Looking at new/used - need advice

Ok, so I am in the market for a used Tundra.

What I "think" I want:

- 2017 or newer
- under 40k miles
- under $35k (pre tax)
- Crewmax
- SR5
- 4WD

Now - question is, what should I be looking for on purchase. Any paticular option/package that much more appealing or any spec changes year to year to be aware of?

What I have looked at, seems what I want is easily doable. Even seen a few limited/platinums slipping down to my price point...but in my opinion they have lived a relatively hard few years life for a high dollar truck.

The SR5 "upgrade" or whatever package they call it...shifter in the middle....worth it ? Just seems to be alot of wasted space in a big console to me.

TRD package, again - worth it? I am not an off roader...nor am I much for paying for stiffer shocks and a sticker on the bed personally...but seems to be a selling point.

I do like the power seat option, but is it jyst me or does the cushioning in Toyota seats leave something to be desired. Feels like most I have looked at have "deflated" quite a bit...and I am not a small person myself. Hate to think what it would look like in a few years.

Other option I considered is just doing a new SR5 double base...obviously, its nice buying new...but feels like I am giving up some creature comfort versus a used higher trim package.

Any recommended aftermarket add ons?

 

the one thing I can say is I like the shifter down in the center. When I was looking at newer trucks that was the main thing that appealed to me. I don't really mind leather, but didn't mind cloth either. If I was going to buy new I would have bought a limited with the TRD package and probably left it alone. I do like the sport package with the color matched pieces, but that wasn't a deal breaker. If you don't need a 6.5' bed I would really look at a Crew Max. The room in the back seat is amazing.

As far as new vs used...at your price point I would seriously look at spending a little more and get a brand new truck...but that's just me.

As far as recommended aftermarket add ons....the sky is the limit. Suspension, wheels, tires, interior...etc.

 

Welcome from NY.

With your price range I would look a new Tundras.

Where are you from?

 

Should mention a few used I liked.

'17 SR5 with 32k miles, SR5 upgrade...clean with spray on liner, no sidesteps (which I prefer) and steel wheels (again - I like this). Priced at 30,900.

18 SR5 with 11k miles, clean but nothing really remarkable. Ask 34600...probably would do 33k in a heartbeat.

The 17 I like color combo on...18 feels barely broken in. Both crewmaxes.

 

From Ohio. So road salt/rust is a concern used.

Feels like new is going to touch on 40k+ dollar wise...new SR is around 34k, moving up to a crewmax adds around 6-8k onto the price.

Feel dumb paying 5k more just to say I am first owner...but also know used clean trucks are tricky. A good detailer can do wonders in clean up.

 

Can't say for your area, but my truck's options are in the pic below. Got it brand new for $41,XXX so you should still be able to get an SR5 in your price range. The TRD OR gets you the LED headlights and fog lights, the Upgrade package gets the console and the 38 gallon tank, and the convenience is for the BSM. All were features I wanted and I prefer the center console, but they have other crap I didn't need. I was ok with it because of the price.

Buying new in the rust belt would be a must for me, because I could make sure to fluid film the underside from day one and not worry. The other perk to buying new, better interest rates. If you can bring your own financing at a good rate, then you take any and all rebates you can for a good price overall.

 

Get a certified pre-owned. That's what I think I'm going to do. Hard to beat an ultra-reliable Tundra with a guarantee. I'm looking at double cab '18 and '19's and they are pretty consistently $10,000 less than a comparably equipped new truck... but you have to be willing to travel. Cheapest trucks in the country are not where I live, but travel is a little complicated right now.

My local Toyota salesperson told me about two hours ago that new buyers programs come out tomorrow (4/1).

 

Good deal, but Toyota did take a price hike in 2020.

The first truck I mentioned was a CPO.

Rate is .75 better on new than 2017 or newer...so figure a dollar per 2k financed a month. On the other hard - its 17 dollars per thousand every grand the price goes up on 60 months.

Yes, programs "reset" April 1. Expect the 2500 rebate to keep going, but some additional incentive direct to dealers for selling older inventory.

Reality is 2020 MY is now over for most if not all makers. They will push out the unfinished units when they can - but wont start up again with 2020s - just make the changeover early to 2021s. Will be interesting to see how dealers handle this...you gotta have inventory to sell...but no one wants more than they can sell and right now its a struggle.

 

Prices go up a bit every model year, but the 2020 did get new features that I don't have. Apple Carplay, push button start, proximity entry, and maybe more. There are also still some 2019 trucks on the lots, so you might be able to work a lower price on those if you don't have to have the latest and greatest.

One other thing, on the older trucks, find out if they are Flex Fuel or not. I personally wouldn't touch them if they are.

 

Around here no 2019s.

I thought all recent SR5s and up had the 5.7 engine (and all 2020s) - so they make 2 versions - 1 FFV and 1 not?

