Toyota Sequoia Prices Paid and Buying Experience

stevek80

Hey KatZat.. Did you ever find out if the bogus regional advertising fee is for real? I just got that line from dealer number 2.. He said he would do $500 over invoice and then came in $1,000 over Edmunds invoice. He said every dealer will charge this fee. I'm starting to make my call now to check.. but thought I'd ask you too.. What part of the country do you live in.. I'm in the North East..

katzat

Steve, the Sequoia I recently ordered was the second new vehicle I have purchased by researching the invoice cost of the vehicle and options I wanted. The regional advertising fee has been present on the invoice in both cases. The first new vehicle I bought was a ’96 Volvo 850, and the advertising fee was roughly $300 in that case as well.

Based on my experience (I personally reviewed the invoice on the Volvo) this fee is real and inevitable. If the dealership waives it, that would be unusual. He’s more likely to simply sell you the truck for what he considers roughly $200 over invoice, which will calculate to roughly $500 over the invoice price you calculate from Edmunds.

In both of my cases, I was pleased with the roughly $800 over dealer invoice that I calculated and just bought the vehicles. For me, it beats bending the poor guy over for what is generally less than ¾% on a purchase of this magnitude – particularly if I never have to set foot in the dealership until I pick up the truck

I live (and purchased the Sequoia) in the Chicagoland area. The advertising fee for my truck was around $300, which made the price of the truck a little more than $800 over the Edmunds published invoice.

BTW, I have still not taken delivery of the truck as the option combination I ordered will take 4 months to build based on the Toyota production schedule. The dealership called this weekend to tell me that the truck will be delivered on or before January 25, ’04. I ordered the truck the last week of September – I’m getting antsy.

bangddrum

I bought my 2004 Sequoia exactly one month ago. The invoice price was $33,150, MRSP $37,800 something. I was at the dealership negotiating the price with the sales guy and his manager for about 7 hours. My wife and I at one point left the dealership to a nearby restaurant to have dinner. They eventually gave me my asking price, $32,150, exactly one thousand dollars below invoice. My Sequoia has all the options that a limited has, except for leather seats and the DVD entertainment. I can safely say that the 7 hours my wife and I spent at the dealership was not a complete waste.

maria2324

I'm dealing on a 03 limited new, but has 3300 miles as a demo. MSRP is 47,167, invoice is 42,400. Went in w/ 40,000 offer. I budged to 40,500 but they are at 41,000. Not sure about what the car is worth as a demo, or if they get any $$ back from toyota. Please help!

gkatz1

You're on a site that can tell you how much its worth. It has 3300 miles so it is used.

You want help but you don't even tell us if its 4 or 2wd? Also you dont say what options it has?

But anyway, it took me one minute to calculate a used 4wd Limited with most options being dealer retail at $42,952. Certified is more.

stevek80

Invoice on a NEW 2004 Limitted Sequoia with everything except any rear audio/video is $40,734. Most dealers said they would accept $500 over invoice.. one guy wanted another $500 for advertising. That's $41,734 for a 2004. I believe Toyota was offering a $1,000 rebate on the 2003's so a new 2003 would be $40,734.. Deduct for being "used" and $40K would make logical sense. What part of the country do you live in? I may be able to help..

maria2324

Sequioa I'm looking at has SR,GY,QA,HY,EJ,RF,RL,BN for options and is a 4x4.
I'm in WA state.

stevek80

If you were on the east coast I could help you more.. New I was looking at $41,700. They want $41K for a used one.. $700 for one year older car and it was a demo.. Your call. How much do they want for a new car? Would you be willing to pay $700 more to get a new one if they offered it to you? Did you do the.."that's my final offer" trick yet? 8-) If it was me I wouldn't give them $41K.. I know they can do better.. Do you have another dealer in your area. Call them up.. tell them what your looking for (describe the used car you've seen.. leave out an option just so it doesn't look obvious) and see if they can find it for you.. Offer them what you want to pay and see what they can do..

tdoma

I am looking for a 2004 SR5 4x2 with the following options:
CQ
AH
SR
5A
KE
CF
LF
DR
EJ
HY
GY.
Any poniters on cost over invoice?
I almost signed a sales agreement on a '02 SR5 for $27K, which is about $6K below invoice for a brand new Seq. I was supposed to pick up the used truck on Friday. So I would be very grateful if I get some feedback before then. FYI. I am trying to close on the purchase by Dec 31st at the most, so I can take advantage of TAX Code 179. If necessary you can email me doma@care.org with any referrals in the ATL. How much have folks been paying over invoice, so I can use that as a guideline. Are there any incentives for non-military folks on the Seq?

