Used vs new

[craaaazzy]

why all this used versus new debate? we all have 4runners, be happy about it. everyone has their reasoning.

i myself decided to go new a few months ago because 2016's were just arriving and i could get a 2015 for a good price. at the time, used 2010-2011 4x4's with 50-75k miles on it were being listed around $28k, 2012-2013's around 30k miles were being listed around $31k. and it was hard finding used in the color and with the options i wanted so spending a little extra (about $3k more) got me a brand new vehicle, known history, and color/options i was looking for.

 

[craaaazzy]

So you took $2,000 off yours, but getting $6,000 - $7,000 off is conservative? I'm just trying to follow what you're saying here.

the listed used price was probably $29k and he got it for $27k...which would equate to about $6-7k off new MSRP...at least that's how i'm understanding his math. so $27k for a $34k vehicle with a few years/miles.

if my assumption above is correct, then i paid $33.7k for a $38.5k 4runner which definitely makes me buy new (adding the $4k difference in msrp to his price).

 

[Dalko43]

So you took $2,000 off yours, but getting $6,000 - $7,000 off is conservative? I'm just trying to follow what you're saying here.

I talked the salesman down from $29k to about $27k on the used 2011 trail I bought.

$27k was at least $6k below what comparable new 4runner trails were going for at the time in the northeast.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I talked the salesman down from $29k to about $27k on the used 2011 trail I bought.



$27k was at least $6k below what comparable new 4runner trails were going for at the time in the northeast.

That makes sense. From your original post, I took it as you saying you were knocking them down $6K-$7K of the listed used car price. Which seemed excessive.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Actually the only reason I was able to buy mine used was because someone else decided to buy it new. So thank you to whoever that was.

Also, if everyone who bought a 4runner liked it so much they kept it forever, wouldn't that indicate to Toyota that there is a market demand to sell more, not less?

In the interests of civility though, you win. OP you will definitely save money by buying a brand new 4runner...:happy:

We all win... if people didn't buy used 4Runners they would sit on the lot and eventually the resale would go down. The flip is if the people interested in this type of vehicle never upgraded they would not have enough demand to sustain the costs of building new generations of vehicle.

The end point ends up simply being buying slightly used or new is roughly a wash... so based on your circumstances buy what you like and are comfortable with and enjoy it. Don't let others make you feel bad about your decision.:thumb:

 

[KaBudokan]

New guy here!

I've been lurking as I pondered this same decision. Like others here, I've always bought used in order to save the instant depreciation in driving off the lot.

I have been browsing a lot as I waited for some back pay to come in which I'll be using as a down payment.

My quick analysis of the market right now (I'm in PA):

There are a few late-model T4R's out there with decent mileage (20's-30s) in the $28k range. It seems like white and silver tend to be a bit lower priced - maybe they're considered "less desirable"?

Apart from those few, a lot of them get into the $30-32k range, and this is for basic SR5's.

Where I have been looking, and it seems to sometimes be a sweet spot, is that some of the T4R's w/ some of the more expensive options sometimes are priced the same as their basic counterparts. For example, I've had my eye on a few 2013 Limiteds w/ mileage in the 30's for ~$32k. Those have all moved fairly quickly, but they seemed like good deals.

At the $32k range, I start considering a few dealers I've seen on Cars.com who are selling new T4R's for $33,500 or so. Saving $1500 off new doesn't make sense to me. However, saving $8k off new for one of those Limiteds might be a good option.


I am probably going to look at a 2013 SR5 w/ 28k miles tomorrow: leather, nav, 3rd row, sunroof - non-Toyota dealer asking $28,900. Hoping the have some room to move.

On a related note - I've only looked at CPO Toyotas, just for the extra peace of mind of the extended warranty, etc. With this one, if I get it, I'll probably look to buy a Toyota extended warranty before the factory warranty runs out. (It appears I can buy a warranty from any dealer while it is still within 3 years/36k miles, right?) Can anyone recommend a PA (or NJ) dealer that sells the extended warranties at a decent price?

Thanks!

 

[sjohnson3240]

New guy here struggling with this very question. Not much spread between used with less than 40k and new. Also not much new inventory in Mpls/St Paul.

 

[125mph]

I had the same issue... Looked for a few days and found a 2014 4RUNNER SR5 4WD with 33k miles for $30k. Picked it up last week. I added a 5yr/100k ext warranty for $765. Not sure how I did but I basically saved about $5k which isn't much but I guess these things really hold value well. Other ones I was looking at were all $31-32k!

Would have liked the limited but it was too expensive.

 

[125mph]

On a related note - I've only looked at CPO Toyotas, just for the extra peace of mind of the extended warranty, etc. With this one, if I get it, I'll probably look to buy a Toyota extended warranty before the factory warranty runs out. (It appears I can buy a warranty from any dealer while it is still within 3 years/36k miles, right?) Can anyone recommend a PA (or NJ) dealer that sells the extended warranties at a decent price?

Thanks!

I picked up my extended warranty from a guy named Toby. He was recommended by a lot of people in another forum. He is able to do it over the phone and in any state. Here is his quotes for the 4runners

5 yr / 100K - $765.00
6 yr / 75K - $645.00
6 yr / 100K - $895.00
7 yr / 75K - $715.00
7 yr / 100K - $1025.00
7 yr / 125K - $1250.00
8 yr / 100K - $1145.00
8 yr / 125K - $1505.00

These are genuine Toyota extended platinum with zero deductible. You can contact him at [email protected] and he works at a Lexus dealership in Louisiana. If you want in deal with an in person, I know a guy in MA named Troy that gives the sane deal as above but can't do it over the phone unless you live in MA, NE, NY or in person. His contact is [email protected] and he works at Toyota/Lexus too.

I picked up the 5yr 100k. My dealer that I got my car wanted $1595 lol so saved a good amount going through Toby.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

What if I said that I purchased a pre-loved 4Runner with 5k miles for $8k lower than what it would cost me new? .

I would say if it has a clean accident report and is in like new condition, you got a smoking deal. You would not get that type of deal here in Colorado. Not even close.

Take a look. This is where I bought my new TE. You'll also notice they are all SR5's. In Colorado IF you can even find a used Trail you will pay top dollar or walk. And the dealers will all tell you that to your face. Why? Because they sell them most of the time before they even get on the lot.

Find a certified Vehicle for Sale in Centennial, CO | AutoNation Toyota Arapahoe

 

[lilsid112]

I'd buy new just because these things hold their value very well. Don't be afraid to contact different dealers with the model and options you want. When I purchased mine it took me about three weeks to get the price I wanted. I emailed just about every dealer in FL with model and specs I wanted and would forward invoices till I had the best one. I only stepped in a dealer to put a deposit and waited a little more than a month till it came in.

 

[deeleypdx]

Was in the market for a 2014 Trail Premium with KDSS. After about 3 months one popped up. Just traded in at a local BMW dealership. 41,000 miles for $36,500. Got them down to $35,000 out the door. 8 service records and absolutely spotless plus had new Hankook Dynapros installed. Still had original sticker in glove and was almost $42,000 new. Felt pretty good about that deal.

 

[KaBudokan]

I picked up my extended warranty from a guy named Toby. He was recommended by a lot of people in another forum. He is able to do it over the phone and in any state. Here is his quotes for the 4runners

5 yr / 100K - $765.00
6 yr / 75K - $645.00
6 yr / 100K - $895.00
7 yr / 75K - $715.00
7 yr / 100K - $1025.00
7 yr / 125K - $1250.00
8 yr / 100K - $1145.00
8 yr / 125K - $1505.00

These are genuine Toyota extended platinum with zero deductible. You can contact him at [email protected] and he works at a Lexus dealership in Louisiana. If you want in deal with an in person, I know a guy in MA named Troy that gives the sane deal as above but can't do it over the phone unless you live in MA, NE, NY or in person. His contact is [email protected] and he works at Toyota/Lexus too.

