Placing a special order for a 4R and had a few questions...

[acosta]

I've spent the last few months reading through this forum and learning about the 5th gen 4Runner (great forum BTW). Locating the particular vehicle I want has been a challenge (Shoreline Blue Trail with KDSS/NAV) but I finally found a dealer willing to work with me to get the exact 4Runner I'm after. The dealer felt that given the scarcity of that particular vehicle in the southeast region, a preference request would result in a very long wait with no guarantee of having one allocated. Instead, they'll place a special order with the factory, which usually takes 14-16 weeks for delivery after placing the order (orders apparently go in on the 15th and 30th of each month). I'm working with my employer's car buying service, so I would pay invoice ($38,500) and the dealer waives the documentation fee ($600). Given the particular circumstances, along with what I've read on this forum (and TrueCar.com) to get an idea of fair price, I feel like I'm getting a pretty good deal. Does anyone disagree or care to offer additional input?

My second question has to do with the standard privacy glass versus the Toyota window tint option. Has anyone gotten the Toyota window tint option, and was it worth it (are the front side windows tinted as well)?

I've been pretty patient this far but waiting four more months will be tough. I'm worried I will spend the next four months filling up the garage with aftermarket stuff to install as soon as the 4Runner arrives.

Anyway, thanks for listening and I welcome any input you may have. Thanks!

 

[SeattleMike]

Preference Request = "Special Order". They can act like they are doing you a favor, but it's the exact same process. I know, because I placed a preference request for a Shoreline Blue TE with KDSS/Nav for $38,500 and all it took was a $500 deposit to start the process.

$38,500 is not invoice, either. It's probably $1000 or more above actual invoice but I was willing to pay the premium because no other dealer was even willing to submit the request at the time. I don't regret it but others have since paid ~$1100 less for the same truck before taxes, title, and licensing.

DOT regulations don't allow new vehicles to be produced with a tinted windshield or tinted front door windows, so it doesn't matter what you purchase, it will be installed after it arrives in America and can't be considered OEM.

Mine arrived in less than 3 weeks. I hope yours arrives just as quickly!

 

[J.A.]

Preference request DOES NOT equal a special order by any means. A preference request is when the dealer puts in a request to divert an already made typical build vehicle that is in route to another dealer to their dealership. A special order is when the dealer puts in a request for a build just the way you want it and you will typically wait at least the 14-16 weeks the OP mentions. Three weeks is about right for a preference order. I did a true special order for mine and waiting the 5 months to get it was well worth it for what i wanted.

 

[Superman]

I've spent the last few months reading through this forum and learning about the 5th gen 4Runner (great forum BTW). Locating the particular vehicle I want has been a challenge (Shoreline Blue Trail with KDSS/NAV) but I finally found a dealer willing to work with me to get the exact 4Runner I'm after. The dealer felt that given the scarcity of that particular vehicle in the southeast region, a preference request would result in a very long wait with no guarantee of having one allocated. Instead, they'll place a special order with the factory, which usually takes 14-16 weeks for delivery after placing the order (orders apparently go in on the 15th and 30th of each month). I'm working with my employer's car buying service, so I would pay invoice ($38,500) and the dealer waives the documentation fee ($600). Given the particular circumstances, along with what I've read on this forum (and TrueCar.com) to get an idea of fair price, I feel like I'm getting a pretty good deal. Does anyone disagree or care to offer additional input?

My second question has to do with the standard privacy glass versus the Toyota window tint option. Has anyone gotten the Toyota window tint option, and was it worth it (are the front side windows tinted as well)?

I've been pretty patient this far but waiting four more months will be tough. I'm worried I will spend the next four months filling up the garage with aftermarket stuff to install as soon as the 4Runner arrives.

Anyway, thanks for listening and I welcome any input you may have. Thanks!

The only bad part of ordering a preferred trim line aside from having to wait for it is the price of the desired vehicle. The dealers always try to make more money on special orders since it's not a lot vehicle they are trying to move quickly. And they also have to spend more time and effort on it. That is why you're getting a great deal, considering that you're paying invoice and dodging the app fee. If you don't mind me asking, who is your employer? That's a pretty good car buying service to be getting in the eastern US since the preferred trim-line/color was not included in the regional distribution manifest for the east coast.


:thumb3:

 

[acosta]

Thanks for the input

Thanks guys. Yep, it's a true special order since the dealer recognized that a preference request for this particular 4Runner would take too long. He'd been tracking for the last two months how many in that config came into region (I pestered him every week) and the two that did come in were apparently special orders as well. I think the car buying service helped in that process quite a bit given their relationship with this particular dealership.

