2010 4Runner Group Buy Idea

[Rover+Runner]

Maybe I'm a little hazy today after last night's St. Patty's day festivities but has anyone ever attempted to set up a group buy for actual vehicles? Like if 10-15 of us wanted to hypothetically purchase the 2010 4Runner when it's available and went to the fleet sales department at a dealership and negotiated to get a REALLY good deal? Depending on which city/dealership gave the best price or volume discount I imagine we sell our vehicles locally and then fly in and drive the new trucks home. Is this even possible?

 

[J.A.]

You can get invoice already on your own, plus any cash back offered from the manufacturer.

That said, how much lower are you anticipating? You can expect to dip into the Wholesale Financial Reserve (1% of base msrp price) and the Dealer Holdback amounts (2% of base msrp price) for sure if buying in volume, but how far are you expecting? The dealer is in business to make money and that 3% amounts to only approx $1k to work with. Then factor in your costs to go pick up and bring back the vehicle like you mentioned.

 

[Rover+Runner]

All great points J.A. I was assuming that dealers may not want to move too far from MSRP on a new model when it first comes out. I could be wrong, but thought it may be an easier way to make a deal than haggling at a dealership. I was envisioning using a spreadsheet much like you developed to calculate a purchase price on a given trim level based on whatever flat % under invoice deal that we could negotiate with the fleet sales manager.

It's all hypothetical, and I agree that it would only be worthwhile if dealerships were stiff on remaining close to MSRP pricing. It all really depends on initial demand for the 2010 model.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Group Purchase


Sounds like a great idea to me; although I can think of a few concerns.


1. Different states have different emissions requirements (I believe). I don't know if you could buy a new car in one state and then try to title it initially in a fascist state (NY, CA, etc.) that may have a more stringent requirement.

2. Who is going to have to come from far way? No doubt their price savings will be eaten up by airfare, gas for the return trip, hotel, meals, taxi/bus service, etc., etc. Outside of a 500-mile radius, it might not be worth it.

3. What about taxes, titling, temporary plates, insurance, etc., etc? It will be less of a deal if you get hit twice for sales tax at the dealership and then by your own state's DMV upon registering it at home. Will a dealership let you drive away in a new car with an out-of-state driver's license and no immediate or local proof of insurance? I don't know.

4. Credit ratings or available funds could pose a problem. Life has taught me that what people "think" they can afford is not always the same as what their cash flow or credit score might indicate.


Not trying to throw a black cloud over your parade, but those are just some concerns that popped into my mind.


All that aside, I like your idea and it would probably work for several people who live near one particular metropolitan area.

Let us know how it works out if you decide to try it.
:bigok: