Process of ordering a 2014

[ryn996]

For anyone who has ordered...When you ordered it did they give you an estimated delivery date? If so, when...the day you placed the order, a week later? And was the date accurate? Was a deposit required? Are they able to tell you if a particular option will delay the build?

 

[TheRainMan]

Ordered a LE w no 3rd row on Nov 5 - arrives tomorrow (Jan 29). Put a $2K deposit. Told 30-45 days. Obviously that was off by 40-50 days.

Dealers just grab cars as their builds are announced. You don't order one as if it's custom built - they just rotate builds through their factory and the dealer scoops the build that fits your specs. (I heard that it may be possible to custom order from the factory but I don't know anything about that).

Hope that helps.

 

[ryn996]

Ordered a LE w no 3rd row on Nov 5 - arrives tomorrow (Jan 29). Put a $2K deposit. Told 30-45 days. Obviously that was off by 40-50 days.

Dealers just grab cars as their builds are announced. You don't order one as if it's custom built - they just rotate builds through their factory and the dealer scoops the build that fits your specs. (I heard that it may be possible to custom order from the factory but I don't know anything about that).

Hope that helps.

It does help, thanks!

 

[BobsTrail]

For anyone who has ordered...When you ordered it did they give you an estimated delivery date? If so, when...the day you placed the order, a week later? And was the date accurate? Was a deposit required? Are they able to tell you if a particular option will delay the build?

I ordered my TE in early July 2012, gave a $500 deposit check which the dealer never cashed. In about a month I got status that it was a firm order, but no build date. In early Sept. I got status that it was scheduled to be built and will ship on the New Century 1. It was built Sept 9. I checked a maritime site and was able to track the ship and follow it across -- NEW CENTURY 1 - Vehicles carrier: current position and details | IMO 9229398, MMSI 355234000, Callsign H9LA | Registered in Panama - AIS Marine Traffic
It took about a week to get from the port to the dealer. Added Entune at the factory. The port added carpet mats and cargo cover.
I tried to go to the port and watch the unloading, could not get close enough and met a nice security officer. Yes, I was anxious.

Now, hold out and wait for an order and get what you really want - color and options, don`t settle for what some dealer wants to sell you.

 

[ryn996]

I ordered my TE in early July 2012, gave a $500 deposit check which the dealer never cashed. In about a month I got status that it was a firm order, but no build date. In early Sept. I got status that it was scheduled to be built and will ship on the New Century 1. It was built Sept 9. I checked a maritime site and was able to track the ship and follow it across -- NEW CENTURY 1 - Vehicles carrier: current position and details | IMO 9229398, MMSI 355234000, Callsign H9LA | Registered in Panama - AIS Marine Traffic
It took about a week to get from the port to the dealer. Added Entune at the factory. The port added carpet mats and cargo cover.
I tried to go to the port and watch the unloading, could not get close enough and met a nice security officer. Yes, I was anxious.

Now, hold out and wait for an order and get what you really want - color and options, don`t settle for what some dealer wants to sell you.

I want a 2014 Trail Premium in White with KDSS. Running boards would be nice, but I'm fine with aftermarket ones. The paint protection film will be done at the dealership. I was thinking about getting the sliding rear cargo tray, still haven't decided if it is that important or not. So I may not have to order since it seems there are a few white Trail Premiums out there with KDSS.

 

[The Waco Kid]

FWIW:

I ordered my TE On October 26.... Still waiting on a confirmation of shipment.

(December 17) Last time I talked to the dealer, the order had been accepted by Toyota. And they still expected a two month delivery from that date.

So, with the way things have been going, I'm expecting April at the earliest.

If I could do it all over again, I'd either go through a broker, or fly to Colorado or Arizona. They have the exact vehicle I want sitting on the lot.

Rookie mistake.

However, I do have that much more time to save up. So I have that going for me, I guess. :roadkill:


(Houston Area Dealer)

 

[ryn996]

FWIW:

I ordered my TE On October 26.... Still waiting on a confirmation of shipment. last time I talked to the dealer, the order had been accepted by Toyota. And they Still expected a two month delivery from that date...This was December 17... So, with the way things have been going, I'm expecting April at the earliest.

If I could do it all over again, I'd either go through a broker, or fly to Colorado or Arizona. THey have the exact vehicle I want on the lot.

Rookie mistake.

However, I do have that much more time to save up. So I have that going for me, I guess.

Wow! That is a bit ridiculous. I think I'm just going to get a dealership in the Phoenix area to find me what I want. They have the cheapest prices out there. Even with plane ticket and gas driving back I'd be ahead about $1,800 vs buying in San Antonio.

 

[The Waco Kid]

Wow! That is a bit ridiculous. I think I'm just going to get a dealership in the Phoenix area to find me what I want. They have the cheapest prices out there. Even with plane ticket and gas driving back I'd be ahead about $1,800 vs buying in San Antonio.

Ultimately, just do what you feel most comfortable with. If I had a chance to do it over again, I'd make a vacation out of it.