blockislandguy

Marie2324, just repeat as a mantra, "New is new. Model Year 2003 with miles on it is used." Say this 100 times and you will be driving a used Seqoia for less than what a new one goes for. You aren;t there yet if you describe this car or any MY2003 as "new" and offer close to invoice on a 2004 for a used 2003.

tdoma

This is just an update on my earlier post on this issue. I found a deal in Metro Atlanta, @ CobbCountyToyota.com. They sold me an SR5 with leather, AH, CQ,DR,EJ,FE,LF AND RL FOR $32675.00 + $396.00 Admin fee and taxes. I also had them throw in a cargo cover and cargo net for the above price.

katzat

Do yourself a favor and humor me. Go to the new car pricing guide here on Edmunds and select the options you want on a NEW ’04 Limited along with the color you like. When you have completed this there will be an option to request quotes from local dealerships for the exact vehicle you want(>Get Dealer Quotes). Click it and select a bunch of the local dealerships to send your full FRQ (Request for Quotation) to them. Within a couple of days you will receive quotes for the new truck. I bet they will all be quoted at $500 over invoice, which as I have posted before, will equate to roughly $800 over the Edmunds invoice price because of the regional advertising fee. With the options you listed this will equate to less than $42,000 ($41,800 probably). This will be a very good deal. If you want the truck -- buy it. There is no need to negotiate further or bend the poor dealership over for another couple hundred dollars. The dealership keeps the commission (no need to share it with a salesman) and you don’t even have to set foot on the lot until you pick up the truck.

BTW, for a REALLY new ’03 with the options you specified, the price would come out to about $41,500, if they weren’t so motivated to rid themselves of the last ’03 in existence. Add in the $1,000 dealer incentive to move this last truck, and I’ll bet you should be able to find it (if it still exists at this late date) for $40,500. I wouldn’t pay a penny more than this ($40,500) for a brand new ’03 Limited. And considering that the used vehicle you were quoted has been driven by who knows what and has lost nearly 10% of the mileage warrantee, I wouldn’t consider it. If you bought the truck new and used it for 3,300 miles (treating it gingerly) you would take a $5,000 hit on the depreciation yourself. As far as I am concerned the dealership should find another sucker for that truck.

If you can afford the roughly $42,000, buy the ’04 through the internet and save yourself the trouble and grief of even talking to a salesman. The internet sales folks are great to deal with and you don’t even have to step into the dealership until you pick up the vehicle. The dealership internet and fleet sales folks are not the same pencil mustached creeps that roam the lots looking for whom they may devour. Interestingly, many dealerships don’t even have an internet sales/fleet department, but if you live in a populated area at least a couple of the local Toyota dealerships will have one. If they don’t have the exact truck you want they will find it locally and have it delivered to their lot for you. If it doesn’t exist locally, then they will order it and you may have to wait 8-12 weeks (or more in my case) for it. Be patient and get a great deal on exactly what you want.

I own a business and do a lot of corporate negotiations. The shenanigans that the trained automotive “sales professionals” pull on the dealership lots is more than even I can bear. What with the feigned look of a wounded child and the countless trips back to the manager when you budged to $40,500. I bet they even asked you to sigh your initials on a sheet of paper when you offered them the $40,500 only to reject it. Not all sales departments are like this, but the first dealership I visited was, and I am happy not to be doing business with them.

tdoma

In the past couple of days I have seen dealers in the Metro Atlanta area advertising Limiteds 4x2 for $36888, before taxes and fees.
Try sandyspringstoyota.com
    cobbcountytoyota.com
    mariettatoyota.com

mca2

I just purchased a 04 Limited for $40,200 out the door. The it included JBL Premium ETR/Cass/6 CD Changer w/10, Daytime Running Lights System, Driver & Passenger Curtain & Side Airbags, and that Toyo Guard. I went to 4 dealers and 6 hours to hammer this deal out. Good deal?

teamgomez

500 over invoice in San Diego for a LTD Pearl Grey (but his invoice also had 250 in mats which I don't see as an option...). Just walked in on 31 Dec...was on my way to buy a yukon...couldn't resist!

stevek80

I need some help and some ideas what to do.. I got a price from a dealer for $37,299. 2004 Limitted Sequoia, Curtain and side airbags, Rear Load Leveling Suspension, 6 disc CD, Rear spoiler and daytime running lights.. Yea I know it's a great price. I e-mailed him to verify it was a 2004 Limitted Sequoia and he said yes. Had the wife test drive it and a week later I called him to set the deal. He said no need to come into the store he took my Credit card number as a binder and faxed over an order form listing our options and price. Now, a week later I just got an e-mail where he's saying he made a small mistake and he's sorry.. He priced out a 4-Runner and wants $41,805 for the truck. Said the general manager had to sign off on the deal and he caught the "mistake" in price. I just sent him an e-mail saying he has to do better than "I'm sorry".. Any other options? What a way to bring in the New Year..

