Buying an '18 Limited for my wife

[ror105]

Hey guys,

New to the forum and hoping to get some advice.

First 2 4Runners were a 1996 SR5 and current one is a 2005 SR5. I have been watching dealerships and websites anticipating a model change and hoping to see that the 6th generation would be coming out. Doesn't seem to be the case and I don't want to hold my wife off any longer; this will be her first new one and I am in the market for a used Lexus ISF...you see where I am going with this.

Anyhow, I have been watching the market and I can't recall Toyota offering discounts at any of the dealerships on 4Runners in the past. I am seeing advertised discounts of roughly $3K on the Limiteds and that is even the case at my local dealership where I bought the first one and they usually don't advertise any discounts. Traditionally the larger dealerships south of me in Maryland have done this with Camry's etc.

Now to my point. I am wondering if the (new to me) discounts are a reflection of Toyota moving the 18's off the lot in anticipation of a new model coming out. Research has shown me that it is not expected until 2020 or later.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Lujess]

I am pretty much in the same situation...looking to buy a 4Runner for my wife...in our case likely an Off Road Premium having shopped/test drove both the Limited and ORP

In New England the same discounting seems to exist. We are not in a rush, so was hoping to wait until new model year gets closer and perhaps 2018 inventory would start to get discounted.

That said, as you've mentioned, it does not look like the 2019 model year will bring big changes, if any. Seems to be more selective changes across certain trims

The good news in your case is that there seems to be a healthy inventory of Limiteds out there along with SR5s (at least in our area)...thus the discounting for a long in the tooth model. In our case we are looking for ORP with moonroof and KDSS....very low inventory of these (10 within 200 miles of where I live vs. 332 Limiteds).

Good luck with the shopping.

 

[philsey]

Hey guys,

"...hoping to see that the 6th generation would be coming out. Doesn't seem to be the case..."

* Oh it's coming - most thinking is MY2020. No way a MY 2019.

"... I can't recall Toyota offering discounts at any of the dealerships on 4Runners in the past.

* Correct. 4R discounts = hen's teeth.

" ... I am seeing advertised discounts of roughly $3K on the Limiteds and that is even the case at my local dealership where I bought the first one and they usually don't advertise any discounts.

* There is a huge 5th Gen pricing thread. On LEs and SR5s, average discounts will be around 5% off the MONRONY WINDOW STICKER. The closer you get to (rare) 10%, the better negotiator you are. Dealer packs notwithstanding. Don't be conned by "Invoice" prices and such, it's dealer-speak. Everything goes out the window when you throw in a trade.

" ...I am wondering if the (new to me) discounts are a reflection of Toyota moving the 18's off the lot in anticipation of a new model coming out...

* No.

If you find the 4R you want, from a dealer you like/trust, at a solid 5+% off msrp, buy it.

:hatsoff:

 

[rblucker]

It does sound like CarPlay will be included in the 2019. I’m in the same boat. I am waiting as I hope there will be other changes. I would even welcome an upgraded interior.

 

[ror105]

Thanks for the feedback from the group.

We went to the dealer yesterday and she drove several, including a Limited with 3rd row. While I like the ability to have room for 7, I am really surprised at how much cargo room you lose with that option. It also seemed like the Limited was a little stiffer over bumps than the SR5 Premium but I think she has settled on what she wants, 18 Limited in white, black interior and 3rd row. Options to include bug shield, chrome running boards, mud guards, roof crossbars and the all weather mats and cargo liner. I am on the fence about the running boards; I actually like the look of the vehicle without them but I have rarely seen a stone chip on the rocker panels of the last 2 4Runners and it is obvious they protect the underside well.

I received a price for the vehicle outfitted as above from a large dealership in MD for around 8% off MSRP. And I know that is a great deal. I assume my local dealer is going to come in around 3-4% off MSRP and it will include lifetime warranty on powertrain (something I am confident I will never use due to the outstanding reliability of the Toyota). Wouldn't mind keeping my business local but that 4% translates to thousands not hundreds.