I'm not saying you'll have the same experience as me. Chances are that if you pick a larger dealer, they'll have more clout to get you the vehicle you want. My issue was I worked out a deal with my home town dealer... They're a weeeee bit on the small side. I still feel like I got a good price, but the wait is killing me.

 

[harkco]

FWIW:

I ordered my TE On October 26.... Still waiting on a confirmation of shipment.

(December 17) Last time I talked to the dealer, the order had been accepted by Toyota. And they still expected a two month delivery from that date.

So, with the way things have been going, I'm expecting April at the earliest.

If I could do it all over again, I'd either go through a broker, or fly to Colorado or Arizona. They have the exact vehicle I want sitting on the lot.

Rookie mistake.

However, I do have that much more time to save up. So I have that going for me, I guess. :roadkill:


(Houston Area Dealer)

I was in the same boat as you - no Houston dealer was able to get me the 4runner I wanted. I waited about a month before I started to look out of state. I ended up finding the exact vehicle I wanted at an Arizona dealership (Camelback Toyota). I dealt with an incredible internet salesperson - she went above and beyond. I actually finalized the deal on my phone while at my daughter's soccer game. I had the vehicle freighted to my house for $500. All in all it took a total of 8 days. I could not have been happier with the purchase. To top it off, a month after purchasing the vehicle I get a $100 check from the dealership to have my car detailed just in case it got dirty while in transit (which it had not). I'm not trying to sound like a commercial for this dealership, but it was probably the most pleasurable car buying experience I have ever had - and this is my 4th 4Runner. Anyway - good luck with your purchase. The only advice I can offer is to not sit around and wait on one particular dealership that is not willing to go that extra mile for you when there are so many other great alternatives out there. If you would like the specific salesperson I dealt with just send me a PM.

 

[kowski49]

I was in the same boat as you - no Houston dealer was able to get me the 4runner I wanted. I waited about a month before I started to look out of state. I ended up finding the exact vehicle I wanted at an Arizona dealership (Camelback Toyota). I dealt with an incredible internet salesperson - she went above and beyond. I actually finalized the deal on my phone while at my daughter's soccer game. I had the vehicle freighted to my house for $500. All in all it took a total of 8 days. I could not have been happier with the purchase. To top it off, a month after purchasing the vehicle I get a $100 check from the dealership to have my car detailed just in case it got dirty while in transit (which it had not). I'm not trying to sound like a commercial for this dealership, but it was probably the most pleasurable car buying experience I have ever had - and this is my 4th 4Runner. Anyway - good luck with your purchase. The only advice I can offer is to not sit around and wait on one particular dealership that is not willing to go that extra mile for you when there are so many other great alternatives out there. If you would like the specific salesperson I dealt with just send me a PM.

Damn. I don't hear stories like that very often.

 

[4r2014]

Regarding deposits for special orders...if a dealer states that the deposit is non-refundable, he is likely lying to you. At least in CA, as long as the financing has not been set up the deposit is 100% refundable by law. Every car I have ever ordered did not require a deposit. Not that there is anything wrong with the dealer asking for one but I rather hold on to my own money during the ordering process. In states where the deposit is refundable by law, the dealer asks for a deposit to make you feel like you have to complete the purchase.

 

[NoDak]

well I did it, ordered my 2014 silver LE. I used the dealers first 2 allocations of 4 for my 2 versions. he brought up the allocation page and let me go thru the package and pio/dio option page and pick out what I wanted on it.

primary is FE LT in silver, secondary is FE LT in dark blue.

FE = 50 state emissions
LT = Limited pacakage

I was able to order it without the sliding cargo tray, 3rd row seat, auto running boards.

couldn't remember the options codes for the following but I did put these in for my pio/dio options.

exhaust tip
mudguards
running boards
paint protection film

he's going to get back with me in a week or so to let me know how the allocation request was received by Toyota.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/140201-2014-4runner-39.html#post1503620

well talked to the dealer today, suppose to hit port on 13-Nov. We are guessing around the first week of December when it hits the dealer after PIO and rail, and trucking it.

i am glad its hitting after the beginning of the month, that way i don't waste a whole month on tags.

plus it will be a nice xmas gift to myself (with the warden's approval).
time frame :

25-sep-13 ordered
13-nov-13 port
4-dec-13 dealer arrival (est)

from my posts in the 2014 thread on my whole process. now i did this all on a handshake with the new car GM, but we have bought quite a few toyotas from them and i have pretty good relations with him so my situation is unique.

 

[Jeff M]

I was in the same boat as you - no Houston dealer was able to get me the 4runner I wanted. I waited about a month before I started to look out of state. I ended up finding the exact vehicle I wanted at an Arizona dealership (Camelback Toyota). I dealt with an incredible internet salesperson - she went above and beyond. I actually finalized the deal on my phone while at my daughter's soccer game. I had the vehicle freighted to my house for $500. All in all it took a total of 8 days. I could not have been happier with the purchase. To top it off, a month after purchasing the vehicle I get a $100 check from the dealership to have my car detailed just in case it got dirty while in transit (which it had not). I'm not trying to sound like a commercial for this dealership, but it was probably the most pleasurable car buying experience I have ever had - and this is my 4th 4Runner. Anyway - good luck with your purchase. The only advice I can offer is to not sit around and wait on one particular dealership that is not willing to go that extra mile for you when there are so many other great alternatives out there. If you would like the specific salesperson I dealt with just send me a PM.