gkatz1

Blatant bait and switch. Tell them you're not doing business with them.

stevek80

I thought the same thing and I can always walk away.. BUT.. How can I turn this against them or in my favor. We plan on buying the truck.. not necessarily from them but we plan on buying it somplace. The best price I've found besides them is $1,000 over invoice. $500 mark up and $500 advertising bull. $41,700.. I'm going to turn the screws and see what squeeks out. I don't know if I have legal recourse because he did accept a binder but would I ever see the truck if we followed that path.. I don't know.. But I'm not done with them yet..!

stever

Even better, tell your local Consumer Protection agency what happened. They usually are an arm of your state's Attorney General's office.

Steve, Host

stevek80

Does anyone know if there are any differences? I found a dealer that has 3 2003 in our color. Trying to find out what's in them options wise. Any differences or things that changed between the years?

stevek80

Guy's on vacation so I'll have to wait till Monday. I checked with my CC company and they charged me $300 as a binder. It's still on my card. Since money changed hands I'm thinking they should be locked in.. right? Any attorneys out there?

stevek80

While shopping around waitting to find out what's going to happen with the "bait & switch" guy I found a 2003 with all our options plus rear audio which we don't want. $40,999. The best price (other than the bait guy) is $41,700. I'm thinking a 2004 is worth $700 over a 2003.. any thoughts?

z71bill

Its not a completed contract. An order form that lists options and price is not a contract. Even if they had faxed you a contract - unless it was signed by a person that has the authority to do so - it still would not be valid. In other words - the oil change guy - can't bind the dealership. If you had a contract and it was signed by a sales manager -you would be in much better shape.

IMO - if you did push this thing to court you would loose.

Your options depend -

Is this really an honest mistake? or Is the dealership really trying to pull one over on you?

If the dealership made an honest mistake - maybe they would be willing to sell you the truck at cost. Calculate the true vehicle cost (including deducting holdback) tell them you think they should keep their original deal and if they refuse - offer to pay them their cost on the truck. That way they don't loose anything - and they gain a happy customer.

If they really are a dishonest dealership - just get your money back move on to the next best deal.

stevek80

How do I calculate "holdback" money? Would cost be invoice minus holdback? Does the $500 advertising bull also play into the cost price?

shopping2day

I am also in San Diego and trying to decide on a Yukon or Sequoia. Where did you get that great deal? Mossy?

rosaluma

Was that price out the door?
I'm looking at a SR5 with AG, EJ, CQ, KE, DR, RL.
I've got a V6 2WD 2001 Highlander with 30k miles for trade in. Should I sell the Highlander myself? Not too many used ones available on the market.

stever

Dealer Holdback

Steve, Host

stevek80

Update: Not sure but at least they are standing up to their mistake. Limitted with EJ, GY, HY, QA, RF, RL. Invoiced at $40,926.. They offered it to me for $41,000. Also said he would throw in the carpeted floor mats for free. If they can get it without the rear audio (like we want) then we'll get back the $192. Not a GREAT deal but an honest one..

teamgomez

gkatz1

I just got through trading my 2002 SR5 for a 2004 Limited. I'm glad I had the Sequoia to trade since it had a real good resale. I got the new one for pretty close to invoice, the best that I could see from research here. I'll give you all details later.

bangddrum

I paid about $35,000 out the door for my 2004 2wd Sequoia. I bought it in California so taxes and registration drove the price up. It is loaded except for leather seat and DVD entertainment. I don't like trading in and I had never traded in a car but that is an individual preference. Do what you're comfortable with. It is best to sell your own car but some people don't like the hassle that goes with it.

rosaluma

I'm in the North Bay and have been shopping hard for the same car you have purchased. I am willing to drive a distance for the right deal. Who did you work with?

gkatz1

I'm not a fan of trading either, however, I noticed that my Sequoia only had about a $1500 difference between trade and private resale values. So, trading it for the 04 left me with a sales tax on $12,000 instead of $41,000. That's $600 in tax when trading, $2050 when selling private and buying the 04. So, for me it was a no-brainer. We have a 5% sales tax here in MA.

rosaluma

Thanks gkatz...the '01 Highlander looks about the same situation as your deal. I've got two kids still in car seats and don't want to have to prep the car more than once...trading in.

gkatz1

Make sure you go armed with the info on what yours is worth. Used Highlanders are in demand and they get good money for them, especially if they're in excellent shape.

bangddrum

I am not sure what I kind of information I am allowed to share here. I thought I read somewhere that we cannot promote or solicit. Let me review the terms of agreement before I share with you the name of the dealership. Any thoughts on this from other members?

rosaluma

Thank you for your ethical response. My understanding is that you can offer Dealership Name and location ONLY. No salesperson names. I have since received an internet offer of $32,550 ($800 over invoice) on the car I want. They requested credit card number for deposit. Let's see how it shakes out.