I personally am not a fan of the corn gas - but aside from not knowing if its been used before (unlikely around here as I can think of only 2 stations in a major city that even sell it) any other reason to avoid the engine?

 

I was in your same position when I bought my truck. I looked at a 2014 with 33-34,000 miles, crew cab, SR5 TRD and I think the asking was around $35k. I ended up going brand new for $5,000 more. I really liked the idea of the 38 gallon tank for my needs and I liked the idea of new for the price difference. SR5 upgrade and TRD were musts for me and glad I have both. I didn’t go Limited as I knew I was going to install seat covers anyways so missing out on leather didn’t matter, and didn’t really need dual climate or parking sensors. I just use my mirrors and brain to make sure I don’t run into anything and when my wife complains she’s too cold or hot, I turn the volume up.

 

I'd do one of two things:

1. Get a new one. Mine's an SR5 CrewMax w/TRD Off-Road package, SR5 Upgrade package, etc., and with an MSRP of $48K, I got it for $41K. With fewer options and a bit more looking around, getting one at or near $35K should be doable.

2. Get a certified preowned one. I could easily have gotten one for $35K or less. In fact, some come with unlimited engine warranties and the like.

 

All the 2020's are 5.7 and they dropped the FFV for 2020 as well, IIRC. The did have 5.7 FFV in the 2019 and older trucks, and I don't use ethanol at all if I can avoid it, so the capability is just added nonsense to go wrong IMO.

 

As @AzureNightmare alluded to, the primary advantage of the upgrade package is the 38 gallon gas tank. If you're only getting 12 mpg city, the small tank won't cut it.

 

So checked on new.

SR5 with convenience pack/uograde ..looking at 39500-40k before taxes

Also dealer called me on one I looked at early in the process called, so this one is back in the picture.

'17 with 40k miles, lease turn in - but not certified (chain they purchased from sold the Toyota store, but keot other brands and owner turned back into that dealer). Had maintnance package so all service records.

Has convenience pack and TRD Sport package. I'll be honest and say I have no "need" for the TRD upgrades, but hey - its nice and a selling point. Only bad thing is it needs tires - like now.

Ask was 34,900...they offered to me at 34k flat. Told them get me to 30.5 and we can talk. Will see what they say...figure no rush (its been on lot since late January) and clearly nothing is selling.

If they met me at 32.5 - think the price is fair? Not that I am someone who frets too much on overpaying - nor expects the deal of the century. I think with options thats pretty average price, and I like color/options more than any other used - and really like saving 7500 on a 3 year old vehicle that has another 15-25 years life left in it.

 

So just a follow up...car dealers around here are beyond difficult.

Made an opening offer and made it clear I'm interested, and have some flexibility in my offer - just want to see if we can get something done this weekend before I come in Monday to seal the deal. Keep in mind I negotiate for a living - just like these guys do...so I know how to make a professional offer and am not just wasting time with stupid offers.

I understand internet pricing is typically pretty competitive and most dealers try to make a profit on the "back end" (where the numbers arent easily comparable in a web search). Fair enough..my offers are typically 5-7% lower than ask on used - looking to get down 2-3%.

Get a basic reply of "our price is the best you will ever find...call when you want it at full ask". So just nicely replied that I understand their proud of their cars, and I understand there are people who would try to offer 50 cents if they advertised it for a buck.. but my offer was firm as well and if they want my business - they know where to find ME.

Yes, they price competitively....but the market is MORE competitive today than it was the day they priced that car and put it on the lot 45 days ago. So if they had it priced so perfectly...why is it sitting still? Guarantee I have more dealers willing to talk to me at my offer on similar product than they have qualified buyers waiting to drive off in their vehicle.

Probably soured me on doing business with them more than anything. I hate sales managers who act as if they are doing me a favor allowing me to buy from them. Oh well...plenty more product out there and I just need one.

 

Patience is your friend as is more competition. If your leaning used, that’s obviously going to be a little more difficult because used vehicles are more specific than new ones. With the current market conditions, you have the hammer man. Wait it out for as long as you can. Hell, tell them you’re now considering a domestic because of all the incentives and cheap financing options available. You’ve now created the perception that these dealers are not just competing among themselves within the Toyota Brand but now Ford, GM and Dodge are in play as well. Just food for thought.

And try not to take anything personally or let things agitate you in the negotiation process. You can fire everyone one up to the CEO of a company by not saying a word and taking your business somewhere else.

 

I know...no, nothing personal...and I work what I can..

The domestics and their "incentives" to me are a joke - as they are to most used car dealers.

Tell me which is better...brand A sells product for 40k with 2500 rebate (37500 net) brand B sells product for 48500 but gives me 0% interest for 84 months - which is the greater value (assuming both depreciate at the same rate and are equal products).

The answer - A (by the amount of the rebate).

If the rebate werent a factor...it would be flat even AT BEST. This assumes all purchasers utilize a 84 month term (60 or 72 month terms incur less interest expense and benefit A more) - this also assumes buyer puts 0 down (again more down, lower interst charge) and is based on an interest rate of 4.5% (fairly standard rate for an established borrower with a 640-660 score).

This is how the Big 3 are selling cars...to make it appear they "hold value" they propped up the used market using higher sticker prices on new. After all - nothing makes used look attractive more than a high sticker on new.

This pandemic played right into their hands...price vehicles high and eliminate the rebate in favor of incentive finance plans. Buyer now pays the higher ask (more revenue on the books) and they loan to buyers at 0% while paying for that financing plan at a rate under 1% (pretty easy to get when your loans are being guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the US taxpayer).

Big 3 incur a lower cost, sell for more and make money on servicing these loans (late payment fees, pay by rep fees, ect) and guarantee a steady revenue stream fir their dealers via service (if your paying for a car for 7 years...your gonna need more than the occasional oil change). Even better...when the customer comes back in year 4 looking to trade - you got them boxed in...no equity on the trade, so you can dictate terms of the deal - and then the rate presumably will be higher than 0% - but you can sell them a new vehicle at say 3% for "just a few more dollars a month...over 84 fresh payments).

 

Wow. You must’ve made some strong coffee this morning. Ha! I wasn’t actually implying you seek out a domestic, just tell the Toyota dealer that. Where I was going with that was my line of trying to create more competition in hopes you landed you a better deal.

 

In about 2 weeks new trucks wont be selling for a bit.
I bet you can get a new one in your price range. I got my new 2019 for under 40k TRD SR5 OR , 2 of my friends got the non upgrade for 36k new.All other manufacturers are offering crazy deals. VW 0% no payments for 5 months plus they will make 2 of your mortgage payments, jeep no payments 3 months 0% 84 month loan. Automotive is panicking that it will be like 2009. Don't deal with local dealers if they wont deal theres a whole country to buy from.

 

Good point. I’m also hearing chatter of another ‘cash for clunkers’ stimulus too.

 

Just my rant on manufacturers and their "fuzzy math" on incentives. I know what I like - wont be changing that over a slick new glossy brochure and 90 days no payment (get that from my credit union anyway - no make restriction).

So I did just send a nice reply to the dealer who said they were firm on price and they couldnt find a "better deal" within 500 miles.

Just let them know a dealer 2 miles up the road had a '17 double cab with near identical miles and TRD package as well for 6k less. Granted - you get a model year older vehicle (in service 3 more months, was a late 17) and a smaller cab - but 6 grand is 100-120 a month lower payment...so much larger buyer audience.

Sometimes in sales its smarter to just smile and know you cant outsmart everyone...so be happy with the fish you do snare in your net versus trying to show up the ones smart enough to escape.

 

Good way at looking at things man. I'm one of the few weirdos that traded in a CM on a DC. The trade-in value is what hooked me ($30k). In either case my credit union helped me seal the deal on a Sunday - the president helped me close it while powerwashing his driveway lol. These buying experiences tend to become funny stories in the years to come.

 

It wont be 2 weeks till the demise of car sales...its bern here for years.

CarMax was the first blow (along with Saturn) - no haggle pricing

08-09 and cars for clunkers were next...everyone wants 3k more than "true" value of their trade.

Carvana/Vroom is the latest...deliver a car anywhere, no regional premiums in pricing.

Tesla looked to be the next blow - no franchised dealer, direct and they control the used market disabling features.

Now this - by appointment sales only. You got the fish on the hook a limited time...no holding them hostage in a negotiation until they cave.

Rough time to be in auto sales...best will thrive, alot wont survive.

 

Might have found one.

Its a double cab, but price is right.

2017 with 15k miles, TRD and SR5 upgrade.

27,500

Im not going to let cheap determine the buy. But if its still there on Monday, will go look and if it checks all the boxes, buy.

 

Sounds like a good buy to me on paper.

 

So down to 2...possible 3rd

1. 2017 Crewmax 40k miles - ask 34k, offered 30.5

2. 2017 Double Cab 17k miles, ask 28.5

Both SR5 upgrade pack and TRD package...I dont need crew, so lean DC - set to look at it tomorrow - but as I said, on paper it seems to check alot of boxes.

Wildcard is a 2018 Crew SR5 with 22k, no haggle dealer price is 34.5. Seems high to me, and no option to test - only 7 day guarantee return.

I am not really big on the TRD package...guess Im weird (I prefer steel wheels on trucks) - but wife said she likes the TRD wheels - so if it makes her happy...

 

This what I paid in July for a SX

 

If you don't need CM, I would go for the DC for more bed space, better rear seat storage (or so I've been told), lower mileage and lower price.

 

I am 98% sure on the DC for the reasons above.

I dont need an SUV rear seat - and 4k in savings would buy something nice to pull behind it.

What am I really losing - 8" of seat space, a slide down window (vs sliding backglass) and ?? Just feels like alot of $$ for little things I dont need.