top of it, the dealership bragged, “We pride ourselves on honesty, integrity. This is just the price you’re gonna get.” But the couple didn’t plan on going empty-handed that day. Justin clapped back, saying, “You told me when we first started that you value integrity and honesty. That’s not what I’m seeing right now.” When the salesperson looked confused, he immediately pulled up the online quote.
As soon as the couple pulled up the printout, the dealership’s story changed. The manager admitted the discount was a “mistake” by their internet sales rep. But rather than pushing back, he decided to honor it to keep that reputation intact. He sweetened the offer with an extra $200 “good faith” gesture. And with that, a $500 promise turned into $700. Maybe not the win the dealer expected.
The drama soon exploded on social media. In the shared TikTok video by @sylver.witch, the couple’s frustration was clear. “This morning, three things are true,” Olivia said in her video. “Car salesmen are liars, they don’t like being caught, and watching an Italian man get mad is hilarious,” she quipped. But she also felt bad for the rep.
“I think they got caught. If they really weren’t allowed to give that discount, then I feel bad for that poor rep.”
Comments poured in from former salespeople who revealed it’s a common tactic. While internet deals are real, everything can change once customers step into the showroom. Dealerships do this to protect margins or switch credit. They probably only claimed the online quote was a “mistake” to reassert control and quiet the blowback.
But the incident should warn all auto buyers. Dealership quotes aren’t always final until you sign paperwork. Thankfully, the couple captured it in writing and walked away with a better deal. Moral of the story? Always screenshot or print online quotes and demand they be incorporated into the contract. So, if a sales rep says one thing online but another in person, you have proof on your side.
