Is there any place to find the info as to what is out there in near buy ports? I know what I want but the dealer hasn't found one yet. Just wondering if there is a list of what is coming into the port so I can keep an eye open for the vehicle.

In my area you can go to a dealer's Web Site and do a search.

http://www.atlantatoyota.com/framese...vehicle_search

1.) Click on the 4Runner.
2.) Click on "Search Inventory".
3.) On the top right click on "Search the Entire Southeast". Right now 994 vehicles.

I see you live in Maine, perhaps your dealers will have a district search like we have here, perhaps not. Hope this helps.

You're best bet is going to the dealer.

The dealer has the capability to search other dealerships NATIONWIDE. Usually they only check their own inventory and nearby inventory supplies but if it's something you really want and you let them know, they should be able to dealer locate your exact vehicle.

I believe the software is called "vincent"? Not sure on the details but I know for a fact that they can search for vehicles nationwide. You just have to be convincing enough!

they said that they Preferenced the vehicle I want.

What the heck does that mean??? Unless they have found you one, how far are they willing to go??? Are they willing to go hundreds of miles or are they hoping one kind of like your's may show up at their dealership in the next few months???

(I guess I don't trust dealers.)

dealerships can and will trade any vehicle before it leaves off the production floor.

This means that if you have a vehicle that you want but it's not currently available but your dealer knows that another dealership has put in a request for the vehicle you're looking for, you can ask the dealer to do a dealer to dealer trade. This way they do not pay for any trade costs (shipping) because the paperwork of the trade will be completed before the vehicle is done, thus when the vehicle is done, it will be sent to the new dealership who took ownership of that vehicle for sale. Keep in mind that this will only work if both dealership agrees on the trade though.

Hope this makes sense.

It's real easy here in the Southeast and a few other parts of the country. Just go to www.buyatoyota.com. Enter your zip code and click on New Vehicle, and then Search Inventory. It shows you what's available and what's coming in in the next two weeks -- by VIN and full description. One large dealer (www.atlantatoyota.com)actually lists the invoice price and adds a $575 fee to get to selling price -- right on the web site.

If the dealers and distributor in your part of the country don't participate, you won't be able to get this information. I know, in some parts of the country, the inventory information simply says "Excellent" or "Good" with no vehicle details or arrival dates.

I just made a deal on a 4Runner LTD but had searched all local dealers' inventories and ship schedules -- and found the one I wanted. I knew exactly what equipment was on it, what it's price was (MSRP and invoice), and when it was to arrive. As it turned out, I knew more about it than the salespeople I talked to.

Good Times I hear what your saying, but I am saying don't trust your dealer, pursue other options if you have to. If the dealer comes through GREAT, if not, your not stuck between a rock and a hard place. Dealers, well some dealers will string you along.

See this thread about stringing a person along.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...p?threadid=218

Looks like I am going to have to order from the factory. They can't locate what I want after searching from Maine To New Jersey. They only know whats one the ground now and what is to be delivered this month. Who knows what next month will bring that is why I'm looking at a factory order. It will take at least 90 days according to the dealer.

gaslight:

Remember, the factory for 4Runners is in Japan. Special ordering for Japanese vehicles produced in Japan is not like special ordering an American model made in Detroit. You may have more delays and problems than you expect.

yeah I know but time is on my side. My Camry only has 51k on it and runs great so I don't need a new car right now. Which means I'am not in a rush.

Well I placed my order yesterday for a 04 Sport V8 with Stratosphere Mica, moonroof, Daytime lights, double decker cargo system, rear spoiler. Only had to put down $100 which I think was very reasonable. They said at least 90 days from Japan but if one is in the pipeline already that is supposed to go elsewhere then it would be sent here instead so I don't have to wait as long. The local dealer has been pretty decent to deal with.

Good luck, I hope everything works out. Don't be too surprised if the deal doesn't go eactly as planned. I guess where you live, you don't have a lot of dealers to choose from. I know special orders can be tough, hang in there if it doesn't work out, don't get fustrated, keep your options open. And if it comes in, great.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showth...p?threadid=218

The sales person has been pretty decent to me before when he sold me my current car plus he sold a couple of cars to my mother in the past.
If anything goes bad I know where he lives and the sales manager also.

At least I only had to put down $100.

It sounds like it is going to be a great truck. I know in some Countries, you order the car and wait a few months, no cars on the lot. I special ordered a Acura back in 88, they added a few options, but the bottom line is I still got the car and have been enjoying it ever since. Let us know when you get it in and be sure to post pics.