Is it just my area or is there a shortage of Tacomas?

I am an engineer for a tier 1 supplier for several automotive companies. Orders are absolutely insane right now. We have been pushed into new part launches 6 months early. While trying to meet demand for 2020 parts. I was told Toyota, Nissan and Ford are rebadging 2020's trying to build 2021 inventory, while only shipping 2020's to dealers for absolute sales.

 

I've heard a number of rumors behind the move to Mexico. Some to do with economics and some to do with them being the most consistent plant since most of the issues have come from other plants. But those are only rumors I've heard.

 

The move to Mexico is a labor savings idea. If you can get one made here its usually a better quality build. Lots of makers are moving to cheaper production lines based in other countries (HD just boxed up an entire factory and sent it overseas) and that's just 1 example. It's the auto makers trying to get away from the unions and associated expenses (benefits, time off, etc). At least that's my opinion.

 

This is a pic of the dealer near me, looking west that area should be PACKED with Tacoma's, 4Runners, and Tundras but its barren.

 

I'm sure that's a factor too. Basically, with the quality thing I've heard, most of these issues weren't coming from the Baja plant in Mexico. I've got 0 recalls on my particular truck and have not heard anything about the frame recall despite it being a 2017. It was certified used truck, but there weren't any (according to the VIN) that needed addressing. Looking underneath, they've not even touched the frame. But again, that's only one of the rumors I've heard along with what you've mentioned.

 

Recall doesn’t always reflect quality of any particular auto plant

 

No, not unless there's a pattern. Usually they can pinpoint recalls to one particular shift, employee, etc and thus how they know which VINs are affected if it isn't a bad part entirely.

 

I had my Tacoma serviced today in the Raleigh area. Not one Tacoma for sale on the lot.

 

Thank you for the insight, makes perfect sense for their share holders since 2020 is basically done for.

 

nope everywhere. affecting over here in hawaii in a profound way since hawaii is basically know as the tacoma capital of the world lol.

 

What a load of sh*t. Sorry but there is no difference between the two plants, stop feeding into that stereotype.

 

I'd take a Union built truck over a Non Union truck any day of the week. The fact is there's a shortage of used Tacomas nationwide and it's not just this year. Quality used trucks are hard to find.

 

At the end of the day, it's your money so do your research into the options and color you want and be ready to pay top dollar for it if you can even find it. I for example, had to settle for an Automatic but it wasn't a deal breaker. Have any used vehicle inspected by a mechanic that you trust and start the purchase process asap once it clears inspection. That's what I do and it's never led me wrong.

 

The toyota dealership near me has had the same seven 2020 tacomas in stock for over a month. All the tacomas are way over priced ($30k for SR, $38k for SR5, $45k for TRD Sport, $50k for TRD Off-Road, They don't sell the limited or the pro). Im not sure why, but they like to add on a ton of parts (xp package, lift kits, big tires) on almost all the new trucks. They haven't had a TRD Pro in stock since mid 2019 Lol.

 

Tacoma's are union built? Huh?
https://aflcio.org/2018/12/13/uaw-releases-2019-union-made-vehicle-buying-guide

Secondly, I would be surprised that Toyota would be fine with lesser quality Tacoma's built in Mexico vs. Texas, since they pay warranty repair costs?

 

usually we have a nice array of vehicles to choose from, but because such a shortage, people are buying things up just to buy things up. things that would sit on the lot because it was...undesireable, no more. that tundra listed is new. it wasnt there last week. dont expect it to be there by weeks end.

 

Up in Flagstaff the dealer was offering 125 percent on a low milage late model trade in. I was tempted but couldn't do it.

 

My mistake. I thought the Texas trucks were Union made.

 

I don’t think they will shut down again. Numbers are at record highs and way higher than when we went through the first shutdown. I think it’s just becoming accepted. No governor will ever do a full state shutdown again in my opinion.

 

There seems to be a shortage on all vehicles that have typically been in demand.