Checking out a 2009 TRD Sport today

Hi all:

When I originally started shopping for Taco's, I was dead set on getting a new Spruce Mica, which is why I selected my screen name. (maybe I can change it? LOL) Well, after looking at the prices for new ones, I just can't make myself spend that extra money to buy new. I found a 2009 TRD Sport at a local dealer a few weeks ago, and it's still on the lot. It's Timberland Mica, so I still have a chance at getting the "green" that I wanted with the Spruce. My wife actually likes the Timberland better than the Spruce, so that works to my favor. Ha!

From what I've read on here, the difference between '09-11 and the '12 models is pretty much interior cosmetics and nothing mechanical. Did I miss anything? (It's difficult to come up with the right search query when I don't know the question to ask or the answer to seek...) This '09 is the double cab and the long bed version, which is exactly what I'm looking for. It has about 49k on the clock and has leather interior. They're asking just under $27k, but maybe I can knock 'em down a little. My stumbling block is gonna be financing, but I have a healthy down payment, so maybe that'll get me beyond any hiccups.

Is there anything specific I need to checkout on this truck while looking it over, today? Y'all are a helpful bunch, so I look forward to your responses.

Thanks in advance!

 

I dont know why you dont buy new. Or even a new '2011 /old front style sitting on a lot somewhere. You'll end up pay like $4k more for a truck that has 49k miles less. A full warranty. And even possibley better financing available since its new.

 

I paid $27k for a 2009 Sport 4x4 DCSB with 6k on it in November 2009, so I think you can do better on price. Irregardless, you're right that there isn't much difference between the '09-'11 and the '12 besides the front body work and the updated interior/Entune. I think you'll like the 2009 just fine, if you can get it for the right price. The leather inteior is a nice plus, wish I had that.

 

I definitely wouldnt buy new, the value lost at the point you drive it off the lot is unreal. it seems a bit steep. what options does it have? (TRD packs, tow, sr5). just a little comparison: back in feb i bought an 07 access cab with 55k. has sr5 and trd offroad. paid 16.2k (in fredericksburg va). GL

 

It's the TRD Sport with the long bed. Seems like it has every option that comes with that, plus leather seating and tow package. Tires look like they're in good shape, too. And, the listing says 16" wheels, which I like because the tires are cheaper to replace than the 17" variety.

 

27 is a little on the high side. We bought our 09 DCLB trd sport w/ 24000 miles in Feb this year for $24900.

 

Just one thing when at the dealership. Don't let them run your credit when they ask. Tell them you've got financing or that you plan to put it on your AMEX or something. AGRUE PURCHASE PRICE, NOT PAYMENTS. When I bought my Taco the sticker on it was $24,999. It was an '06 with 25K on it. Bought it in '07. I was 1K upsidedown on my trade and still walked out at 21K out the door. Granted I was there for like 5 1/2 hours, but saved myself A LOT of money. I would also not tell them how much your planning on putting down until after you agree on a price and determine financing.

If you don't feel like BS-ing about your financing, just don't let them run your credit until the price is agreed upon. Don't give them any info about your finances. They will repeatedly ask about running your credit. Just say no. Tell them you don't want a mark on your credit score until you're sure you're going to make a purchase. I bought a Ranger some time ago when my credit wasn't just bad, it was obsene! Still got financing. You should be okay so don't let them talk you into running it ahead of time. It will only give them an angle to discount your ability to buy the truck for less.

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the tip on negotiating price, not payment. I have $10k to put down. My existing ride, an '05 Ford Escape 4WD with 176k on the clock, can likely fetch $5k if I see it myself, although they'd love to offer me probably $1k for it. My credit is pretty crappy right now, due to a few foreclosures from the bad housing investments in recent years. I have one charge-off for a 2nd mortgage, as well. So, if they'll even finance me, it'll be a high rate. But, I'm not really worried about the interest rate, because with my income, I could make $1000/mo payments and circumvent the extra interest, if I was compelled to do so. Of course, my Escape still runs fine, and I don't "need" to get a new truck. This is a want, and I got the green light from SWMBO last night, as a Father's Day gift. LOL

 

First of all, I know the "Green" Tacomas are the least produced, so I'm sure if you're set on that particular color, whether it be the timberland or spruce variety, your overall options may be more limited.

