Recommendations

[Dr1ve4fun]

I think I would try to get the price down to like 27.5K then talk about the trade in so if its 6K down to 21.5K plus taxes...I asked my mom too and she said it seemed a little high..If you go to edmunds.com they have a thing thats called true market value and it will show you more what most people are paying...But I am not sure if you talked about the trade in after or before you talked prices. I have read that it is better to settle on a price and then add in the trade in.

[doughboyea]

Originally Posted by drtye30

I think I would try to get the price down to like 27.5K then talk about the trade in so if its 6K down to 21.5K plus taxes...I asked my mom too and she said it seemed a little high..If you go to edmunds.com they have a thing thats called true market value and it will show you more what most people are paying...But I am not sure if you talked about the trade in after or before you talked prices. I have read that it is better to settle on a price and then add in the trade in.

James Toyota in Flemington, NJ gave me a quote via email. They first said:

Originally Posted by James Toyota, Antonia Haddock

18186
VEHICLE INQUIRY REPORT
DATE: 02/05/07DCV920
TIME: 10:17
Model Number: 7594A
SERIAL # :7Z366843
Check Code: 0
Model Description: DOUBLE CAB 4X4
Category ..........: G
Year ............: 2007
Current Dealer ....: 160-29091
Interior Color ..: FM13 FM13
Wholesale Dealer ..: 29091
Exterior Color ..: 0209 BLKSD
Previous Dealer ...: 00160
Body ............: DOUBLE CAB 4X4 V6
Invoice Date ......: 12/20/06
Number of Cyl ...: 6
Ship Date .........: 12/19/06
Allocation Number: 112
Retail Date .......:
Engine Number ...: 8190429
Date of First Use .:
Vessel Number ...: 749
TRAC ..............: NO
Vessel Name .....: NUMMI FREMONT
Damage ............: NO DAMAGE PDI ...............: YES
Fleet .............: NON-FLEET
Port PDS Complete .: NO
VIN .............: 5TELU42N97Z366843
Ignition Key.....: 68702
Factory Installed Accessories: FE DZ PY TO
Port Installed Accessories ..: CF E5 R3 Retail Vehicle Base Model ....................: $ 25415.00
Total Accessories .....................: $ 4777.00
MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE
236HP 4.0L V6 DOHC 24V Engine w/VVT-i5-Speed ECT-i Automatic Transmission4WDemand 4x4 System w/ ElectronicallyControlled 2 Speed Transfer CaseCoil Over Shock Double A-Arm Fr SuspMulti-Leaf Rr Suspension w/StaggeredOutboard Mounted ShocksFront Stabilizer BarPwr Assisted Rack and Pinion SteeringPwr Assisted Fr Disc/Rr Drum Brakes16" Styled Steel Whls, P245/75R16 TiresSAFETY4 Wheel ABS w/Electronic BrakeforceDistribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA)Dr & Fr Pass Advanced Airbag SystemDr & Fr Pass 3pt Seatbelts withPretensioners & Force LimitersRr 3pt Seatbelts & Adj HeadrestsCRS Lower (ISOFIX) & Top Tether AnchorsSide Door Impact BeamsTire Pressure Monitoring SystemEXTERIORBlack Grille/Fr Bumper/Overfenders/Handles/Outside MirrorsArgent Grille Surround, Rear BumperSMC Composite Inner Bed w/Steel OuterPanels, Removable Tailgate & Rail CapsDeck Rail System w/4 Adj Tie-Down CleatsCOMFORT & CONVENIENCECloth Bucket Front Seats w/Pass-sideFold-flat, Driver-Side Lumbar Support,Adj Headrests & SR5 Fabric Trim60/40 Split Rr Bench w/Underseat & RrBulkhead StorageCFC-Free Air ConditioningPwr Windows/Door Locks/MirrorsAM/FM/CD w/6 SpeakersTilt/Telescoping Steering WheelEngine ImmobilizerCig Lighter+Aux Power Point2 Fr/1 Ctr/2 Rr Console Cup HoldersLED-Illuminated Gauges Retail
TotalVehicle Base Model ..........................:$ 25415.00 $ 25415.0050 State Emissions
AM/FM/CD w/6 Disc Changer, 6 Speakers & .... 200.00
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ..............
TRD Sport Package #1: $3220.00
Sport Susp w/ Bilstein Shocks, 17" Alloy Wheels w/P265/65R17 Tires, Limited Slip Diff, Hood Scoop, Color-Keyed Grille Surround/Bumpers/Mirrors/Door Handles/Overfenders, Sliding Rr Window w/Privacy Glass, 115V/400W Deck Mtd Power Point, Fog Lamps, Pwr Windows/Door Locks/Mirrors, Remote Keyless Entry, Cruise Control, Variable Speed Wipers, Multifunction O/H Console w/Compass & Temp .Gauge, Sport Seats w/Drvr Lumbar Support in place of Bucket Seats, Sport Fabric Trim, Metallic Tone Instr Panel Trim, Leather Strng Wheel & Shifter, Sunvisors w/Mirrors & Extenders, TRD Sport Graphics V6 Towing Package: 6,500 lbs. Max

