I just gave my local dealer a $500 deposit to order my new Tacoma Ex 4wd 3.4 5pd. Now after browsing this site for a while, it looks like the 05 is an all new truck... and ugly! Any ideas if there will still be availalble build dates for 2004's? I know most manufacurers stop production of current model year vehicle right about now for the switch-over. If I can't get my truck I'm going to be HOT!

I want it sooo bad...
Lunar mist
Base SR5 with black grille and bumpers, no power options.
Cruise control
Diff lock
16" painted steelies.

 

If anyone is interested/cares, I called the stealer, and the salesman assured me the truck is ordered and will be a 2004 exactly like I want. Should be here in 4 weeks!

 

Great get! How much are they going for?

 

I found out today that the truck is being build on the 18th of August, and I should have it by the end of the month.



Haven't even talked price yet, just going to see waht they'll offer me first off, and use my "nobody is going to want this truck but me, and now you wasted an allocation on it, when you could have saved that allocation for a 2005" angle.

 

You put a deposit on a new truck without negotiating price first?.... You DO know that they'll keep your money if you don't like the price they decide to sell it to you for? The allocation argument won't work by the way, they have to order a certain amount of volume every month, they can't save it until the 05s are available, BUT you should argue that they don't want another 04 sitting around when the 05s are coming... Go to KBB and find dealer cost and negotiate negotiate negotiate... also ask if there any incentives to move 04s now that the 05s are coming. A bit premature, usually the factory to dealer incentives don't come into play until after the new models are on the lot and no one wants the old ones... (And I agree with you about the looks of the 05 - I think it's ugly, plus Toyota is going the way of everyone else and lowering them down - the last of the great ground clearance trucks is dissapearing.

 

There's a $1500 factory incentive right now

 

Well I actually have a written agreement that says if I decide to back out the $500 is refunded (and it's on a credit card, so I can always refuse the charge if needed). They were giving me a very good deal on on a different truck on a dealer trade purchase, until the other dealer sold it (AFTER I had a deposit on that truck), so I'm not really worried about the price. Besides, I negotiate for a living, the salesman has no idea what he's in for if I'm not happy with the deal he offers.

Most of the new vehicles I've ever bought have been this way, I find I ususally get a better deal, because they know the truck isn't going to be sitting around while they pay floor plan interest on it.

 

Cool. I'll call you the next time I'm in the market for a new vehicle.