Trying to help my dad buy a Toyota Tacoma

[turbo6bar]

My dad wants a new pickup. He wants the 4cylinder prerunner double cab truck. Apparently, Toyota is putting the 4 cylinder engine in this chassis for the first time in 2011. I went through a bunch of Toyota dealer websites in and around Memphis, and only found half a dozen 4 cylinder equipped models.

He contacted the "internet" department at one dealer to get their best price. Their original out-the-door price was about $500 under invoice, but they later said the price was $1000 higher, because Toyota isn't giving a $1k rebate on the 2011s.

Going through USAA's buying service, dealers have already quoted prices at or under invoice + doc fee???, but these quotes are for trucks that aren't in stock.

What's reasonable? I thought you could get the best deal when you buy from the dealer's inventory.

kaisen, I'd contact you for help, but it seems like Tacomas have obscene resale value. My dad isn't interested in buying used to save a couple thousand bucks. $5k, yeah. $2k, no thanks.
Jurgen

[Gogar]

Will warranty transfer if you buy private party used? I am also looking and have found those trucks a few years old for $20-25k, but not with the 4cyl you want of course.

[turbo6bar]

As far as I know, the warranty does go with the truck. I thought that's how it always worked.

This 2011 with 4 cylinder invoices for around $23000 according to kbb.com.

There are loads of used V6 trucks out there, but the depreciation curve is so flat. My dad would need to get a really good deal on a V6 to make up for the lost fuel economy.

[Tim Hancock]

My old 4x4 Tacoma w/ 4 cylinder got pretty lousy gas mileage (18 mpg on good day) and IIRC, the 6 cylinder version actually did better mileage wise on the highway.

[onewhippedpuppy]

The truck Jurgen's dad wants seems to spec out at 25 MPG highway, pretty good for a crew cab truck.

[turbo6bar]

Yep. I've seen economy figures of 19/25 and 21/25 for the 2011 double cab with four cylinder. When I did the math, over 100k miles, you'd need to buy the V6 for at least $2500-3000 less than the 4 cylinder to make up for the loss in economy.

My dad doesn't need the power for hauling or towing, especially when his old 86 toyota with 4 cylinder 2.4L was such an incredible workhorse. I can handle any real hauling in the 3/4 ton pickup.

I think if we can get the dealers at the right time, they will do invoice or better. They also know these trucks have small supply, so they may not be eager to sell. I don't know.

[fireant911]

I, too, purposely sought out a four-cylinder when I was buying. I purchased a PreRunner Access Cab with a 5-speed new back in 2006. I've tracked my mileage with every fillup in a notebook and average 26.5 mpg. The four cylinder has an amazing amount of torque and when I have a load in the bed (usually my Honda Rancher), it has scarcely noticable.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by turbo6bar

My dad wants a new pickup. He wants the 4cylinder prerunner double cab truck. Apparently, Toyota is putting the 4 cylinder engine in this chassis for the first time in 2011. I went through a bunch of Toyota dealer websites in and around Memphis, and only found half a dozen 4 cylinder equipped models.

He contacted the "internet" department at one dealer to get their best price. Their original out-the-door price was about $500 under invoice, but they later said the price was $1000 higher, because Toyota isn't giving a $1k rebate on the 2011s.

Going through USAA's buying service, dealers have already quoted prices at or under invoice + doc fee???, but these quotes are for trucks that aren't in stock.

What's reasonable? I thought you could get the best deal when you buy from the dealer's inventory.

kaisen, I'd contact you for help, but it seems like Tacomas have obscene resale value. My dad isn't interested in buying used to save a couple thousand bucks. $5k, yeah. $2k, no thanks.
Jurgen

Truecar.com has some good tools for helping you get the best deal. Is he in such a rush that he can't wait for the truck he wants to be built? They're made in Texas, so it shouldn't be too hard to order exactly what he wants and get a good price as long has he has a little time.

[turbo6bar]

Originally Posted by fireant911

I, too, purposely sought out a four-cylinder when I was buying. I purchased a PreRunner Access Cab with a 5-speed new back in 2006. I've tracked my mileage with every fillup in a notebook and average 26.5 mpg. The four cylinder has an amazing amount of torque and when I have a load in the bed (usually my Honda Rancher), it has scarcely noticable.

wow, that's great first-hand info. My dad was never disappointed in his old Toyota with 4 cylinder. He hauled so much compost/manure in the bed that the leaf springs lost their arc. He's fine with the Access Cab config, but wants the Double Cab for the extra storage. Your mileage figures are great.

wd, my dad is in no rush whatsoever, but the local dealers are pushing their in stock inventory which happens to be all V6. The only dealers that have 4 cylinder double cabs are 100+ miles away. I've read you can get the best pricing on in-stock models. Going to truecar.com to research.
jurgen

[onewhippedpuppy]

If you're only talking 100-ish miles, why not just take a road-trip? Deal directly with the dealer that has the truck you want, that will probably yield the best price.

[J P Stein]

My 2006 V-6 extended cab with a camper shell got 24 mpg on a 1500 mile round trip to Utah.....running 70-90 all the way loaded with race junk (it will go well over 100).
I bought it with 23K miles on it for 18K...no, I wouldn't sell it for that.

I too wanted a 2.7L four but (used is good, the warranty transferrers) but all I found was a couple years old with 80-100K miles in em'....go figure.
Ended up with the 6 (2WD) & all the bells & whistles.

Toyoda's are bullet proof, save money & buy used from a private party....old guys should know that .

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by J P Stein

My 2006 V-6 extended cab with a camper shell got 24 mpg on a 1500 mile round trip to Utah.....running 70-90 all the way loaded with race junk (it will go well over 100).
I bought it with 23K miles on it for 18K...no, I wouldn't sell it for that.

I too wanted a 2.7L four but (used is good, the warranty transferrers) but all I found was a couple years old with 80-100K miles in em'....go figure.
Ended up with the 6 (2WD) & all the bells & whistles.

Toyoda's are bullet proof, save money & buy used from a private party....old guys should know that .

First hand experience here.... The V6 is limited a little past 110.


Dads '06 V6 was a great truck, the 4 banger in my Corolla is great. A 4 banger pickup should be fine, albeit a little gutless.

[J P Stein]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

First hand experience here.... The V6 is limited a little past 110.


Dads '06 V6 was a great truck, the 4 banger in my Corolla is great. A 4 banger pickup should be fine, albeit a little gutless.

On a 2 lane road with no run off in Nevada .....had some cars to pass & the sweat started rolling down the crack of my ass. A quick glance at the speedo & my right foot got all weak.