Need some "noobie" advice Please!

Fellas (and ladies),

I will soon be a Tacoma owner (hopefully in the next 30 days or so). I am looking to purchase a double cab 4WD/4x4 with the TRD Off Road package and tow package (need tow package for the bass boat). I was hoping to get some advice from you guys with the purchase.

I'm either looking to purchase a used 2012/13 model with less than 10K miles on it, or I might just bite the bullet and purchase new off the lot. I'd really like to keep the total purchase price of the truck to 30K or less (after taxes, tags, title, registration). I realize that if I go brand new that total price will probably be impossible, this is why I'm looking for a used truck first.

Anyway, for those of you who have purchased a New or used Tacoma recently could you let me know what the dealer was asking for it versus what you paid for it, and any other details about the sale if you don't mind. I realize your purchase and my purchase might be different but it will at least give me an idea of how much I money might be able to talk them down on.

Also, as I am test driving these used Tacomas, is there something that I should be listening/feeling for that is a typical problem for these trucks (like the thread on driveline vibration)?

Currently I am driving a 2000 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 w/5-speed manual transmission, with a 3" toytec ultimate lift kit. It currently has just shy of 170K miles on it. I love Toyotas and wouldn't think of owning another vehicle. I'm selling the 4runner and replacing it with the Tacoma b/c I'd like something with a little more power when towing the boat, and I'd also like to have a vehicle that my wife can comfortably drive (she sucks with the manual transmission, and refuses to drive my 4runner, she drives a camry). Also it would be nice to have something that is almost brand new that I've done all the maintenance on so I know its been well taken care of. I keep vehicles for a long time, and knowing that I've put all but a few miles on it, with the way I take care of my stuff it will give me piece of mind later on when it has 150K+ miles on it.

Thanks for all your help!! If there was a thread already like this I'm sorry for double tapping the topic, just put a link to the thread if you don't mind

 

I bought mine last year (08 AC TrD off road Rugged trail including towing package with 17k) for 24,500 the dealer had it listed for 25,500. Took 4 hrs and a walk out to get 1k off. Then again it was certified pre-owned with full service history. Could I have gotten more? Maybe, but I was fighting for a better price on a 07 Trd sport Double cab I walked out planning to come back the next day. It was gone the next day. For my truck I did some research and 24,500 wasn't that bad I was hoping for 23,500. The rest is history. Good luck.

 

Youll pay just about the same for a used 2012 as you would for a new one.

 

When purchasing a vehicle www.edmunds.com is your best friend. Enter every detail of what you are looking for, plus all trade information, and they will tell you what you should be able to haggle the dealer down to. Once you know that number...you can negotiate with confidence. But that only gets you to sales price...what you also need to know is financing. What APR can you get with your credit score? What are they offering? Is there a bank out there offering a better rate? How much in interest are they going to earn off of you over the lifetime of the loan? All excellent negotiating info. They are going to want to start with your monthly payment amount...you are going to want to start with your interest rate.

Good luck on your new ride! btw, edmunds.com told me I should be able to get my truck for $27,500.oo And that is exactly what I negotiated them down to. Don't be afraid to walk off the lot if you feel you are getting the run-around. There are lots of Toyota dealers out there.

 

i got my 2013 double cab short bed TRD Off Road 6spd manual with tow package for 28k after all the discounts. ill have 2000 miles on it in the next day or two. i havent had a single problem. the only complaint i have is the grille valance and rear bumper is chrome, and only a 2012 scooped hood will fit it. i am in love with this truck

 

DoorDing, How much of an issue will the 3 leaf springs cause? The boat and trailer package that I'm pulling weighs a total of about 1900lbs. I don't think the tongue weight of the boat is more than 150-200lbs. I might have an additional 150lbs of gear in the bed of the truck though. I was also going putting a tonneau cover on it too.

If this is an issue, does anybody know how much it would cost to have the dealer throw in an extra leaf?

 

I bought a 2011 V6 TRD O/R Access Cab with 12,000 miles on it in early November. Dealer wanted 30K, I got it for 24K, got off the lot for mid-25K.

 

The three leaf issue is nothing. A tounge weight of 150-200 lbs is nothing, stand on your bumper and see how much affect it has. Even without the tow package 1900 lbs is nothing. Don't over think it, you'll be fine.

 

Buy a new one.

 

Ok, broke down and bought one brand new. After weeks of searching online trying to find a 2012 with all the bells and whistles that I want with less than 10K, I finally just decided to go brand new. Picked it up for $1250 under invoice (no trade-in). I am happy with the purchase, this is the first brand new vehicle I've owned. I usually like to let somebody else take the hit, but in my area for what I wanted I would have had to drive 3 hours just to test drive one that met my requirements (hard to find 4WD Tacomas in this area). Its all good though, this way I know that I've put every mile on it and that will make me have more confidence in it when it hits 150K miles and I'm on a long trip.

Thanks for all the feed back and I guess now I'll sit back and wait for the drive-line vibration to start......HAHAHAHA (no seriously, I'm expecting it any day now)

 

Congrats on the new rig! I was in your shoes about a year ago - wanted newer used one but found out that for a bit more I could get brand spanking new... so I got a new one as well! No regrets and all smiles since day one. What part of GA are you in?

 

Cbr04,

I'm near the Savannah area (Hinesville, Ga).