Towing $650.00
Capacity Class 4 Hitch, Transmission and ...Supplemental Oil Coolers, 130A Alternator, .Heavy Duty Battery, 7-Pin Connector w/Converter

Carpet Floor Mats (4pc) & Door Sill ........ 199.00
Exhaust Tip by Valor ....................... 69.00
Tube Steps ................................. 439.00
Total Accessories ...........................: $ 4777.00
Destination Charge ..........................: $ 645.00
TDA .........................................:
Gasoline ....................................:
Dealer Holdback .............................:
Whsl. Financial Reserve .....................:
Total .......................................: $ 30837.00

Yea, like I'll take that "deal." I responded with:

Originally Posted by doughboyea

Antonia,
I thank you for responding to me. The inquiry that you sent to me is for the TRD Sport, not Off-Road. I've been given an offer at Muller Toyota, though, they are still on the HIGH end. Here is what I am looking for:

2007 Tacoma
Double Cab 4x4 Automatic
TRD Off Road
Tow Package
JBL Audio
Color = dark blue (indigo? blue)

Now, if you can give me a deal on this, then I'll come on down. I will not pay retail. I don't mean that to sound rash, it's just not feasible. I'm looking to spend ~$26k-$27k. I've been searching around and seeing what others have purchased thier vehicles for. So let me know what your best price is.

Thank You,

Da Dough

Her response:

Originally Posted by James Toyota, Antonia Haddock

I can sell you this one for $27,813.00 which is invoice please email me and let me know

I'm not being picky, just if I'm going to be dishing out this money on something then I'm sure as hell going to purchase what I want, not what makes it easier for the dealer.

I'll admit, it's not a bad price. It's got the TRD Sport package (no locking rear diff), 6 disk changer (no upgraded speakers or sub/amp), Tow package, and is Sand Black.

Dough

[zbmwr]

Nissan Altima coupe... coming soon shift_

[dinan540]

Dough,

Good luck with the purchase, but I am against pick up trucks unless you use them for work or tow things. It doesn't make sense especially in NJ or any metropolitan area.

You have to ask yourself what you are truly after. I understand that you want something new and with a warranty. Those are smart choices. Do you need a pick up? Do you need a 4 door sedan? Do you drive clients around? Do you drive your parents, inlaws, friends, etc around? If you don't, maybe you don't need 4 doors. Have you ever owned a sports car? A good time to own one is before you have a family.

Have you faired okay in NJ with the weather with a rwd car?

As for the Toyota truck, I think the price is fair, but your trade in is low. Did you tell them everything that is wrong with the car? How is Toyota's warranty and maintenance program. The problem that BMW has is that they only offer oil changes every 15000 miles, no gearbox or diff. fluid changes. IMO, that is stupid. All of the new generation and last generation bimmers will have problems if you follow BMW's maintenance schedule. What ever you do, make sure you maintain your vehicle. Dealer maintained means nothing to me. Who the fuck never changes their gearbox oil? That is just stupid.

Okay, I am off my soapbox. I am against pickup trucks unless you use them for something besides daily driving.

[doughboyea]

OOOO Wisdom....

Originally Posted by dinan540

Dough,

Good luck with the purchase, but I am against pick up trucks unless you use them for work or tow things. It doesn't make sense especially in NJ or any metropolitan area.

dinan540, I honestly appreciate your post, brings some clarity to evreything. Though here's what's up. I can totally understand the reasoning behind NOT getting a pickup/Monster SUV. Sure, gas guzzlers, size, need? blabla. See, at my job, I tend to venture out to construction sites. Just last week I was asked to do a 13 hour shift on a pile load test in the middle of a construction site. It was dark and my car is lowered, yet that's all I have, a fuckin low ass POS Bimmer than can't handle a 3 inch rock. Scraping away at the ground the whole way, cursing the day I got her. As I do get out to those sites every-so-often, it would behoove me to aquire something that can handle it.

