New Tacoma Buyer, Advice Needed

Congrats on the full-ride!

 

Thanks for sharing your situation. Yeah, I definitely fell into a not ideal time to purchase a Tacoma. It's just been very difficult to find used Tacos with the build I am looking for and within mathematical sense compared to a new one. California is super limited.

 

Thank you! From being a first-generation college student for my bachelors degree and working 3 jobs my whole life to afford school, it definitely seems surreal.

 

If you can safely afford a $400/ month truck payment, and I mean beyond a doubt safely............. Go for it. Its what you always wanted. No time like the present.

 

You seem like a level headed fellow. Best on your endeavor.

 

Thanks for the reply! Yes, that is definitely my plan. I wanted to spread it out to make my monthly payment affordable and have any dispensable income go towards hacking away that principal. I'll definitely make sure I have that no pre-pay penalty in writing, thanks for pointing that out!

 

Thank you! Any other advice you have is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks for the reply. I just want a good deal given that covid and the current limited availability make things a bit hazy. Any advice for haggling, warranties, etc is greatly appreciated.

 

I 100% disagree with this comment. The used truck market has been turned upside down during covid; if you can even find a used Tacoma in good condition locally right now, you'll be paying inflated prices. Choices will be very limited. Pricing is so high, 4-5 year old Tacomas are selling almost the same as new MSRP. If there's ever a time to buy new, it is right now! With new, at least there's a ceiling/cap on the price inflation, which is MSRP (with a few exceptions like TRD PROs in California).

OP, sounds like you've made a plan, and have saved diligently for a long time for this purchase. I echo what @Coyote501 said.

The problem with your thread is the market is very different right now than in years past. Which means that conventions and wisdom that people are sharing (with good intentions!) likely do not apply. I've studied the market for months and finally got a 2021 TRD OR manual a few weeks ago. It's very complicated--PM me and I'd be glad to share some resources, advice, and things I've learned.

Long story short, if you're set on getting a 2021, DO NOT DELAY. Supply is extremely limited (and getting tighter given the chip shortage) and a nice Tacoma on a lot is not going to last long. Having said that, if you have the luxury of waiting for a 2022 or beyond, then stop your search and take your time (and save longer!).

 

I would save up cash for a year or two and hopefully the market will settle down. Do not rule out SR or SR5 trim levels. OR is cool, but odds are you will never really need the locker or crawl control.

 

For your edification...block off some time and read through this: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-are-you-paying-for-your-2021-tacoma-price-thread.685728/

I would direct your questions to people (similar circumstances) in that spot lol

 

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, my original plan was to get the SR5 V6 4WD 4Door 6ft bed, but those are even harder to find. The SR trim is not made for the specific build I'm looking for either. I was quoted the same price for the Sport and OR from this dealer, so I thought I would just get more bang for my buck with the OR. Given that I currently don't have a car (borrowing my parents car and helping with the payments before I move out to CO), I really need to buy one before I move this summer. Just didn't expect it to be so difficult, but that's life.

 

Thanks so much for your two posts! I'll definitely read that and message you with any questions.

 

If the numbers work for you, get the truck and enjoy getting out and using it. Just stay off of TW, the mods are what will take all your $$

 

Great deal. Take it. Much better deal than I got.

 

@Ramslug27
Took me weeks to find the SR5 V6 4WD Access Cab - finally found one and snagged it - still very expensive but I wanted it and have the means to
put down a ton of cash on it and at 48 months the payment is a little over $300. It'll be the last new-vehicle I ever own and my son will be driving a
nice ride in a few years. I'll probably pay it off in 2 years.

Prices are going nowhere but up. Period.

My son ( and daughter ) both have full-ride with-$20,000+ allowances (they work for it) for their Master Degree Programs.... they drive my old
2003 and 2004 Corollas...My son will get out and land $80,000-$120,000 off the bat and my daughter as well.. I've encouraged both of them
to wait another year or two, save a ton of cash from their job, and pay cash... or wait for me to kick the bucket LOL

Biggest question is - do you really need to spend $40+k on a vehicle... don't wanna be a dk-head but that's a pretty privileged position for a student.

Then again, worst case scenario is... you end up driving it for a bit and have to sell it, probably at break-even or better... so there's that too....

 

I paid $3k over MSRP on my TRD Pro plus $2k in dealer options (Window tint, Bed Mat, Bed lights, remote tailgate lock, predator steps, etc).
All in.... $5k over invoice for a TRD Pro.

 

Do you need to get a 21? Could you find some 20s that they are looking to move? I got a 19 Trd OR at the end of 19 for 5k below msrp. Granted I bought in Michigan where things are a bit cooler than CA and CO...

 

Your timing (and color choice) were great, the market has changed considerably since then.

 

Totally understand your perspective. Do I absolutely need it? Probably not. Am I in a pretty privileged position for a student? 100% yes and there is not a day I don't forget that, haha. Have I worked my a** off paying for college the last four years and saving up for a truck for 5 years now? You betcha.

My logic is that this will be my vehicle until the wheels fall off, and while I'm pursuing two doctoral degrees simultaneously over the next 7-8 years, I definitely want to make sure I have a vehicle that I can go explore Colorado with to keep myself sane as I'll be handling a courseload pretty unparalleled in difficulty. It'll be paid off before I am done with school, it won't break down, and I'll have no excuse to not have weekend camping trips in it to get a breather from school.

Totally agree with your worst case scenario. Went with a Tacoma because it seems like the most worthwhile investment for a long-term vehicle.

EDIT: Please don't take that comment negatively. I just wanted advice on pricing, haggling, the current market, etc. I value every single person's insight on here as you are all more experienced than me. Just didn't think I'd have to justify why I want one so bad lol! Thanks again.