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Purchasing soon, let me know what you think

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by 19thHole, Dec 14, 2011.

  1. Dec 14, 2011 at 9:55 AM
    #1
    19thHole

    19thHole [OP] Active Member

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    Greetings Gentlemen!

    I have been stalking this board for the better part of a year gaining information on what will be my first bought car. I am graduating in May and just accepted an offer from a major food and petcare company and my signing/moving allowance and with taxes taken out is more than enough of a down payment. I have been saving money from internships and researching heavily the mid size truck market and made the decision long ago to be set on Tacomas. (You could ask my friends what car I am getting and they might roll their eyes and say, "Toyota Tacoma")

    I am finally going to tap into this board's wisdom with some questions to be followed after my case study, first I will be buying a 4 cylinder Access Cab, I might be open to 4x4 and just wanted to gauge my need with other's experiences. I will be living in Southern MO/N Arkansas. Great fishing! It doesn't really snow, so much as it ices(sp?) for the 3 month winters. MPG is severely important to me, 82 mile country highway(60 mph) round way commute. I want to keep the truck mostly stock, but a change of tires doesn't sound too crazy.

    List of questions after my case study:
    Will MPG be roughly the same on the 4x4 as a Prerunner when 4x4 is not engaged? I know it says 18-21 but I have no clue if this was with it engaged.
    Does 4x4 help more than a marginal amount over a Prerunner with decent snow tires in winter conditions?
    How hard is it to get a green one? I can't find them in inventory anywhere!
    Any tips for a new owner?
     
  2. Dec 21, 2011 at 9:03 AM
    #2
    DGXR

    DGXR Well-Known Member

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    Yes MPG should be roughly the same for Prerunner vs 4x4 w/front axle not engaged. Just a little more weight and rotating drivetrain mass with the 4x4, should not make a big difference.

    Yes 4x4 makes a world of difference in low-traction conditions. But what makes even more of a difference is throttle control and maintaining momentum... I have seen front-drive passenger cars go further in the snow than a 4x4 (both vehicles with chains/cables), only because the car driver had experience and knew exactly what he was doing.

    Assuming you are buying new, it should not be too hard to find the color you like. Worst-case scenarios:
    Order it from the dealer and have to wait a while for it to deliver;
    Get the dealer to haul one in from a dealer in the surrounding region;
    Widen your radius for how far you're willing to shop for your truck.

    Tips for a new owner: have fun, good luck! :) These things are pretty tough, reliable and low-maintenance. But they do need maintenance.
     
  3. Dec 21, 2011 at 9:21 AM
    #3
    TacomaBuzz

    TacomaBuzz Well-Known Member

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    There will be a significant difference In Mpg's if you choose a 5 Lugger vs 4x4. Pre runner sits at the same height as 4x4 which means more wind resistance, less mpg's. Don't get the 4x4 if you don't need it, waste of money and mpg's. Sounds like you are most concerned with maximum gas mileage, get the 5 Lugger, it's a great truck!
     
  4. Dec 21, 2011 at 9:30 AM
    #4
    Cr250jumper

    Cr250jumper Señor member

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    Too bad your not closer to AZ. My unle is a sales manager at Toyota and can get great deals
     
  5. Dec 21, 2011 at 9:41 AM
    #5
    jflan

    jflan Well-Known Member

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    No, the PreRunner should be able to beat the 4x4 (not engaged) on fuel economy.


    My guess is, no, not engaged.

    Traction control available on the PreRunner is a plus but not a substitute for 4x4. You have to determine what you need for where you drive.
    I have to crawl rocks to get to some of my fishing holes. 4x4 is necessary for me. Just snow on pavement, I would go PreRunner.

    Tell your dealer what you want. He will find one.

    I would get the 5 speed manual with the 2.7
     
  6. Dec 21, 2011 at 9:54 AM
    #6
    TacoDawgfan

    TacoDawgfan Hunker Down You Hairy Dawg!

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    So you just graduated college or hs? I'm guessing college based on your post. You can get 1 grand from Toyota if you're a recent college grad. Negotiate your best deal before bringing this up. This is from Toyota so the dealer has no bearing on this.