As far as price, I kind'a knew that I wasn't going to get the dealer to match Zag/Truecar pricing given the additional leg work required. In fact, from the very beginning they said they would match the price if it was for a vehicle on the lot (makes sense to me). Waiving the documentation fee to me was like spliting the difference since $1,200 below invoice (Truecar price) plus the $600 doc fee would result in $37,900 plus tag, title and tax. I'm at $38,500 plus tag, title and tax, and I think I'm okay with that for a vehicle that hits the production line with my name on it from the get go.

As far as the window tint option, I'm still wondering if it's worth it (sticker is $299, invoice is $104, which is what I'd pay). If anyone has gotten it and can describe the difference, please let me know. Below is a link to a picture of the option when I configure the truck via Toyota's website.

ShopAtToyota.com

Thanks again guys - can't wait.

 

[acosta]

Thanks Superman for the input. PM sent...

 

[SeattleMike]

Preference request DOES NOT equal a special order by any means. A preference request is when the dealer puts in a request to divert an already made typical build vehicle that is in route to another dealer to their dealership. A special order is when the dealer puts in a request for a build just the way you want it and you will typically wait at least the 14-16 weeks the OP mentions. Three weeks is about right for a preference order. I did a true special order for mine and waiting the 5 months to get it was well worth it for what i wanted.

JA, I was also told 14-16 weeks. I was told by 5 different dealers in 4 different states that Toyota doesn't take special orders and that dealers can only place preference requests. And what the OP asked for is NOT a special build vehicle, as Nav and KDSS on a blue Trail is a "typical build" vehicle. A special build would be a white TE with nav, KDSS and no moon roof and you absolutely CAN NOT order one from Toyota in that configuration.

Like I said, they can call it what ever they want, but it is the same process. If some one can show me a "special order" 5Th 4Runner with a non-standard build and an order sheet, then I will reconsider my position. Until then, the difference is semantics.

 

[nah2323]

Mine came in three, it was a special order turned into a preference request.

 

[453030]

I did a "true special order" on my Mag Grey Trail / KDSS / NAV and paid $500 over invoice, which as I recall was 36652 on a 2010, so I paid 37152 + TTL.

The only bad part of ordering a preferred trim line aside from having to wait for it is the price of the desired vehicle. The dealers always try to make more money on special orders since it's not a lot vehicle they are trying to move quickly.
:thumb3:

Funny story, after patiently waiting 4 months or so for my unit to arrive, the dealer tried to add fees at the time of closing the deal. They had the nerve to say "Do you know how special this truck is? Nobody in Colorado has a Trail with KDSS and NAV... we could sell it for retail tomorrow!" I reminded them they only had the truck because I ordered it like that :redbrick: I also recommended they order more if they could sell them for retail... they looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language.

There is no better summation of an auto dealer in the US than depicted in Fargo. "These guys here... it's always the same... it's always more!"

 

[GatorFL]

A family member is an exec at SET and we reallocated a car for our needs. Took a few weeks. Probably the same as a preference request. They told me special order was a few months so the times you are mentioning sound accurate.

Regarding the tint, you can get it tinted locally for probably less than invoice. I prefer a darker tint over what they do at the port although I will say the port installed tint is professionally applied. Just not dark enough.

 

[Ryan_S]

Is that tint all 7 windows, or just the front 2? If it's the front 2 only, way over priced. If it's all 7, not bad. What % is it?

 

[J.A.]

JA, I was also told 14-16 weeks. I was told by 5 different dealers in 4 different states that Toyota doesn't take special orders and that dealers can only place preference requests. And what the OP asked for is NOT a special build vehicle, as Nav and KDSS on a blue Trail is a "typical build" vehicle. A special build would be a white TE with nav, KDSS and no moon roof and you absolutely CAN NOT order one from Toyota in that configuration.

Like I said, they can call it what ever they want, but it is the same process. If some one can show me a "special order" 5Th 4Runner with a non-standard build and an order sheet, then I will reconsider my position. Until then, the difference is semantics.

A special order is not what you are describing as a special build. Your special build is indeed something they wont make at all hence it cannot be special ordered or any type of order at all . Lets just agree to disagree and us that have special ordered know it can be done and that it is not a preference order. Anyone wanting to learn more can read my purchasing info page, and for those who don't, one quick takeaway...don't believe everything the dealer tells you.

 

[Superman]

Thanks Superman for the input. PM sent...

No problem buddy. I've got it. Thank you as well.

