Looking at new/used - need advice

Agreed.

Personally, I like the TRD wheels better, but you can pick them up pretty easily for $400 or so if it keeps the boss happy. Other than that, I don't really see the benefit to the TRD package myself. I'll put better shocks on the truck than the package provides.

 

Better jump on it before someone else does

 

No rush...not like anyone is moving cars with a stay at home order and economy tanking.

Reality is, if not for the US govt passing out 1200 in "down payment assistance" - no chance of selling cars. Even then...1200 only makes up for so much.

Worst case, I miss on this one and there are 5 more new ones popping up next week. Got to think alot of people will just be turning in at end of lease or just terminating early.

 

Plus Toyota will probably increase the rebates soon!!

 

So tested the DC today.

What I liked: DC didnt feel that much smaller...the difference is overhyped on the net imho. I could easily live with a DC. Not "roomy" back there...but if you want roomy - buy a full size SUV. Its decent and I have no need for a backseat.

What I didnt: salesdude was way too much of a used car salesman...pushy and "forgot" he had an apoiintment until the sales manager called him telling him to drag his ass in.

Guess we see...found a few other DC options I will likely explore. Basically my choice of colors...all around same miles/price with similar options.

 

This right here would have me requesting to speak to the dealership manager demanding either a fantastic deal OR a different salesperson, or I'd walk. Granted, people get busy; but that's no excuse. When I bought my truck, my salesperson said "Here's my cell; call/message me anytime for questions."

So I did...I messaged him at like 7 a.m. a few days later. Maybe 2 minutes later he responded. A few times he had no issues saying "Hey bud, I'm in the midst of a meeting right now, but as soon as I'm out I will call you" - and he did, too. He didn't do the BS "Let's go talk to the manager...." stuff.

I visited him 3 times to test drive; and then two more visits to actually haggle over price:

Visit 1 - lasted maybe 35 - 40 minutes, and we hashed out a deal, pending approval of NCA (my wife lol)
Visit 2 - we went in to buy the vehicle, and from the time we walked in, signed all the docs, to the time we left was *EXACTLY* 31 minutes.

Even now, I'd call and ask to speak to the store manager and let them know you're not pleased w/the level of service you've been getting.

 

I get what your saying - but simple fact is this: complaining to a sales manager would likely just reinforce the tactics. Yes, I'd get a half ass apology, but no - it would not lead to a change.

The sales manager KNEW the salesperson wasnt there...he is the one who called him and told him to drag his ass in or miss a sale. You really think that sales manager is going to bitch out a salesperson after calling him to let him know he might miss a sale? To me - the call showed how far up each others rear these 2 are.

"BEST" Case...I talk to another sales person and they split the sale. Sorry - but to me thats wrong. I know the dealership/owners - cant say we are friendly, and I know saying something will do zero good - so just keeping my mouth shut and speaking with my wallet.

Too many used cars out there, and I just want to buy 1. Deals will be around - just need to be ready to move as they pop up. Thats the problem with car sales...too many people let emotion get in the way and want to "show up" the dealer...by playing their game. Almost everyone knows for example you cant beat a casino long term - but millions play in them. Same deal with used cars...your never gonna "win" playing a game they designed - but they sucker us in.

Reality is - I'd sooner pay 300 more to buy from someone who treats customers right than get a discount from these guys.

 

Tundra rebate is $2750 right now. I’ll bet $3000 next month.

 

you are correct that you should be able to find what you want at the price you are looking at, especially now. (don't know if you've bought something though as i didn't read the entire thread) i bought a used 2018 Limited in the cement grey with only 21k miles on it for 37k, so it is definitely doable

 

Well yeah, that does make sense; and honestly, that's a bit more information than the original post. Now that you laid it all out, yeah, it sounds like they're butt buddies. I'd definitely take my business elsewhere.

 

Er, Tundra rebate is $3000 around here; did they reduce it? That was the one from Toyota.

 

It was $4000 (CAD) here back in November. Haven't checked lately.

 

That’s the rebate in New England area. Northeast. Just checked.

 

I am seriously wondering what goes on in the mind of most used car dealers.

So I detailed one experience earlier...got a new one this morning.

Early in the process looked at a truck. Thus was late Feb/early March - so pre lockdown/COVID. Ask was kinda high - and I was just starting process. But I liked this one and it stuck with me..

Check back a week ago..its still sitting there. Called/emailed...salesperson said yea, they got it and maje an offer...so I did. Of course acts insulted with my lowball offer..so I said feel free to counter back. No reply...4 days later dealer cuts price - not to my offer, but decently.

Email dealer sales manager, again repeating my offer...again replies, insulted by my offer. Again, replied make a counter and possibly we can meet in the middle...so he does. 1 freaking dollar below new ask ! I just never replied - if this is how they negotiate, we'd be haggling forever.

So wake up this morning to a new "price reduction" email...they are now 200 below the mid point of my offer and their ask....of course I've established negotiations with a couple more dealers now - and on principle will probably not return to this dealer and their 1 dollar reductions.

Seriously though, what the hell is wrong with people. It cost ZERO to be polite and professional - and in commisioned sales every customer you turn off is lost income. If they had came back with a simple "sorry, price is best I can do at this moment" and then offered to follow up if something changed - we would probably have had a deal this morning. But they had to "show up the customer" and prove their manhood by playing keyboard warrior - moving $1 and telling me the price woukd never be better. Smooth move big shot...enjoy an April commision of a few hundred less but with the satisfaction of knowing you didnt give in.