We also stopped at another dealership on the way home that had a '16 Lexus GX470 for almost the same price. She wasn't impressed (I love them but was not going to sway her) and the resale just doesn't hold like the 4Runner.

So, probably be buying in the next couple weeks. I'll update you all on what we end up with and of course post pics!!


-Rob

 

[philsey]

"....It also seemed like the Limited was a little stiffer over bumps than the SR5 Premium.

** Changing out to 17" wheels will help that. I could not abide those wagon wheels if it were mine. Work it into the new sale, with wifey buy-in of course. She may prefer the style.

"...I think she has settled on what she wants,

* Smart man.

"...I am on the fence about the running boards;

* They're not pretty, but unless your wife is tall, or if there are kiddos, they are useful in winter .. I'm 5'9" and use them every time in and out. + short wife, plus old MIL.

"...I received a price for the vehicle outfitted as above from a large dealership in MD for around 8% off MSRP. And I know that is a great deal.

*If your trade is good and no monkey business, that's above average.

"...I assume my local dealer is going to come in around 3-4% off MSRP...

* Take the offer to him, be clear you're buying, I might not give away you prefer him yet, escalate maybe to a manager. He'll surely negotiate 'some', stand your ground, I'd usually even walk for a day. One would think they'd capitulate, but you never know. Is the trade good?

"...and it will include lifetime warranty on powertrain

* silly. Zero real value.

" ...Wouldn't mind keeping my business local but that 4% translates to thousands not hundreds.

* You shouldn't be back to the dealer often, but if you're talking a hour + that becomes a nuisance. I'd pay (some) more local, especially if you trust their service. He knows this BTW. Just one of those judgement calls. This should be a long term ownership.

" ... but was not going to sway her.

* Smart man. Eons ago, I picked the cars. I still 100% take care of them, but her-car, her-choice just.plan.works.best.

 

[ror105]

Philsey-no trade. Not interested in anyone telling me how little the current SR5 is worth. It has a bump and bruise here and there and it may end up going to my 16 year old son as his first car. Or, it may get detailed and shined up with a for sale sign at the end of the driveway.

I hadn't thought of trading the 20's in on the 17's for the wheels. And yes, it makes sense that the low sidewall would be a little harsher on PA potholes.

It's funny you mention the happy wife/happy life mantra. I brought home the last one thinking I would make her ecstatic. Slightly used 2 year old 4Runner to replace her 1996 with 190K miles. Turned into an occasional argument for the next 8 years about how she had no input on it. She loves the thing, but not her choice. That won't happen this time around. Pick the color, pick the options, be happy with it because in 10 years or so (God willing) she will be hauling her grandkids around in this car.

Wonder if the switch from 17s to the 20's would be a credit or an uncharge? I love the TRD wheels; I am sure she doesn't...lol!

 

[philsey]

" ...Philsey-no trade. Not interested in anyone telling me how little the current SR5 is worth. It has a bump and bruise here and there and it may end up going to my 16 year old son as his first car. Or, it may get detailed and shined up with a for sale sign at the end of the driveway.

** Perfect. Trades just advantage the dealer.

"... It's funny you mention the happy wife/happy life mantra. I brought home the last one thinking I would make her ecstatic. Slightly used 2 year old 4Runner to replace her 1996 with 190K miles. Turned into an occasional argument for the next 8 years about how she had no input on it. She loves the thing, but not her choice. That won't happen this time around. Pick the color, pick the options, be happy with it because in 10 years or so (God willing) she will be hauling her grandkids around in this car.

* Amen, amen, and amen. BTDT. So, I preached to the choir.

"...I am sure she doesn't...lol!

* Case closed!! Now all you gots to do, is get your dealer in line. I wonder if good cop bad cop would work? "The wife wants me to buy at X because the price is so good, but I'm the guy who takes care of it .... can you help me out with this"? Doesn't sound like your first rodeo.

.......