I picked up the 5yr 100k. My dealer that I got my car wanted $1595 lol so saved a good amount going through Toby.

Thanks. I found a relatively local dealer (Conicelli) that could do the 8yr/100k for $1300 or so.

I decided against the one I was looking at in Philly at the Chevy dealer - the nav didn't work, and then when I got home, I did a little research and discovered it was the Rosen aftermarket nav. Probably fixable, but I also noticed the seat heater lights didn't work, so upon reflection, it's likely (guaranteed?) that the USB wouldn't work, and they didn't wire the backup camera to the nav system, so it still displayed in the rear-view, which I'm not a huge fan of. No budging on their price, they played the typical jerkoff used dealer games, etc. They said they would fix the nav, but for $30k, I can't imagine walking out with a car I didn't feel totally confident in.

Still looking.

Slightly related note - has anyone ever heard of Toyota offering a manufacturer 10yr/100k bumper-to-bumper warranty? A 4R listed on Craigslist claims to have that warranty - said he paid $3k for it when he bought the truck. I've never heard of it and research turned up no such thing from Toyota? A few other details in the listing seem a little off also.

 

[16blacktrail]

QUOTE=Dalko43;2167412]I did say that timing and location were key to finding a good deal. Buying in the fall in the Chicago area, I wouldn't expect to find much of a discount either.

Broadening the search outside of the Chicago area:
SR5's (50k-65k) found for about $25k:

Cars for Sale: 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 in Fairfield, OH 45014: Sport Utility Details - 410091434 - Autotrader

Cars for Sale: 2012 Toyota 4Runner 4WD SR5 in Oakfield, NY 14125: Sport Utility Details - 408834858 - Autotrader

Cars for Sale: 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5 in Elkins, WV 26241: Sport Utility Details - 405481899 - Autotrader

Cars for Sale: 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 in Fairfield, OH 45014: Sport Utility Details - 410091434 - Autotrader

Even found a trail with about 63k for about $24k (which is a decent deal if anyone is looking for a trail):

Cars for Sale: 2010 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Trail in FREEPORT, NY 11520: Sport Utility Details - 410986852 - Autotrader

SR5 with 34k miles for about $26.5k...which is still a good discount from the $32.5k price you paid for your new one:

Cars for Sale: 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 in Jersey City, NJ 07304: Sport Utility Details - 410183889 - Autotrader


Waiting for a good time in the year (after Christmas, early spring) would likely yield some even better opportunities.



I have seen people use this logic before and I have never understood it.

How many people buy their vehicles new or mildly used and keep them for the full 200k life expectancy? I don't think many. I think what is more likely is that they will sell the vehicle somewhere down the line to avoid expensive engine rebuild costs and other big maintenance items. In that case, buying new costs more vs buying used since the new vehicle suffers much greater depreciation than the used one when it comes time to sell.

Also, for your logic to hold true, both you (the owner who bought new) and the other guy (who bought used) would both have to hold your vehicles for the duration of the vehicle's estimated life span (~200k miles). At that point you both have the same options:
a) sell the 200k 4runner as a junker
or
b) pay for the engine rebuild (~$2k-$4k and that's being generous for a Toyota engine) and whatever other items might need work.

The simple math still holds true: you originally paid $32.5k for your 4runner and guy who bought used (let's say with 55k already on the odometer) paid $25k (that's being conservative).

Going with option (a) you and the used owner both get the same sales $, but you still paid $7.5k more for your vehicle.

Going with option (b) you and the used owner both need to cough up $2k-$4k for the rebuild, but you still paid $7.5k more for your vehicle.

