Wally, it appears you are challenged when it comes to simple math and financial analysis, so let me add a few more facts that might clear up a few misconceptions you seem to have and keep you from looking like a fool all the time.
First, the MSRP of a 2018 Off Road Premium (ORP) is $39,895 and a 2018 TRD Pro (TRDP) is $43,075 resulting in a difference of $3,180. So Toyota is not "gouging," or making obscene profits on the TRDP based on MRSP. Now in certain markets it appears demand for the ORP is such that some discounting is present. From what I have seen on this forum an ORP can be had for anywhere between the low $37,000's up to MSRP. As we have all seen the TRDP is generally sold at MSRP with many sold for $5,000-$10,000 over MSRP. In my market I estimate close to 75% of TRDP's are sold for over MSRP. In my case, I bought a TRDP at MSRP where maybe I could have bought a ORP for $38,000-$38,500, resulting in a difference of about $4,500. Of course, this is a long way from $12,000, but we all realize you have some issues with financial analysis.
It's not my fault your negotiating skills are not as good as mine. I am not a fool. I paid $35K for mine out the door. Way less than MSRP...Also you are never going to get a PRO for less than MSRP and most of the time the dealer is asking for over MSRP, proving my point once again that Toyota is ripping people off on the appearance package. If you do get one for under MSRP it will be a very rare case. Meanwhile the dealers will actually negotiate on the other trims.
Second, I made the determination that a TRDP met all of the requirements that I have with respect to off road capability. After all, I have had a 2002 4Runner for over 13 years and have had no need to modify it in any meaningful manner. I also knew that to acquire the parts and pay someone to install them would cost at least $4,500 in my market. Finally, I have witnessed the amazing ability for TRDP's to keep their value, in fact, I could sell mine today for more than I paid for it.
Do you even read what I write or do you just get angry and post???...Again, if you keep the PRO stock, resell it in a few years, yes, you are ahead of the game as, yes, they keep their value very well. BUT, IMO, if you buy a PRO and replace the things you paid extra for, that makes no sense to ME. Makes no sense to me, ok, read it again, makes no sense to me....But it's your money, do with it what you want. Also all 4Runners hold their value very well.
Finally, you on the other hand have chosen to buy a base model and "mod" it to meet your needs, and that's fine. Of course, this is not the most astute financial decision. That is, you are not "saving money." As many have pointed out, the market will not attach any value to your "mods", in fact, they may even penalize you price wise for your "money saving" expenditures! In other words, discounting the pleasure and satisfaction you get from your "mods," you are no better off FINANCIALLY than if you flushed the money you spent on your "mods" down the toilet.
Again you do not read what I wrote. I have a trail, not a base model. And I don't even consider the SR5 a "base" model....obviously any trim level other than yours is below you in your mind. IMO all the trim levels are good and will fit into whatever the owners need is. I wanted a rear locker so I chose the Trail over the SR5 and I didn't want to pay extra for things I was going to replace so I didn't get the PRO.
I have the same truck you have without the appearance stuff and special color. You do realize you are driving a Trail don't you??? You have a Trail dude under the appearance package...And I am saving money. I do not buy for resale, if I did I would have bought a PRO and sold it already. I bought my 4 to keep for 10 years or more. So yes I am better off financially not paying for things I will eventually replace, like suspension, wheels, tires, etc..
On the other hand, I bought a TRDP, have a financial background, paid cash and am not in the poor financial condition you are, and my butt doesn't hurt, so carefully consider/comprehend what I have written above before you post some foolish, unintelligible, response.
The angry, calling names and shit way you post and boast.... yes you got butt hurt cuz my opinion and view of things is different from yours. I could care less about your background and financial prowess. You claim you are in a good spot financially...Good for you bro! An please take your own advice about posting. :tea:
