2005 options?
- Thread starter KyleKai
- Start date
KyleKai
New member
Bought one 
I finally made the decision to purchase a 2005 4Runner, so I contacted CarsDirect. They only had the V6's posted, and could not find a 4x4 for me (they're apparently rare in SoCal). So while I was waiting, I contacted the local dealers via email. A few typically wanted me to come in to "discuss pricing." Yeah, right. One dealership, Toyota of Carlsbad, emailed back about a 2005 SR5 V8, and we finally agreed on a price. To estimate CarsDirect pricing, I added $1400 to their price for a comparable V6. The dealer price was a couple of hundred dollars lower (below invoice), so I bought it. Except for driving up to pay for the vehicle, the entire conversation with the salesperson was via email. He never had my phone number, so I felt under no pressure. Bottom line is, while CarsDirect works well, check all your options before paying your money!
I finally made the decision to purchase a 2005 4Runner, so I contacted CarsDirect. They only had the V6's posted, and could not find a 4x4 for me (they're apparently rare in SoCal). So while I was waiting, I contacted the local dealers via email. A few typically wanted me to come in to "discuss pricing." Yeah, right. One dealership, Toyota of Carlsbad, emailed back about a 2005 SR5 V8, and we finally agreed on a price. To estimate CarsDirect pricing, I added $1400 to their price for a comparable V6. The dealer price was a couple of hundred dollars lower (below invoice), so I bought it. Except for driving up to pay for the vehicle, the entire conversation with the salesperson was via email. He never had my phone number, so I felt under no pressure. Bottom line is, while CarsDirect works well, check all your options before paying your money!
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sharp4runr
New member
Awesome dude. Great advice too. It's always good to try all your options.
And again another CA driver with the 16" rims. It must be a regional thing because I've never seen a T4R in the DC Metro area with 16", everyone has the upgraded 17" rims.
Enjoy your truck!
And again another CA driver with the 16" rims. It must be a regional thing because I've never seen a T4R in the DC Metro area with 16", everyone has the upgraded 17" rims.
Enjoy your truck!
I also purchased my former vehicle, a 2001 Audi A4, this way. I e-mailed (BCC'd) 5 dealerships within a 150 mile radius. Told them the exact model of car I wanted, options req'd, and the colors I was open to.
I got a huge range of pricing back. But ultimately, one dealership had the best pricing and the perfect car on the lot. Did everything through e-mail, drove out there a week later on a weekend. All the paperwork was already prepared, I just signed a few documents and 5 minutes later was on my way home. The easiest transaction I've ever done.
I got a huge range of pricing back. But ultimately, one dealership had the best pricing and the perfect car on the lot. Did everything through e-mail, drove out there a week later on a weekend. All the paperwork was already prepared, I just signed a few documents and 5 minutes later was on my way home. The easiest transaction I've ever done.
KyleKai
New member
17" rims only seem to be available on the SE or Limited in Calif. But from what I've read in this forum, I'd rather have the 16" for off-roading and tire selection. Most of my off-roading is in the local desert (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park). The only options included with my 4Runner were roof racks and carpets.
tkr128
New member
Congratulations on the new 4Runner! I also got my 4Runner by emailing a few dealers around me, it works out much better for me since I'm not a very good negotiator.
Sounds like you got the typical So. CA options, roof rack and carpet mats. They seem to send us the most basic SR5 models.
Sounds like you got the typical So. CA options, roof rack and carpet mats. They seem to send us the most basic SR5 models.
Unfortunately I've tried to STFF using various terms and could not find something conclusive. e.g., "3rd" and "row" are too short search terms... "third" would simply bring up too many hits.
I just noticed on the Toyota.ca website that it no longer lists the third row seats as an option on the 4Runner. Has it truly been dropped as an option?:awais:
I just noticed on the Toyota.ca website that it no longer lists the third row seats as an option on the 4Runner. Has it truly been dropped as an option?:awais:
oldboy
New member
I know it's a little late, but my thoughts on options are as follows:
1. Generate a list of options you want.
2. Decide which ones need to be factory / dealer installed.
3. Only get those that you can't / don't want to install on the vehicle you buy. why, because if you add options you can install, then this drives up the cost of annual license fees. Buy and install those you can yourself, after the deal.
Food for thought....
1. Generate a list of options you want.
2. Decide which ones need to be factory / dealer installed.
3. Only get those that you can't / don't want to install on the vehicle you buy. why, because if you add options you can install, then this drives up the cost of annual license fees. Buy and install those you can yourself, after the deal.
Food for thought....
We presently have a Highlander in the family with the 7-seater option, which only gets used in the weekends. While it's not the greatest, it's convenient at times.
I realize that the 3rd row option do not fold flat into the floor in the T4R but I feel if I'm going to be spending this much on a truck this big, it might be useful to have the seats just in case - I'm also under the impression that the seats can be removed. I probably should check with the dealership - I could have sworn I saw one on the showroom floor last time I got an oil change with the 3rd row seating.
Oh, btw, the Highlander stays, but I am getting a vehicle for myself. I'm just in between sport sedans (a couple of choices) or an SUV (the T4R IS the shortlist..)
I realize that the 3rd row option do not fold flat into the floor in the T4R but I feel if I'm going to be spending this much on a truck this big, it might be useful to have the seats just in case - I'm also under the impression that the seats can be removed. I probably should check with the dealership - I could have sworn I saw one on the showroom floor last time I got an oil change with the 3rd row seating.
Oh, btw, the Highlander stays, but I am getting a vehicle for myself. I'm just in between sport sedans (a couple of choices) or an SUV (the T4R IS the shortlist..)