 

[fixer5000]

dont get toyotas all weather mats. they dont cover enough...get husky weaherbeaters instead after you get the truck. i got the toyo ones with my limited and dumped them ( theyre for sale ) days after i got it. good luck with the limited i love mine so far !!

 

[ror105]

Ok fellas, here is where I am at. Got it down to $5632 off MSRP or 11.7% off. This is always the fun part....the paying for it, not so much. Pretty sure my local dealer will not be able to touch this.

Before I pull the trigger, does anyone with 3rd row seating regret getting them? I know they will come in handy, possibly not for years to come, but it sure looks like they eat up a lot of precious cargo area.

I have a nice silver Thule that will go on the roof on the occasions that I need extra cargo room, so I guess I am not without recourse.

Really appreciate everyone's input on this. Always nice when you have good advice.

 

[ror105]

Anyone out there have the aftermarket chrome running boards with the mud guards? I am starting to have concerns with all of that running gear hanging low. It appears the pictures I see online the running boards hang pretty low. My days of taking her vehicle up into the hard mountains are over (although it will still go out for the occasional hunting and fishing trip) , and my hope is just to protect the rocker panels and fenders from the anti-skid and salt they use so liberally here in PA during the winter. Really don't want to add these features to only hate the way they look when I pick this vehicle up later this month.

Thanks again.

 

[philsey]

Ok fellas, here is where I am at. Got it down to $5632 off MSRP or 11.7% off. This is always the fun part....the paying for it, not so much. Pretty sure my local dealer will not be able to touch this.

Before I pull the trigger, does anyone with 3rd row seating regret getting them? I know they will come in handy, possibly not for years to come, but it sure looks like they eat up a lot of precious cargo area.
.

Wow! That is WAY above an average discount. "Nearly suspicious".

You will not gain consensus on the 3rd row. Lose some space, gain some seating. Some ppl add them back in, some ppl take them out - neither are an easy task, they are not meant to do this. Me, if I didn't know I'd need them in the next 5 years, I'd skip it. Sit in one a while ... it's not the best implementation ... eg minivan. I'm very dated, but putting kiddos back there kinda freaks me.

You should know that the HVAC back there is NOT good. Actually, this is an afterthought and a compromise in the 4R.

 

[philsey]

Anyone out there have the aftermarket chrome running boards with the mud guards? I am starting to have concerns with all of that running gear hanging low. It appears the pictures I see online the running boards hang pretty low. My days of taking her vehicle up into the hard mountains are over (although it will still go out for the occasional hunting and fishing trip) , and my hope is just to protect the rocker panels and fenders from the anti-skid and salt they use so liberally here in PA during the winter. Really don't want to add these features to only hate the way they look when I pick this vehicle up later this month.

Thanks again.

Forget how it looks - it's a LE, not a TE. Go for practicality. I/We can't function without them. You have kids? The need them. Any shortys? They need them. Get them, take them off ... don't get them, add them, they are always in the classifieds. Move on. Buy that beatch before someone else does. I don't want that to be your next post. :lalala:

They are very nice in the winter IMO.

 

[ror105]

Sorry for the excitement...did my math wrong. 9.8% off MSRP.

Going down later this month to pick it up.

Thanks again guys!!

 

[Ezlife45]

I bought a '14 LE 2WD four years ago and like it. The SR5 has a different suspension than the LE in addition to the 20" vs 17" wheels.
While the ride seems a little rough at first it really isn't that bad. Honestly the suspension makes the vehicle handle very nicely.

My dealer gave me a few grand off the total as a discount and at the time they also offered 0% financing. I was good with that offer.

 

[enternalblazw]

wife want to mod her 18 T4R and i have no idea what parts to buy or what to look for.

that being said she does want it lifted, new rims, tires, and new lights

there is no price limited for anything would like to know what brand to buy

 

[WNY PAT]

My wife couldn’t be happier with her new 4R. It’s got a whopping 148 miles on it!

 

[WallyT4R]

:redbrick: