Checklist when buying

[Yotta]

It seems I will be buying a new 4Runner soon :dance:

Haven't bought a new car in a while so have some silly questions:

Anything in particular to watch for when accepting the truck? That is, besides the usual listen to the engine, check body panel gaps, etc.

I will be buying from an out-of-state dealer who I don't expect to see ever again. Any issues there related to warranty or anything?

I want to immediately switch the tires. It is worth it to ask the dealer to buy the tires on the spot? What does a set of OEM tires cost, more or less?

Anything else I should be thinking about?

Yotta

 

[ArnavG544]

It seems I will be buying a new 4Runner soon :dance:

Haven't bought a new car in a while so have some silly questions:

Anything in particular to watch for when accepting the truck? That is, besides the usual listen to the engine, check body panel gaps, etc.

I will be buying from an out-of-state dealer who I don't expect to see ever again. Any issues there related to warranty or anything?

I want to immediately switch the tires. It is worth it to ask the dealer to buy the tires on the spot? What does a set of OEM tires cost, more or less?

Anything else I should be thinking about?

Yotta

The dealer where we bought mine had some offers for like Lifetime Powertrain at their dealer only (yeah I have no clue, it's usually at any authorized dealer), and like free servicing and oil changes at their dealer for a couple years/don't remember how many miles. This dealer is 5 mins away so it worked for me, but for you just make sure they don't charge you extra/don't give you a good deal because of future benefits at their dealer. Check the other thread that is about what other people here paid and check if there was someone who purchased one in the same relative location as where you're getting yours, and just try to use those prices as guidelines.

Mine came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T, and they're looking brand new, looks the same as the day they came off the lot with the exception of 5 layers of dust since I refuse to wash my truck (5-6k miles). If you don't like them, then try to see if you can strike a deal with the dealer to get them on your car at no/little extra cost. But these tires from what I've heard can last 40k+ miles, so unless you really need to change them, I'd keep them. I think they go for like $700-800 a set?

Good Luck with your purchase!

 

[The Waco Kid]

I actually just ordered a new truck last night. If you're wanting to get new tires with the deal, I would negotiate the exact car you want, before mentioning any other accessories/tires/etc... I did this, and was offered by another dealer 400 less OTD, plus tint, carpet mats, and a cargo net. Used that quote at my local dealer and walked out with an even lower negotiated OTD price plus all the accessories.

Essentially, I negotiated a price I was comfortable with, then threw the other stuff in when I had an advantage in the negotiating. Use it as leverage on the sale.

In your case, call the local NTB, Discount Tire, or whoever else buys/sells tires near the dealer, and get a quote from them for them. Use that as a bargaining tool.

You can also just call their service department and see how much they're selling them for. You could use that too when negotiating.

Warranty should be covered by toyota, not your dealer. As mentioned, be sure they aren't trying to throw in some fee for service or whatever. You won't need it.


Lastly, be sure to read everything, don't sign anything you're not comfortable with, and most of all, have fun with it. You can always walk away and try somewhere else.

 

[Yotta]

The dealer offers the Lifetime Powertrain warranty, but it's a freebie given to everyone.

The best OTD quote I have is almost exactly invoice + $280 for the doc fee and paperwork. That looks reasonable to me.

As to accessories I much prefer third-party since they are ridiculously overpriced at the dealer's...

 

[The Waco Kid]

The dealer offers the Lifetime Powertrain warranty, but it's a freebie given to everyone.

The best OTD quote I have is almost exactly invoice + $280 for the doc fee and paperwork. That looks reasonable to me.

As to accessories I much prefer third-party since they are ridiculously overpriced at the dealer's...

Sounds like you have your answer then. Try the few methods mentioned above, and see what happens. You could always just trade them in at discount.

 

[Antman]

Look for add-ons like undercoating, mirror-glaze, scotch-guard. All that stuff is a complete ripoff. Don't pay for any of it.

 

[Stifler]

dont call it a car or it will break down and little kittens will die!

it's a truck.... or a rig... or a 4R

 

[Yotta]

dont call it a car or it will break down and little kittens will die!

If you read carefully you'll notice that I didn't call it a car. I am mindful of the kittens

In other news, another dealer popped up with an available 2014 at invoice price. Slightly different config, though... Anyone has thoughts on whether an Entune upgrade (essentially you get a built-in nav) is worth it? I've always had the GPS as a separate unit, not sure how much convenience do I gain by having it right there in the console.

 

[Stifler]

I personally think Entune is NOT worth the money.... so many better after market options out there

 

[Yotta]

Well, Entune (Audio plus) is standard now on all SR5s, it's part of the base package. What I can have -- on one of the trucks I'm looking at -- is Entune Premium which really is base Entune + nav (and a bunch of useless fluff).