The Port of Veracruz

In an effort not to inspire anything outside the discourse of Toyota Tacomas and our mutual enthusiasm therefor, I somewhat gingerly bring up once again the update I got today from my dealer on the THLB, which is that, since arriving from the factory at the port, it has been there over 34 days -- which seems unusual to him, because it is not listed as held back or quarantined for nay reason, which he says Toyota is required to disclose. How that works in practice I do not know, but according to him it is not being held and yet it hasn't gone anywhere.

At this point, I don't know why that would be, but it does make me wonder whether Toyota itself is holding these vehicles back, due to a more macroeconomic reason -- but I also do not see how that would be helpful to them.

Anyway, I told him I am not going to think of it as real until he tells me that it is.

 

It is my understanding that after the VIN is assigned the vehicles go into “post production” to get factory options (like spray on bed liner). I have heard that all TH and Pros get their special equipment during post production plus any post production options (PPOs).
When they get to the port, they’re just waiting for the boat to arrive and get loaded. They shouldn’t be held there for any other reason. When they get to the arrival port more options may be added (distributor options) and corrective actions are taken care of as needed. Vehicles could be held up the arrival port for a while. They may also have to wait there for a train.
Not sure what’s going on with your truck.

 

That makes sense. Thanks for allowing me to commiserate.

That's precisely my understanding as well -- but 40 days does seem like a long time, given that most of the PPOs are simple enough to install, bolt-ons, etc. At this rate, even if it ships out now, it probably won't get to Newark, NJ for a 2-3 weeks -- and then a week or two before a truck can get it to the dealer.

Maybe it will truly be a birthday gift for myself in May, should it come then, provided the dealer honors the agreed-upon price.

This does not bode well, though (free links, no paywall):
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/28/...e_code=1.8U4.JlVv._M3Gxr2yBX-a&smid=url-share
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/...e_code=1.8U4.rYF0.vKG1OgLBuhyj&smid=url-share

 

My 22 rotted at their factory lots then at port for WEEKS.

 

From the day my trailhunter was built it took 31 days to get to the dealership in Connecticut

 

I like the sound of this, mine was done being built in February. Left port 3/18. This wait is killing me. Hopefully it's not to much longer.

 

Its probably sitting in a massive port pile up to avoid a 25% tax that's due to be assessed. I'm sure it was an all out effort to get every Tacoma, Tacoma part, and accessory out of the factory and into the USA as fast as possible. What didn't make it across the border in time is going to be 25% more expensive in a few hours.

 

That would have been my move: get everything into the US as quickly as possible -- not slow things down, certainly.

The quote from the NYT article over the weekend that scares me is: "If so, tariffs could add $15,000 to the price of a Ram 1500 pickup, nearly $12,000 to a Toyota Tacoma pickup, $9,000 to a Subaru Forester S.U.V. and $6,000 to a Nissan Sentra sedan, according to estimates by iSeeCars, an online car buying site."

 

How many people are willing to pay 15k more for a Ram? They are already discounting 10k off sticker the 1500 has been a buyers market truck for a few years. I happen to look over at the Ram dealer this past weekend the front lot was all Promasters.

 

Sounds like the used vehicle market is about to pick up more steam

 

Not good timing for those who were waiting for Toyota to work out the kinks with the 24 model. Looks like they'll be waiting a bit longer. Or paying alot more. One of the two

 

I wonder, will it arrive with a 25% increase in price...

 

Maybe it was damaged at port and is being repaired. Maybe your dealer has sold it to someone else for more and is looking for a replacement to sell you. What if's, who knows.

 

Have you googled the VIN to see if it is at another dealer? Does it show up on Toyota's inventory as "In Transit"?

 

Update: it finally got put on the ship today.

And now the tariffs are in effect.

Oy vey.

 

Best of luck to the dealers trying to collect.

 

If the phrase "market adjustment" or "regulatory fees" comes up, cover your wallet tightly.

 

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/car-prices-rise-trump-tariffs-not-toyota/

 

That's because Toyota knows they're not going to sell sh*t with 25% tariffs on cars.

 

Nobody else is either. Glad my 2021 was paid off 2 months ago. Wife drives a good car.
Kids need better cars but they can ride it out for a little while until I win the lottery.