    The 4x4 only gets about 1 mpg less than the pre-runner. Not sure about the difference in the 5 lugger. Of course insurance and maintenance will cost more than anything on the 4x4.
     
  7. Dec 21, 2011 at 11:17 AM
    #7
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

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    19thhole, The one suggestion I would put forth would be to tell the dealer that you want good tires on the truck as part of any deal, not what Toyota typically puts on. My truck came with Dunlop Gran Treks. I ended up replacing them at 1300 miles and buying new tires. It would have been better for me to have paid $200-300 for an upgraded tire than spending $900 for new replacements two months later.
     
  8. Dec 21, 2011 at 11:19 AM
    #8
    wmdpowell

    wmdpowell Well-Known Member

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    Our trucks are great but with 160 miles a day you might want an economy car.


    MPG was a big consideration to me but I justified the 4x4 given the long winters we have in this part of the country.

    MPG should be close pre runner vs 4x4.
    Our trucks have pretty good traction in 2 wheel drive but fantastic traction in 4x4 (put some weight in the bed, don't drive like a tool, 4x4 will not help you stop on ice).
    For the new owner: Baby it at first, it won't be long before you take off the beaten track.
     
  9. Dec 21, 2011 at 11:20 AM
    #9
    wmdpowell

    wmdpowell Well-Known Member

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    Agreed, I went 16,000 on my grand treks. The new ones are way better
     
  10. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:14 AM
    #10
    19thHole

    19thHole [OP] Active Member

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    Great, I was looking at that and I was actually looking at others i.e. Nissan, because of that discount, but in the end only a Tacoma will quench my thirst. That is definitely an added bonus.

    I am thinking more and more I will most likely go with the 4x4, but I will research a little more on the MPG of it.


    That is an interesting proposition. I will be honest, buying a car for the first time is a little intimidating with all the negotiation involved. Any tips on this process? I asked my Dad about it and was told it is pretty surreal to be in the room negotiated for something.


    I have one right now, it sucks. Oh, sorry if I was unclear, it is 80 miles total per day.

    Thanks for all the input guys! Proves even more what a great board this is.
     
  11. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:28 AM
    #11
    Chipskip

    Chipskip N7MCS

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    I use to sell Hondas, a long time ago, and they are well versed in the game on negotiations. My advice:
    *keep doing your home work, know what the truck should cost in your area, talk to multiple dealers, check KKB and Edmunds.
    *Take someone with you that can help you see past the BS, you will be a little excited to get your truck.
    *If you want green, get green, the sales man will try and get you into a truck they have on the lot, hold out.
    *Check with your bank and/or credit union about finacing before hand. Know what your interest rate could be before you go in. Toyota Financing is great (my x was a biller for Toyota) but sometimes you can get a better deal. Do your homework.
    *Before you sign anything, go get food. They will do everything to prevent you from leaving, but a small break can really clear your mind and help you think things through.

    Dealership are trained in the arts of sale, negotiations and manipulation. If it doesn't feel right, walk away, they will be waiting when you are ready to go back or there are always other dealers. This should be a fun and exciting experience, enjoy it.
     
  12. Dec 27, 2011 at 8:47 AM
    #12
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

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    19thHole, Research on your part will save you the most money during new vehicle purchase. Write down on paper what vehicle you decide upon, options and again choose a good tire ( NOT DUNLOPS). It is better to pay $200 more for good tires on the deal, than a $800 a month after you have driven off the lot. You can go to Toyota online and "build" the vehicle you want, colors, options, etc. There you then be given a "suggested" selling price.

    If he is willing, take your Dad with you during negotiations. If he does nothing but sit there it will still be good. He can clean his fingernails with a 12" Bowie knife.

    Now go online to reserch that vehicle and it's selling price in your area. Edmunds.com, Kelly blue book and many others. They will give average selling price in your area. A "Base" truck has less room for price negotiation than a fully loaded, dual everything truck. Set a number in your mind of what you are willing to spend based on your search.

    I prefer to have my own financing in place BEFORE talking with a dealer. Talk with your bank, credit union first about the truck and get a quote from them on finance. You can compare to what the dealer says, but knowledge is power for you.

