I got around 10% off MSRP. Let me explain what I did.
First, I was looking for something that many dealers in the area had on their lots.
Next, I found as many email addresses for either a GM or internet sales specialist for dealers in my area. I came up with a list of 15 email addresses from 15 different dealers.
Then I emailed each with something like this;
Hello,
I am looking for a 2018 4Runner and plan to buy at the end of the month. The specific vehicle is listed below. If you have or will have this vehicle in your inventory by then, please respond to this email with a “drive out” price that includes a breakdown of all fees. Vehicle model and colors must be a 100% match.
I am not interested in any lease options. I am prequalified with Capital One for 36 month financing at x%, but am open to financing through the dealership if you can provide a better rate.
The vehicle I am looking for;
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(Describe year, model, color, any desired options)
TOTAL PRICE (MSRP per Toyota.com)
$46,198
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I will buy on Saturday, 3/31, based on price and proximity.
Again, if you have or will have this vehicle by 3/31, please provide your best drive out price and include a breakdown of all fees. This is a serious request.
Note that I provided no other contact info, and specifically requested an email response. Also note that I timed this at the end of the month. My email went out about 2 weeks ahead of my planned purchase date.
4 days after after emailing 15 dealers with this very specific request, I had 5 responses. Of those, two did not provide what I asked for at all - but they wanted me to come in. BY doing it this way, I eliminated 12 dealers who simply were not interested in making a deal via email.
Now I had 3 dealers that appeared to be willing to work with me. One was close by, and honest enough to tell me that he had exactly what I wanted, but not the exterior color I was looking for. He politely asked if I would consider it, and gave me a great price and the breakdown I asked for. The other two were willing to give me 5-6 % off MSRP, and those had dealer added extras that I did not want.
By doing it this way, I eliminated those dealers that didn't want to be up front about pricing, or deal with me via email, and ended up getting 10% off MSRP. Great deal, and I think I like the MGM color better now anyway!