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Comments
That's exactly what I thought about that 7yr/100K deal. That's when you really need the warranty stuff too. Thought about not getting it, but my luck is not good. I just knew I'd lose the AC in July with 37K on the clock and it would cost me $1500 to fix.
I haven't had a new car since 1996. Bought the Chevy Blazer with 8K on the odometer from a private party. Can't believe the changes that have come about in that time. I could handle a new car all the time, but the payments!
Where in FL? I'm here in Fort Walton Beach. Toyota does really well here. Hope you find what you're looking for. Thanks for responding. CB
Did you only look in one state? Do I recall you ended up w/Black? What interior color does it have? I saw the Black w/Taupe interior and it was nice...haven't seen the Ash interior yet. I can't get off the Black even tho all my friends are warning me against it. I live in the woods and for 2 months a yr the pollen covers everything with yellow dust. But I'm tired of these "muddy" colored cars--want something dramatic.
Certainly intend to check it out this month is FL Happy NY. ellay
Got the Rav here in Fl. Didn't go outside the state except to scan prices on the net. I didn't think they had that many choices in this area. There were only a half dozen 08's and two 07's. Trucks are BIG here!
We got a certified 2007 Limited with 11.5K on the odometer. The color says Silver on the title, but think it's actually called Everglade Green. Color changes depending on the light. Interior is black and tan. Will be getting some rubber floor mats soon. The light tan mats/carpets they come with will be trashed within a month if not. Have also priced mud flaps but waiting on that. Haven't seen many black Ravs around here, mostly white, red, and the silver/green.
Hope your search is successful. CB
I've been a fan of this forum for a few months now, ever since I've started to look at the 2008 Rav4. I have a two part question for the forum, hopefully someone/s will have some insight.
FIRST QUESTION: BASIC FEATURES
I as told today that ALL Rav4 4x4 6cyl Base models come from the factory with the following equipment (which according to my research should be optional):
1. Cargo Net....................$112
2. Roof Rack...................$220
3. 17" wheels..................$440
4. Running Lights............$ 40
5. Towing Prep Package..$160
6. Towing Capacity Pkg...$277
Total .............................$981
I was told that they CANNOT order the base model from the factory without these.
"ALL V6 Baseline Rav4s come with this and that there is no way around it." Is this right? I must admit, I've never seen a Rav4 without the roof rack. Has anyone else purchased a 2008 Rav4 4x4 6cyl Base model without any of this stuff?
SECOND QUESTION:PRICE/DEAL
Even with the above added crap, the price quoted includes the following fees:
1. Destination charge.............$685
2. TDA (I have no idea)...........$475
3. Gas ?!?.............................$ 10
4. Holdback..........................$490
5. Wlsl. Financial Reserve.....$245
So, after all this "crap"?!? the price comes to $24,476 before the $1,411 for TTL,
which would make the price $25,887.
HOWEVER, he stated that he'd give me about $2,500 for my crappy trade in (which according to BlueBook is probably only really worth $2,000 in my opinion). So out the door price he quoted me was $23,388.
So although it seems to me that there is a lot of garbage in the options that I don't need or want and that there are other bogus charges in the second list (Gas?!? oh pah-LEASE!!!) -- it seems that this is still a very reasonable price for the 4x4 V6 Baseline model. So then...
Good Deal or Not?!?
What should I go back after, or just suck it up and go with it, OR "Dave are you crazy?!? THAT is a great deal!!"
Thanks for all the good advice.
Thanks - Dave in PA
Good luck.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Bob
John
roof rack (definitely wanted that)
DRLs (fine)
mudflaps (whatever)
tonneau cover/cargo net (worthless IMO)
CD changer (lukewarm on that, I have had trouble with changers in the past)
bumper applique (fine)
floor mats (fine)
cargo mat (probably a good thing)
tow prep package (definitely wanted that)
I had a choice of 2 Base V6s that were the only ones allocated to this very large dealer for February, both had the same stuff just different colors.
BTW what is a "towing capacity package"? I have not seen that in any literature anywhere. I am guessing a tow hitch (which isn't included in the tow prep packed IIRC)?
I think TDA is a Toyota advertising charge...most car companies are doing that now, some far worse than Toyota, which is a way of extracting money from you even if you pay "invoice" price...sorta like the phone company charging you a fee to collect the government fees on your bill...look at your phone bill if you don't believe me. And many are charging for gas too. Sad but true.
Frankly from what I have seen and heard your deal doesn't look too bad, not great but decent. Fact is, there isn't a lot of dealing out there on RAVs.
Having said that, I have no idea what that "financial reserve" thing is...
Thanks, Dave.
Let me shed some light on your second question regarding fees:
1. Destination charge.............$685
This is a valid fee. Everyone has to pay this.
2. TDA (I have no idea)...........$475
This is your regional Toyota dealer Association's group advertising fee. Most likely you will have to pay some or all of it. Possibly negotiable.
3. Gas ?!?.............................$ 10
Every car that I've ever bought had a free full tank of gas before I left the lot. Don't pay for this.
4. Holdback..........................$490 and Wlsl. Financial Reserve.....$245
Holdback is 2% and Wholesale Financial Reserve is 1% of the MSRP. Toyota's invoice is itemized in such a way that their base invoice is listed lower than the dealer invoice that you see on edmunds and everywhere else. When you add up Toyota's itemized listing (base invoice + holdback + WFR), it should equal exactly the dealer invoice price that you see on the internet.
For your case (Base, 4x4, V6), the dealer invoice, as listed on edmunds, is $22325 (without options). On Toyota's invoice, you should see the following:
base invoice = $21590
Holdback = $490
WFR = $245
---------------------------
Total dealer invoice = $22325 (this does NOT include destination, TTL and options)
Walk away if their listed base invoice + holdback + WFR is greater than $22325.
For comparison, I bought my RAV4 in late December (two weeks ago). My fees were:
1) Holdback = $491
2) WFR = $245
3) TDA = $330 (this ad fee is regional so yours will vary)
Also, for the optional features that are not really optional. Most RAV4s are shipped with these "options" as standard equipment. You just have to live with it or look for a different car. As for your listed "optional" equipment, the prices as MSRP. Here are the dealer invoices:
1. Cargo Net....................$112
I don't know about just cargo mat but Carpet Floor Mats/Cargo Mat invoice is $199(MSRP) and $126.00(invoice)
2. Roof Rack...................$220
Black Roof Rails & Crossbars invoice is $176.00
3. 17" wheels..................$440
17" 5-Spoke Aluminum Alloy Wheels invoice is $352
4. Running Lights............$ 40
Invoice is $32
5. Towing Prep Package..$160
Towing Prep Package - V6 3,500lb.
Towing Capacity - Includes Upgrade Radiator, Fan Coupling, Alternator, and Pre-Wiring
Invoice is $128
6. Towing Capacity Pkg...$277
I've never heard of this and don't think this is valid. You should understand what is in this package before accepting it.
I hope this info helps. Please see my earlier post, #1868, for exactly what I paid for my 08 Sport V6 FWD with "optional" equipments.
I bought a couple of weeks ago, Dec 28, so I was able to get a good deal because dealers were trying to meet their goals. Good times to buy are end of the month, end of the quarter and end of the year. I bought at the end of the year which is the best time to buy. Dealers will sell at a loss to meet their quota. Plus, here in San Diego, their are 8 Toyota dealerships within 30 miles.
The best time for you right now is the end of the month. Solicit as many quotes as possible to make it competitive. In my case, the deals were really coming in when I told them I was going to buy in a day or two. I would recommend doing all of the negotiation over phone/email. That way, when you arrive at the dealership, all you should do is test drive the actually car that you will be purchasing and sign the papers. That was my route.
Here's some more insight for you. Don't expect the dealers to give you at or below invoice this time of the year. The RAV4s are selling well and dealers really don't have as much of an incentive right now. Your best bet is the end of the month as dealers want to meet or exceed their January numbers from last year. Also, get your finances in order by knowing what your FICO score. Get pre-approval on auto loan rates at your bank, credit union or on the web so that you are not at the mercy of their financing. You can get a great deal on a car only to give it back through financing. I finalized the cost through email/phone, got pre-approved through my credit union, went to the dealership for a test drive and signed the paper works (in and out under an hour). Good luck and let me know how it finally turned out for you.
