Ready to buy...a couple questions

[hammb]

I am finally about ready to purchase a 2012 Trail Edition. And I definitely want the Shoreline Blue Pearl and KDSS. Unfortunately, it appears that there are only a couple of them available in the entire country. Talking to a few dealers in my area (NW Ohio) it sounds like I'll be better off working directly with the dealers that have the vehicles and having it shipped here. They were going to be tacking on quite a large chunk to do a trade with dealerships so far away, and the dealerships around here weren't even sure if they could get those dealers to give them the truck since it's such a rare combo. Any thoughts on this? Looks like it's going to cost me about $1000 to have the truck shipped here, and I'm willing to pay for the color, but just wondered if anybody else has had this sort of issue talking to dealers before? One of them told me he'd probably have to add at least $1500 to do a trade from so far away. Obviously ordering from so far away also means I probably won't be able to trade my existing car in, and will have to try to sell it myself, which kinda sucks because I could have to hold off awhile if I want to use that as a down payment.

Secondly, I'm not sure if I want the nav or not. I test drove a trail that had the nav and I found the thing to be INSANELY slow when trying to change songs on my phone via bluetooth, etc. And I've got nav on my cellphone anyhow so I'm not sure how much value the nav unit really has. The one thing I really like is the backup camera going to the screen. Does anybody have any thoughts to compare these options? How is the backup camera on the mirror rather than the screen? Is the performance on the factory stereo w/o nav any better than the one with nav? Thoughts?

I'm really excited and ready to get my new truck ordered, but still these few questions making me hold off.

 

[characterzero]

I am finally about ready to purchase a 2012 Trail Edition. And I definitely want the Shoreline Blue Pearl and KDSS. Unfortunately, it appears that there are only a couple of them available in the entire country. Talking to a few dealers in my area (NW Ohio) it sounds like I'll be better off working directly with the dealers that have the vehicles and having it shipped here. They were going to be tacking on quite a large chunk to do a trade with dealerships so far away, and the dealerships around here weren't even sure if they could get those dealers to give them the truck since it's such a rare combo. Any thoughts on this? Looks like it's going to cost me about $1000 to have the truck shipped here, and I'm willing to pay for the color, but just wondered if anybody else has had this sort of issue talking to dealers before? One of them told me he'd probably have to add at least $1500 to do a trade from so far away. Obviously ordering from so far away also means I probably won't be able to trade my existing car in, and will have to try to sell it myself, which kinda sucks because I could have to hold off awhile if I want to use that as a down payment.

Secondly, I'm not sure if I want the nav or not. I test drove a trail that had the nav and I found the thing to be INSANELY slow when trying to change songs on my phone via bluetooth, etc. And I've got nav on my cellphone anyhow so I'm not sure how much value the nav unit really has. The one thing I really like is the backup camera going to the screen. Does anybody have any thoughts to compare these options? How is the backup camera on the mirror rather than the screen? Is the performance on the factory stereo w/o nav any better than the one with nav? Thoughts?

I'm really excited and ready to get my new truck ordered, but still these few questions making me hold off.

Good luck with the buy! I've just bought a red TE with KDSS/NAV and had it shipped down from Dallas to Austin - but I was ready to pull the trigger coast-to-coast and had quotes all lined up for shipping etc.

1. $1,000 to ship the vehicle is entirely reasonable.
2. You are best off dealing with that dealer directly.
3. Any bluetooth/phone interface I've used is slow.
4. The sound with the NAV JBL unit is better than the non-nav, as only the NAV gets a factory sub (and arguably a bit better/ more speakers). Now, it isn't close to doing it all aftermarket, but it gets me by for now
5. The backup camera on the screen wins big points - it is a very nice touch. I never used the one on the screen in the ones I test drove.
6. Are you strictly buying new?

Hope some of that helps!

 

[gray street]

I hunted for a few months and eventually traveled 6+ hours for my TE. I literally searched for dealer websites and looked at new inventory until I found one. Ask the dealership your dealing with what state it is and start searching. Good luck. It's worth it

 

[hammb]

Good luck with the buy! I've just bought a red TE with KDSS/NAV and had it shipped down from Dallas to Austin - but I was ready to pull the trigger coast-to-coast and had quotes all lined up for shipping etc.

1. $1,000 to ship the vehicle is entirely reasonable.
2. You are best off dealing with that dealer directly.
3. Any bluetooth/phone interface I've used is slow.
4. The sound with the NAV JBL unit is better than the non-nav, as only the NAV gets a factory sub (and arguably a bit better/ more speakers). Now, it isn't close to doing it all aftermarket, but it gets me by for now
5. The backup camera on the screen wins big points - it is a very nice touch. I never used the one on the screen in the ones I test drove.
6. Are you strictly buying new?

Hope some of that helps!

Thanks for your tips!

Yes, I'm strictly looking at new ones, 2012 specifically.

