Should I Buy Used???

Hey guys,

Currently in the process of buying a used 2018 TRD OR 4x4 Tacoma from carvana with 44k miles for 34k including taxes, registration etc. No tech or premium packages included. It's one owner and the carfax is clean with regular maintenance and oil changes. Just want to know if this is a good deal? With the whole marked up prices for new tacos i feel I can't afford anything above 40k. Carvana is also paying for 4 all new tires and new battery as well. I also got it inspected by an independent mechanic and didn't find any issues besides some transmission fluid replacement. I live in southern California BTW. Appreciate any thoughts!

 

I paid $32,300 sticker for my 2017 TRD OR, certified pre-owned with 14k. However, that did not include new tires, taxes, etc. Plus it was at the beginning of COVID before the prices began to inflate on used vehicles. So I'd say you're probably on par.

 

I was thinking the same

 

I bought my used from the dealer with the extended warranty. I believe it was stickered at 30K and after some friendly banter paid $27500. It was in 2019, they had a large inventory, and it was the end of the month. NH does not have sales tax, so I don't know what that adds. Mine had 17K on it when I bought it so it still had factory warranty as well. Here in NH used trucks are getting to be like Bigfoot, people claim to spot them occasionally, but offer no proof, so the prices have gone way up. Not sure if this helps, but happy hunting!

 

If you're happy with the deal, do it. Usually buying used will save you from losing too much money, but the Tacomas are a pretty safe bet buying new as well. So for a few thousand more, you could possibly have brand new as well. Don't rule that out if you can afford a couple grand more.

 

If it’s not manual be prepared to come back here and bitch about the shifting issues the auto has on the 18 . The offer is not bad but probably can knock off another 2k .

 

My step sister brought a 2018 TRD Off-Road DCSB 4x4 Auto w/Tech Package back in September and I think she payed 36k for it. Had ~12k miles and no mechanical issues. deadass had a bullet hole in one of the rear bumper caps lmao

 

OP,

Sorry, but I love these kinds of discussions!

First, this is really a simple math conversation. What is the blue book value on that car? Given that you are in CA (the hotbed for Toyota sales), you should check that car with those features against ones in the used market.

I'd like to see a simple spreadsheet outlining the price of that car, the price of a new car and the price of a comparable used car for sale in your area. I would also look at used cars within a reasonable driving distance (say, Arizona) and see what that looks like. The math should let you know.

I am not in Southern CA so I don't really know. Here in the northeast the prices do seem better and we don't get the ridiculous dealer mark up game. But I will say this -- Carvana is great. I am glad they are disrupting the industry because dealers have a shitty sales process (we all know this). But I have a sense their price is pretty high compared to other places. They may be higher or they may not be but worth verifying. Adding in the tires and battery they are probably getting for a good price so don't be swayed by that in your calculation. You may or may not like the tires they choose.

Worth just checking the numbers.

Look forward to how it all works out and good luck !

Edit: Here is a 2018 in NY (I know, not Southern CA) but bear with me:
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...lectedEntity=d311&zip=10533#listing=295320498

Same neighborhood on price and slightly less (I know this doesn't include taxes). Has me wondering, that is a lot of mileage on a two year old truck. Just something to consider.

 

I paid 1K more than with the tech package for a brand new one (long bed) back in April of last year. Can't believe that prices have gone up that much in less than 12 months (depending on where you are) that you couldn't get a similiar deal. 34K for a 2018 w/ 44K miles is too much (imho).

 

Really appreciate the advice! this car was bought in Georgia for 37k back in 2017 and was driven for 3 years under the owner(about 15k miles / year). So definitely on the higher end. I checked with Kelley blue book and it values it at 30000, and carvana listed it as 30600 before taxes n stuff. But man. Got really unlucky with the Tacoma market. My car was stolen recently and I'm pressed in buying a car soon.

 

I just bought a brand new Tacoma in Southern California the prices are ridiculous I know a guy who can find a vehicle for you if you want to PM me

 

Thats the price of a brand new 4wd SR5

 

a clean Carfaux report doesn't mean diddly unless those (car dealers, repair shops, etc.) who worked on that truck accurately and completely reported their vehicle data into the Carfaux. Speaking from experience that does not always happen, go figure...

 

I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area. I think it’s a good buy. The taxes alone are around $2700 of the cost. Tacoma’s new and used are hard to come by. They go for a premium.

 

I read recently that the Tacoma is the 9th best selling vehicle in 2021.

 

Just had the shifting issue fixed, night and day difference!

 

How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking compared to msrp

 

43500 Out the door. IDK what MSRP and all that was I would have to look at the sticker. But That was 2-5k cheaper than I could find it from any dealer in SoCal as most didn't want to makes deals because they know they would sell

 

Anybody know why Tacoma and 4Runner inventory are thin in Socal? Wife wants a 4runner and most dealers are either at MSRP or +$1K and wont budge. Granting I haven't been actively looking and negotiating, most are at MSRP.

I received $3,500 off MSRP on my Taco back in March 2019 without even trying...

 

Because COVID and people will pay it...…..