Buying 2008 Tacoma ($$$)

Hi all, I'm new here but I'm already enjoying these forums and I'm on here every day. I've been in the market for a particular tacoma the past 4 months (2008, Access cab, I4, 2.7 liter, auto, indigo ink) and have talked to a number of dealers. I personally talked to one guy and we went through the numbers...he ended up offering $20,800 as a total cost. I went on Edmunds and found TMV to be $19,800, with invoice at $19,400. My question is, is it reasonable to offer a number around TMV or around invoice? I'm terrible at haggling and I'd just like to know what you guys think. Originally, I wanted to spend around 18k but I highly doubt I'll get that. Appreciate your opinions. Thanks!!

 

Knowing the invoice price is good and you should try to get $500 below that. But you should further do your homework and get a complete report from Consumer Report listing every options. I think it is worth the $15 or so. Because you aren't necessary going to compare exact trucks across multiple dealers. The dealer might have this or that installed and hit you on that.

AAA/Costco/Credit Unions all have auto buying program. Check those out.

 

costco program gets your a price at $300 OVER invoice... and they wont budge from that. at least from my experience.
usually if you go thru internet sales.... theyw ill email you a price that is right around invoice.
if you like the truck, when you get to really talking, they will probably show you the invoice price and depending on your salesman, its easier if youre with one who doesnt get commision of the sales price, only by the sale, try going under invoice and youre more likely to get it done.

some dealers websites will tell you whether the salesmen are paid the same whether you buya corolla or a loaded tundra.

i know that charles maund toyota in austin, theyre guys are paid a flat fee regardless of how much you spend... i got my toy from there for about 300 under invoice

 

Heres the best tool I can give you. www.carsdirect.com. They are actually a place you can buy a vehicle from but you pick it up at the dealer. Their prices are usually exceptional and include any availble rebates in your area. I go on there, pick whatever vehicle it is I want and what options I want then take that to the dealer. I tell the dealer I would like them to match this price. I can either buy it from carsdirect and pick it up at the dealer or buy it from them and pick it up at the dealer. I have done this with the last 4 vehicles I have bought. Each and every time it takes a pretty good amount of bargaining and effort, but in the end they have done it every time. It usually involves walking out and being called to come back, lol. They usually dont seem very happy about doing it, so it must be a pretty good deal. A great thing about this is like was mentioned above is some dealers may have different options installed on the vehicles. Well this sheet has a breakdown of the cost of each option and they are significantly less than the dealer retail price, so when you get there you can just add or subtract based on the options. Try it out.

 

If you don't get the deal you want at one dealer, go to another dealer.

Thats the great thing about being the consumer. You have the ability to go wherever to get your truck.

 

Thanks all for the help. I know exactly what I want...looks like I'll just have to throw my weight around and find a dealer who will take an offer around or lower than invoice. Just want to make sure I get a good deal....now the hard part is finding the exact truck I want, especially with all these 09's coming out...grrr...