Purchasd on the last weekend of 2007
MSRP $23115 (incl. freight)
Invoice: $21267
From emailing a few dealer about their best Internet price: $21,500
Then I went to a local dealership. The price they printed out:
Invoice: $20,840
Advertising fee: $217
Holdback: $422 (2%)
Financing (interest to keep the car on the lot): $276
Gas: $10
Total: $21765
I was able to knock down the Holdback and Financing. I wasn't really sure about the advertising, but it's definitely not dealer's true cost. So the final
number is $21,000 including freight, then plus tags, tax, and processing fee ($389).
I think the true cost of dealer is $20840. So they still made a couple hundred dollars profit.
The negotiation didn't take long, because I was able to point out their real cost and I was ready to leave the spot when my expectation was not met.
Good luck
Paid $22,900 for the car (all but tax and title); about $25,000 out the door in CA.
Side note: I cannot believe some of the BS the first dealer I went to tried to pull. First, and always most annoying as a woman, was he kept asking about where my husband was (we had come in together to test drive the day before, but on the negotiating day my husband was working). When I challenged his figures, he pulled up Edmunds online to prove his point and "accidentally" pulled figures for the 4x4 model (then scrolled down so you couldn't see the header on the screen) which, duh, were higher. When I busted him on that and we pulled the model I was looking for, the figures were lower than his. So THEN he decides Edmunds isn't reliable. He also tried to tell me that a listing of the MSRPs for the car and options was the dealer invoice. Hello?!? We also test drove a Highlander and he led us to a parking lot with monster parking spaces (directing us to a specific one that we could drive straight into so it wasn't really parking) so we could see how the car fits nicely in a "standard" parking space. Several times he tried to muddy the waters by doing bizarre comparisons between sets of numbers that had nothing to do with each other. I started to get mad when he repeatedly accused me of going back on a deal even though I had made it explicit several times and from the beginning that I was shopping around for the best price and that I was willing to take the one they had on the lot for $22,300 (up from my initial $22,100 firm offer). I know they are trained and, over the years hone, all these manipulative devices, but it really was maddening! Oh, and his manager was pushing for me to finance even though I said from the beginning that we were paying cash. I'm so glad I didn't buy from him!
quote I got so far is $27,400 (OTD) matched MSRP, and they do have one in stock, so I might take a test drive this weekend.
Standard options, you know the ones, plus remote start I think it was ok. I was shooting for $26000.
what do you think?
O yea they charged me freight in addition.
DJ
Incredible information and experience sharing going on here. Thanks in advance for any input.
I'm looking at an '08 Rav4 Base V6 4x4 in the Seattle, WA area. Have done all discussions by email so far and am actively engaged with 5 dealers. Have managed to lower initial offers by over $1000 but still looking to get best deal. I don't mind creating a win-win situation, either. As long as I win more
Anyway, here's what I've been offered. By the way, I've got 3 dealers trying to sell me the exact same car(same VIN). They don't know this.
2008 Rav4 Base V6 4x4 Black
Factory Installed Accessories: FE CD DJ DR AW RL TO
Port Installed Accessories ..: Z1 EF MF
Invoice/Dealer Prices Below
Vehicle Base Model ($21,590)
50 State Emissions ($0)
Cargo Area Tonneau Cover with Multipurpose Cargo Net ($112)
AM/FM 6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer ($150)
Black Roof Rails & Crossbars ($176)
17" 5-Spoke Aluminum Alloy Wheels ($352)
Daytime Running Lights ($32)
Towing Prep Package - V6 3,500lb. ($128)
Preferred Accessory Package ($181)
Rear Bumper Applique ($50)
Mudguard ($60)
Total Accessories ($1241)
Destination Charge ($685)
TDA ($521)
Gasoline ($10)
Dealer Holdback ($490)
Wholesale Financial Reserve ($245)
Total ($24782)
Now, here are the 3 offers I've received for the same car above:
- Dealer #1: "Invoice + $800 + Tax and License" (initially we had "Invoice + $500" for another trim but that sold. Now he has to drive this one up from 200 miles away so added another $300)
- Dealer #2: "$25,782 + Tax and License"
- Dealer #3: "$25,447 + Tax and License"
Any thoughts on these prices?
