Advice + Tips needed for used card dealership and KBB (Kelly Blue Book)

[TheWhopper]

Looking into buying a 4th gen / V6 / 4wd. One thing I'm noticing is that all 4runners are going for more than Kelly Blue Book...like 20%-40% MORE in California.

I'm looking through the following 3 ads:
craigslist: south jersey jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events
www.cars.com
New Cars, Used Cars - Find Cars for Sale and Reviews at Autotrader

In terms of haggling at a used car dealership NOT the 'official dealerships' that sell NEW cars.....

Are buyers getting their 4runners above or below Kelly Blue Book?

If more than Kelly Blue Book...what percentage higher should one reasonably go?:withstupid:

Any advice or tips when buying from a used car dealership?

(aside from the usual tip of waiting on craiglist for a private seller to sell their 4runner at KBB)

NOTE: I have Carfax and I know how to work on cars (4 cylinders only) so I'm 'okay' with spotting some problems.

 

[ghs215]

Greedy Greedy Greedy! That's what I think. I just bought a V6 4x4 and it was 2K above list price. Everyone was high and I am in AZ.

From what I was told from a Toyota fleet manager, when they get them in as a trade, they go straight to auction where they expect to get top dollar. These are highly sought after vehicles, especially 4x4's.

Chalk it up as 'opportunity cost' and good luck!

 

[fdbyrne]

Be willing to travel. I flew 600 miles and drove mine back and got what I would consider a very good deal. It's nice to have that immediate road trip to bond with your new ride as well.

 

[TheWhopper]

I currently see one where the customer is asking for about 44% over Kelley Blue Book.

KBB says little over 9k for a 2003/130,000.

Used car dealer asking for 13K.

I think 10-11K would be the target...no more than 20% over blue book....I think...

 

[fdbyrne]

I paid $8500 for my 2004 4x4 V6 with 120k and was happy with that price. I never looked up the KBB on it. A one-way plane ticket and gas for the drive back only added about $200.

 

[Davy180]

I bought mine used from a Toyota dealer 3 months ago for $14,800 in California. It's an 06 sport V6 with 4wd and 100k miles. I actually think the larger dealers are able to work with you more on the pricing then the smaller dealers. I went to a few small used car lots and they were table to work with me on the price at all. The dealer I was about to talk about $1500 by pointing out all the flaws and telling them Where I stood on pricing. It took about 3 hours and I was there 2 hours past closing so they wanted to seal the deal.

Good luck with your search

 

[RunnerAK]

Do your research, make them a fair offer that you don't budge from, and be willing to walk away if the dealer doesn't play ball.

We got both of ours right at the average of the Edmunds, KBB, Consumer Reports, and NADA prices (which I was happy with considering the scarcity/price premium of good used 4th gens in AK). We printed out all four price reports and took them to the dealer with us to show the salesperson how we came to our offer.

We did a thourough walkaround/inspection and pointed out all of the visible flaws on the vehicle to the dealer, then named the price we were willing to pay (average of the price reports).

On our '07, the dealer had to go "talk to his manager" a couple of times and brought back higher offers, but they finally agreed to our price after we didn't budge from our original offer.

On our '06, the dealer wouldn't meet our price after "talking ot his manager" several times, so I gave him my business card and walked out. Two days later, he called me up and asked if my offer was still good, and we got it for our original price. It was at the end of the month when he called, so I'm not sure if meeting monthly sales quotas put extra pressure him or not.

 

[iBison]

I currently see one where the customer is asking for about 44% over Kelley Blue Book.

KBB says little over 9k for a 2003/130,000.

Used car dealer asking for 13K.

I think 10-11K would be the target...no more than 20% over blue book....I think...

I bought my very clean 04 2 years ago for barely over that, in Illinois tho.

I've seen decent prices in places like Phoenix compared to here in the past few years.

this looks nice but 2wd
2006 Toyota 4Runner
This one doesn't say
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5

Remember, if you sign up for the vehicle history thing on the toyota site you can add a vin and find out what dealer repairs were done. If you're on any car forums you may be able to get someone to drive by and look a vehicle over in another state for you.

 

[ret42]

I feel like you either need to be really patient, really lucky, or both in order to get a good deal on one of these trucks. Where I live, dealers mark them up about 30% above KBB and don't budge, even if you walk away, because if you walk away someone will be right behind you to scoop it up.

When I was shopping, I went to the Toyota dealership to look at one but it had already sold, but they had just received one on a trade that they hadn't cleaned yet that they were willing to show me if I was interested. The price was a little higher than I wanted to pay for the mileage on it, so I passed and went to the Honda dealership which also had one listed. It had already sold, too. Guess what I ended up buying.