FYI, I really don't think buying new is inherently stupid or foolish. There are pro's con's to both approaches...but the financial advantage definitely lays with buying used. That's why most car-buying guides advocate buying mildly used and warrantied vehicles.[/QUOTE]
I was actually in the market for a used 4Runner and after finding very little difference between the prices of new and used it made sense to pay the extra money and get a new one with limited miles on it. I understand your thoughts on the possible savings one might get if they chose a used 4Runner rather than a new. I spent sometime researching the market and the examples you presented in the post are not common, most of the vehicles you included that were for sale on autotrader had been involved in an accident and maybe other issues that bring the price down from what the market actually demands for these vehicles. Dealers are not going to offer a 4Runner for a lot less than the market when they know they will get the retail price, it would be silly of them to take less so when I see a really good deal on a used 4Runner I become very concerned that something might possibly be wrong with it or the deal is too good to be true. I know that people often get lucky with a good deal but 97 percent of the time people have to pay full retail if not more in certain parts of the country. I also had a difficult time finding a used trail so that made things much more difficult and the possibility of finding a great deal was nonexistent. If I was looking for a base sr5 than my options become much greater.

I am glad I got a new 4Runner and getting almost $2400 off the sticker made the deal that much better, I would have easily paid 33-34 for a two year old Runner wig 40-50k miles on it when I paid 37500 plus tax for mine.

Thanks everyone for the wonderful information you all have provided throughout this forum. Keep typing away.

 

[Giesela]

Was in the market for a 2014 Trail Premium with KDSS. After about 3 months one popped up. Just traded in at a local BMW dealership. 41,000 miles for $36,500. Got them down to $35,000 out the door. 8 service records and absolutely spotless plus had new Hankook Dynapros installed. Still had original sticker in glove and was almost $42,000 new. Felt pretty good about that deal.

How did you do that? Search manually every day? Set up alerts on at tone of different websites?

I did a search on my local craigslist and there were about 15 2003s. Not one other year. I find that sort of strange.

 

[Phoenix4R]

I paid $35.5k for my new '15 Trail with KDSS. With that kind of deal, it seems sort of silly to me to save a grand or two by buying a well used truck with 40k+ miles on it.

Resale value is great for the seller and the owner, not so much for the buyer. To me, the value proposition in buying these used just isn't there. You're not getting much of a deal for sacrificing a bunch of miles and a couple model years.

 

[LongIsland4Run]

On 10/09/15, in Long Island NY, I paid $26K for a Silver 2011 SR5 (48,000 miles) with every option under the sun except for the JBL and NAV, which I was fine with as I always upgrade my sound and hate factory NAV software. Truck came with new tires, Lo-Jack, remote start, and balance of 7yr/100k powertrain warranty. It was previously a certified pre-owned vehicle. I actually found it at a Ford dealership, where the truck was traded in. Pretty pleased with the end result.

 

[deeleypdx]

How did you do that? Search manually every day? Set up alerts on at tone of different websites?

I did a search on my local craigslist and there were about 15 2003s. Not one other year. I find that sort of strange.

I had an alert setup with Autotrader.

 

[deeleypdx]

I paid $35.5k for my new '15 Trail with KDSS. With that kind of deal, it seems sort of silly to me to save a grand or two by buying a well used truck with 40k+ miles on it.

Resale value is great for the seller and the owner, not so much for the buyer. To me, the value proposition in buying these used just isn't there. You're not getting much of a deal for sacrificing a bunch of miles and a couple model years.

I would say that price is an anomaly. A quick national search for Trail Premiums on Autotrader lists $38,434 as the lowest list price out there. That's without KDSS. Of course there's room to negotiate but it seems misleading to think most buyers can get that price. Congrats though, that's a helluva deal.

 

[Phoenix4R]

I would say that price is an anomaly. A quick national search for Trail Premiums on Autotrader lists $38,434 as the lowest list price out there. That's without KDSS. Of course there's room to negotiate but it seems misleading to think most buyers can get that price. Congrats though, that's a helluva deal.

Mine's not a premium, just a regular TE.