Have found a 08 T4R, but dealer is saying invoice is higher than I calculate

[oildude]

Greetings. Found this forum some time ago and have been using it for information gathering in my hunt for a new SUV.

As someone who has wanted a 4wd 4Runner for years, I am finally pulling the trigger. A local dealer here in Orange County has a 2008 4wd Sport, V-6, salsa red, that comes with JBL audio and a few other options I like. No moonroof, which is a plus since I like the extra head room.

I am dealing with the internet sales people at the dealership. They are telling me their invoice on this is $32,000, which is $500 above what I have determined using Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book (I am including the destination charge) with all the options. Anyone here experienced this? How accurate is Edmunds and KBB for Southern California? Are dealer invoices higher here or am I being suckered into paying extra?

Thanks for any feedback. BTW, the listed options are JBL audio, Spoiler w/ center stop lamp, floor and cargo mats, daytime running lights, weight carrying tow hitch and ball mount (this sounds like the tow package TO option), garage door opener.

 

[cmb]

Wow, no sunroof!, ya don't find many without it in my area, or in Salsa Red. I went from Cars Direct to Edmunds and landed someplace in the middle to get my offering price.Back in July I bought our 08 SE, same options and color as yours but with the headroom robbing sunroof. I offered 28500 plus T&T, we like the dealership, it was my second truck purchase there so my salesrep knew my offer was researched well. They dress 'em up with pedal and exhaust finishers, bug guard and pinstripes. My price might help you with a baseline but every region is different , so educate yourself well.

 

[J.A.]

Hi, good find without the SR, I had to do a special order to get my sport that way. About the $500, it is probably the Advertising fee. I suggest you check out my purchasing page, rather than me reiterating what is said there. There is a spreadsheet available on it that will calc the true dealer cost. Any questions at that point ask away! Good Luck.

 

[CRDT4R]

Do you know if its the limited, I also know that a lot of dealers are giving 4000 cash back if you dont do the 0% financing. You can get that if you do reg financing or pay with cash. Call around to a lot of different dealers in the area. When we bought ours. Our drive out price with tax was less than any others invoice, it just took a lot of calling.

I also said to each dealer than I would only walk into the dealer with the lowest price and they had to give me the best. If someone gave a little higher price, just let them know that joe bob's dealer down the street is selling the exact same one for a lot less then they are asking for.

Overall you should be getting a killer deal on these, The economy sucks and they are trying to move those fast.

 

[toto]

I think J.A. is right - that sounds like the Advertising Fee ($500). Personally, I think that's a bogus line item on the invoice, as I think advertising is a cost of doing business. Why that's a per-car charge, I don't know, but it is consistent for Toyota. Maybe Toyota corporate is passing along the cost of those "Saved by 0" commercials or whatever, but I still argue that's a cost of doing business for Toyota Motor Sales USA. They're the ones that have to get the cars out of the ports.

That's why I never walk into to a dealership and offer "$X above (or below) invoice". You never know what stuff falls into their definition of "invoice". Always have a number in mind, and negotiate using actual numbers.

If you don't think the $500 is fair, then don't pay it - offer your number instead. Car dealers have to be hurting right now, but it amazes me that they're still playing games trying to squeeze money out of people who really want to buy a car. One dealer in my area has a "super special" on 2008 models that's still $500 over invoice before rebates. Another dealer is adding those silly dealer-installed aftermarket accessories to raise the sticker price and increase their profit margin. Let's think about that - make the car more expensive than the same one at the next Toyota dealer down the street. Genius.

 

[oildude]

It's the advertising fee. Thanks for the link, JA. Nice site.

Apparently this is the only 4wd V-6 Sport in salsa red with JBL and no sunroof available on the West Coast. It is pure mint, two weeks off the boat from Japan.