Ordering a 4Runner

[mam4994]

How long has it been taking to get 4Runner made and shipped from Japan. From the date ordered to the date shipped?

I know there is no set time frame, but would like a rough estimate.

I have talked to numerous dealers, who all claim "they talked with Toyota" and the dealers dates differ greatly from "guaranteed to be here first/middle of April" to "the earliest is the end of June".

 

[NoDak]

it varies greatly from what i have talked to my sales friend. it depends on how long the boat trip is (weather), and how long it sits at the dock (port entry/processing, which is the major hold up most of the time). after that depending on where it has to go and dealer allocation. this process can take around 30 days for boat trip then up to 30 days for port/allocation determination. so you can expect up to 45-75 days on average (more like 60-90 though). ymmv though. if anyone can correct me if im wrong or off on the time frame it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mark86]

When I was shopping for a 4Runner back in September 2003, it was about a three month wait for one from Japan. That is why I decided to buy one off the lot. I did not think it was worth the wait for just a couple of options. I ended up buying a Sport Edition that was on the lot and I am still very happy with my decision.

 

[RL Lemke]

I ordered my 4Runner the end of September, or was it the beginning of October, anyway it was delivered to port a week ago. My dealer received it two days after entry in port, as I had only floormats and the trailer 7 to 4 pin converter.

Once Toyota "accepted" the order it seemed that it was a quick delivery. I suspect that Toyota "accepts" the order when the rig is being built.

To get exactly what I wanted, and nothing more, the long process was worth it. For $5,000 more I could have gotten a Limited with extra stuff I did not want. At $18 per $1,000 borrowed, it was not worth it to me.

 

[NoDak]

another option is for the dealer to do a search within the region. thats what i had to do to get what i wanted. it cost me $300 though for them to get it and bring it back on a trailer, but it saved me the hassle of waiting for what i wanted and i got the color and options i wanted. my dealer will out outside the region but then the cost jumps pretty high depending on location. anywhere from 1000-1500 extra.

 

[pdonnell]

Just some fyi for the hey of it. I bought my 2004 4x4 v8 on 1/7/04 and the manufacture date on the door jam says 10/03.
.
.
Must have been fresh off the boat? I'll check for barnacles

 

[Cnemie]

Two different dealers stated 16 weeks for a special order vehicle.
I did some research and found the vehicle I wanted on another lot.

My manufacture date is Dec 2003.

Talk about NEW! I picked it up Jan 26th.

 

[4Runner2003]

It took mine a little over 4 months.

 

[gaslight]

They told me at least 90 days. They also searched the Northeast first to try and find one but none were available.
They also told me that while mine was ordered if one came in on a ship that was not already sold then it would be sent here for me and that is what happened.
I got what I wanted in about month. I got the model, color and everything else that I wanted. Patience is the key.

 

[RL Lemke]

While working on my taxes I found the receipt for the deposit on my 4Runner order, 9/27/03. I ordered a vehicle never ordered by the Gulf States distributor; so getting one in process was not going to happen. The new 4runner was delivered to the dealer on 1/28/04.

It appears that my order was delivered in the usual timeframe for Toyota. Since I have a couple cars for me to drive during the order process, the time was not a problem.

My understanding is that there may be a difference in the ordering process for those states not covered by the exclusive distributorships.

It is really nice to have a Sport Edition with side airbags. Something Gulf States does not do. With a 50% reduction in death from side impacts, I think the wait was worth it. To do otherwise would have required me to get a Limited with side airbags, and forgo the extras in the Sport Package, and add $5000 to the purchase price.

 

[mam4994]

Thanks everyone, I just had the dealer try to locate one. Ironically, they found the exact one that I wanted. It was already enroute to the States from Japan and will be delievered in the next few weeks.