experiences in special ordering a 4runner

[jasonlee]

i've read about how the only way you can get a 4runner with side bags is to order and what not. I've also read that you should be able to get approx. the same deal with a special order as with a car on their actual lot.

With those of you who have actually ordered one before(04 or 05), what were your experiences? As i understand, dealers just order cars every once in awhile (as opposed to buying all the cars they need to sell for the year at once), so they "order" cars all the time and adding a special one isn't that big of a deal. Nonetheless, i've also read that the distributors to california don't often get the side bag versions and etc.. please correct me if i'm wrong


so when is the best time to order a 4runner, (for price and selection) i.e. now or when v8's start showin up on the lots. Also, why dont dealers like special ordering cars? business is business right? If i order a car, i pretty much have to take it no matter what when it comes onto the lot right?

I plan to e-mail/fax/call some dealers in nor cal and so cal regarding a quote, nonetheless, i'd like to know as much as i can before having to talk to them.

fyi: i plan to get a 05' v8 sport edition with just side bags and the 115v AC power outlet and maybe the alarm. The homelink and self dimming mirror can all be DYI right?

thanks in advancem

jason

 

[Mark86]

I didn't special order my 4Runner but I will try to help you out. You will more likely get a better deal on a truck that is already on their lot. The dealer would much rather sell you a truck on their lot that they paid for already than order one from the factory.I know some dealers will give you a hard time if you want to special order. In most cases, you will have to take the truck you order no matter what. The dealer doesn't want to get stuck with an oddly configured truck on their lot.

The best time to order a 4Runner is the end of the model year. You will definitely get more incentives when the dealers are trying to move the old inventory for the new. In your case, it doesn't matter when you order because you want an 05 V8. Just add in the wait time if you are special ordering one. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for a speical ordered 4Runner to come in.

You will most definitely have to special order to get the side-curtain airbags unless you are lucky. The mirror, homelink, and alarm can be ordered after you get the truck. I added the Homelink and the mirror. Homelink is a 5 minute job. You just snap off the old panel and snap on the new. The mirror took longer due to all the wiring through the headliner. Also, the mirror ended up being a lot cheaper adding it on your own. I am not sure about the 115 volt AC. I think you maybe able to add that after you get the truck too.

Good luck. Hope I helped you out a bit.

 

[G3 Trout Runner]

Recently, I bought my 2004 4Runner. I was willing to take the end of the year model knowing that I wanted a really good deal. Your case is a bit different but you still should be able to find a good deal.

I highly recommend checking out www.fightingchance.com and www.carbuyingtips.com. I read carbuyingtips.com and then was willing to pay for the fightingchance info.

All cars regardless of time of year will have a dealer holdback, possibly a wholesale incentive. Both of which may lower your cost below invoice. Not all cars go below invoice in a region. Good selling cars may be above. One car that sells below may be a good deal while one car that sells above may be a good deal.

Using the fax attack you can avoid ever talking to those scoundrels and then pit the jokers against each other. Remember, they want to sell cars. If they make $100 on an order that they didn't have to work for the better. Also there may be hidden incentives for the dealer to sell (ie end of month quota, factory to dealer incentives). End of the month is the best time to buy. End of the month just before the new models come out even better.

I know I rambled. Check out the websites and email me if you have questions.

G3 Trout Runner

 

[kullenberg]

Ordering a 4Runner

I wanted a Sport, V8, 4WD, with the only option being the side air bags, not even a sun roof. I ordered last Feb. and rcvd it the first of May. Absolutely no hassel - the sales mgr of my dealer handled the whole thing, in fact even suggested it. Could not be happier. Bad news- this all took place in NC, which doesn't do you much good in CA., other than to know it can be done.
:dunno:

 

[TranceKrayz]

here in chicago, there are pleanty of toyota dealers, so it's very easy to have them compete with each other. my friend once tried to order a red corolla from a dealer and they tried to charge him more, so he went somewhere else and got what he wanted. therefore, it is possible to get what you want for the price you want...as long as it's reasonable. in my friend's case for example, paying more for a red corolla is rediculous.

 

[jasonlee]

yah i just need to sack up and actually call around and see what they can do for me and for what prices.

I'm just afraid these prices will be ridiculous seeing as how i'm special ordering one and how it'll be for the beginning of the 05' run. what do you guys think a decent deal would be for a 05' SE v8 4x4 with side air bags ? (edmunds says 04' option of side bags cost msrp 680)

jlee

 

[jwarthman]

Best Time to Buy an '05

I have a similar question. I'm ready to buy an '05 V6 4WD Limited. It's not a real popular model, so the dealer may have to trade with another dealer.

I'm afraid the dealers may not be willing to deal too much, being the start of the new model year. But I'd be interested to hear others' experiences with buying early in the year. People often say it's best to buy at the end of the month. Would that mean to close the deal and take delivery of the vehicle then, or get the dealer to commit to a price and get a deposit, even if it means a couple more weeks to locate the vehicle?

Anyway, thanks for your suggestions - I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Enjoy!

-- Jim

 

[boston_kevin]

ordering vs dealer stock

3 things to consider when ordering:
1) You can get whatever you want on the car providing the dealer can put the order through (and it is a supported configuration).
2) You are willing to wait up to 3-4 months to receive your vehicle
3) You are willing to forego any End of Model Year incentive that is available

Good things about ordering: Dealer pays no advertising for vehicle, so there should be no advertising fees in your purchase price.