 

[SeattleMike]

A special order is not what you are describing as a special build. Your special build is indeed something they wont make at all hence it cannot be special ordered or any type of order at all . Lets just agree to disagree and us that have special ordered know it can be done and that it is not a preference order. Anyone wanting to learn more can read my purchasing info page, and for those who don't, one quick takeaway...don't believe everything the dealer tells you.

I've read your page and I understand what you did in 2007. That doesn't change that the OP's special order will be filled via preference request, as they are not an uncommon build in the Portland region and his will just be diverted to another boat. Had he asked for (and gotten) something different like "no sliding tray" or "no moonroof", as you did, then I might believe that he did a special order.

But I will concede that they were possible in 2007 and may still be today. :hatsoff:

 

[acosta]

Window tint option

Is that tint all 7 windows, or just the front 2? If it's the front 2 only, way over priced. If it's all 7, not bad. What % is it?

Hey Ryan. That's precisely my question, is it all seven windows (can't really tell from the picture) and, how much darker/different is it from the privacy glass feature that's already standard on the vehicle. The dealer couldn't offer any specifics either. I think Dispense here on the forum had the window tint option on his TE so I've sent him a PM to see if I can get his input. We'll see what he says.

Thanks again.

 

[acosta]

I've read your page and I understand what you did in 2007. That doesn't change that the OP's special order will be filled via preference request, as they are not an uncommon build in the Portland region and his will just be diverted to another boat. Had he asked for (and gotten) something different like "no sliding tray" or "no moonroof", as you did, then I might believe that he did a special order.

But I will concede that they were possible in 2007 and may still be today. :hatsoff:

The dealer has made it clear to me that I have two options: 1) either put in a preference request, in which case we'll have to wait and see until a vehicle with that configuration comes available AND is then allocated to him (which given the scarcity of the config particularly in the Southeast, and the fact that there's others already in line, means that it could take a very long time), or 2) place a special order on the 15th of this month directly with Toyota and confirm that Toyota has accepted the special order (in which case the vehicle goes into production with a buyer already assigned to it). Toyota could also reject the special order if they believe that a preference request could fulfill the order in a couple of months. The dealer's concern is that a preference request will take more than just a few months, hence the reason for their special order approach.

So in your world Mike, the information you got from the dealer is good, J.A.'s information is possible, but what I've worked out with the dealer in very specific terms is apparently no good and the dealer is lying to me? If you are so certain of what your saying then offer feedback that actually helps me cut through the BS at the dealership. Speaking in absolutes without backing it up only makes you sound like an _________.

Thanks everyone else for the feedback.

 

[1000MPH]

I did a "true special order" on my Mag Grey Trail / KDSS / NAV and paid $500 over invoice, which as I recall was 36652 on a 2010, so I paid 37152 + TTL.

Why is this a special order, I can build it on the website? The dealer told me mine was a canceled special order because it had "KDSS and no nav". Go figure. 99% of what a dealer says is BS.

Who has actually placed a special factory order and received a VIN while still on the assy line? I'd like to see the corresponding paperwork.

I figure there are two scenarios RE: placing special orders:

1. Toyota won't make a special order due to the car selling too well and special orders slow production.
2. Toyota won't make a special order due to the car selling too slowly and too many on the lots are backing up the pipeline.

 

[bluebullet]

TEs are somewhat rare.

I went through a similar process yesterday. Dealers get a monthly or bimonthly report on what's on the boat for their region. They can determine what dealer is getting each car and can negotiate swaps that allow shipping from the dock rather than from dealership to dealership. I got my 99 SR5 the latter way. Dealer in Arkansas wanted a Solaris so my dealer in OK swapped with him. The Jan. report for the Portland Region showed only 3 Shoreline Blue TEs on the ship. One with KDSS/Nav and 2 with KDSS only. I only saw about 10-12 TEs in total. Short supply. To the OP your dealer should have the same info for your region and perhaps that is what he was looking at that made him decide to go the order route. (Note I have avoided semantics issues ;-> by simply calling them orders.)

I am looking at a Shoreline Blue TE with KDSS only. Though post production the floor mats are already on board so I will eat the $204 and put in Husky liners. Price I am looking at is $36,984 plus $197 documentation fee. That is supposed to be invoice plus $1000. Costco website says invoice is 35,484. Dealer says 35,984 (approx). I was told there was/is a January price increase in the works. If I can get the $500 difference resolved, I may pull trigger. The MSRPs were spot on. I will keep my '99 though as it is a low mileage (125K) with standard 5sp manual that goes great in the snow. Save the TE for sunny days.