 

And 2 more calls/price drops so far.

Dealers feeling heat it seems...working those leads hard this morning.

Both of these were smart enough to not be so cocky...great time to be a buyer. Offer prices actually lower than the lease end acquisition cost on a new 2020 after 2 years/10k miles a year lease.

 

So heres a roundup of my shortlist as of this morning. Ranked by preference:

- 2018 DC SR5 TRD 40k miles, 31k
- 2018 CM SR5 14k miles 34k (no TRD, does have convenience pack)
- 2017 DC SR5 TRD 40k miles 28k (a little rougher than the others, but cheaper too)
- 2017 CM SR5 TRD 40k miles 32,500 (nice aftermarket add ons)
- 2017 CM SR5 40k miles 30k (no TRD, but it is a CPO car so 7/100k warranty)

Might be one or two more to the short list...but these are off top of my head. All prices pre tax, no negotiation (but assume most dealers wont budge much as I think all prices are fair in a pre COVID marketplace).

Anything stand out as being a "better" buy here...my thought, 2018 gets you the refresh and Toyota Sense standard.

CM is nice, but not needed. If the price was equal - I'd take one...but anymore than a grand in price difference..I'll take a DC and the 20 a month savings. Yes CM would sell for more later...but I will own this 5+ years.

First and 2nd are really tight to me. Like the color of one more - price/package of 2 a tad more. Thinking of just letting things play out over week and seeing if either something new does not pop up - or if prices dont drop a bit more.

Could also just do a regional search - walk back to both 1 and 2 and say "heres the cheapest competitor in 500 miles...match and I will buy". Worst case neither bites and I make some offers on similar further out - without the advantage of test drive first.

Scary buying without a test, but late model used with a CPO designation should be fine. Not like I' m buying of Crazy Eddies used cars and deer processing from Toothless, BFE here.

 

To me, the primary advantage of that 2018 CM is the low mileage. But I'm not sure I'd buy a CM if I didn't need the cab space.

 

Agreed.

I dont "need" the space...but also doesnt hurt me.

25k less miles is alot..but reality is if your buying a 200k mile vehicle - and dont put a ton of miles on things - not like its a deal breaker.

Guess we see...I just like the 18s for the reasons mentioned...but at the same time, saving 3k plus on a 17 might tempt me too...thats a chunk of monthly savings and in 5 years who cares if you have a 8 year old car or a 9 year old car - just that it runs.

 

Might just want to check which year they first started putting all the TSS stuff in. I think it might have been 2017, in which case they might be slightly more prone to issues than later years.

 

2018 was standard across the board.

some 2017 might have had it in Limited/Plat/1794 - but in my price/sub model - it was 2018.

 

So new addition to the list

- 2018 DC SR5 16k miles 31k - no TRD.. but half the miles of first choice and like the color of this too.

Tough choice ahead. I'm lowering my price to 30k, can pay it off earlier and with market in dumps, more places dealing.

Tough call - I like TRD wheels, but can find them for a grand easy.

 

Without having seen or driven any of the trucks, that one sounds like a winner to me.

 

You can find them for less than that.

 

I’ve seen them for 3-400

 

Ok, so recons are 150 each...shipped to the door.

So 600 a set.

Used, might find em for less even.

 

So back to original list...checked out the 2018 with 18k miles.

Turns out irs a SR

Dealer used exterior photos with stock interior photos. Made it seem to be an SR5 upgrade package.

If I wanted an SR - I can get a 2020 with full warranty for 34k. Sorry - but power seat and bigger tank are must haves.

So now its down to 2018 DC or 2017 CM - same miles (40k) and they said will give me same price (30k).

Do I want more space or updated headlights/dash and TSS? Thinking going for the refresh over space.

 

. Have you gone online to a bunch a different dealers and pick out a truck and get internet pricing??? It’s always cheaper than going in person for pricing. Have them all give you a out the door price. You might be very surprised.

 

I would not worry about buying used in rust belt, as long as you begin some sort of rust prevention. Fluid film or crown would work. My truck was a couple years old from Cleveland. I spray fluid film twice a year, and I think it has stopped any rust dead in its track.

 

I've done the internet haggle.

It works...to a point. Most dealers know the drill too - and save the last grand until your in their showroom.

Internet pricing is "no haggle" they say...after all, its designed to get your eyeballs on the car. In turn, they cheat you an a trade to make up "lost" revenue.

No trade in this market is a bonus. No need to worry about flipping more inventory...just revenue that frees up space so they can buy what they know will turn fastest.

Reading the resale outlook, between a flood of "rental" cars being dumped, lease turn in being dumped and flat out repo's.. its not looking good for dealers.

 

If you plan to keep the truck for a long time...I'd go new. The 2020 refresh and the better screen is worth it. Even when the 2022 comes out..unless your set on a new engine and cosmetic changes, you wont regret your purchase.

That's my plan at least, buy a 2020, maybe trade in at 2025 or keep as is. The android and better screen on 2020 is what sold me. Plus used prices are ridiculous uncertain areas..in my hood people are selling for 20% off MSRP only.