regional equipment packages

[TRBenj]

Hi, Ive been lurking on this site for 6 months or so. I am considering purchasing a new 4Runner in the next few months- I plan to wait until there are decent deals on leftover '05s. To get a good deal, I know I will have to find something I like on a dealer's lot, but option packages seem to be pretty inflexible within a given sales region.

I am looking for a 4x4 V8 Sport with a sunroof (and I prefer the galactic gray). I do NOT want the JBL or Double Decker cargo. All the trucks in the NE seem to come with one of these if it has a sunroof...

Does anyone know if the combination Im looking for is a standard package available in a certain region? I am willing to travel a decent distance to get exactly what I want.

Thanks in advance!

Great community here, by the way!

 

[boston_kevin]

Try using different zip codes in the toyota configurator from areas around the country where you would be willing to travel...

http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/citytown_zip.jsp

Scranton, PA is 18503 (for example)

Most places are going to have the SE with a sunroof and double decker as this was the most common for SE models.

The second option would be to start calling some dealers and see if they can do the leg work for you... Some will work with out of state dealers, some will not.

Last option would be to take one with the double-decker and remove it later (I think someone did this). Although there will be some additional cost involved in getting the interior pieces, you will get exactly what you want. I think most people have just learned to live with the double-decker option.

 

[TRBenj]

Thanks for the reply, Kevin.

I did try putting in different zip codes to find the common packages (from New Hampshire to Maryland) but didnt have any luck. I dont know if it is a regional thing or not- either way I couldnt find information on how many sales regions there are, or where the boundaries lie.

That being said, I would more likely go eith the DD Cargo than the JBL if I had to choose- mostly because its cheaper. I havent seen the DD in person (just read on this site how most people found it useless). It can be put down so the rear cargo area is flat, correct? Is the biggest issue the loss of a few inches of cargo height?

Thanks!

 

[ssmathis]

You can try one for the north Atlanta, GA area with this zip 30040. There are more dealerships around the area but all of the Southeast has access to the same inventory. They list both 2005 and 2006 models that are on their way. I just checked and they list 15 Galactic Gray Sport V8 4x4s with sunroof. I didn't check to see if thay have the other items you listed.

Scott

 

[spyne]

That being said, I would more likely go eith the DD Cargo than the JBL if I had to choose- mostly because its cheaper. I havent seen the DD in person (just read on this site how most people found it useless). It can be put down so the rear cargo area is flat, correct? Is the biggest issue the loss of a few inches of cargo height?

Thanks!

Yes, one downside is that you lose about an inch (maybe an inch and a quarter) of cargo height.

The other gripe is that the covering on the top of the DD cargo is not carpet, but a thin covering that's not nearly as forgiving as carpet about showing scratches and other signs of wear. If you leave it down all the time and use the cargo area for anything except light duty, expect it to show some wear pretty quickly.

 

[snap315]

Yes, one downside is that you lose about an inch (maybe an inch and a quarter) of cargo height.

The other gripe is that the covering on the top of the DD cargo is not carpet, but a thin covering that's not nearly as forgiving as carpet about showing scratches and other signs of wear. If you leave it down all the time and use the cargo area for anything except light duty, expect it to show some wear pretty quickly.

Hmmm...

My 05 4Runner LTD came with the Double Decker system AND a very nice carpet to cover it.

I thought it was standard if you get the carpet & floor mats.

 

[ksneubec]

I have the double decker cargo system, and I think it is great. I carry a lot of junk, so it gets used all the time. Gives me plenty of space to put large pieces of cargo, while still organizing all of the stuff I carry around. (see the photos from the first link below). Even if you don't want to use it, you really don't lose a lot of cargo space by keeping it flat on the floor. And, if there is any concern about scratching it easier than with a regular carpet, just buy an aftermarket cargo carpet or rubber-type carpet.

And once you GET a 4Runner, be sure to say hi- I live close to the MA border, and I am looking for others who may want to go off roading, do some mods, etc in the area

 

[Koz]

Don't pass up a good deal because of a couple options. For one thing the DD cargo adds flexible cargo carrying ability and with the carpeted mat it looks good also. Allot of 4Runner owners like the sound of the JBL. I have the nav radio which sounds great to me. The bottom line is you are getting a "4Runner", at probably the best price/discount on a 4th gen, ever! Every option on the 4Runner is reliable and well thought out. You will love the 4Runner, I personally can assure you!

Koz

 

[JB.]

Another vote for the double-decker cargo system. Love it, wouldn't want to be without it, never yet not used it.

 

[smokingun]

I'm in Baltimore, but purchasing from the Denver Region for the same reason: the option package.

There are six or seven regions around the US. Picking a random zip from different scattered states will put you in different "regions" where you can look at the packages. (www.toyota.com - Let Me Build It) or something like that.

Driving a serious distance to a different region costs too much IMO in lost miles on the car, unless you're combining the drive with a vacation when you get it. Fortunately, you don't have to. A local dealer can do a "Series A Trade" with a dealer in that region, retasking a truck destined for a different region to your local dealer and sending the local guy's future truck to the distant region (assuming he can find one the distant guy wants).

This should also not cost anything and only takes three weeks. The most variety in option packages is in the Denver Region, will some variety in the New Hampshire region also.

Hope that helps.

 

[toyota03]

I live in the new york region and I exchange and purchase My 4runner to a dealer in Boone,NC. I had to special order it because up here in the Northeast I was being told I couldn't get with those options. I order a fully loaded 05 v8 sport with all it's available options. I think I got a nice but could of been a better deal. :awais:

 

[Pribilof]

The double decker cargo system takes about 10 minutes with a 10mm (I think) socket to remove. I took mine out... hell, its a CARGO area, I don't really care how it looks... mine is always full of cargo anyway. Plus I usually have the cargo cover drawn over the area.