I paid $30K for a $32K SR5 in 1999. I know there has been much discussion about quality and decontenting in the 5th generation on this forum, but from my point of view you get a much better vehicle feature wise for a $7K difference in 11 years: More hp/torque with better mileage, chain vs belt camshaft drive, 4 wheel disc brakes, a bit larger vehicle and a plethora of gadgetry. Some have talked about thinner sheet metal, but I wonder if that is fact or supposition. Just my 2 cents.

I would appreciate any comments about pricing. Dealership is one of those no haggle pricing places. I can accept that if the numbers shake out consistently. Again TEs are somewhat rare which is a natural temptation for dealers to get more $ for them.

 

[SeattleMike]

The dealer has made it clear to me that I have two options: 1) either put in a preference request, in which case we'll have to wait and see until a vehicle with that configuration comes available AND is then allocated to him (which given the scarcity of the config particularly in the Southeast, and the fact that there's others already in line, means that it could take a very long time), or 2) place a special order on the 15th of this month directly with Toyota and confirm that Toyota has accepted the special order (in which case the vehicle goes into production with a buyer already assigned to it). Toyota could also reject the special order if they believe that a preference request could fulfill the order in a couple of months. The dealer's concern is that a preference request will take more than just a few months, hence the reason for their special order approach.

So in your world Mike, the information you got from the dealer is good, J.A.'s information is possible, but what I've worked out with the dealer in very specific terms is apparently no good and the dealer is lying to me? If you are so certain of what your saying then offer feedback that actually helps me cut through the BS at the dealership. Speaking in absolutes without backing it up only makes you sound like an _________.

Thanks everyone else for the feedback.

First let me apologize, I did not intend to start an argument. I was sharing my own experience and knowledge gained after spending 6 full weeks trying to find someone (anyone!) to take my money and sell me a $40k vehicle. In that time, I gathered the information I shared from several dealers and internet sales departments and accepted as true what they agreed on independently of each other. In the end, I had a 4Runner 20 days after they took my deposit for a vehicle 7 other dealers had told me was impossible to get.

Second, your specific configuration is not rare, it's just not being shipped to your regional area. However, since it is being built regularly (relative to the overall TE production), why would Toyota build a special one when it one can be diverted from one boat to another before it leave Tahara? I'm not saying they wouldn't, but if a special order is such a problem for production as JA makes it out to be then it makes no business sense to take on a special order since they make the same on it regardless of who buys it where and they can fulfill the request via a change in allocation.

Third, 2011 is not 2007. Corporate policies change over time. What might have been possible then may have been discontinued in the face of a sea change in exchange rates and competition. Until I see evidence otherwise, I am going to continue to base my posts on what I understand to be true today based on my own research. I am not saying your dealer is lying, I am saying the difference is semantics. I am not saying Toyota doesn't do special orders (I conceded that they may be possible), just that the terms are interchangeable.

Finally, YOU asked if any one disagreed. YOU asked for "any input". I gave you all the details of what I paid, what I was told, what happened as a result, and what others have paid since I purchased mine. If that makes me "sound like an _________", so be it. Maybe you can educate me on the difference between negotiating a preference request and a special order, because they sound identical to me. I laid down a $500 deposit for a preference request. Are they asking you to pay the whole thing up front for a special order or just a similar deposit? Do you get anything in writing, a copy of the order form sent to Toyota, maybe? Do you see why I am skeptical of what your dealer is telling you?

 

[453030]

Why is this a special order, I can build it on the website? The dealer told me mine was a canceled special order because it had "KDSS and no nav". Go figure. 99% of what a dealer says is BS.

I think as it was mentioned by someone else before this is all a matter of semantics.

When I think of the words "special order", that means I should be able to get my Trail equipped with bush button start as I would love to have. Of course I cannot and Toyota will not do that.

In the region that includes Colorado, Trail edition 4Runners are not delivered with KDSS and Nav. Only with or without KDSS here (at least when I was buying it, and my order was submitted in April). So my "special order" was actually having a regular production truck for other regions made and sent to my dealer. I think some dealers can have them re-directed from other regions, maybe some dealers trade for them. But I think you can also have an "order" submitted and have a truck built on the line with the destination of a certain dealer. Maybe not, and Toyota simply has one re-directed; really no difference as long as it gets there. For me, waiting the 4 months was great, because I got to roll in my daughter's 2003 Kia (which really makes me appreciate the 4Runner!) and I banked some mad jack to put towards the truck :bluejump: