I am helping a friend buy a new Taco. We are trying to find out the dealer cost to make an informed purchase.

Any tips on how much the dealer actually pays for the truck?

 

I think Consumer Reports offers something like that; I think they charge $20 or so for it.

Try this link:

http://www.consumerreports.org/main/...=1089501549823

 

I usually look at www.kbb.com and www.edmunds.com

 

What sshaefer3 said. If you use Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds and price out the truck you want, you should be able to buy it for no more than a grand over that cost. If not, find another dealer. More often than not, you can get within a couple hundred dollars of KBB dealer cost. (They have volume incentives and other ways to get their money.)

Also, if he's trading something in, run KBB and find out what it's worth. Armed with knowlege of what your trade is REALLy worth to the dealer and a good idea of his cost on the new one, negotiate negotiate negotiate. Don't be insulted at the initial low trade value, don't fall for the slick sales tactics. Plan to spend some hours "playing the game" and stick to your guns. Keep an eye on the numbers and don't hesitate to walk out if they don't want to sell you a vehicle today. It's fun!! Think of it as a game, and you'll win!

By the way, watch out for the finance manager when you've done your deal, all that extra stuff like LAH insurance, extended service contracts, interior fabric protection, and optional glass registration will eat up your savings very fast! The finance manager works on straight commission in most dealerships - be warned - he's the biggest shark in the pond!

Also, if your friend is a credit union member, a lot of credit unions have a car buying service and can save you big bucks. They usually get fleet pricing for their members.

 

Take a gander at this site too Jim. It is one of the best sites I have ever seen regarding car buying. I am sure he has a link somewhere regarding the dealer cost of a new vehicle.

 

You can go in there and ask for a print out of what they get it for. I was told that by law, they must show you...in cali. When my GF and I went to buy her Accord, we did all this research(edmunds, etc...). Went in and asked for it and it matched the info we found off the net.