2010 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner LB V6 4.0L TRD Package: Buying - Need Advice

[StarsFan4Life]

So over the past month or so, I have been on here discussing my options for a new vehicle. I need a car, but want a truck (see my 70 miles round trip per day in the DFW area thread). I am 26 years old, work VERY hard and think I deserve something nice and new (and safe).

To make a long story short, I believe the 2010 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner LB V6 4.0L is the right fit for me. With the possibility of getting 18-23MPG on the highway, I am leaps above my 14-15 currently in my 1999 Jeep Cherokee with 175k miles on it.

The problem:

PRICE

The package that I want according the Edmunds TMV is roughly $25k. This includes the following:

Package MSRP Invoice TMV
National Base Price $24,175 $22,152 $22,481
PY TRD Sport Package $2,405 $2,164 $2,184
TO Towing Package $650 $520 $531
RL Daytime Running Lights $40 $32 $33
Destination Charge $800 $800 $800
Total with Options $28,070 $25,668 $25,870

I was really hoping to spend no more than about $20k-21k. What are the chances of me talking down a local car dealership to this $20k-21k mark? Is this even realistic?

How do I even approach this? Mind you, I have never purchased a NEW vehicle, and the last time I purchased a vehicle was my Jeep, used at 52k miles at $10,595 + 6 years of 17.9% financing (no credit at the time...can't believe bad credit is better than no credit). How do I negotiate with a car dealer to get the best package for my money?

Now, I will be bringing anywhere between $3k-4500 to the table, plus either selling my Jeep or trading it in (would it be better for me to sell privately or use a trade-in?).

Next is the advertised "0.0% for 6 years" that Toyota is currently advertising. How hard/easy is it to get this? My FICO score is sitting just under 700 with a couple of bumps, and my wife is just a tad under that (we recently purchased her lease vehicle because she was 18k miles over the lease agreement) so her score went down a bit, plus the fact that we purchased a new home a year ago.

Why am I going new? Well, for two reasons:

1. It's "NEW" and I have a clean slate (plus I can log and maintain my own vehicle maintenance) from the start.

2. The prices of "used" at roughly what I am looking at seem to be around the same general prices that I can get brand spanking new

So what'el it be boys (and gals). Are you guys up for helping me through this? I plan to do my research and purchase around the first to middle of May. Your input is greatly appreciated!

 

[NutBucket]

Good luck with that. Even with all of Toyota's troubles, the Tacoma is going to be hard to get THAT good of a discount on. I'd say realistically you could get them to go right around $25k.

Don't trade in your Jeep. You'll be lucky to get $2k from the dealer. I'm sure you can get more than that private party, can't you?

If your FICO is under 700 chances are you won't qualify for that 0% rate. You need Tier 1 credit to get that rate which is usually a FICO of 700+

But yes, you should buy new since used Tacoma prices are ridiculous.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Any specific reason you're looking at a Tacoma? I mean, it's a nice truck and all. But if the price is an issue, you may want to look at other brands (domestic, nissan, etc) as you may be able to get some good deals on them.

 

[SearchMaster]

I've brought up Overstock.com before but it seems more "real-time" than Edmund's TMV IMHO.

It is showing $24,252 for the options you've shown so maybe you can do better than $25,870. Toyota seems to be very aggressive in price cutting these days for obvious reasons. These prices are for my zipcode in GA.

Pricing for Your Requested Vehicle
INVOICE MSRP YOUR PRICE
Base $23,696 $25,000 $21,536
Options $2,716 $3,095 $2,716
Incentives $0 $0 $0
TOTAL $26,412 $28,095 $24,252
Savings off MSRP: $3,843

Still pricey.


EDIT: damn, just ran it for Dallas. It came in at $26,943 I guess Texans love their trucks.

 

[Mursilis]

In my area, the Tacoma doesn't qualify for the 0% offer. You always have to read the fine print. Maybe it's different in your neck of the woods.

Any specific reason you're looking at a Tacoma? I mean, it's a nice truck and all. But if the price is an issue, you may want to look at other brands (domestic, nissan, etc) as you may be able to get some good deals on them.

This. I've got a '97 Tacoma, and it's a decent truck (except for the paint fade, which has been horrible), but it's nothing super-special. If I were looking to replace it, I'd look at new Tacomas, as well as other brands.

 

[EightySix Four]

Think you could handle waiting until the new 'stang V6 migrates into the F150? Should offer solid gas mileage and perform quite well.

 

[vi edit]

You can get a Suzuki Equator for around that price.

http://www.edmunds.com/suzuki/equator/2009/index.html

It's a rebadged Frontier with a better price and warranty. As a guy who shopped both the Tacoma and a Frontier the Frontier was simply the more comfortable, enjoyable to drive vehicle.

 

[StageLeft]

I don't care about new. Honestly I'd get something two years old even if it's another brand and enjoy the $7k you just saved.

Trade your car in if you hate dealing with idiots. If you can tolerate it, put the jeep in the paper and private party it.

The BEST way to negotiate with ANY car dealer is to put fear in their heart. Fear that you won't buy the car. That may mean anything from not saying things like "Wow, this truck is awesome!" to waiting until you have the best price they can give, then denying it and leaving and saying you'll think about it and they have your number and there are some other things you need to check out first.

You can get a Suzuki Equator for around that price

Can somebody please explain how Suzuki is still selling cars in the US? I can't believe they are still going.

 

[SearchMaster]

I guess people still buy them (Suzukis). The Equator is a rebadged Nissan Frontier so if you can find them cheap it's a good thought.

 

[highland145]

Good luck with that. Even with all of Toyota's troubles, the Tacoma is going to be hard to get THAT good of a discount on. I'd say realistically you could get them to go right around $25k.

Don't trade in your Jeep. You'll be lucky to get $2k from the dealer. I'm sure you can get more than that private party, can't you?

If your FICO is under 700 chances are you won't qualify for that 0% rate. You need Tier 1 credit to get that rate which is usually a FICO of 700+

But yes, you should buy new since used Tacoma prices are ridiculous.

All of this.

I have a 2010 prerunner shortbed. Not the TRD. Bought 12/29/09 for $23 something with trade of 2006 prerunner( same truck and a good deal for me). It has a limited lifetime on the tranny. I haven't seen 17mpg yet but most of mine is in the city( in the old one either).

Nit picks: Non adjustable cup holder like my old one had.

Backup camera comes on automatically which is a major distraction for me. Would be better if I could choose to turn it on.

The air selector changes to outside after some "ambient temp" is reached. You can turn this off by holding the button for 2 sec but you have to do this EVERY time you restart.

Overall, I'm happy.

 

[StarsFan4Life]

Do I really need the TRD package....or is it a gimmick?

 

[PricklyPete]

Do I really need the TRD package....or is it a gimmick?

I would not say it is a gimmick...but worth the money...not unless you really plan on taking it off-road...and if you're doing that...you really want the full 4x4 and not the Pre-Runner.

The TRD Offroad package gives you a improved interior (not that important), some better suspension, and a locking rear differential. the biggest deal for me has been the locking differential which I've used when offroading. Not sure how much I've benefitted from the upgraded Bilsteen shocks as I have not driven a similar 4x4 without the TRD offroad...but I imagine it doesn't help that much.

So I would definitely question whether you need the TRD package...but I dont' think it is a gimmick.

 

[joutlaw]

I say check out GM. I had a co-worker looking at Sierras and Silverados and he was looking at crew cabs with a 5.3 V8 with AFM (will get better mileage than that 4.0 V6) with the Z71 package for 30-31K. They had 6 speeds and 3.42 automatic mechanical locking rear ends (G80). The new 6 speed with the 3.42s is the equivalent of the old 4 speed with 4.10s in 1st gear, but they get much better mileage.

Here is a video on how the G80 works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sw9DwurQAs

That price was 4x4 too, so I imagine you could get a Z71 2WD (Pre-runner) for 28-29K or so and it would be a lot more truck.

 

[vi edit]

That price was 4x4 too, so I imagine you could get a Z71 2WD (Pre-runner) for 28-29K or so and it would be a lot more truck.

That's about $10,000 after taxes more than he wants to spend.

 

[lastig21]

I really like the Tacomas, but didn't think they were worth the premium compared to a fullsized American truck. I was looking in early 07, so maybe the pricing landscape has changed. I bought a new Dodge Ram 1500 QuadCab w/Hemi for about $4k less than the prices you are getting for Tacomas (again, bought in 07).

 

[StarsFan4Life]

Man, I thought I had it settled....and knew what I wanted. Now, I'm not sure because of what you guys are all saying.

 

[highland145]

Man, I thought I had it settled....and knew what I wanted. Now, I'm not sure because of what you guys are all saying.

We all have opinions just like.....

 

[lastig21]

Pricing appears to have leveled off a bit from when I bought my truck. I guess lower gas prices will do that. It does look like you can get a comparably equipped fullsize American-made truck for the same price as the Tacoma.

Food for thought: Is the daily convenience of the Tacoma worth the premium pricing? The smaller truck is easier to drive around town and park, and should be adequate for 99% of your hauling. Gas mileage will not be much better than a fullsize, so I wouldn't use that as the deciding factor.

Financing incentives are pretty terrific across the entire industry right now. I would say go drive all the offerings and let your heart make the decision. You will likely be pulled in one direction. I know you want new, but American vehicles in general have much lower resale value then Toyota. A gently used Ford/GM/Dodge could be a great deal (but you lose the great financing rates).

 

[vi edit]

A gently used Ford/GM/Dodge could be a great deal (but you lose the great financing rates).

That's what annoys me about the truck market. There's absolutely no incentive to buy used. I've been sort of browsing the Avalanche market. I really like the new body styles but the '07's with 50,000 miles on them are still freaking $28,000 at most dealers. With 0% financing and my GM points I may as well buy new. Same thing for the traditional fully size Silverado's/F150's ect. The discount between new & used just isn't there.

I'm sure Ford & GM just love it and that's half the reason new trucks still continue to sell so well. But who the heck is paying that much for these things?

 

[Vette73]

That's what annoys me about the truck market. There's absolutely no incentive to buy used. I've been sort of browsing the Avalanche market. I really like the new body styles but the '07's with 50,000 miles on them are still freaking $28,000 at most dealers. With 0% financing and my GM points I may as well buy new. Same thing for the traditional fully size Silverado's/F150's ect. The discount between new & used just isn't there.

I'm sure Ford & GM just love it and that's half the reason new trucks still continue to sell so well. But who the heck is paying that much for these things?

Same people that pay new prices for 1 year old Hondas. :awe:

 

[Vette73]

I say check out GM. I had a co-worker looking at Sierras and Silverados and he was looking at crew cabs with a 5.3 V8 with AFM (will get better mileage than that 4.0 V6) with the Z71 package for 30-31K. They had 6 speeds and 3.42 automatic mechanical locking rear ends (G80). The new 6 speed with the 3.42s is the equivalent of the old 4 speed with 4.10s in 1st gear, but they get much better mileage.

Here is a video on how the G80 works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sw9DwurQAs

That price was 4x4 too, so I imagine you could get a Z71 2WD (Pre-runner) for 28-29K or so and it would be a lot more truck.

Much bigger and costly then he wanted. Now the Canyon/Colorado trucks are great and the 5cyl is very strong.

 

[Bignate603]

14-15 mpg highway in a Cherokee? I've got a 97 (auto, 4x4 and 4.0 liter) and usually get over 20 on the highway. Did you ever change O2 sensors? I've run in to multiple people that have had them go bad on cherokees without throwing a code. They just noticed that their gas mileage went to crap.

 

[StarsFan4Life]

Guys, remember....at a full size truck....70 miles round trip will start to get VERY costly at 16-18 mpg.....am I right in thinking the Tacoma is a happy medium?

 

[PricklyPete]

Guys, remember....at a full size truck....70 miles round trip will start to get VERY costly at 16-18 mpg.....am I right in thinking the Tacoma is a happy medium?

Unless you baby the V6 in the Tacoma...I wouldn't expect much better than 20-21 in it. I have the 6spd manual and unless I'm driving 60 and babying it...I max out around 20mpg. Edit: Note that the automatic is supposed to get better gas mileage...especially at higher speeds.

That being said, I used to have a 5.3L Yukon and it never got even close to the rated 17mpg. I'm sure the newer 5.3L engines from GM are getting better gas mileage...but it is hard to believe that it will get as good as the Tacoma unless really making the effort.

If you want better gas mileage, get a 4 cylinder model. You're never going to get very good gas mileage with the V6 or V8 engines in any truck these days. Too bad we don't have a decent diesel option in the midsize pickup market. I'd likely turn my Tacoma in for Hilux or Amorak with a decent diesel engine.

 

[LTC8K6]

Ranger 4cyl seems to have the highest hwy rating at 27mpg.