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When we bought our 2007 ES, we found we actually got a better deal by financing. We put $2,000 on our credit card (for the miles), paid that off immediately, then paid the car off after 30 days. We made sure there was no prepayment penalty of any sort, and the loan was simple interest, not compound. I'm sure we didn't make any friends at Toyota Credit, but when they make the rules, you have to play the game their way.
Belmondo - I don't get why you had to finance in order to pay with a credit card. I always pay the max with a credit card ($5k on one, and $2k on another), and then pay the balance with a check. Also, I have one up on you. Back then when BofA had a no closing cost mortgage, I jumped on it. The interest rate is 1% higher than a regular loan, but I saved $4500 on closing cost. By the time I paid it off, I have only paid $2500 in interest. So, rather than getting points for $2k, I got the $2k.