Recommendations for shipping Tacoma from dealership?

The only test drive I ever did was my first Tacoma back in 1993 and have purchased many over the years and never test driven any of them. Once you own a Taco you know you got quality so no need to test drive them. So he is not stupid.

 

I may be crazy. I am hyperactive and have ADD. I did not buy a Ford/Chevy/GMC/Nissan.

 

That is smart not stupid or crazy

 

If you are able to time-wise, I'd drive it back over transporting for a few reasons: 1) It may not be a point A to point B transport. Your truck may be picked up at the dealer, loaded, go to a depot where it will be loaded on another truck going in your direction. Each exchange is a chance for damage, and you don't want the headache of a claim with the transporter on a brand new truck. 2) Having it shipped can be a long wait depending on the carrier. 3) Odds are it's going to cost you more than hopping a flight to the dealer and driving it home. If the dealership is relatively close to the airport they might even arrange to have their courtesy vehicle pick you up, but even if you had to pay for a taxi or Uber it will still likely cost less in total. 4) You actually get to inspect the vehicle before accepting delivery.

 

If you hire a shipper. Be sure their primary business is shipping vehicles. Yes, they will be a bit more expensive than the "bid" shippers.

Prior to loading.
Get a full set of pictures of the vehicle, include the exterior, interior, under carriage and engine bay.
DO NOT let the title, registration or keys travel with the vehicle. These items can be mailed to you by the dealer.
Get pictures of the transport truck, include the driver, license plate and trailer plate and ID numbers.
Make sure the Tacoma is covered by insurance during shipment.

Most important, the CONTRACT. It should be signed with costs and dates for pickup/delivery complete with addresses and contact numbers.

I shipped my 500 cc motorcycle from NC to IA, it cost $600. This was 5 years past. I'm sure your truck will be well into the 4 digits for costs. A plane ticket, an overnight motel and gas will likely be much less. Plus, the truck will be under your control.

 

Why? Are there members on this forum who really rejected a new Tacoma when they arrived at the dealership? Obviously these wouldn’t include rejections based on options and color because you know that going in.

 

I thought he said it was a new vehicle? If so, these comments don’t apply.

 

I used Uship about 6 months ago. Everything went as planned, they do broker the actual shipping. I did some research and the recommendation to NOT pick the cheapest was a good one. Not sure how things are now with all the challenges facing truckers right now….

 

He did. I bought a new car long ago and found out it had been repaired from lot damage by the dealer and not disclosed. I found repair signs after I had done my first intensive detailing. Dealers do some shady and stupid shit.

 

Whatever he's doing it for I'll do it for $100 less

 

Rare case. Easy to not take title and have them come pick it up if it isn’t represented correctly.

 

Pretty sure I just got cock blocked on Tacoma World!!

 

One scratch and you'll be all kind of upset. I'd drive it back or get the dealer to ship it.

 

I have never driven a Subaru Forester. If I wanted one, I would be insane to only buy it based on looks and specs. What if the seats didn't fit right? What if, in person, I hated the transmission shift? These are all things only a test drive can give. To buy something worth a good amount of money and not drive or see it first is something a very inexperienced person would do. I stand by my post.

 

You ar right hiPSI. Most people wouldn’t purchase a vehicle sight unseen if they NEVER had experience with it. I guess I missed that part of the post that indicated he never had a taco before, never road in a friends or test drove one at a local dealership.

Many people purchase vehicles 1,000+ away, sight unseen, because they can get a better deal. They usually would do this with new vehicles.

I had an acquaintance who was going to pull the trigger on a $38,000 used BMW. I overheard her conversation with someone and offered a bit of information to her. I have dealer auction access and mentioned I could possibly get her exactly what she wanted for $31,000. She was all ears. I offered her that I would go to the auction and she need only pay my expenses plus $500 and she would approve not only the car but the price too. I FaceTimed her while I was at the auction. Long story short, I pulled my trick and it turned it perfectly. Got her the exact car she wanted for $26,000. She was ecstatic when I delivered it to her.

 

Yes, risky but a calculated risk. Can always resell it quick, even before Covid these trucks were in high demand.

 

Def give Uship a look. That would be my thought.

 

Same here. I ordered my 2020. My drive home was my test drive. I’ve never test driven a new vehicle. It’s warrantied. Now, something used I’d probably test drive first.

 

Before Covid demand was high, but nothing this crazy. I got a $1500 rebate on my 2018 in Dec of 18. That's not coming back anytime soon

 

Yep, Covid kicked it into high gear for sure. I bought used in 2012 and still got lucky to find what I wanted.