Having said that, judging ONLY by your opening post, I'd probably be looking to buy new if I were you.

I just bought a brand new 2012 TRD Sport for only a couple grand more than they're asking for the '09 you mention. Obviously, there's a lot of smaller factors to consider, like different options, condition of the vehicle, price after negotiation, etc... but again, considering the sticker price on a NEW 2012 and the asking price on the '09 you mention, I personally would want to go new. Don't forget, used cars *can* sometimes mean you're buying someone else's problems -- at least with a new vehicle you know you're the only owner to had a chance to screw it up, but you've got a full warranty behind you if the new vehicle does have any problems. You also say that you are concerned about the financing, and you should know that in general, new vehicle financing will get you a lower interest rate than used vehicles. Depending on your credit situation, that difference in finance rate could possibly even offset the price difference in vehicles.

Again, I'm basing all of this only on the 2 options you presented in the OP -- I'm not suggesting that buying a new car over a used car is always the best way to go. Also, it's just my 2¢...and what do I know?!?

 

Timberland Mica is a much nicer green, but thats a lot extra to pay for it with a 09 w/49K as mentioned. Leather was an add on, which you can play down as non factory or original OEM. (even though you prefer it) When I looked for used it was not worth considering any options used because for a few thousand more I was in a new one.

 

I would recommend looking into a credit union for financing, or even try to call USAA with your military service to see what kind of APR they would offer you. Just some quick thoughts on financing. The dealership will always try to get you to go through toyota instead of someone else since they get throw backs for it.

 

Before you go you need to research the average selling price of similar trucks in your area. Resale values vary so much by region that you can't go by what others here have paid. Truecar is a good starting point for your research.

 

Truecar says this is a good price: https://usedcars.truecar.com/car/Toyota-Tacoma-2009/3TMMU52N19M008677

 

I'd go in and try to get 1,000 off of asking price, but not really expecting it. Good luck!

 

I paid just a tad over 25k for my 09 sport dclb 4x4 2 years ago with 22k on the clock. On that one i'd not go much over 24k. Dealer was asking 32k for the truck when I walked on the lot.

 

i might have missed it, but I just wanted to make sure it's a 4x4 right?

 

Yep, it was a 4x4.

Just left the dealer lot. It apparently sold over the weekend. So, it's been sitting on their website and autotrader for 5-6 days. Nice.

 

I paid $26K for a like new condition 2010 DC/SB TRD OffRoad 4x4 with 28K and a SnugTop campertop on craigslist in San Diego and had it shipped to Hawaii for $800. Use a local credit Union for financing, and buy from a person rather than a dealer. Lower interest rate and about a $4K savings. Just sold my camper top for $1500. Basically got my truck for $25,300.00

 

Way to high man, buy at the end of the month. You can get new for that price if you know how to do it. I got my 2010 TRD Sport 4X4 V6 6 speed Double Cab short bed. for 24,000 out the door at Boch Toyota in Mass. And that included every fee, taxes. And I walked out the door with a 4 year or 45,000 service plan (which is only oil changes anyway)

 

that sucks that you were getting ready and it wasn't there, i would say good thing u didn't get it, i thought it was overpriced, what prices are they giving you on a new one, back in 2011, for trd sport prerunners down here in tampa, i was quoted just under 28K otd, so i'm thinkin 2012's should be tiny bit more, maybe couple hundred, and 4x4 add what, 2-3K? so it'd be reasonable to get one for roughly 31K otd? that's just my reasoning, not sure if it's reality, cause at 27K + tax title tag and dealer fee, you're lookin at round 29K anyway right?