2005 options?

[KyleKai]

I'm planning on purchasing a 2005 V6 4X4 4Runner in January. I recently posted a question about the 16" versus 17" wheel option size, and got great feedback, so I'm hoping I can get the same with this question. I occasionally tow a 3,000 lb trailer, occasionally off-road in the SoCal deserts, and occasionally drive up to the snow. I work at home so I only put about 9K per year on my vehicles. I can get the 4Runner for $100 over invoice with CarsDirect (http://www.carsdirect.com), and I can pick and choose my options. I realize some options won't be available, and others may have to come with the 4R, but I might as well start with what I want. That's the question. What options do people here think are worth it, and which ones are not? The options I'm considering are the RS3200 Plus Security System, Black Roof Rack w/Cross Bar, Daytime Running Lights, Driver & Passenger Curtain & Side Airbags, and Cargo Net. Is anything else below is a must-have? Or must-not-get?

Thanks in advance!


Option Groups

Double Decker Cargo System
$100

Inside Rear View Electrochromic Mirror
$120

Convenience Package (PPO)
$170

Preferred Premium Accessory Package
$220


Other Options

Rear Seat Entertainment System
$1,672

Power Tilt & Slide Sunroof
$720

Driver & Passenger Curtain & Side Airbags
$583

Sport Bumper Trim
$420

RS3200 Plus Security System
$239

Leather Steering Wheel
$176

Anti-Theft Alarm System
$176

Black Roof Rack w/Cross Bar
$176

Rear Spoiler w/Center High Mounted Stop Light
$160

Carpet Floor/Cargo Mat (5 or 6-Piece Set)
$114

Door Sill Enhancements (PPO)
$109

HomeLink Wireless Control System
$100

115 Volt AC Power Point
$80

Hood Protector
$79

Emergency Assistance Kit
$55

Silver Finish Sport Pedals
$49

Exhaust Tip by Valor
$42

Alloy Wheel Locks
$37

Cargo Net (PPO)
$34

Daytime Running Lights
$32

Cargo Tote
$25

First Aid Kit
$21

7-Pin to 4-Pin Adaptor
$8

 

[sharp4runr]

I thought all the 4runners came with the roof racks. Also the factory security system isn't that great so hold off and then get an aftermarket one. DRL is a personal preference, get it since its cheap upgrade.

You can hold off on the double decker if you want. I have it and rearely use it.

Don't get the sport bumper trim. Its utter crap and doesn't do squat other than looking nice.

Spoiler is preference. I personally like the T4R with it.

Sunroof - If you like it get, some people don't so they don't ;-)

Only the Limited seem to come with the extra air bags, so you may need to special order if you don't want all the extras the Limited gives you.

All the other ones are a necessity, but personalize the 4runner. I like the OBX pedals, it gives it a sportier feel. Leather steering wheels come stock with the Sport/Limited. Also getting the Leather steering wheels gives you the controls for the radio on the steering wheel. I love this feature personally.

Floor mats. Who doesn't like floor mats? I have the rubber all weather ones as well as the carpeted.

Well hope I've helped some...

July

 

[gogriz91]

Please post a follow up on your experience with carsdirect.com I'm looking to get a new 4Runner in June and would prefer not having to deal with a salesperson.

 

[KyleKai]

I already used CarsDirect in Jan 2003 when I purchased a Mazda, and it worked so well I plan to never use anything else. I'd rather have my teeth pulled than work with a car dealer. My friend and my brother both have 2003 4Runners, I drove them, so I don't need to test drive them at the dealers. My brother bought his 2003 4Runner using CarsDirect, and he has nothing but good words to say about them. The only down side was getting the designated Toyota dealer to follow up with the paperwork. Apparently all the sales people were much to busy selling their 4Runners to people at MRSP then someone referred to them by CarsDirect paying only invoice. Oh yeah, the Mazda dealer where I bought my Mazda told me CarsDIrect was the cheapest way to buy a car. However, for that particular purchase, it was maybe only $50 less than their "bottom line" price. But not having to play dealer games is priceless.

 

[Northof49]

The only down side was getting the designated Toyota dealer to follow up with the paperwork. Apparently all the sales people were much to busy selling their 4Runners to people at MRSP then someone referred to them by CarsDirect paying only invoice

Gee go figure, how would you like going to work in the morning to do a bunch of paperwork you won't get paid for?

 

[KyleKai]

Gee go figure, how would you like going to work in the morning to do a bunch of paperwork you won't get paid for?

If they don't make money, they don't stay in business long, yet they're still there. If they don't like selling cars at invoice, then they shouldn't work with CarsDirect. I prefer to keep more of my money than give it to a car dealership, but to each their own. Somehow I don't think they suffer too much.

 

[Northof49]

If they don't make money, they don't stay in business long, yet they're still there. If they don't like selling cars at invoice, then they shouldn't work with CarsDirect. I prefer to keep more of my money than give it to a car dealership, but to each their own. Somehow I don't think they suffer too much.

That's fine if you feel that way........but don't expect anyone payed on commisions to be excited about wasting time doing paper work on a deal with no money in it, when you didn't even deal with him........like I said, how would you feel?

There's either 1 of 2 things happening, they're either not getting payed for these deals, or you're not getting the vehicle as cheap as you think you are. Money can only come from one place :

 

[sharp4runr]

Oh don't be fooled and feel too bad about the dealership. They're getting paid regardless, the way you work out the deal will depend on how much MORE they get paid.

Just because they sold you the vehicle at invoice doesn't mean the dealership paid Toyota the invoice price.

 

[Northof49]

Oh don't be fooled and feel too bad about the dealership. They're getting paid regardless, the way you work out the deal will depend on how much MORE they get paid.