Other pros to having a pickup is the utilitairan aspect of it. Going out to Best Buy (just as an example) buying a new Plasma, how the hell am I going to get that home? I can barely fit myself in my car.

Originally Posted by dinan540

You have to ask yourself what you are truly after. I understand that you want something new and with a warranty. Those are smart choices. Do you need a pick up? Do you need a 4 door sedan? Do you drive clients around? Do you drive your parents, inlaws, friends, etc around? If you don't, maybe you don't need 4 doors. Have you ever owned a sports car? A good time to own one is before you have a family.

Do I REALLY need a pickup, no.
Do I REALLY need a 4 door sedan, no.
Do I drive clients around, no.
Do I drive family around, yes.
I understand the time, I have no kids and no mortgage. So, getting something with two doors and a monster engine would make me happy, no doubt. Though, honestly, I can't really afford it. Every car out there that appeals to me is over 30k starting. Audi, BMW, Acura, ect. Ok, I got high tastes, but my first car was a Mercedes, then BMW, it would really annoy the shit out of me to have to go from what i have to a fuckin Honda Accord. I don't give a shit how long lasting people say they are. It's just not me. I earn over $4000/mo, but with my college loan being paid back putting away for savings and more for a home, I'm not left with alot of spending cash. Fuck, this POS BMW is taking alot out as it is....

Originally Posted by dinan540

Have you faired okay in NJ with the weather with a rwd car?

Funny, I actually thought that this RWD car would blow in the winter snow, but damn, does it do good. Sure, it's no off-roader, but it's a hell of a trooper. First winter season I drove her through was a nor'easter. Driving on freshly fallen 6" deep snow was not an issue, what was, though, the fucking plows burrying me as they past by. But yea, I see your point. Is 4WD neccessary when I answer your question like that, well, no but it sure does make things easier. It would also open up new possibilities, ie, off roading!

Originally Posted by dinan540

As for the Toyota truck, I think the price is fair, but your trade in is low. Did you tell them everything that is wrong with the car?

My local BMW dealer offered me $6000 for my car without looking at it. Toyota offered $6000 after taking my VIN. And why the hell would I tell them what's wrong with it? THAT wouldn't help me at all...

Originally Posted by dinan540

How is Toyota's warranty and maintenance program. The problem that BMW has is that they only offer oil changes every 15000 miles, no gearbox or diff. fluid changes. IMO, that is stupid. All of the new generation and last generation bimmers will have problems if you follow BMW's maintenance schedule. What ever you do, make sure you maintain your vehicle. Dealer maintained means nothing to me. Who the fuck never changes their gearbox oil? That is just stupid.

Toyota has a 36,000mi bumper to bumper warranty with 60,000mi warranty on the drivetrain. I don't know how they treat those specific aspects during maintence, however, I do agree with you, just seems, my tranny clunked out way before it should've and to reasons which no one can answer, I'm thinking it's beyond the transmission oil, I think it's a lemon, but it's too late for that to mean anything. BTW, fuckin headlight broke on me, again.

Originally Posted by dinan540

Okay, I am off my soapbox. I am against pickup trucks unless you use them for something besides daily driving.

Ok wise one (not being a dick), whats your recommendation then?

Dough

[dinan540]

I can understand the pickup truck if you need to get around job sites or you use the bed. Ironically, you get more storage space per cubic inch in an SUV than a 6' bed. But you can move tall objects in a pick up that you can't in an SUV.

I am having the same debate with myself that you are having. I want a different vehicle. I am married, have a house and don't have a vehicle that I can go to the plant nursery or home depot and transport things. I have loaded 500 pounds of pavers for a project in the trunk of the five, loaded bags of sand, etc. But I ran into problems when I bought my TV, it wouldn't fit into my car. At the same time, we don't have kids and I would love to have a 2 seater that is fun and can be my daily driver. But my wife has an acura Integra. If I were to get a small sporty car, we would have two small cars and no practicality, i.e. driving inlaws, friends, etc.

I have been seriously looking at small SUvs. I am most impressed with the Honda Pilot. It is not much to look at, but it has a good all wheel drive system (we like to hike and ski), it can tow a snowmobile or jet ski, it can carry four adult passengers, you can go to home depot and put shit in the back of it. It has the most reliability in its class, good on gas and it can cost less than $30000. Now the kicker, it is way different than the e46 and my e39. I have had my moments of hating my bimmer and all of the maintenance costs of the car. I would probable miss my car and the honda pilot is almost too practical. I test drove the new X3, it is awesome, but it costs $50000. I test drove slightly used X5, awemsome, but $40000. I test drove a used X3, awesome, but $35000. I test drove the Forerunner, still $35000. I was impressed with the Pilots engine.

This is just my 2 cents. While looking at the SUVs, I wanted the biggest, baddest, fastest one, but in all honesty, I don't need 300+ HP in a utility vehicle and reality and cost set in. Save your money, buy something with a warranty, I sometimes wish I did instead of my E39.

[c1apton]

here's a simple one: CRAIGSLIST for a mediocre beater UNTIL you find EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT AT YOUR PRICE RANGE...lol Even it dies in under a year - who cares, take the plates off and leave it on the side of the road...lol + a beater car brings you back to reality - you can drive it like you don't care, no worries about door dings or asses pulling out in front of you & Insurance is little or nothing. I just sold my bird, I have big "jing" just burning a hole in my $$$ accounts yet the E34 parked for winter and am driving '90 trooper & it's a blast. It's like driving 1 big "Give a Fuck"... Seriously don't pressure yourself into buying anything, time's on your side - sell the BMW out right - you'll get more for it than a trade, then shop at your own speed not at some "pressured into deal" - it's not like Toyota or anyone else is limited production. Not only do car mfgrs compete for your business but so do car dealers. I've had dealers offer to fly me to their dealership or ship the car to me free. (I bought ex-gfs Vette that way)

[dinan540]

^^^Don't be in a rush is great advice.

[doughboyea]

You mean a Craigslisting for a beater like this one?

Craigs List

Oh... fuck, that's my car....

Dough

[doughboyea]

A friend of mine from college, some of you may know him from the little flamming incident with drtye30, mentioned to me that I should give Acura a try. I know that some here have mentioned the RSX, aka girlie car, and that just didn't catch my attention. I just never got into the whole asian car market. Honda and Toyota just don't do it for me. Can't afford the really nice cars, Lexus, BMW, ect. So, I have to re-evaluate what I am going after. The tacoma would be the most utalitarian, however, dinan540 got me thinking about it (damn u ). So with my friend's suggestion, unwillingly I'll admit, I went to an Acura dealership.

Thier entry level sedan the TSX. Impressive is my first reaction when checking out thier standard features..... I must add that there is only one option and everthing else is standard, hence my reaction.

Right off the bat:
Pros. Long list of standard features, interior looks, warranty, price
Cons. Exterior looks, Performance
(The following pics are from edmunds.com, if pics don't work, blame edmunds.)
The exterior is ok. Nothing flashy, which is a good thing. It also doesn't look very aggressive. There are alot of straight lines and flat panels, seems like the way of cars nowadays. My personal prefrence is black (of course).




Black comes with a choice of tan or black (i think) interior. With the tan comes plastic molded wood grained trim and black has the plasticy aluminum look. Granted it's plastic, but looks good, not too shabby.

Interior is unreflective of the outside. There are curves abound. Controls have a good tactile feel. Gauges (my personal favorite area on most vehicles) are bright. You have the usual tach, speedo, fuel and water temp gauges. The lighting is a quiet blue backdrop with brighter with for the numbers and ring. Needles are red. Inbetween the tach and speedo is the 5th wheel of the group. This is where I get impressed. The display is a monochrome type of look, black background and grey digital display. It shows you pretty much what my E46 shows on it's OBC display, which I've gotten real used to over the years. Current MPG and cumelative MPG. Bluetooth integrated information display for incoming calls as well as vehicle mileage as well. Other information I've yet to test out.




Outside the cluster, the center dash looks similar to what you would find in a Lexus. At the very top are the same monochrome display from the gauges showing the temperature for the dual climate control system and time. Below are the usual vents and yes, the obvious navigation (a ~$2000 option). The radio/CD is integrated below the navigation and comes with a 6 CD changer. The total wattage of the system is 360. Not too bad really. At the very bottom comes the power port and cup for misc objects.

Between the seats, like some sort of promiscuius prom date, is the location of the 5sp automatic "tiptronic" transmission (6spd available). Behind it are the cup holders and interstingly enough, the armrest doubles as a hidding spot for an MP3 player hookup and power source.

The heated leather seats are smooth and comfy. I might also add that when set to max they are freakin hot (temp wise). Good for when you are in my area at this time of year.

Well now comes performance. Please understand that I'm comming from my 328i E46 so keep that in mind as I describe my feelings towards it. The TSX comes with just one engine. It's a 2.4L four cylinder v-tech (I know I know... ew.... the cursed word). Power is stated as 205hp and 164 ftlbs. Typical vtec power. Nothing impressive here. On the road, she doesn't boast much, the feeling of "YES" isn't there. However, at ~31mpg hwy on premium fuel is a major plus. Yes, its not Yugo or Mustang II, but comparing to my BMW (which is an unfair comparision) it lacks majorly. The FWD isn't felt as much as I thought it would. I didn't feel the torque steer I've felt with other FWD cars, but yet, it was proven still that it's just not a performance point.

OK, so what's standard?

Exterior
Power moonroof with tilt
Heated outside mirrors
17" aluminum wheels
Auto-off headlights
Body Colored Door handles
Seed sensing variable wipers
Dual outlet exhuast

Comfort
Dual zone automatic climate control system
Cruise Control
Power windows, doors, seats
Steering wheel controls (Cruise, Audio, PHONE, Multi-Function Display, and Voice Recognition)
Homelink
Tilt and Tele Steering wheel
Leather wrapped steering wheel
12-volt power outlets.... yes, that's more than one.

Interior
Sport seats with preforated leather trimmed interior
Driver's 8 way power seat, 4 way passanger
Heated Seats
60/40 split rear seats
Rear seat arm rest

"Advanced Technology"
360-watt sound system w/ 6 disc changer
XM radio
Handsfree wireless telephone interface
MP3 input jack

Instrumentation
LED Backlit gauges
Multi information display
"Maintenance Minder" System, much like what we have for our service intervals.
Auxiliary information display
Trip computer
Exterior temperature indicator
Illuminated igition, power window switches and steering wheel controls.

Safety
Dual stage front airbags
Front side with passanger detection
Side Curtain airbags
3 point seat belts for all passangers
4 wheel antilock brakes with brake assist
Vehicle stability assist with traction control
Xenon Headlights
Fog Lights
Tire Pressure Monitor system with location and pressure
Theft deterent system with immobilizer
Rear window defroster

Warranty
Basic: 4 year / 50,000 mi
Powertrain: 6 year / 70,000 mi
Rust: 5 year / unlimited mi

And for those of you who really get into numbers, here are a few more:

2.4L 16vlv Aluminum-alloy in-line 4-cylinder
205hp @ 7000rpm (typical Vtech)
164 lbft @ 4500rpm (again, typical vtech)
7100rpm redline
Drive by wire
Unit Body
4-wheel independent double wishbone front / multi-link rear
Stabilizer bar: 25.4mm front / 15mm rear
Steering: Torque sensing variable power assist rack and pinion
Steering Ratio: 14.8:1
Steering Turns, lock to lock: 2.7
Turning Dia.: 38.1 ft
Brakes: 4 wheel disc with ABS and Brake assist 11.8" vented front / 10.2" solid rear
17x7.0 aluminum-alloy
Fuel Consumption: Auto 22/31, Manual 22/30
Fuel Tank: 17.1 gal
Fuel Type: Premium 91-octane
Ground Clearence: 6.1 inches (better than my 1/4 inch)
Curb wieght: Automatic@3359 lbs, Manual@3271 lbs.
Weight Distrobution: Automatic 61/39, Manual 60/40

And a partridge in a Pear tree......blablablabla

WELL, that was a shit load of typing.

Overall I am really impressed. Now comes the price tag.

MSRP: $28,090.00
Availble Options: Navigation@$2,000 extra

Trade-in: $6,500

Final amount due for loan: $20,195.00
+tax and Doc fee ($1,413.65 + $250)

Approved with eloan.com @ 6.25% intrest rate

Comes to $425.13/mo for 60 months. No penalties, early repayment all good.

Looks good, opinions?

Dough

ps... lost feeling in index finger....

[craig]

do it

[doughboyea]

Originally Posted by craig

do it

I appreciate the post, but really, how the fuck did u read that so fast?

Dough

[witeshark]

I have to admit I'm impressed

[craig]

1: i saw acura. thats a good thing.

2: looked over the pictures. interior looks nice.

3: read the specs real quick. all looks good.

4: read the warrenty. freakin sweet.

5: checked the price. also very nice.

thats how i read it so fast. basicly, i didnt read anything you typed.

[doughboyea]

Well then, ok, maybe you should.... when you have time.

Dough