I was under the impression that the Trail no longer offers the JBL unit any longer? Maybe I'm incorrect, but I thought that on the 2012 the speaker parts of the audio system are identical and the only difference is the head unit? Obviously I could be mistaken.

If the Nav comes with improved audio quality I would gladly pay for it.

 

[GrantK]

You can also order it from a local dealer and wait for it to be built. This typically takes 6-8wks. No extra shipping cost and you can almost always get exactly the options you want since it will be built to spec.

Draw back is some dealers use this as an excuse not to work a fair deal. I countered with the fact that they get a sale that doesn't sit on their lot, leaving room for other vehicles.

 

[Jeremy556]

I hunted for a few months and eventually traveled 6+ hours for my TE. I literally searched for dealer websites and looked at new inventory until I found one. Ask the dealership your dealing with what state it is and start searching. Good luck. It's worth it

This is what I had to do, flew a thousand miles to get the one I wanted.

 

[Jeremy556]

Thanks for your tips!

Yes, I'm strictly looking at new ones, 2012 specifically.

I was under the impression that the Trail no longer offers the JBL unit any longer? Maybe I'm incorrect, but I thought that on the 2012 the speaker parts of the audio system are identical and the only difference is the head unit? Obviously I could be mistaken.

If the Nav comes with improved audio quality I would gladly pay for it.

You are correct, you can no longer get JBL on the Trail Edition, and the screen is an inch smaller than on the JBL system. This was the main reason I went out of my way NOT to get a 2012, and found a 2011 with NAV/JBL.

 

[mentalblock]

I just bought my new 2012 TE from a local dealer 3 weeks ago, with Nav and KDSS. Had them special order it for me from Japan as they could not find a Grey one for me in the states. After going to about 10 dealerships in my area I found one that would actually sell it to me below invoice. It took about 6 weeks for them to build it and ship it to my dealer. I wanted the 2011 because of the JBL system but couldn't find one new. I test drove a SR5 with the camera in the rearview mirror and it makes a big difference having one of the Nav screen instead. I personally don't use the Nav because my Garmin is way better, but I do use the touch screen a lot of my iPod.

So hopefully my experience help. Don't let your dealer screw around with you. If one of your local dealers with you won't deal just walk out and deal with the next. One of them will deal with you because they all need to sale.

 

[FJCRUZR]

My Toyota dealership in Leesburg Florida wanted my FJ Cruiser so bad...
They first found/ordered my 2011 Trail from a dealer in Jacksonville FL to find out that they wouldn't let them have it after all. They then found one in North Caroline(outside the Southeast region), it had to be shipped back to port in Jacksonville FL for the original paperwork form Japan to be changed(I guess here in the Southeast region, we're special) just to be shipped to Leesburg dealership for me to pickup with 14 miles on it.
At NO extra cost to me!

It's up to each dealership to do what they want, most will not transfer trucks as they have to pay to make it happen...But some will do what it takes and do it right.

 

[hstn_texas]

Did it

I went through this last fall.

I wanted a Blue trail with kdss. I am near Houston and flew to Phoenix to buy mine. Hit some trails on the way back. Nice trip.

Felt with the dealer direct. They had 4 trails in hand so I got a decent deal.

 

[gray street]

You can also order it from a local dealer and wait for it to be built. This typically takes 6-8wks. No extra shipping cost and you can almost always get exactly the options you want since it will be built to spec.

Finding or preferencing for one in Colorado is not the same as finding one in Arkansas or the midwest in general.

 

[jerlane]

Finding or preferencing for one in Colorado is not the same as finding one in Arkansas or the midwest in general.

I agree with this. I put in a preference order almost six weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet. I'm in Minneapolis.

 

[hammb]

Finding or preferencing for one in Colorado is not the same as finding one in Arkansas or the midwest in general.

This is the TRUTH.

I had to drive over 2 hours to find one for a test drive and it was a Grey one. I REALLY want the blue, and that limits me to a VERY small selection.

As for preferencing the dealers around here are saying 4-6 months to get one. I just don't want to wait that long. I have some road trips and stuff planned this summer, and I'd like to be in the new vehicle by the end of June at the very latest. All of my local dealers said there is almost no way they could guarantee that sort of delivery time.

 

[Brianr436]

Trail edition tribulations

I wanted a new black Trail Edition with KDSS and Navi. I went to four different dealers over the course of 9 months and each time they sold the vehicles in 3-4 days. 3 times the vehicles were sold before I even got there.

I regretted not buying the 2011 that I test drove because the JBL sound system and display is far superior to the 2012 Entune system. As others have noted you can do much better with aftermarket speakers. Having a new car was more important to me than the JBL.

In the end I decided to jump on a 2012 with KDSS and Entune after a local dealer here in PA located one for me. I ended up paying $800 over invoice with a very fair trade in and 2.25% financing. In the entire US there are 98 trail edition 4Runner as of yesterday and only 3 of them were set up as I wanted in the Eastern US. So supply is extremely limited. For comparison the 2013 Landcrusier has an inventory level of 96 units in the US today.