In particular, I'm wondering about reducing the Holdback($490), Financial Reserve($245). From what I've read, TDA is pretty unavoidable(though I could try, of course). I also don't mind the $50 doc fee that they all add.
Thanks again!
Tom P.
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide,
Len
If you still have some local dealers left, I would try a lowball-ish offer just to see how low they will go. What worked for me was getting an at-invoice price (including advertising, destination, etc. and NOT subtracting holdback) from one dealer, which took a couple of hours of in-person negotiation at the dealership, then going to another dealer and asking for $500 less, which the first dealer I went to had rejected. It was quick and easy at the second place because I was able to say truthfully that if they couldn't give me my asking price, I felt like I had to go back to the first dealer on principle to negotiate up from that price. When the second dealer tried to negotiate, I just said "if you had spent 3 hours with a customer, wouldn't you want them to come back to you if they weren't able to get your asking price elsewhere?" That totally halted of all negotiation tactics on their end. Anyway, I figured if they wouldn't accept my offer either, then at-invoice or a little lower was a good deal. Personally, I prefer negotiating in person because I feel like the dealers can probably taste the sale a little more and might be willing to go a little lower. But that might be totally in my head.
Also, I find nickel and diming over the options prices, advertising, etc. to be tedious and time-consuming. I kept all that info in my head (thank you, Consumer Reports new car buying guide), but threw down total dollar amounts.
Another thought: Consumer Reports recommends starting your bid at the invoice-less-holdback price, but I think it's better to start bidding lower. Otherwise you would always be paying above invoice (unless they accept your initial offer).
I posted earlier on this thread, but I got a 2008 V6 2WD base model with the typical factory-installed options coming to about $1200 MSRP for $22,900 (not counting TTL) and dealer invoice (again, including holdback, so the "true" invoice is actually lower) was around $23,400. I feel like I got a good deal, but getting the second dealer to sell to me for $22,900 was pretty easy, which makes me think they would have gone lower. Unfortunately, it was a firm offer on my end.
I should also mention that I am in southern CA and I think I read somewhere that there are more RAV4s available here, which would obviously make it easier to get a lower price.
Good luck! I love my new car and hopefully you'll be driving one soon!!
so far one dealer wants $25,998 + tax & license. it comes with the tonneau cover, jbl, moonroof, floormats, and daytime running lights.
how does this deal sound? i'm a 1st time buyer.. :confuse:
Thanks
I am looking to buy a Rav4 and have looked at details on Edmunds (a bit inflexible to configure it exactly as you like); been to Cars.com; CarMax; and Toyota (to get high side price). Has anyone tried this? I'm really looking to avoid those dreadful lot lizards that take up so much of your time selling a car. I have bough and sold 5 houses in my lifetime with less hassle. Anyway, back to the issue at hand:
Here are two online prices I got and except for state tax , title, license what do you think?
#1 4x2 Rav4 Base 4cyl
Base $21,250
Delivery & Processing $685
AM/FM/CD/XM
Cargo tray
Mud Flaps
Hood protector
Tow receiver Hitch
4 speed auto
#2 4x4 Base same options $27,452. Likely I's go 4x2 with 4cly.
I am in west NJ about 60 miles due east of Allentown PA.
Your thoughts are appreciated.
Just a follow up: Wound up purchasing my RAV4 4x4 V6 this last weekend.
Figuring about $1,500 for my crappy trade in, the OTD price was about $24,850.
4.5 APR for 36 months was the worst part...
Best Wishes,
Dave
I tried to buy in Dec2007 to take advantage of the year-end motivated sellers, but didn't' feel that I could get an offer I was happy with).
My offer, incl option A is $22700 (about $200 less than costco price)
The MSRP is $24054
2008 RAV4 4x4 2.4L $22700
Option A includes:
- cargo area tonneau cover w/cargo net & support poles
- black roof rails & crossbars
- 17" 5-spoke styled steel wheels, spare tire on 17" wheel
- daytime running lights
- carpet floor mats/cargo mat
Please let me know what you think, considering this is the 2008 model.
