Cost of optional accessories at dealer for 2012 Taco

Hi Folks,

New guy here ... just wanted to say hey, "hey"! And also ask for some opionions about the cost of some optional add-on accessories from the dealer when purchasing a new Taco.

I'm in the process of negotiating a price on a new 2012 AC Tacoma from a local dealer. I feel the price I've been able negotiate for the truck and options / upgrades that it already has is a good one.

However, I'd like some other options installed, which the dealer says "no problem" and "he's giving me a break" on price. But I still think he may be taking me for a ride with the accessories prices, but I'm not familiar with how much " wiggle room" the dealer has on these.

Below is a list of those options I want along with what dealer says is their retail and my "discount" price: (prices include installation )


retail my cost

Tube Steps $699 $599

Fog Lights $599 $499

TowHitch / Harness $550 $450


I still feel that the quotes he's giving me for these accessories is inflated and would like to haggle them down some, but don't want to be too far off-base when I throw a figure at them.

Would like to hear from some of you that may have purchased some of these options from your dealer recently.

BTW, I'm in Virginia if that matters any.

Appreciate any input you may have to offer.

Thanks,

YB

 

The tow hitch... tow package? is worth it. Side steps are not, you can purchase those for like $125.. Fog lights can be purchased for around $100-200, but then you have to put them in and wire them up.

 

Supra is correct, if it's the tow package that includes a transmission cooler, oil cooler and HD alternator then it's 100% worth it. The others are not. If the dealer just wants that kind of money for a bolt on hitch, you can get them much cheaper and install yourself or have Uhaul do it for you.

 

I bought the OEM dbl cab sidesteps/running boards for about $325 from a local dealer. Even that was a bit much compared to aftermarket items. But I liked the look of the OEMs on my truck compared to tube steps. I installed them myself--very easy. Just screw in bolts. Should take you 30 min to 1 hour to unpack, read instructions, install, and clean up.

I think you can do better on the price. And, you can definitely save $$ if you self install if you don't want to bother to shop around.

 

Appreciate the info guys.

The Towhitch / harness is just that by itself. I'm looking at the 4 cyl. model and the complete tow package ($600 option) is only available on the v-6's.

I prefer the look of the factory tube step as oppossed to the running boards myself and would like to stay with that, or, a similar after market design.

Fog Lights ... well, lets just say that installation would be beyond my level of expertice so I'll just have to find out what a fair price to pay the dealer would be.

Thanks again for the input!

Anyone else have an opinion on the price of these options?

YB

 

Supra,

Can you tell me where I might be able find the side steps for $125. Are you talking used pull-offs, or new? Don't really matter, I just haven't researched this stuff much yet. Hell, I wasn't even looking for a new truck really .

Thanx,

YB

 

Hi Pugga,

Yeah that's what I'm thinking also. I had Uhaul put one on my old Dakota a few years back, IIRC it was only like 150 bucks, and they had to special order it due to the age of the truck.

YB

 

Where in VA? hopefully its not Checkered Flag Toyota...they WILL try to take you over the hurdles.

 

I get any OEM accessories off of TRDsparks.com, check them out, they don't have anything for the 2012 yet but it doesn't take them long. Check out the factory stuff they carry for the 2011 and it will give you an idea of what they carry. The reasonable prices they have, and what you will be able to add on yourself. They are all Toyota approved items and the dealership will install if you are not comfortable with it. TRDparts4u.com is another good one.

 

appreciate all the good info guys, Thanks.


YB

 

If you want some black tube steps from the factory PM me. They came with my taco, but im getting sliders next week. DBl cab short bed.

 

Appreciate the offer appljaxx, but I prefer the silver / stainless ones. Thanks anyway.

YB

 

I guarantee you will be able to find the running boards cheaper aftermarket. As for the fog lights, just check around your local section on the forums here and see if someone is willing to help you out with wiring them in. You'll save some money and you'll make a new friends or 3.

 

Are the OEM silver available from Toyota? When I ordered my 2012, the dealership looked into getting them for me but was told they were discontinued. Turns out they are painted aluminum anyway, so I'm actually glad the OEM silver were not available. I ordered Ionic 5 in oval stainless side steps for a lot less, they were very easy to install. My wife loves them.

 

Just get everything aftermarket, IMO the dealer always jacks up prices because they know you will just finance it on top of the truck purchase. So of course its easier to pay... 600 dollars for steps when your only paying... 5-10 bucks a month for the extra cost. Everything you need is aftermarket and probably even a little better.

 

I just had a hitch installed on another truck of mine with the wiring plug; it cost me approx. $350 installed. I helped a buddy install a set of fog lights on his jeep last month and it took the entire day plus. We used a set of higher intensity wattage bulbs (something to think about) which requires one to use a seperate relay besides tapping into the fuse; so there's much more wiring involved. The lighted switch was nice quality but generic, so it took a chunk of time to modify it to fit.

The costs they want from-U are high, yes; but don't nickel & dime yourself into a corner like my friend did on his 'aftermarket namebrand fog light kit'. He ended up having to give me a shotgun for all my time!