Sold my 2015 thinking about buying a 2017.

I owned a 1st Gen MT for 8 years and test drove the 3rd Gen manuals. Meh. I recommend test driving one for yourself. Beaver thinks he's right and nothing else will convince him otherwise. Biased opinions are what they are. You'll have to make the decision for yourself. I don't think there's anything wrong with the MT on a larger scale, I just don't see that it's really going to give you all that much more towing capability. The Tacoma is what it is...and it's not a great vehicle for towing regularly. Honestly I think a full sized truck would be better suited for your needs of hauling loads of firewood. Also by the time you're out the door on a new Tacoma TRD OR is going to set you back anywhere from 34k on the very low end to 38k on the high end and that is with a solid deal. Remember that with Domestics you will get a MUCH better deal when it comes to discounts, rebates and incentives. Ford might knock 4 or 5 g's off the sticker price -- good luck getting there with the Tacoma. You could roll a decently equipped F-150 for close to what you'll pay on the Tacoma and you'll get more truck (power/size) for your money. The Tacoma's aren't really getting leaps and bounds better fuel economy either, especially winding out that motor at 5k RPMs. If I had to tow or haul regularly I'd be looking at a silverado or GMC just because I'm partial to their styling.

 

As you're in AK, I'd suggest you buy local and just explain to the dealer you want to give them your business but not get ripped off. You'll need them for service and for what it's worth, that approach has worked for me with my auto needs. You may not steal a deal but a mutually fair transaction is not unrealistic and it's good business.

Just my thoughts, as I would appreciate that approach when I deal with my clients.

Good luck.

 

Agree with this approach. I'd throw in an offer say $500 over invoice. It's still a decent deal for the dealer they make a decent profit with dealer hold back and other corp kickbacks. It saves both parties time and likely you money. The best alternative to no agreement is you walk and buy later (or elsewhere) and they lose an easy sale. Of course if you decide to go Ford or GM you should use a bit different strategy as they have more wiggle room typically.

 

I used to live in Anchorage and bought a 2004 4Runner from that dealer. It is hard to get much leverage. Your other option is to buy in the lower 48 and have it shipped or take a decent ferry/road trip. They know this.

I think we got it about $750 below MSRP in the end but we got roughly that amount cut from our ideal trade price as well. It is a tough market, but my wife really wanted her new 4Runner.

Nissan dealer was much easier to work with (bought there twice over the years), but I understand that truck is long in the tooth now. Toyota hasn't made recommending their Tacoma easy to do.

 

Do I dare say it, what about a Dodge Ram. Can get some good deals on those trucks right now.

 

If they did that, then everyone who uses their Tacoma to haul air would complain that the ride is harsh.

 

Is that you Guy Fieri Jr.?

 

when in doubt; add Franks.

 

That shirt has panty dropper written all over it.