Bad time to buy new?

Great example! Things are going to get considerably worse before they get any better.

 

I think we're through the considerably worse part and have just a plain ole worse part ahead of us before things get marginally better.

 

Maybe but it will take a severe recession or depression to pull us out of this inflation. Everyone's dollars will be worth less and will buy less. Interest rates will have to climb, something we haven't seen for many years. I still think in the next 5 years, this is the best time to buy.

 

Hey there. I know this is a little off topic, but might be worth checking Craigslist or FB Marketplace. I have a friend who needed some wood for a project (plywood, trim, etc.) and was able to piece together what he needed for pretty cheap from some folks who were doing DIY projects and had materials left over. Not perfect, of course, but worth looking into if you are trying to save a few bucks. He was also able to get three cases of subway tile for free from someone who was cleaning out their basement. Worth a look ...

 

OP, might sound crazy but it may be worth looking at the Lexus alternative to the RAV (I can't remember exactly but I think it might be the NX). Yes, you pay more but you also get more. Might not be worth the upgrade but there does appear to be more Lexus models available than Toyota models (at least where I live). Worth at least looking at ...

And ... good luck to you in your search ... definitely post back what you decide ...

 

Thanks, I do make a regular habit of checking the materials section on CL as sometimes there are some deals to be had.

 

I hate to say it but I have had more luck lately with FB Marketplace ... check there too !

 

I am probably one of the rare individuals that have never had a FB Account nor on there for anything.

 

I'm kinda in the same situation. I have found Carvanna, Driveway, KBB and Vroom have now reset used Tacoma pricing to levels below the market. At least in my area NY.

I recently did a KBB cash offer and it contacted local dealers and for a 2017 TRD Sport w(27K miles) they offered $27k. My phone is now blowing up. Yeah, at $27k they can go pound salt with less comparable trucks on their lot for $33k. LOL

1. You have a trade. While this was once a bad thing, use as a bargaining chip. Say, making a deal with me is going to be better than someone with no trade or a less sought after trade vehicle. They could stand to make $3-$6k on your trade easily.
2. MSRP+$$$, sure. Trade+$$$. So now were even
3. You said you can buy anything now. Maybe cash? If that is the case, don't show your hand. Say you still owe on the 2017 (8k might be OK for a 7 year loan from 2017?). Then say you will be financing the diff (15K-20K). Then at end on pickup, pay cash if you can!

*One person said that VT allows private sales to use sales tax savings if within 3 months. Great find. I'm in NY and I'm going to check on that. Dealers always lowball and add that into your trade inflating value!!

Good luck in you hunt for a new vehicle.

 

I'm also in that elite group.

Habitat for Humanity has stores that offer some nice bargains on construction materials & a slew of other household goods. Don't know if there's one close enough to you to make it worth the gas expense but using the link you can enter your zip to find out.

https://www.habitat.org/restores

There's one in Lancaster:

https://habitatseo.org

 

This is bigger than CL where I live...

...and I don't have Facebook. Selling can be a very slow process where I am. I've even resulted to paper flyers at the grocery stores.

Back when I lived in VA, I'd list something on CL and it would be gone the next day to a week tops.

 

What was the M.S.R.P. 5 years ago and how many miles(?) $27k may not seem unreasonable.

 

Nice to meet you @ChukarBob. My old man was in a similar situation as your current one. 72 years old, looking for a Rav4 hybrid.

My advice, find the right deal and go for it. No use in waiting, prices will not be coming down anytime soon.

My father, with skillful negotiating, bought his Rav4 Hybrid XLE for 37K out the door. The price was MSRP+tax, tag, title, dealer fee, and an additional 1,200 for leather to be installed.

The dealer waived the addendum markups including the market adjustment, paint protection, and all that other crap they try to add on top.

I would not expect to be able to get a better deal than just paying MSRP. The car game has changed, for the time being.

 

Update: I have identified local and regional dealers who sell at MSRP. Don't think any of them will negotiate below MSRP, so I'm reconciled to it. Have narrowed my focus to a mid-level trim and packages to meet my interests. Sticking with a Toyota product, RAV4 Hybrid, because of long-term reliability and resale.

Not willing to accept a low-ball trade-in value on my Tacoma, as I believe I can do well enough with a private party sale to offset the tax advantage of trading the truck in. Don't like some of the flakes who come out of the woodwork when selling privately, but will set up some "filters" to eliminate most of those.

Now I am waiting for the arrival of a suitable RAV at a dealership I'm working with. Thanks, all, for the input.