New College Graduate Considering a New PreRunner.....

Hey ya'll.....

I'll be commissioning into the Army in May of 2016, and right around now is when we're recommended to take our Commissioning Loan from USAA. I don't have a vehicle as of present and I'm looking at trying to get a new stripped down PreRunner for about 18-20k in cash (if possible, I may be too optimistic about my haggling skills haha). Just trying to soak up as much info as I can and play sponge....thanks for any advice ya'll may have....thanks ya'll!

FYI: I live in FL and go to school in SC, so even when on the trails during hunting season or going to that range that's at the corner of nowhere and lostville, 4x4 really isn't that necessary....I got ripped a new one on another truck forum regarding this haha I understand that if I'm stationed in AK or something I should learn how to drive really well in the snow/buy chains/whatever ya'll eskimos do

 

Seriously? A financial institution recommending that you borrow money

If you're looking for new Tacoma for $20K or less, keep looking because they don't exist.

Why a stripped down model? If it's only to save money, I'd recommend waiting until you can afford "more". Most people aren't happy with stripped down models, except for the Amish

IMO, don't buy a 4X4 unless you need one; "need" as in where you may live or off-roading as a hobby.

 

Even the base model a Prerunner is around 25k, you will
Have to look for a used one for that price.

 

My quick two cents is this;

There are no haggling skills needed these days. With Kelly Blue Book and Truecar.com websites, these corporate mongers have pretty much sealed the price to little or no change. You might get a dealer fee waived or in my state a valorum tax worked down, but pretty much if its listed for 27k for example....thats what it will be. The best thing you can do is walk in with at least 10% to give them in hopes of offsetting you depreciation in the first year.

Secondly who told you to "use your commissioning loan"? There is never a good time to "take a loan" unless the USAA salesman is telling you to "take the loan". This is a salesman tactic as if to say "you'll never get another good deal like this again!" Bullsh*t, there is always a better truck at a better deal with a better loan. The question you need to ask yourself is "am I ready to own this truck, with the intent to pay it off WELL before my final loan date?"

Don't get me wrong, I am a vet, I use USAA for everything and currently have my loan through them. However, the dealership beat their APR rate two fold and I declined to save that money because i'm loyal to USAA and they have been loyal to me. The reason why is the banks dealerships use are bigger and better an have millions of suckers roped into APR rates and car loan they'll NEVER recover from.

Anyway, best of luck on your purchase and you're on the right track of choosing a truck that suits your needs. You show great wisdom in picking something that fits your lifestyle. Personally I bought a 4x4 RC because "its all I needed", and let me tell you that 4x4 has been used more times than I ever imagined it would!