 

[GLP]

I experienced the same thing earlier this year when searching for a V8 4WD. Everything was $3k above KBB. Ended up buying one in Dallas, TX at a reputable Toyota dealer for a little below KBB (flew there one-way for $75 and drove it home).

 

[Bigshankhank]

Bought mine from an Autonation, they do a good job of pricing their vehicles based on local values, KBB, NADA etc. So no haggling. Also, if a vehicle sits on their lot they start bringing the price down to help move it, but mine was the only 4WD they had within 200 miles and I bought it before it had even made it onto the dealer's lot after it had been traded in. So yeah, you gotta get lucky/be quick.

 

[TheWhopper]

*****UPDATE*****

Toyota Used Car dealerships won't budge from their "One Price, One Person" stance.

10% over Kelly Blue Book pricing + taxes and fees (which is another $2,000+ in California).

 

[JSeligman2828]

*****UPDATE*****

Toyota Used Car dealerships won't budge from their "One Price, One Person" stance.

10% over Kelly Blue Book pricing + taxes and fees (which is another $2,000+ in California).

Whopper,

I was in your shoes for about 2 months. I live in the PAC NW and could not for the life of me find a good deal. I was only considering <100k and decided one day that I would look at rigs that were just above but not exceeding 120k. I found what i think is a gem on Craigslist and was very lucky.

05 limited 113k nav system v8 4x4 for 11k + tax. I bought it from a woman who was recently divorced and owned the car post settlement. She still owed on it and didnt want a gas guzzler. I contacted her and was very persistent but not over the top. When I did meet with her eventually I brought my gf with me to show her I wasn't a craigslist killer and the rest is history.

I was very skeptical but I found out that she was just trying to get rid of it asap so she could pay for a trip she wanted to take. Still, I couldn't believe it so I had her forward me all the service records and took the vin (and this is the most important thing I did during my search) to the toyota website and scoured the records.

Toyota Owners Official Web Site: Service Coupons, Owner's Manuals, Service Scheduling And More

Register and sign in and enter in as many VINS as you would like. It's not the easiest system to navigate but you will be surprised about what you will find.

Mine was initially a fleet vehicle for a Toyota marketing manager (go linkedin searching skills) then it was owned by someone for less than 11 months, and then the previous owner who I purchased it from, who has had it for 8 years. Serviced at toyota dealership exclusively until they started to use another mechanic who has 5 stars on yelp. I called the guy and he verified all the information and service records, especially the timing belt (which I was most concerned about). My suspicions disappeared when the owner of the shop said "It's a great car, she was an absolutely awesome customer. Every time I recommended maintenance she gave the thumbs up".


Just be patient, as someone once told me during my search. Don't settle for a rock, wait on the gem.

Sorry for the novel, in short the one you want is out there if you are willing to wait it out.

 

[TheWhopper]

$12,500 out the door (taxes and fees included...which typically amounts to $1,500-$2,000)

2003 / 130,000 / 4WD

$8,938 per kelly blue book.

I'm thinking about it....

 

[TheWhopper]

I figure I'll keep posting to log my experience......
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Visited another used car dealership.
2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4X4
Asking Price: $17,990
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CarFax looks good (no salvage or accidents reported....doesn't mean it's 100% accurate).

I'm noticed when using Carfax, a large number of 4runners were purchased at Auto Auction Northeast Region
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KBB says....about $14,700
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Dealer didn't budge which is expected.

I think I noticed rust underneath but I may go back again some time to take another look.
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I've been watching these videos which have helped TREMENDOUSLY...but I won't be too picky because I'm buying a used car...that's highly sought after too.

How To Quickly Check A Used Car For Purchase
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rks40ng2C2Y

Buying A Used Car Part 1: Exterior Inspection - EricTheCarGuy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tvgaix4jZ0

Top 5 Used Car Buying Secrets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szPE_YCjc6g

Buying a Used Car - Part 1: Exterior Inspection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfKhUICmViw

Buying a Used Car - Part 2: Mechanical Inspection
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDt9sBJp3Mne9_8xmb_XoWQ

Buying a Used Car - Part 3: Interior Inspection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prI0M-gOj8k

Buying A Used Car - Part 4: Road Test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzCVp1ws-uM
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I'm starting to test the waters by looking at 4runners in Arizona and Texas ....yup. Made a few inquiries but no response.
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Still using primarily these 3 websites.
New Cars, Used Cars - Find Cars for Sale and Reviews at Autotrader
www.cars.com
craigslist: south jersey jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events
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I think I emailed like 4 used dealerships (none of them are ones that sell new cars) and made offers that would amount to slightly above KBB but also requested it includes taxes, fees, licenses,etc.
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So far I'm learning a lot. I believe being the first potential buyer and showing up in person to negotiate increases the odds in my favor......

