Hard finding exact Tacoma i want

So i have been looking for a specific trim and optioned Tacoma. I didn't think it would be this hard or not available. I am looking for the TRD Off Road in Underground with the multimedia plus upgrade which is basically just a 14inch screen and mudguards. I have been in contact with my local Toyota dealership (Central TX) and anytime they find a decently priced TRD OR its always either loaded with tons of extra options that make it out of my price range, or it has good options but just not that one i want. Anyone having difficulty adding this option to your truck without jacking up the price with un-needed options? Another thought i had was that it might be possible to upgrade later on down the road but haven't found any info on that either. If anyone has any help regarding this so i can know if i should wait or just bite the bullet and get the Tacoma with mostly all the upgrades I want just not this one creature comfort.

UPDATE: I got it! had to drive maybe an hour further than the closest dealership but was able to get exactly what i wanted, other than the 14" screen which i forgo because I sat in a TRD Sport with one and you could barely see over it with the angle of the windshield so i am cool with the 8 and if i ever need to upgrade down the road i'm sure i will be able to. Thank you everyone for all y'all's help.

2024 TRD Off Road in Underground

 

Wait a year ..let them work out the bugs . Inventory will build up prices should come down some . If u are inpatient u can expand your search to other states to see if u can find the trim level u want . Best of luck .

 

Texas/Oklahoma region (Gulf distributor) sucks for PIO, maybe search out other regions. I went to Chicago and found a decent equipped truck with discounts. Here's the dealer I got my '22 from, Underground with 14" screen MSRP $45,885 (not sure if that is even right).

They usually sell for invoice, so expect $2,500 off MSRP with no dealer adds.

 

Experienced the same issue. Wanted a Bronze Oxide OR with some extras. I had feelers out and a dealer in the Los Angeles area called me and walla - drove 450 miles to buy it. It came with a sprayed on bed liner (unnecessary option on a composite bed) and had no choice. No regrets - I'm enjoying the heck out of my 24.

 

Seems like there are a lot of TRD OR with just the "Upgrade Package", and maybe like a 14" screen and a bed liner. Especially helps if you can choose like 2-3 colors. I don't mind paying for options I can actually use, but those $1100 chrome side steps (chrome steps on an OFFROAD truck???) and some of the other waste of money ridiculous things...come on Toyota? Why even try to put that kind stuff out there for sale?? Who is making these decisions? How do they have a job working for Toyota??

For having a great reputation for reliability, you certain have to question some of their marketing / hiring decisions...

 

If you find a truck that you want but has not yet been built, the dealer can change the PIOs and FIOs. You’ll need to put down a deposit, but the dealer can do it. They might say they can’t, but just tell them that another dealer is willing to do it for you.

 

So how do i know if its not been built yet? i have the vin but when i go to toyota's website it says process error. The dealership nearby has one allocated and arriving 5/19 but he said he doesn't think he can add that option.
3TMLB5JN7RM12F297

 

You’ll probably need find a truck right when it is allocated to be able to change FIOs and PIOs.

 

that truck is already built. You’ll need to find one way earlier.

 

Root cause says Gulf States is one major problem. As well as SET. Stick to your guns, don't settle. Just understand that dealers in those regions have even more limited control than dealers in other areas. The 'port' is going to pile on the profit makers as long as they can.

 

You'll likely need to buy out of state. Gulf States has become a major pain in the ass. It would be really cool if we could organize an embargo against them and have everyone in their region stop buying. They would change their greedy tactics if it were possible.

I know it's not possible. But it would be really cool if everyone in the region gave them the fucking bird.

 

You may find this spreadsheet useful. https://flatgithub.com/kissmygritts...&sort=total_msrp,desc&stickyColumnName=dealer

Here is a thread about the spreadsheet, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-inventory-spreadsheet.714583/

 

I just went through the same ordeal with Gulf States. I put a deposit down in December wanting a TRD Off Road, bronze oxide, upgrade package, and the 14 in screen. Zero, and I mean zero, were allocated to any Gulf States dealership with the upgrade package and 14 in screen (up until April 8th when I lost my ability to track allocations). In addition, there are some port installed options that they throw on every single Off Road... dashcam and predator steps are mandatory and quite a bit of money to tack on to the price, bed lining is on most and of garbage quality.

As I waited, I watched the reviews roll in on the premium and decided that the MTM and leather were worth it. Ended up finding a white premium sitting on a smaller dealership lot and pulled the trigger. It helped that the smaller dealership was willing to forego their list of dealer installed options. The original dealership with my deposit was not.

 

Gulf States sucks. And I am really sad about it because Texas used to have the best prices in the USA. Not anymore.

 

I went through the same thing trying to find what I wanted. I ended up finding it in Oregon (I'm in CA). The truck already had a vin. number, but had not been built yet. I was able to secure it with a down payment. (...given I was looking for a Gen. 3)

Keep searching...you"ll find what you want if you"re patient.

Cheers

 

So, a suggestion is to use an auto buyer who can search and secure what you are looking for across the country and have it shipped to you.

I did that for my 3rd gen and it was spectacular. I paid $500 plus $250 for my 3rd gen that way since i am in SET territory which puts a bunch of stupid add ons and does not negotiate on prices. even with those addl costs, my total cost OTD was less than i could get locally... My 3rd Gen was from DC and i could not be happier and will definitely do that for future purchases.

The guy i used was a writer for Jalopnik and has an auto buyer service and it was well worth it. I do not know the rules about advertising in posts but if you DM me I will tell you who it was. It was a good deal if you know what you want.

 

I will be shopping for my 11th Tacoma in a few short months. Beginning back in 1999 I have owned 10 of them all purchased new. I would offer the same advice that I use. Start shopping EARLY and OFTEN as much as possible. Reach out to multiple dealers by email telling them EXACTLY what you want. I prefer to wait and ask for an allocation. I don't care if it takes 6 months, I will not settle for anything less than exactly what I want. With Toyota it is a long, sometimes aggravating process but it can be done. Don't get frustrated and stay focused. In the end you will be happy that you didn't over pay or pay for ridiculous options that you really didn't want, and you will end up with exactly what you want. Good Luck to all!

 

Were they all leases or other?

 

They were all bought brand new. I never lease. Some were traded in as little as 2 years since the resale values were so good with low mileage. I was almost buying a new truck every 2 years with pocket change. Not so much any more.

 

Thanks for the details. Did you have a favourite or just another Tacoma?