Buying for Alaska

[KiaforMeA]

Hello! I apologize if this was answered previously - I didn't see anything.

My full time job is in Anchorage, Alaska but I split my time between homes there and Phoenix, Arizona. I just turned in my leased vehicle in Alaska and will be spending the winter in Arizona. I would like to buy a Telluride in the spring when I return.

There is only one dealer in Alaska and currently they are tacking on a $10K "regional adjustment" to their Tellurides. Many folks in Alaska buy in WA or OR and have the car shipped by boat. This will be a lot cheaper for me then paying the $10K "regional adjustment."

My question is: would it be better to wait and see what inventory there is in the spring in Seattle or should I order something from the factory knowing it will take 3-4 months (which would be fine timing wise)? Any recommended dealers in either OR or WA that I should work with? I can also buy in Phoenix and have it shipped, but it's cheaper from the Port of Tacoma. Has anyone else done this?

Thanks!

 

[jbarks0]

Hello! I apologize if this was answered previously - I didn't see anything.

My full time job is in Anchorage, Alaska but I split my time between homes there and Phoenix, Arizona. I just turned in my leased vehicle in Alaska and will be spending the winter in Arizona. I would like to buy a Telluride in the spring when I return.

There is only one dealer in Alaska and currently they are tacking on a $10K "regional adjustment" to their Tellurides. Many folks in Alaska buy in WA or OR and have the car shipped by boat. This will be a lot cheaper for me then paying the $10K "regional adjustment."

My question is: would it be better to wait and see what inventory there is in the spring in Seattle or should I order something from the factory knowing it will take 3-4 months (which would be fine timing wise)? Any recommended dealers in either OR or WA that I should work with? I can also buy in Phoenix and have it shipped, but it's cheaper from the Port of Tacoma. Has anyone else done this?

Thanks!

In my experience, it's better to put one on order rather than hoping one is available when you want it. We have been down to one car for 6 months now because we believed one would show up but one never did. Luckily we put in an order in July and it is supposed to arrive the first week of November.

I would put in an order with a reputable dealer selling at MSRP with a refundable deposit. If you find one in stock somewhere before your order arrives, you can ask for your refundable deposit back and move on with life. That's my suggestion.

I'm sure others will suggest some dealers in OR or WA but you could also check out the Good Dealers thread.

Good Dealer Dealings - List Your Good Dealer Experience

Let's allow our members and readers to SKIP the bad dealers and give their business to those dealers who've treated you RIGHT. Please take a moment to reply with your good experience so we can steer other buyers toward that dealership... BAD experiences go HERE.

tellurideforum.org

 

[KiaforMeA]

Thank you! I do see at least one dealer recommended in WA. I'll have to dig a little deeper. My hope is I can pull this all together with a minimum of hassle but there is the extra step of shipping to Alaska.

 

[AKblackhawk]

Hello there, former Alaskan here. I shipped a new Prius to Anchorage in 2011 using Alaska Auto Transport. I used a dealer in WA through Costco and it was pretty easy. The dealer there handled a fair amount of vehicles shipping to AK, so they were familiar with the process. The dealer took it to the drop off location in WA for me. Good luck!