Samara Metzer shocked after discovering her car prize was a scam

In October 2023, Samara Leilani Metzer participated in the CBS television game show, The Price Is Right, where she won what she thought was a 2024 Nissan Sentra. After her episode aired, she was informed that she had the option to choose a different vehicle instead of the Sentra. This unexpected revelation led her to explore other models and ultimately select a 2025 Toyota Camry LSE, which would cost her $15,138 despite the fact that the Nissan Sentra had been initially presented as her prize. The twist in her prize claiming process began when a fleet dealer contacted her after the show. The representative explained that winners were not strictly bound to the car they had won, creating an opportunity for contestants to make a choice that suited their personal preferences. Initially, Samara was under the impression that she would only receive the Nissan Sentra and was taken aback when the dealer asked for her preferred make of vehicle. Understanding the value of having a car that could last her a long time, especially as a new driver, Samara decided to take advantage of the situation. With some guidance from her friends on social media and a visit to her nearest Toyota dealership, she quickly came to love the Camry LSE model, which had several features that appealed to her. Despite not getting the car initially showcased on the show, she recognized the benefits of getting a new vehicle that met her needs. Her followers on TikTok were supportive of her decision to make the switch, celebrating her ability to turn a contest win into a more beneficial choice. The acclaim from her social media community showed that many understood the practical reason behind her decision. This incident highlights the often-unseen complexities of winning prizes on game shows and the choices contestants must make thereafter, a development that may prompt future contestants to consider their options more carefully after a win on similar programs.