    You can solicit price quotes online from many Toyota dealers and see who comes closest to you figures. If as I suggest you choose to upgrade tires, be up front about it to a dealer. The same holds true for anything else you want on this truck. Tell them upfront and let the dealer come up with a dollar amount. Make it all a package deal out the door price(taxes, title everything). Do not be afraid to walk out from a dealer trying to stick you. You are armed with real information of what this truck should cost, hold to it. Have everything in writing, do not take a salesmens word. Use any discounts you may be eligible for, make them aware that you will be using them, ask them if there are other discounts.

    If you want a dealer installed option, make that known at the very beginning and with all dealers so you are talking the same truck with each one.

    Feel free to message me about buying this truck.

    ENJOY YOUR TRUCK
     
  13. Dec 27, 2011 at 9:00 AM
    #13
    afcivmedic

    afcivmedic Well-Known Member

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    Having lived in North Central Arkansas(Mt Home, Bull Shoals, Flippin) I would say you are on the right track with the AC/4WD and a 4cyl. It should fit you fine for Fayetteville to Branson and Springfield, Mo. But like or friends here said-Go for upgraded tires because the factory "Dunflops" suck!
     
  14. Dec 27, 2011 at 9:45 AM
    #14
    19thHole

    19thHole [OP] Active Member

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    I did not even know you could request better tires before this thread.

    Good info, and I am loving the input.
     
  15. Dec 27, 2011 at 11:11 AM
    #15
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

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    19thHole,

    Don't request upgraded tires, DEMAND them. Be ready to accept paying $100-250 more for good tires. The Dunlops suck that bad, short life, poor traction, bad handling. You will need a change of underwear if you drive on Dunlops.

    Go to "tirerack.com" review the tires you might want and compare them to the Dunlop GranTrek AT20s in the survey section. They are 53 out 57. I think the Dunlops are round, kind of anyway. I am not certain what tire would be on your potential vehicle, but you do not want Dunlops. I replaced mine with Michelin LTX M/S2s. They made it a different truck. You may want a different tire for your application. But, get the tires you want to start with.
     
  16. Dec 27, 2011 at 12:06 PM
    #16
    19thHole

    19thHole [OP] Active Member

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    I appreciate the info, 250 extra will not be a problem. The one thing I read on here that has helped out, is that I would not like to use an aggressive tread. I am more focused on a tire with a least rolling resistance theme.
     
  17. Dec 27, 2011 at 1:05 PM
    #17
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

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    19thhole,

    Look at Michelin LTX M/S2. I chose to go with 265x70R-16 on the factory steel wheel. That is a low rolling resistance tire from Michelin. You may not want to go that wide, perhaps 245 or 255. I was getting steering wander from the Dunlops and I nearly spun out in turns a few times with them. This prompted me to make sure I had lots of rubber on the pavement for handling. As your daily driving distance will be higher, consider the narrower tires. Mine is a 4X4, regular cab, 4 cylinder, automatic and I am getting 24+ MPG.
     
  18. Dec 28, 2011 at 7:17 AM
    #18
    19thHole

    19thHole [OP] Active Member

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    As I make my own Tacoma on Toyota.com I was wondering if there is a percentage that needs to be added or taken off the website's price according to what a realistic value would be?

    For the record I realize that I might ask dumb questions but this doesnt seem to be a flame board so it is more than comfortable to throw these out there.

    At least not in the 4 cyl section. :D
     
  19. Dec 28, 2011 at 1:46 PM
    #19
    rll131

    rll131 rll131

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    get the 4x4 you will regret it if you dont.
     
  20. Dec 28, 2011 at 3:21 PM
    #20
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

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    19thHole,

    It is probably better to "build" it, then write or print out how you speced the truck. Now go to Kelly Blue Book Or Edmunds and compare for your region. They have a average purchase price guide for your region. Be sure to include delivery, taxes, titles etc.

    One dealer/salesman tried to tell me if another dealer had "My" truck, they would get it for me, but charge me $200-300 for them to go get it. I quietly got up and walked away, BS.

    The dealer I went with traded another dealer a vehicle to get mine, no charge to me. A dealer / salesmans bag of tricks is big. This is where your home work pays off. Ask any questions you have here in the forum. Do not rush your purchase, Toyota makes new trucks exactly like the one you want everyday.
     

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