Limited V8 4WD - How Close To Invoice?

[mogrefy]

I'm getting very close to pulling the trigger here on a 2006 Limited V8 4WD. I've been doing my research, comparing options, and looking at invoice vs msrp prices. My question for everyone out there...

-> How close to Invoice did you get with the dealer?

-> Has anyone used H-Plan or similar Employer based purchase programs? I wonder if they'll beat carsdirect?

Here are the additional options I'm settling on:

~ NAVIGATION SYSTEM W/JBL SYNTHESIS 3-IN-1 AUDIO SYSTEM
Option Code : NV

~ FRONT SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAGS & 1ST & 2ND ROW SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS
Option Code : GY

~ X-REAS SHOCK ABSORBERS
Option Code : NH

~ DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS
Option Code : RL

~ PWR TILT/SLIDE MOONROOF
Option Code : SR

~ PREFERRED OWNERS PORTFOLIO
Option Code : DK

~ CARPET FLOOR & CARGO MAT SET
Option Code : CF

~ DOOR SILL ENHANCEMENTS
Option Code : G0

~ SILVER FINISH SPORT PEDALS
Option Code : 32

~ EXHAUST TIP BY VALOR
Option Code : E5

~ FRONT SKID PLATE
Option Code : S0

~ ALLOY WHEEL LOCKS
Option Code : WL-N

~ 7-PIN TO 4-PIN ADAPTER
Option Code : 4P

Costco Autos puts Invoice at approx. $36,997 and MSRP at approx. $41,935

Carsdirect prices this configuration at $39,381

I wonder if I can beat that, seems a little far from Invoice to me.

Also, this is without 'cash back' incentives... I'll probably do 2.9% APR.

 

[mogrefy]

I guess in addition to this, it appears that the invoice above is lower than that posted at edmunds and autos.msn.com - Anyone have an opinion as to whether edmunds invoice is high or if costco is reporting it low?

 

[Uneek]

I guess in addition to this, it appears that the invoice above is lower than that posted at edmunds and autos.msn.com - Anyone have an opinion as to whether edmunds invoice is high or if costco is reporting it low?

Two things, there's dealer invoice and true invoice. Dealer invoice will be higher as it includes holdback, advertising fees, gas and one or two more items, adding anywhere from $500-2000 more over true invoice. True invoice does not have any of those items. If you find a good rep, they can give a breakdown without the items and you'll know exactly how much the dealer is making on the sale (holdback and $xxx over dealer invoice). Depending on your region, you may be able to go lower than dealer invoice by cutting down on holdback and having advertisement or another item dropped.

I've purchased a car through the Costco program before. Costco uses a specific dealer in your area and there's a set price over invoice based on the particular make and model. Sometimes another dealer will be willing match Costco's price. Costco's price is good if you don't want to haggle, hassle or negotiate, almost like pure pricing. But I believe you can do better than Costco's price with a little bit of homework and negotiating. Email the internet sales rep of nearby dealers for their best price. Costco's program is good for high demand vehicles, but super high demand vehicles maybe excluded. In 2001-02, my uncle was getting his Honda Odyssey, which wasn't a part of the program (most were selling at sticker or above sticker).

I used it in late 2003 to buy my '04 Camry, the price I got was far less than what another dealer wanted for an identical model, since they had plenty of time sell next year's model and I was looking for a rare nav equipped Camry. I was also checking out the RX330 at the same time, with the Costco price it was a lot less--most dealers wanted close to sticker for the RX due to demand.

Good luck.

 

[ct430]

I "ordered" a 4Runner with almost the exact options that you did and ended up paying $200 over invoice BEFORE any incentives.

My vehicle should arrive within the next 1.5 weeks. Hopefully, the current $1500 cash back will be in effect for February in the event that delivery is on the outside of my time window.

 

[snap315]

I too ordered a 4Runner (2005) with almost those exact options.

Before rebates I it was $500 over invoice. At that time gas had just started to creep up and SUV's were still in demand. I still got a great deal since the rebate turned out to be $2500 at the time of delivery.

You should be able to get one today at $250 over or at invoice with little or no problem given the SUV market and gas prices.

I strongly suggest talking to the Internet/Fleet sales person at a good and large dealership to see if he will beat Costco.