I think I should have asked for ~$21700.
2008 RAV4 Base front wheel drive
Engine: 2.4L DOHC 4-Cylinder
4-cylinder 166 hp engine with 2.4-liter displacement, dual overhead cam valvetrain
Transmission: Electronic 4-Speed Automatic
Tires: P225/65R17H
Heavy Duty tires with 225mm width, 17.0" rim
Wheels: 17 in. Alloy $448
Seats and Seat Trim STD
Front Bucket Seats STD
Cloth Rafima D Seat Trim STD
Radio: AM/FM CD Player STD
2.923 Axle Ratio
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4,430 lbs
Monotone Paint Application STD
Tube Steps $279
Cargo Tray $69
Mudguards $60
Manufacturer's Destination Charge $685
$21,837 Final
Plus NJ 7% Tax
NJ title & Registration extra
What say ye?
Thanks.
P.S. They get a local dealer to accept the price so I don't have to go too far to get the car. The internet folks said there may be other cars close but may have additional features which would cost more. I told them no way. This way or I hit the highway. With tax and title is should be somewhere under $24,000.
The price sounds pretty good to me (equivalenbt to what I've been offered for my AWD--after 3 dealerships, but I'm not sure if I should have done better).
I'll use that before I buy. From what I have been hearing I should wait until the end of year models start selling. The prices should be down a bit and they should want to get the old '08's off the lot. I am lucky so far, I don't need it for a few months as long as my present (paid up) car keeps running! I think the dealers charge way too much for XM Radio, I'll get it installed by Circuit City instead. :shades:
1. Anywhere in gulf state, (Texas is one of them), their distributor add on extra "cosmatic" on Rav4 and so, the price is higher (I think and it's logical). Edmund invoice price isn't reflecting that. So, don't border to tell the dealer here about Edmund, they told me the price isn't correct.
2. Not too many limited 4x4 v6 in the area. In fact, as per my conversation with a dealership yesterday in Texas (600 miles away), there is no limited v6 4x4 without leather in the entire Texas area. If order one, may take more than 5 months time. That's how long they order one for their customer from NM.
3. I think based on the above facts, dealers here pretty much not open for negotiation. Take it or leave it attitude. This is for Limited v6 4x4... They don't worry to keep the car.
4. Oh, one important point, I was told from a dealer in KS. Rav4 purchased from gulf states, due to the changes made from distributor, be aware the warranty may not fully covered outside Gulf distict. This is not important if you're car isn't going outside Gulf distict.
Ok, I'm closing up my buying project. I almost check prices in all the states. To get good prices for 2007 limited... go CA, San Francisco. I've got a good offer for black 2007 limited 4x4 v6, leather roof... fully loaded for $26.5K + ttl. But can't stand black color for the next 10/15 years...
I'm ordering my car from KS for $27, 300+change + ttl + shiping. It's a Rav4 2008 limited 4x4 v6 with moonroof, JBL, tow prep package, day running light. Shipping is around $500-600. It's better than the only car they have in Texas with 1000miles and wanting $27,800 (600 miles away).
I will be a happy lady after I put my order in this afternoon.
I'm in the suburban Atlanta area market but general tips for the U.S. market in a general sense will still be very helpful.
For anyone in Atlanta, is there a dealership you would recommend?
Are there many 2007's still out there? Generally speaking, are the prior year models typically gone by end January or later?
I'm not interested in any particular options, although I realize I'll have to take what's on the lot for the 2007's. Do I have better bargaining power with the options on the 2007's because they are not a big plus for me?
Thank you!
Madison
$21700 before tax and reg
How did I do?
daytime running lights
roof rails crossbars
carpet/cargo mats
wheel locks
tow prep package
tonneau cover
MSRP = 26,060
I'm thinking this is a good deal, but the car has 565 miles on it. I know 465 were from driving it from New Holland PA dealer to Baltimore MD dealer and then to Charleston WV dealer. The other 100 - test drives???
First time buying a car. Seems like a good deal even with the mileage???
Are there ever any incentives or rebates for Rav4s?
Thanks for your help!
About AAA, never tried. Just don't know they sell cars.
The deal I have now is quite good, I'm happy.
Thanks