If you are willing to forego the airbags, you can get a great deal right now. My buddy is getting a SE V6 4x4 for 27k (28k -1k rebate). Dealers get penalized for every '04 they have on their lot, so they want to get rid of the '04s as soon as possible, even taking a small loss on some vehicles if it will make the sale.

As far as dealers trading vehicles, or locating one for you... Don't do it... Then you are paying for the transfer of the vehicle from one dealer to another. Use the internet, call dealers in the area, email dealers. You will get a better deal in the long run.

 

[raider]

2005 SE 4-Runner special order

Jason:

I think I will be doing exactly what you are apparently going to do with a special order of a 2005 Sport Edition 4-Runner with a V-8 engine, as well as side and curtain air bags. Presently, I plan to get quotes from four dealers in the middle Tennessee area in which I live. I have visited all four dealerships and done test drives on 2004 4-Runners. I am going to have three of them fax me offers and then I am going to call the salesman who I have been told will give me the best deal and ask him what his price would be without telling him what the others have said. I have a feeling he will be well below them.

I definitely want the side and curtain air bags and I definitely want the "new" V-8 because of the variable valve timing, the increased horse power and the increased torque. I hate the fake hood scoop. However, I love the fact that the Sport Edition comes standard with the X-REAS suspension system (and you can't get that option on the SR5).

I plan to order a black Sport Edition. What color are you trying to order?

I will pass along on this board any of my special order experience that might be useful to you. I have been told that I won't be able to special order until at least October 1st.

 

[Luxury]

Re: 2005 SE 4-Runner special order

.....I hate the fake hood scoop....

I PM'd you about trading hoods. I just posted THIS THREAD yesterday, asking if anyone wanted to trade. It would be easier if we lived closer, but not having to paint it is a big help.

 

[vandert]

I special ordered.

Well we were prepared to but they had exactely what we wanted at a dealer in N.C., I bought it when I was in Florida. The dealer actually gave me a price break on it because he didn't have what we wanted in stock. We drew up the paperwork, made the deal and drove off in a brand new Camry, top of the line. Our vehicle was brought down, around 8 days, and delievered to us at our door, the dealership was in Sanford, I lived at Patrick AFB, its about 75 miles away.

The dealer was David Maus and they hooked us up. I ordered what I wanted, 4wd, Mnrf, White, 17"s, ect... and I got everything for 28,000, then threw my military discount on and walked out for 27,500. I got 13,000 for my trade in so I only financed a fairly small amount. My note allows for the mods that are soon to start.

Hope that helps. BTW, does anyone with a white runner want to change hoods, I'd like the non functioning hood scoop

T

 

[jasonlee]

update:

i emailed about 30 toyota dealerships regarding a price for a left over 04 SE V8 as well as info on ordering a 05 with side bags.

The stock of 04's left seems pretty slim. The prices dont seem that amazing due to year end. Most of them have been mid 28's to 30's.

No one here in california has replied yet that they can order me an 05. They all say it takes 4-6 months and they still can't guarantee that i'll get it. I did try emailing dianne at carson toyota (who i hear can order anything) but she's yet to respond. I keep on getting told that they can't order 05's yet. How are you guys able to order them? am i being lied to? i should just start my own toyota dealership

jason

 

[raider]

Ordering a 4-Runner

Jason, sent you a message discussing my
special order situation. Check your message box when you get a chance.

We have the number three Toyota salesman in the country (or world) in Nashville at Beaman Toyota and he says he won't be able to order mine until at least October 1st.

 

[jasonlee]

so far, after emailing a zillion dealers, i've gotten a quote for 100 over invoice on a special order for an 05 SE v8 4x4 with side bags as well as one for 500.

I'm am pretty confused. I went out bargaining today at the local toyota dealerships today, and they were extremely hesitant to move under 34k under the door. Also they were all saying how 05's would sell for at invoice.

do those dealers that quoted me for 100 and 500 over invoice just want to trick me to come down and waste my time?

confused...


jason

 

[Mark86]

If you have a piece of paper in your hand with that price, I would think they would have to meet it. I don't think they would do that to trick you. On the other hand, you are dealing with a car dealer so I can't tell you what to expect. From my experiences, they will quote you a good price, but give you a lot less on your trade in. You can never be ahead of a car dealer!!

 

[TST]

This might be obvious, but did you try http://www.carsdirect.com/

 

[jasonlee]

the reason i ask is because i went shopping today for 04's and no one was willing to bargain with me even though its' the end of the model year. the lowest i could get was around 33.5k out the door.

at that dealership, out the door means invoice plus tax and everything, so according to my calculations he would be charging me roughly 30.3k for a 04 SE v8 4x4 black with sunroof and mats and cargo net.

this is why i'm ridiculously surprised they would quote me that low on an 05 to buy in january if i can barely get invoice now on an 04.


jason

 

[Bouncnb]

Re: ordering vs dealer stock

As far as dealers trading vehicles, or locating one for you... Don't do it... Then you are paying for the transfer of the vehicle from one dealer to another. Use the internet, call dealers in the area, email dealers. You will get a better deal in the long run.

My 4 Runner was found through a dealer transfer. There was no transfer fee or shipping fee. That and I still got all the rebates, and then some. Maybe its just the southern way of doin things, I don't know.

Also, if the dealer does a dealer trade, try to see if he does it with one of his associate dealerships, that way you can avoid alot of costs. My dad, who was a Gen Manager at a dealership along time ago told me about that one.