Factory installed vs dealer installed options

Hey folks,

I had crossed the TRD Pro Tacoma off for purchase last fall when I kept getting jerked around on pricing, but today I got quite the offer on one. The only issue is it has a few options I dont want, mainly a hood protector and tubular side steps.

Does anyone know if these are factory installed options, or are they shipped with the vehicle and installed at the dealer? Also, My assumption is the steps and hood protector are easy to take off. Am I correct? Looking at the install pdf for the hood protector, it looks like there are no extra holes drilled in the hood. the steps are just bolt on, no weld correct?

Thanks for all the help!

 

Pretty sure that they are dealer installed options. Get the dealer to remove them from the vehicle and the sticker price if you don't want them.

 

My side steps were installed after the factory, before it hit the dealership. I don't know what that step in the process is called though.

 

The steps may be installed at any point between the factory and the dealership. The hood protector was installed by the dealer. Just tell him you don't want them and if they want the sale they will take them off and not charge you.

Toyota doesn't have any approved weld on options at the dealer level that I know of . Both of those items are simple to bolt on/off.

 

Thank you all for the info. The truck hasn't made it to the dealer yet, and the salesperson informed me both items are already installed. I will keep pressing about the hood protector.

I'm not getting too excited yet considering I have been hosed on two other would-be deals, but maybe this one will work out.

 

Tell them "I don't want those items"

You have three options:
1) They can easily remove the items and remove $$ of the bottom line.
2) They can remove the $$ off the bottom line (leave the items installed)
3) You can walk. Because, you're not paying for something you don't want.

 

I think that's called port-installed

 

I agree. Because of the price I got for my Tacoma sport, I kept the bed mat, exhaust tip, wheel locks and sold the floor mats on craigs list, replaced with Husky x-act fits. If you're happy with the deal, just find a new home for the accessories you don't want.

 

The hood stuff and the steps would be "Port Installed" if the dealer does not have the truck yet. Lots of that stuff is installed at the distribution point where the trucks enter the state...got the name "Port" from when vehicles came on ships. The steps simply bolt on to pre-drilled spots under the body and are about a 10 minute removal project. Not sure on the hood protector, but can't be much to remove it. If you are getting what you feel is a good price on the truck, take it and pull / sell the extras. If you think the price is high then use them as a means to hopefully lower the price. A good deal on a Pro is if you get it for msrp or a tad less without an added dealer markup. I got mine for about $800 under msrp.

 

Thank you! I knew there was a name for it, and that I had heard it before. It's funny because my Tacoma came from Baja, and its "port" was Houston, TX before arriving in Austin. Houston makes sense for the Tacomas and Tundras coming off the San Antonio line, but I guess they all get fit and finished there.

 

Oh wow, I didn't notice this deal was on a Pro. Good luck OP, dealers know they have a very salable gem when it comes to the Pro. Prepare for shafting. I doubt he will move on price because he defiantly knows if you don't buy it someone else will for near full price. I'd just do my best at negotiating and accept paying too much if you really want that Pro. I have yet to see someone get the movement on a dealer on a Pro that people get on any other Tacoma package. If I was a dealer I would walk away from a fussy buyer on a Pro and flat out tell them that the truck isn't going to be haggled on because it is something people will pay MSRP for. No use lying and trying to make you believe there's a deal to be had.

Again, good luck though. No reason you shouldn't try to get a deal! Just don't get your hopes up to high considering others experiences.

 

If it is " quite the offer " just accept it and move on. Take the items off and sell them or give them away...