I'd agree with you 100% that Camelback Toyota is great to deal with. When buying my 4Runner last month, I dealt with them and Big Two Toyota. They were both offering a great price on the new 4Runner and a good amount for my trade. In the end, Big Two gave me the best sales price/trade in amount FIRST so I went with them. Near the end of negotiations, Camelback came back and countered with a 4-figure drop in their final number to get very close to the Big Two deal but as someone who does a lot of negotiating via my profession, I felt it was only fair to award Big Two Toyota my business as they came to the table with the best offer first without me having to force their hand via another dealers offer.

While I had a great buying experience with Big Two Toyota and would recommend them in a heartbeat, I will agree with harkco and say that dealing with the sales lady (Lauri V.) at Camelback Toyota was great. She was very knowledgeable and prompt in returning messages. Had I bought from them, I know I would be just as happy as I was dealing with Big Two. Both dealers were head and shoulders above 99% of the dealers I dealt with in Texas.

Finally, to the OP, if you do not have a trade in to deal with, I'd do exactly what harkco did and buy the new 4Runner and have it shipped to you. $500 bucks is well worth it to avoid having to incur the cost of flying to AZ, paying for the gas/hotel on the way back and most importantly, saving you the hassle of 13-14 hours of windshield time.

Good luck!

 

[ryn996]

I'd agree with you 100% that Camelback Toyota is great to deal with. When buying my 4Runner last month, I dealt with them and Big Two Toyota. They were both offering a great price on the new 4Runner and a good amount for my trade. In the end, Big Two gave me the best sales price/trade in amount FIRST so I went with them. Near the end of negotiations, Camelback came back and countered with a 4-figure drop in their final number to get very close to the Big Two deal but as someone who does a lot of negotiating via my profession, I felt it was only fair to award Big Two Toyota my business as they came to the table with the best offer first without me having to force their hand via another dealers offer.

While I had a great buying experience with Big Two Toyota and would recommend them in a heartbeat, I will agree with harkco and say that dealing with the sales lady (Lauri V.) at Camelback Toyota was great. She was very knowledgeable and prompt in returning messages. Had I bought from them, I know I would be just as happy as I was dealing with Big Two. Both dealers were head and shoulders above 99% of the dealers I dealt with in Texas.

Finally, to the OP, if you do not have a trade in to deal with, I'd do exactly what harkco did and buy the new 4Runner and have it shipped to you. $500 bucks is well worth it to avoid having to incur the cost of flying to AZ, paying for the gas/hotel on the way back and most importantly, saving you the hassle of 13-14 hours of windshield time.

Good luck!

Hmmm, I didn't consider them sending me the vehicle. I think $500 might be worth it for the reasons Jeff mentioned. Plane ticket would be $130 and fuel would be maybe $200, (no hotel w/ a friend in El Paso) but the drive time is considerable and the car would incur some wear and tear right off the bat driving behind semis and such. I'll have to give that serious consideration. Thanks guys!

 

[1engineer]

Hmmm, I didn't consider them sending me the vehicle. I think $500 might be worth it for the reasons Jeff mentioned. Plane ticket would be $130 and fuel would be maybe $200, (no hotel w/ a friend in El Paso) but the drive time is considerable and the car would incur some wear and tear right off the bat driving behind semis and such. I'll have to give that serious consideration. Thanks guys!

Looking at what you are replacing I hope you have test driven 5th gen 4Runners a bunch of times. Test Drive, Test Drive, TEST DRIVE!
You are going from apples to serious oranges here. Don't buy one just because it looks cool like so many others have done.

 

[thelouv]

I want a 2014 Trail Premium in White with KDSS. Running boards would be nice, but I'm fine with aftermarket ones. The paint protection film will be done at the dealership. I was thinking about getting the sliding rear cargo tray, still haven't decided if it is that important or not. So I may not have to order since it seems there are a few white Trail Premiums out there with KDSS.

Pretty much what I ordered last week. Skipped the boards cause there is a supply issue currently and it could have held up production. Maybe, maybe not. Guessing 8 to 10 weeks to get here from Japan.

 

[ROBSCOOL]

mine took a little over 60 days. Ordered on 10/26 took delivery on 12/30. I did put down a 500 deposit, but that was just to let them know I was serious. Also, I was able to renegotiate the price when I went to pick it up and sign all the paperwork. Went from 44k even to $43,100.00 because the truecar.com dealer price went down in those 60 days

 

[bacci]

i priced a 4 runner with KDSS on Truecar and found none to be found on this side of the ocean. Most of the dealers are hesitant to honor the true car price and hem and haw about it when they realize have to order the car. It's pretty hard to negotiate a price unless the car is on their lot or they know can easily locate one. I had one dealer tell me they would not honor it if they had to order the car. I don't mid waiting. I am sure KDSS is on the assembly line for the eastern us in the near future