426hemi1

Well it took quite a bit of haggling around the NYC area to get a good deal on an 04 LTD. I finally made a deal on a 4x4, dvd, spoiler, side airbags, running lights, floor mats and 6 disk for 42500 (approx 800 over Edmunds invoice). The other car I was considering was a Suburban which was at a great deal due to some incentives they sent me to help me switch from my Expedition.

So by me committing to my new truck that will virtually lock a complete redesign for next model year!

Also does anyone know if there is much variation in the Edmunds invoice on this truck? Many dealers told me that number is no way correct (although I admittedly trust them last).

mr21

Bill Wright Toyota in Bakersfield will special order vehicles for you. I ordered a 2004 SR5 (4x2) with leather but not the moonroof or DVD system. SR5s in SoCal normally only come with cloth seats from the factory and I didn't want the aftermarket leather.
I placed the order 12/3/03 and it should arrive around 1/16/04. I had a good experience with them.

stever

The dealer posting rules are at the top of the discussion. Mostly we ask that you don't post individual names and contact info - that helps discourage the shill posts. Thanks,

Steve, Host

gkatz1

Edmunds price is close, but they leave out the advertising charge, which is over $500 (I've never had any luck getting rid of it either). Edmunds price was $40,926, for my LTD. I think I ended up paying $41,600. I tried another site and their invoice was right on my price. So, my opinion is that if you can get within $500, like they say, you're doing good. I'm pretty sure I'm within $100 of invoice. I'll crunch the numbers again when I pick up the truck and sign for everything.

bangddrum

thanks Steve, I was looking everywhere but the top of the discussion. I got my '04 Sequoia from Frontier Toyota in Valencia, California. The price was $32150, $1000.00 below invoice.

sioktong04

This is my first time here but i always check this forum , me and my wife decide to look for sequoia sr5 2wd i look around here in florida, but the price is to high . the options i want as follow ( CQAT,SPECIAL PACKAGE(EXT1d6) with BBS wheel,toyo package xy70,DRAT,EJAT,KE10,LFAT,PGAT,PV50,CX90,GYAT,SRAT,CF10).we still looking for the truck, but my question is this a good option for that truck,can anyone give a clue or help, the price we are consider is around 37,000.out the door

buck100

I have been in contact with a dealer and he has offered to order a 2004 Limited 4WD Sequoia for me. Options are: GY, HY, EJ, RF, RL. I told him I am ready to order at 500.00 over invoice. He said he could order at 800.00 over invoice. His invoice price is 40,963 which includes destination charge and advertising fee. Anyone think I should go with this offer and try getting him lower? Also, being a small business owner which would be better, leasing or financing?

stevek80

Where are you located? He's offering you $41,763? That's not too bad..

faithp

I need advice in pricing of what to expect at the dealership in the FLorida area. CUrrently have a 2003 SR5 and am wanting to trade for a 2004 limited with DVD & sunroof.... any advice on what to expect???

stevek80

Don't expect open arms.. Do your homework here first. You can get an idea of what it's worth as a trade in so your not surprised when you get there..

tishh1

My husband and I just bought a 2004 Limited (4X2) and I think we paid too much? Too late now, all papers are signed, truck should be delivered by Friday. I don't know all the codes but these are the options that were listed: Door sill protectors, rear and trunk mats, floor mats, Premium 6 disk changer, Driver and Pasenger side curtain air bage, Daytime running lights, Power Inv DVD, sealant protecion package, wood grain (molded dash), rear spoiler, hitch ball mount. It is grey with oak leather int.

The purchase price was $42,996.00 + tax, title, and license.

The dealer would not budge on the price and my husband was tired of shopping...he just wanted to get it over, so we bought it.

How bad did we do?

Thanks

gkatz1

I'm not positive, but it sounds like you paid 4X4 price. Mine was $500 less is a 4x4 LTD with everything including, load leveling suspension, rear audio, JBL 6 chng, curtain bags, DRL's, convenience, preferred accesory, r. spoiler and accesory front skid plate. No DVD though.

stakeout

the deal shouldn't be complete until you sign the delivery acceptance paperw*rk when you receive the truck..

the most you should have invested upfront is the small deposit.. if the price is that bad walk away from it... any reputable dealer will return the deposit.. if they don't the deal wasn't good to begin with.. find another dealer..

sounds like you are putting the cart before the horse... you should check out the invoice prices on Edmunds first, then talk price with dealers..