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Buying your first brand-new car should be the kind of moment you look back on with pride. But for too many people, that moment gets clouded by second thoughts, unexpected costs, and a lingering feeling of being taken advantage of. And while scrolling through the “Toyota RAV4 Hybrid” Facebook group, I came across a post by Shawna Lammers that perfectly captured that tension. Shawna shared a story that’s becoming all too common among first-time buyers: her 20-year-old daughter, proud and independent, had just purchased a brand-new 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid entirely on her own. It should have been a celebratory moment. Instead, it became an expensive lesson in dealership pressure tactics.
In her words: “Looking for advice. My 20 year old bought a 2025 RAV4 Hybrid SE yesterday all by herself. She wanted to keep the price on the lower end. They ended up talking her into buying the extended service agreement and the best warranty. She continuously told him no thank you but he got her to say yes after he told her that the vehicle doesn’t come with an alarm and that he will throw one in if she buys the plans. He said the alarm cost $1500. I thought that the RAV4 SE came standard with a car alarm that has an immobilizer? Does anyone know if the vehicle comes with an alarm or not?”
The final price, visible in the post’s attached photo, came out to a staggering $43,640.
Price Escalated Beyond Expectations
Let’s break that down. The MSRP of a 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid hovers around the mid-$30K range depending on region and dealer fees. Even with taxes, registration, and a few modest accessories, this price shouldn’t hit $44,000. So how did the cost balloon this high?
The answer lies in what so many new buyers face at dealerships: aggressive upselling, bundled extras, and pressure that’s cloaked in as friendly guidance. Shawna’s daughter was convinced that the car didn’t have an alarm system, which is a claim that has since drawn sharp scrutiny from group members.
The Truth About Alarms and Add-On Packages
Now I can’t say for certain what other type of alarm system the dealership was referring to, but it’s important to note that the 2025 Toyota RAV4 SE Hybrid does include anti-theft features from the factory. According to Edmunds, the SE trim comes equipped with both an engine immobilizer and a remote anti-theft alarm system as standard. And yet, the salesperson reportedly pitched the alarm as a paid add-on, valuing it at $1,500, and used it almost like a dangling carrot to convince a young buyer to tack on an extended service plan and a top-tier warranty she repeatedly declined. This doesn’t just seem misleading, but it also looks manipulative.
Now, to be fair, extended warranties and service plans do have their place in some ownership scenarios. They can be helpful for buyers planning to keep their car for 8-10 years, rack up high mileage, or who prefer peace of mind over the risk of unexpected repairs. But what’s important is that those choices are made voluntarily, and not under false pretenses.
Sadly, dealership pressure isn’t the only challenge some buyers face after driving off the lot. In fact, the broader RAV4 ownership experience has seen its share of disillusionment. One buyer, for example, put 1,000 miles on their new 2025 RAV4 XLE only to realize the overall experience wasn’t meeting expectations, leading them to consider trading it in.
Community Reactions and Shared Experiences
In the comments under Shawna’s post, many others chimed in with their own experiences, and the common thread was hard to ignore.
Mark Uhart was one of the first to respond: “You got snookered. All the RAV4 models come with an anti-theft alarm system. And the extended warranties are usually not worth it if you take care of your car. By law I believe you have thirty days from the date of sale to return it. Check with your state’s Consumer Protection Division.”
His advice is crucial. Many states offer a cooling-off period for extended warranties or add-ons sold at the time of vehicle purchase. It’s not always easy to undo a rushed signature, but it might still be possible.
Then came Thomas Malkin’s comment, which added an even sharper contrast: “We just purchased a Rav4 XLE Premium Hybrid for the same price. They are ripping you off! No Toyota comes with a car alarm that I am aware of. I’ve owned several and never heard of that. They do have a red flashing LED that comes on when you lock the doors but it is just for show. I wouldn’t advise anyone to purchase any Toyota that isn’t at least an X model. (XLE or XSE) There is more sound proofing in these trim models so they are much quieter on the road… Non ‘X’ Models are noisy. That dealer has ripped you off.”
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Thomas brings up a valid point that goes beyond price. While Shawna’s daughter walked away with an SE, the value proposition might have been far better in an XLE or XSE considering the final cost. These models are routinely reviewed as top-tier offerings, balancing hybrid efficiency with comfort and features.
Another comment, from Gina-Marie Cissell Clark, shared an inspiring story of taking back control: “She can take it off! My husband signed papers without me once and added a $3600 warranty. I made him go take it off. The finance guy wasn’t happy but neither was I.”
This should be a motivator for Shawna’s daughter and others in similar positions. Just because something was added doesn’t mean it can’t be reversed. Especially if the buyer didn’t fully consent or felt misled.
A System Built for Upselling?
These experiences bring up a critical point: the car buying process in the U.S. is still filled pressure tactics. While Toyota, as a brand, often stands behind reliability, the dealership network operates on its own playbook sometimes. Salespeople are incentivized to add markups, warranties, and overpriced accessories. And for first-time buyers, it’s easy to fall for it. Add to that the noise around overpriced dealership accessories and the picture becomes even clearer. The upsell culture is real and it’s thriving in dealerships across the country.
I think stories like Shawna’s matter more than we realize. They go beyond one young woman buying her first car. They expose the soft spots in an industry that should be about transparency and trust, not confusion and pressure. When a buyer clearly says “no” multiple times and ends up with a yes after a fear-based pitch, that’s not informed decision-making.
What stands out to me is how often this happens to people just starting out. Younger buyers can become targets simply because they’re seen as easier to sway. And when the final price is pushing $44,000 for a car that starts in the mid-30s, something is wrong.
I don’t think every dealership is out to get you. But I do think every buyer, especially first-timers, need to go in armed with information and support. Ask about every fee, get everything in writing, and if something doesn’t sit right, walk away. And although Shawna’s daughter did sign the papers and it was her responsibility to review everything, that doesn’t automatically mean the tactics used to sway her were ethical or fair.
She was navigating a high-pressure situation without the benefit of experience, and like many first-time buyers, she was likely relying on the assumption that what the salesperson was telling her was accurate and honest. There will always be another deal. But you don’t get to always undo being talked into a bad deal.
Key Takeaways and Lessons
- Every RAV4 Hybrid Comes with Basic Anti-Theft Features: Don’t let a salesperson convince you otherwise. Toyota includes an immobilizer and alarm system in the SE trim.
- Extended Warranties Are Optional, Not Required: They may benefit high-mileage owners or long-term planners, but they’re not worth it for everyone. That’s especially true when tacked on under pressure.
- Be Wary of Dealer Add-Ons: Whether it’s an overpriced alarm, paint protection, or warranties, always ask for the itemized cost. You can almost always negotiate or remove them.
- You Might Still Have Time to Cancel: Many states allow add-on cancellations within a short time window.
- Trims Matter: If you’re paying a premium price, make sure you’re getting premium value. Models like the XLE or XSE often provide more sound insulation, better tech, and improved resale.
- You’re Not Alone: If this has happened to you, there’s a whole community of people who’ve been there. Learn from their stories, like this buyer who found themselves disillusioned with their RAV4 Hybrid experience.
It’s Time for What You Have to Say
Have you ever walked away from a car deal because something felt off? Or did you end up regretting a decision made under pressure?
And has a dealership ever talk you into something you later realized you didn’t need?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Toyota’s gallery.
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Source: torquenews.com
