Tacoma TRD Pro attempted buying experience

So I have attempted to buy 3 different Tacoma TRD Pros with tow package, and the dealers are ridiculous.

1). One dealer didn't even know if it had NAV, then he argued with me that it didn't.
2). Both have basically said the trucks are sold, when I know that they quoted me an internet price and then decided they want full MSRP
3). They really do think these things are ultra RARE! Look, it is a 2015 year model and they made the Bajas previously, and if they sell good, Toyota will make more!
4). One dealer wouldn't accept a deposit, and one would, but then he said they needed MSRP and not the internet pricing that they had sent me.
5). Went to my dealer and asked about ordering one, and he wouldn't even look into it, after he told me he would. He did say he had a black one coming in December and that each dealer was being allocated 1 per quarter.
6). My local dealer also showed me where all of the other trucks were in our region. There were at least 7-10.
7). Oh the last dealer told me his truck was rare, as it had chrome side steps and the front skid plate(the silver TRD cosmetic one). He said it is ready to go offroading right now!!! I laughed.

Anyway, people are nuts if they are paying full MSRP, as I have been quoted $36-$37K on at least 3 occasions before they figured out what they had.

I WANT (don't NEED) one, but I am not going to let them bend me over the barrel on something that they are not even educated on

Just venting!
Jon

 

Sounds like a typical toyota dealership.....

I suppose their pricing is based on the number of people willing to pay for it and how much they are sought after, I.E., Ford Raptor.

 

Expand your shopping territory, get competitive pricing

 

It's a dog eat dog world out there.....take marine.doc's advice and expand your search!

 

My local dealer told me they can order any TRD configuration I like but it's a 8-12 week build time. They also asked for full MSRP.

 

Thanks guys, I have it extended out to 500 miles. If it is meant to happen, it will, if not, then I will stick with my truck (or, talk me out of this, go back to another Honda Ridgeline!)

Jon

 

Supply and demand. If the demand is greater than the supply the price goes up. If it's reversed prices goes down ... i.e. ... negotiations are in play.

You can't really say the dealers are doing anything wrong. It's simply good business.

 

Thanks again! I just need some to pop up closer to me.

Every one I have seen has Nav, but you can't say that for the other options. I think I want to stick with white, but I would take an inferno, but it has to have nav, factory tow package, and homelink/auto dim mirror.

Jon

 

I have the build sheet on that truck, and it stated it had the tow package. I will stay on it.

Thanks for the follow-up!

Jon

 

Just looked at Truecar.com and found a couple dealers giving up to $1500 off MSRP for the TRD Pro. Give that a shot ?

 

I am one of those nuts, that needs the skewp and the factory installed lift and trd beadlocks.

I have considered buying the TRD lift kit and tires for my truck and be done.

Jon

 

This is what I have now!

 

Jon, you probably tried this dealer already, but I bought my Tacoma Sport at Charles Barker Toyota in Virginia Beach. I don't think they currently have any TRD Pros, but as far as the dealer / buying experience goes, I have no complaints with them. Actually, one of my better car buying experiences. And I've bought a lot of cars over the years.

 

It appears you have already learned what I had to learn. I have a Tacoma Pro on order, it was built this past week. I had a line on another one at Toyota San Diego. In fact, I am the one who informed their sales people that it was actually arriving. For a month, they told me it was mine, not to worry etc . . However, what made me nervous was that they would NOT take a deposit. It is due on On Monday and they told me it would have a $5k premium. I told them in no uncertain terms that I was no longer interested. Even after they called me back to let me know it may not be the full 5k.

It's business if they think one guy will pay 5k then hell yeah, they'll wait a little. Personally I don't NEED it bad enough to pay over sticker. I do however, WANT it bad enough to pay MSRP. The dealer I got it from gave me $100 off MSRP and does not engage in dealer markups.

Some dealers have no clue what it is, some think it's a piece of gold. I had one tell me no worries, as long as I'm not picky on the color he could make me a pro since it's just a port option.

I think they all have NAV, but not a tow package.

Bottom line: What I found was if you want one and put in some work you can find one, but you'll need to be prepared to pay sticker. This will most likely change if you want one in March.

A few times I was ready to give up and go shopping and come home that day with a nice TRD OR.

 

Yep, same boat! I did find a dealer that is looking into ordering me one. I kind of want white, so I will see if they can order it. I don't mind paying MSRP if it is exactly what I want, thus ordering looks like the road I will be taking.

Jon

 

Thanks, I think I saw one there. I will double check and see what they have!

Anyone in particular that you dealt with that you would recommend?

Jon

 

I was looking to buy my Pro through USAA and they utilize the TruCar system.

Problem 1: The inventory DataBase is not where near accurate. I.E. Lots of Pros show up, but not are actually there.

Problem 2: The prices trucar quotes are for "IN STOCK" Items.

You may get lucky and find a databse thats up to date and link it to a dealer who actually has one and get the quoted $1200 off. But doubtful.

 

Yep, you are correct. I got excited as there was a white one showing up on truecar that is 1 hour from me. I called and they said they don't have it, but they are the ones looking into ordering it for me.

Jon

 

The salesman I used was Maurice McHenry. Nice guy. He was relatively new when I bought in June of 2013. Had to play the manager game, but they all do that. It really was pretty painless. They gave me what I thought was a good price on the truck and after a little back and forth, gave me what I wanted on my trade in. I've had the truck in a couple of times for oil changes. No issues. I've bought a couple OEM things for the truck there, gave me a discount because I bought there.

The other thing they did that was new for me was a new owners open house at the dealer one night. Got to meet some of the managers including the service manager, toured the dealership, including the shop and talked to some of the mechanics. That's the first time I ever bought a car where the dealer did that. So far so good.

 

Of course they're going to quote you low online (to get you on the lot) Then when you're standing in front of them saying you "need" one, then they are going to say we "need" MSRP.
Buy the next closer model and build one.