Moral of the story is if you want one of these you have to JUMP on it. I plan on keeping the vehicle for a long time so saving the most money was not my top priority.

 

[hammb]

I wanted a new black Trail Edition with KDSS and Navi. I went to four different dealers over the course of 9 months and each time they sold the vehicles in 3-4 days. 3 times the vehicles were sold before I even got there.

I regretted not buying the 2011 that I test drove because the JBL sound system and display is far superior to the 2012 Entune system. As others have noted you can do much better with aftermarket speakers. Having a new car was more important to me than the JBL.

In the end I decided to jump on a 2012 with KDSS and Entune after a local dealer here in PA located one for me. I ended up paying $800 over invoice with a very fair trade in and 2.25% financing. In the entire US there are 98 trail edition 4Runner as of yesterday and only 3 of them were set up as I wanted in the Eastern US. So supply is extremely limited. For comparison the 2013 Landcrusier has an inventory level of 96 units in the US today.

Moral of the story is if you want one of these you have to JUMP on it. I plan on keeping the vehicle for a long time so saving the most money was not my top priority.

This is what I'm thinking too. I've negotiated a deal with one of the dealers that has one available that I think is very fair. ($500 over invoice) It doesn't have the Entune/Nav, but I really think I can live without it, especially since the only thing I'd be really interested in is using the screen for the backup camera.

Are there any other capabilities of the display audio/entune that I'd be losing? I mean I have my smartphone for most of what that system offers. And the standard audio can still connect via bluetooth and everything. I'm leaning towards jumping on this deal and if I decide I want a more capable head unit in the future I'll swap it out (I've swapped head units in every vehicle I've ever owned anyhow).

 

[RSSlaughter]

Dealers can reallocate incoming

I am also in the process of buying a T4R Trail Edition. Your dealer can call up a list of all the incoming T4Rs and find those that meet your criteria. If you're not in a big hurry, he can identify those which haven't landed yet and can negotiate a trade with one of the dealers with those allocations.

The advantage of trading for the non landed vehicles is that you won't have to pay for additional shipping beyond Toyota's regular shipping charge to your dealer. Not all dealers will negotiate such a trade, but you only need one and you may have your new T4R within a couple of weeks, but may have to wait as long as six weeks. The other advantage this process has over simply ordering a build is that the vehicle will have an actual VIN number and you'll be able to negotiate your actual price.

I've used this process to find a salsa red Trail Edition with KDSS and NAV that I'll be getting around the end of this month.

 

[SgnDen]

You can also order it from a local dealer and wait for it to be built. This typically takes 6-8wks. No extra shipping cost and you can almost always get exactly the options you want since it will be built to spec.

Draw back is some dealers use this as an excuse not to work a fair deal. I countered with the fact that they get a sale that doesn't sit on their lot, leaving room for other vehicles.

Hey Grant:

Have you found any particular dealer to be much better than others in CO? I live in Denver, but of course can work with anyone.

Just thought I'd ask...

Thanks.

 

[GrantK]

Hey Grant:

Have you found any particular dealer to be much better than others in CO? I live in Denver, but of course can work with anyone.

Just thought I'd ask...

Thanks.

I ended up going through Stapp Interstate

 

[fxoffroad]

Hey Grant:

Have you found any particular dealer to be much better than others in CO? I live in Denver, but of course can work with anyone.

Just thought I'd ask...

Thanks.

Stapp absolutely sucks (at least in my case)... the sales "team" @ Boulder was just about as bad.

The dealers in CO Springs seem to be the best - work with the internet sales team only. I went through a broker in Denver @ at the same moment I said "GO" - I changed my mind and got a Shoreline Blue one. The broker acquired the 4Runner from Larry Miller and I paid somewhere between 38-39K for a LTD w/ Nav.

 

[Brianr436]

This is what I'm thinking too. I've negotiated a deal with one of the dealers that has one available that I think is very fair. ($500 over invoice) It doesn't have the Entune/Nav, but I really think I can live without it, especially since the only thing I'd be really interested in is using the screen for the backup camera.

Are there any other capabilities of the display audio/entune that I'd be losing?

$500 over invoice is awesome for a trail. The SR5 and Limiteds can be had for invoice or right around there. I just test drove a salsa red pearl the other day - really cool color. Makes the black trim pieces really pop and it's rare.

I wanted the Entune for the backup camera screen and built in Navi. The audio quality leaves a lot to be desired. Id say its the same as the standard unit. I listened to the Entune and JBL with CDs and the JBL is much better with the outboard amp and sub. Drove me nuts when I found out the 2012 was not available with the JBL.

I also listened to the Mark Levinson system in the GX.... Now that is a sound system. Fantastic!