 

[Code2]

First I wouldn't go in there with a KBB price. Hate to say it banks and dealerships use nada for pricing.

Look a price up there to get an idea decide what you're willing to pay and stick to it. Don't be afraid to walk out and look else where. patience is the key

AND don't forget dealers make A TON more money then on any new car they sell so they can haggle a lot

 

[TheWhopper]

Hey 2007 ltd edition 4WD 174K miles selling for the KBB Value. Since every other one I have looked at is selling for way above KBB this seems like a good deal…thoughts please.

 

[TheWhopper]

BANG! Pulled the trigger...

*****SUCCESS*****
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Purchased a 4runner. Now I feel like a full-fledged member rather than a 'lurker'.arty:
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*****WHAT I"VE LEARNED*******
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4runners 4wd are very difficult to find. The fwd and rwd are easy to find.
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Most independent used-car lots will sell at 20%-40% over Kelley Blue Book and won't budge.
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When negotiating...mention you may finance and be flexible. I seemed to get better responses from them. Going in with just one or two prices, being firm, and stating you will pay cash seems to have a negative effect. Starting with very low offers but being flexible...then as you start raising your offers and becoming firm seems to keep the dialogue going.:fencing:
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CarFax is a MUST. Sure it's not perfect but it's a wealth of information. Most used car dealers will provide a CarFax report. For 4runners, you should find out what other states it was in previously.
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I noticed a lot of the 4runners are picked up via auctions located in one of the 'Salt Belt' states...so check for rust underneath. You see these type of 4runners primarily with the independent used-car lots.
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I only found one 4runner within my price range at a dealership (also sells new Toyotas). It was priced a little above blue book but the CarFax history was solid (very good). Only 1 owner who had the car in California the entire time.
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When using autotrader, craigslist, cars.com, make sure to setup alerts so you receive texts or email notifications. There seems to be a delay of upwards of 30 minutes. Being the first potential buyer (especially for a private seller) is key.
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You may need to drive very far or fly to another state to get the 4runner (and price) that you want.
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Due to current gas prices and reliability 4runners are HIGHLY sought after and a lot of dealers are aware of it.
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Make sure to watch the youtube videos on how to check a car. There's a good chance the 4runner may have rust underneath....which may not necessarily be a problem.
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Used Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Nadaguides for pricing.
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Expect lots of waiting, being anxious, getting angry, may even get to a point where you start considering getting a Highlander, Pilot, etc. I went as far as looking up vehicles that use the same A750F transmission! HAHAHA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_A_transmission#A7xx

If you can...try to keep your emotions in check. It was hard for me....:cry2:
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I recommend buying a 4runner that spent it's entire life in California. I noticed those (mainly with the non-4wd) were usually in good condition.
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****RESULT*****
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2007 Toyota 4Runner Limited Edition V6 4WD (173,000) at $500 below blue book. Lots of fancy amenities (Navigation / Leather seats, etc.) I could do without to be honest.
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Aside from a small scratch/dent on the lower left of trunk, there are no scratches, dents, paint chips. Essentially, looks nearly new on the outside. Back seats were hardly sat in.
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Mostly freeway miles. Corporate vehicle. All scheduled maintenance.
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All records indicate the 4runner was always in California, and I confirmed there was no rust underneath.
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*****MOST IMPORTANTLY*****
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Thanks for everyone's help. Hopefully my experience helps others. :cheers:
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[97t4r81]

I've bought 2 gen3 trucks now and will probably get a friends v8 gen4, not till 200k though. The only thing I can add is " wait & hope" these trucks rule. Anybody with a brain figures this out. On cl. I add $1000+ for what I call t4r tax, above kbb. The cleaner the rig the more the tax. Pay it, join us and enjoy

 

[GTOchris]

I searched hard, was willing to go 75-100 miles. Wanted an 05+ so I could get the 5speed automatic. I bought mine 2 years ago in 2013 from a reputable Chevy dealer down the road- It had 64K on it and I think I paid $14,700.
The Toyota Certified ones I came across were in beat up shape with more miles for more money. I took my chances and so far- (knock on wood) it's been a good purchase.