Need help from you old school vets.

Write down exactly what you want -- and trust me --STICK TO IT! ( BTW the sliding bed rail cleats should come standard , but as I understand some regional distributors pull them out then charge for them (they are crooks), also you can get the OEM mud flaps waaay cheaper after you buy your truck)
I ordered my 17 SR5 AC AT V6 4WD with only Tow package (now it will be standard). So you could order a totally empty (no options) truck. These will be rare and your dealer may tell you it can't be done -- They are lying- walk to the door. Before you do shop send out (or call) the specs of the EXACT truck you want (not what they want you to buy) to several dealers within the distance you are willing to shop.
It sounds to me like you want a bare-bones Sport? That may be hard to find for the dealers stock since you want a Access cab. The dealers (any of them) will try their hardest to get you into something they have (or can get) -that is already built -- Tell them only if they give you the extra (things you don't want ) stuff for free.
I am guessing in Ohio you should have several dealers willing to "work" for your business, when they realize you are a well informed and stubborn customer!
Once they understand you are a patient person who can/and will WAIT for what you want -- they will work with you.
I got mine for $30,575. Understand mine is a SR5 and not a Sport. Do your research as to what the true dealer cost is (use several sources). I may be wrong but yoiur target price sounds high for a bare bones "Sport"
If you can, DO NOT do a trade-in -- this only clouds the true cost of the truck to you
Good luck

PS I have always liked the look of the Access cabs in Red. It would have been my choice if no blazing Blue avail.

 

I'm curious to hear your opinion on using financing as a negotiation tactic. In my case, by the time I get around to being ready to purchase a 2020 Tacoma, I anticipate having the full purchase price saved in cash. Am I better off 1) telling them I'm prepared to pay the full amount up front in cash, 2) financing with the dealer in order to get other concessions, then turning around and paying the full loan off in a month, or 3) some other combination of down payment/financing/paying off the loan?

(FWIW, I have excellent credit, if that matters in this equation.)

 

i would not tell them you are paying cash.....if you can, get approved in writing from a bank or credit union using your cash as collateral......then you can negotiate financing with them.....it might pay you to get a low finance rate and save the cash.....most 36 months rates are about 2.5$ or less and if you want you can pay off earlier.....but having the flexibility going in put your in the drivers seat....(no pun).....it can also work out to your benefit for extra options if you finance with them.....free or deeply discounted.....also, try and deal for a warranty.....good luck....your in great position

 

Forgot to mention it'll be an Automatic. (Ducks)

So far it seems like sound advice from everyone.

 

Some states still have "the rule of 5/4". This is where all of your interest is front loaded and there is an early payoff penalty. I am not the great negotiator but if you have cash then tell them what you will pay today on the road and be prepared to walk if they balk.

 

If price is your driver, it is easier to negotiate on a vehicle on the lot already. The dealership already owns those trucks so they can be more motivated to wiggle a bit. If you order a truck, you may not have the same factor on your side. You also lose the option to walk away from a deal that has the potential to happen (for them) right then. That is possibly the strongest tactic the consumer has. If you can find another truck at another nearby dealer, you can use this to your advantage. It helps to be flexible if you can with colors and options. As to the financing, it's not a big deal to let them write the note especially since you are putting a lot down. You can negotiate rates as well. You can always refinance with your bank after the sale. They will often consider the interest as part of the of the overall profit on the sale. It is difficult and rare to squeeze every last penny from the dealership. Make a decent deal on a nice truck and be happy.

 

If it’s been a while since you’ve dealt with the dealerships you should go in and work on negotiating even if you don’t want the vehicle you’re negotiating for. It sounds like a dick move, but it knocks the rust off and helps your reasearch. Just like practicing for a job interview..

 

How would he/she be happy if he/she did not get exactly what they had saved up for. Sounds like to me they are settling for something at the convenience of the dealer, not the vehicle they wanted in the first place. Later on, after they buy the "settled" on vehicle and they see one just like the desired one -- they will have second thoughts.
And contrary to what you say -- dealers like a sure sale on a vehicle as well and will negotiate if you are patient and stick to your desires , and do not play right into their hands, and pay for stuff you did not want!

 

Just bought a new Taco with a list of ~37,900, paid~33,900 (not including trade in or TTL) after military rebate (500) and got 1.9% Toyota financing (can stretch 1.9 out to 60 months) plus a very reasonable trade in allowance. There are a couple of other rebates as well. My sense is Toyota is trying to pre-empt Ranger sales with rebates and financing.

Although I generally agree that you'll get a better deal with current stock, my vehicle was still in transport so it literally cost them less to own vs. something they've been sitting on.

FWIW, Toyota finance doesn't front load interest and theres no prepayment penalty so my 20K 60 month loan will cost <$1K if I don't prepay. Cheap money!

If you wind up with ~10% off MSRP, consider it a good deal... there doesn't seem to be as much mark up on Toyotas as other makes. Anything more is a great deal.

Good luck negotiating!

 

I 100% agree with this. Hold out for the vehicle you want. I came close to getting a magnetic grey, but walked out primarily because it wasn’t the color I wanted. If you were just looking for a Tacoma then I’d say go for the best deal you could find, but it sounds like you have your heart and mind set on a specific one. At the end of the day you’re the one vested in it.

 

Always remember where the door you walked in is at.

 

I had a monthly payment set at $150 or below or I would keep what I had. Got a monthly payment of $144.95 so that was fine with me. (I traded in a 2018 Honda CR-V)

Stick with however much you are comfortable with paying each month and not a penny more.

Enjoy the ride..