Ya, and all carsdirect is, is a car salesman that figured he could make even MORE money by selling cars on the internet than at a dealership :gaptooth:


IF in fact a dealership is having to let a car go for $100 over actual invoice, the salesman won't get paid shit. That's fact. Let me ask again, how excited would you be to do work for nothing? SO, for this deal to work 1 of 2 things is happening. a) You're not getting the right "invoice" numbers or b) The saleman's not getting paid. That's really it guys, it's simple math; provided you have the right numbers.

 

[Bobby]

IF in fact a dealership is having to let a car go for $100 over actual invoice, the salesman won't get paid shit. That's fact.

I guess you don't work for a dealer.

They get incentives on the amount of cars they sell per month. Example: They get $100 for each of the first 10 cars, then $200 for the next 10 and $300 for anything over 20 per month. That's why there's a big push toward the end of the month. Even bigger push at the end of the year. Some get base salaries + commissions. So the salesman will get paid regardless.

I just purchased 3 Grand Caravan Cargos for my company from a dealer at invoice minus incentives ($3800 below invoice). Obviously the dealer still gets something out of it or they wouldn't do the deal.

I ended up paying $1200 under INVOICE for my 2004 4Runner. Does that mean the dealer lost money? Of course not.

BTW, my dealer (Prestige Toyota in Ramsey, NJ) was excellent. I sent the salesman, the 2 managers, the delivery specialist and the finance guy Pizza Hut for lunch a few days after delivery. If they treat you well, it doesn't hurt to show your appreciation. It also helps later on if/when you need something from the dealer.

 

[Northof49]

Well, factory rebates would bring down the real cost of the vehicle to the dealer now wouldn't they? Like, the *actual* cost, after all rebates, factory cashback, etc. Again, you gotta know ALL the numbers. If you really think a dealer can just buy a car for $40K, sell it to you for $ $39K and magically still make money, I'd loooooooove to know where it comes from

And not every dealer has the salary sceme you speak of.....Many places will only pay minimum wage, unless you make over the monthly minimum wage salary in commissions. Which would be quite difficult if you were only getting $100 per car. By your sceme, selling 10 brand new cars (not even cars, these are $35K+ highline SUVs!!) in a month with a $100 chit on each one = $1,000.......might as well go push buggies at Kmart.

 

[Northof49]

(Prestige Toyota in Ramsey, NJ) was excellent. I sent the salesman, the 2 managers, the delivery specialist and the finance guy Pizza Hut for lunch a few days after delivery. If they treat you well, it doesn't hurt to show your appreciation. It also helps later on if/when you need something from the dealer.

That's awesome, that's how all sales are supposed to go......now try and do that with carsdirect.

 

[tkr128]

The RS3200+ is a nice addition, but it can be had cheaper. I've seen the kit on eBay for less than $200 and installation is very easy.

The roof rack is added to pretty much every SR5 I've seen, so you'll have a tough time looking for one without it. I have one and have never used it. It looks better with it though.

DRL is a personal preference, if you like the way it looks, go ahead and get it, it's a pretty cheap option and can be turned off if you decide you do not like it.

I would've really liked to have the side airbags. Unfortunately, you'll probably need to special order one, an SR5 with the side airbags is pretty hard to come across in CA. If you can get them, it's a great addition. I'm surprsied Toyota didn't include them as standard equipement.

The cargo net doesn't really need to come when you buy the car. I bought one for $20 off ebay, so again it can be had cheaper.

Additional options: If you can find one with the leather steering wheel and audio controls, that would really be nice. That's the only option I really wish my 4Runner had right now. The moonroof is a nice addition, but if you don't use it much, don't bother, it's the most problematic part on my car.

I hope this was helpful in helping you to decide which options you want on your new 4Runner.

 

[gogriz91]

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. If I go through carsdirect.com would I be able to take advantage of Toyota's 1.9% financing if they offer it on 2005's?

 

[KyleKai]

Thank to all for the comments -- they help.

As for the side air bags, I'll have to look into that more. Glad I got some comments on it. I thought it would be available on more new 4Runners -- it should be.

 

[KyleKai]

If I go through carsdirect.com would I be able to take advantage of Toyota's 1.9% financing if they offer it on 2005's?

From what I've seen, the answer is yes, but I recommend you ask them. Their email address is [email protected]

 

[Faeylyn]

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. If I go through carsdirect.com would I be able to take advantage of Toyota's 1.9% financing if they offer it on 2005's?

Toyota's probably not going to offer it on 2005s until they get rid of all their 2004s - especially the V8s. But it can't hurt to ask.

 

[KyleKai]

I would've really liked to have the side airbags. Unfortunately, you'll probably need to special order one, an SR5 with the side airbags is pretty hard to come across in CA. If you can get them, it's a great addition. I'm surprsied Toyota didn't include them as standard equipement.

Has anyone reading this who lives in Calirfornia purchased a new SR5 or SE with side airbags? Thanks!

 

[KyleKai]

Please post a follow up on your experience with carsdirect.com I'm looking to get a new 4Runner in June and would prefer not having to deal with a salesperson.

I forgot to mention this web site:
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/
It has a lot of valuable (and humerous) information on purchasing a car.

 

[Hank]

Here's a little tip on buying your new 4R. DON'T ever tell the salesmen that the 4R sitting in their lot is the EXACT one (i.e.- color, trim, engine/tranny) that you want. BS alittle pretending that the model is close, but not exactly what you want. I blurted the comment by mistake because I was stoked that I finally found the one I've been searching for and I believe that I overpaid for mine (about $200-300 above Edmunds.com TMV price). Oh well, I'm just glad that I got it and that it's all behind me. LOL on your purchase!