I have a been lurker here for a while and amazed with the knowledge and helpfulness displayed over here. I sincerely believe that these kind of forums help the consumers to be informed and fight back against the predatory behaviors of most auto dealers. Perhaps capitalism at its best

I am looking for a new Black or White 2011 T4R SR5 4WD in the New Orleans area. It is a pain to find 4WDs here in the south with the options/packages to meet one's needs and/or wants.

Here are the lowest prices I received:

1. Black with the Power Seat Package (apparently Toyota does not build one in the 4WD without it, so I don't know why call it an option!!!), Premium Carpet Mat Set and Ball Mount for $31,000 + TTL.

2. Black with the Power Seat Package, Premium Carpet Mat Set, Remote Engine Start and Vehicle Shield Package (bull****, in my opinion) for $31,400 + TTL.

I am really looking for one with a Moon roof and the AM/FM/MP3 package but still have not got anything worthwhile on this one.

Are these good prices? Also, what is a good/fair price for the one with Moon roof and AM/FM/MP3 package?

Thank you for your time and replies.

If you are $500 below invoice and are not paying for dealer profit items (like pin stripe, window etch, gap insurance, $600 doc fee, clear coat, etc.,) you have a good deal. If LA is part of the SE Toyota mafia then you get bent over.

Search this forum for "invoice" and you should get some great reading material.

Lucky you. South East Toyota (SET) regional states: NC, SC, GA, AL and FL.

No $925 Admin fee, $600 doc fee, $xxx running boards, etc.

Here a nice primer on car buying New car buying guide, how to buy new cars, avoid dealer scams when you buy a car

Thank you Larry for your reply. I wish there was a law against that kind of mafia like business practice. There should be some kind of law that prohibits that kind of monopolistic pricing structure. Hope some lawyer can make a fortune bringing that pricing format down.

Got a price for $34,900 + TTL for the following:
1. 2011 T4R SR5-4WD
2. Blizzard Pearl
3. Premium Package
4. Moon Roof, Premium Carpets, Ball Mount, & Alum. Running Boards.

Got another price for $33,349 +TTL for the following:
1. 2011 T4R SR5-4WD
2. Black
3. Power Seats with Third Row (All Cloth)
4. Moon Roof, Night Vision Auto Mirrors, Cargo Cross Bars, & Alum. Running Boards.

Any opinions on these prices? The TMV from Edmunds does not cover all the add-ons listed. The dealer will have to get it from another state and 4WDs are a rare breed down south.

Thank you for your time and opinions.

TMV is bogus. Depending on area you could expect $500-$1000 below invoice.

Well, at least it gives a starting point in negotiations. It is usually very low for the T4Rs, at least based on the quotes that I am getting.

Thanks for your post.

Starting point in negotiations should always be invoice, not TMV. Ask, "Can you sell for $1000 under invoice if I buy today?" That is how you start. GL

Thanks for pointer.

I agree! I'm a NC resident and have avoided Toyota as a brand due to the SE Toyota business practices. Thankfully as a consumer we all have the option to shop a different dealer. I bought my first T4r 3 weeks ago, traded in a 07 Yukon for it. I got my best deal from a dealer 600mi away that had never met me, gave me the best price on the phone. Drove to NJ, everything on the new t4r was a it was presented on the phone, allowed exactly what we had discussed for my trade. The entire process was painless and I was in and out of the dealer in under 2 hours.

Congratulations ILMRunner! I am scared that the dealer will pull a fast one on me and either offer me a ridiculous value for my trade in or the vehicle is not what I wanted or both... after I drove down there all the way. Any way, it looks like you got a great deal and a great experience to boot. Please post the name of the dealer on the dealer experience thread, if you have not done so yet, so that others can benefit. I always believe that good dealers should be rewarded with more business.