Cannot find the Tacoma model I want

Hello everyone, I am currently looking at getting my first truck (obviously seeking aTacoma) however I simply cannot find one in my city equipped the way I want. I am looking for a:

- 2018 SR
- 4cyl 4x4
- Access cab/ 6ft bed
- No utility package


Seems simple enough but I have not found one anywhere. I understand that the model I am looking at is probably considered a "work truck" in some circles and that most of the trucks I see in the area are TRDs or double cab models. I understand that Toyota is not going to ship trucks that don't sell well to a particular area. I have found one or two but they usually sell very quickly and with so few in town I know I have no wiggle room on price. I am located in Kansas City, MO we have plenty of dealers in the area.

As of right now, I can't even build the model described above on the Toyota website. Could this be because it is still early in the model life cycle and they will be shipping more later or is Toyota cutting back production on this model truck for the larger ones?

 

I feel your pain! I ordered a TRD Sport/Access Cab on thanksgiving day. Dealer says I won’t see it until end of March. That’s a 4 month wait. PNW resident.

 

That is almost exactly how my order went but just a year earlier, I ordered right after Thanksgiving and was able to pick it up at the Dealer on March 30th.

 

Access cab?

 

No, DCOR Manual, the same time frame as you though.

 

Yeah I guess that one is a little less common too. Did your dealership order it direct from the factory or steal it off of someone else’s lot?

 

My previous 2 Tacoma's were Dealer Trades, this one was an order as it is a pretty uncommon configuration.

 

Website sucks, you cannot build much.
Not sure how it works if it goes by only what is actually on the lots, feels like it doesn't actually let you build one

 

There are 12 US regions that have master distributors. Each of these master distributors offer certain options and configurations that are popular in that region. This is the easiest way to keep costs down.
For example, my area is serviced by mid atlantic. A few hours south of me is serviced by southeast Toyota. They both offer common product but southeast sells a ton of 2WD Tacomas and here in the mountains everyone buys 4WD. Also southeast has different "packages" that include wheels, grilles and such that mid atlantic does not offer.
So, even though they are geographically close the demands for each region are quite different.
Try using a different zip code from a neighboring region around you. If not, use cars.com or sumilar and expand your mileage. Hope this helps.

 

SR5 maybe??

G.

 

I love Kansas City. Bought my truck over at Hendrick Toyota in Merriam, Kansas.

Toyota is kind of a funny animal. In 2011 when I bought my first, I said "a V6 SR5 4x4 with tow package in blue." And they said "no."

FF to 2017. I said I want a Tacoma MT 4x4 (my only stipulation.) They said if you want a DCSB it's going to be an Inferno OR. If you want an ACLB it's going to be a Sport... and we have 5 on the lot.

Nothing wrong with your selection of Tacoma, but now you're looking for a bit of a unicorn. If you go in super specific they usually can't get it for you.

 

Bummer, but if you're willing to travel out of town you may have better luck of finding the truck you want sitting at distant dealer's lot by expanding your search.

Good luck
Cheers!

 

Thanks guys. I have only ever owned Toyota's but never ordered one from the factory. I am used to walking down to the dealer and haggling on price until I get them down 1-3k on a new car. I am assuming that if I order from the factory it is going to be MSRP or nothing - correct?

 

Have you tried just ordering what you want from the dealer?

 

Legends Toyota Kansas City, Kansas owns a large dealer network across several states. They maybe able to allocate one for you. Back in 2015 they did for me when 2016's were first hard to come by. There are also many used Models in what you want with low mileage in the SR5 package.

 

Not necessarily MSRP, but you would loose leverage.
With the current inventory on hand, the dealer (most of them) finance the bill for up to 30 days interest free after that it gets dicey. Also while that vehicle is in the lot, it has to be moved around for various reasons, and it's a liability (scratches, vandalism, etc) so its bad for the dealer, good for you because he is more motivated for you to take that liability from him and onto you lol!

Cheers!

 

When ordering from the factory - do you pay upfront or when the truck arrives? Are you legally obligated to pay for it when they order? If there is less wiggle room on price from a factory order - it may just be cheaper waiting for a large sale in the area and buying an SR5 or TRD.

 

I put in a 1000$ deposit which is fully refundable. I went through the Costco auto program and price is locked in at invoice which no other dealer is matching even closely in my local area. I’m guessing it’s negotiable when you order otherwise and further negotiable when you pay.

 

You should never have to pay upfront for it, but they can intimidate you into it. Some make you leave a deposit but you don't need to, and some make you sign scary looking document stating obligation to purchase if price is agreed by you.

But the reality is that even if that were so, a lot of states have a three day return on purchases (any) laws, so a check of your state's laws is best.

And if ever in doubt, you're always free to say, thanks but no thanks and move on to the next best offer.
And yes, at least imo, the best deals are had for the reasons stated above on previous post on the current dealer inventory.

Best of luck
Cheers!

 

That’s exactly how it works. Limits builds to onsite and allocated vehicles in your region (by zip code).

It’s meant to get you in a dealership, not to place an order.