Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

bhjunk

I'm looking for a good deal in San Diego. Anyone have input on dealers? I'm in the middle of the Internet quote route. All I get is phone calls asking me to come in and see their price.

Here's what I'm looking for:

4x2 Double Cab PreRunner 3.4L V6 4 Speed Automatic

Delivery Handling and Processing Fee:

Options:
SR5 Package w/Colorkeyed Pckg, Power Windows, Locks, 50 State Emissions, Cruise Control, Air Conditioner -CFC Free, 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes

Accessories: None

raybear

I don't think you'll find one to those specs. I checked an offer from my files and came up with the LX package, SR5 w/ Chrome, ABS, Power Package, CF carpeted floor mats, WR sliding rear window, and OF Toyota Racing Development Offroad Package. The dealer bid $24,900 on a 4WD. Figure you could save on the 2WD but figure more options are likely, though you're not too far off, just some accessories and the Chrome Package instead of Color-Keyed Package. Who knows, maybe they're shipping some in now.

Where's Dianne when you need her?

briancorr

bhjunk, I have a doublecab prerunner with TRD, colorkeyed package, SR5, cruise, power windows/mirrors, bed liner, towing package, running boards, sliding rear window. No ABS though. Purchased in Dallas in Nov. Sticker was $24300. Was able to negotiate down off sticker about 2 grand with a 1 year old trade in (jeep).

bhjunk

After talking to a few dealers, the only SR5 configuration they are receiving in San Diego has the following accessories:
FE - 50 state
RL - Daytime Running Lights
CL - Speed Control
GO - Cargo Net
AA - Aluminum Wheels
WR - Sliding Rear Window
LX - SR5 Chrome Package
PP - Power Package w/Mirrors
CF - Floor Mats
MSRP - $22,397 (kbb and Edmunds say $22,497)
Invoice - $20,356
True Market Value - $21,103

ABS is difficult to get in this region.

Here is my review of dealers I've sent inquiries to so far:
Poway Toyota
Prompt Phone call and Email quote - $21,519

Pacific Beach Toyota
Quoted MSRP $22,397.
Wouldn't come down at all even with Internet pricing.
Two empty emails and a phone call.

Kearny Mesa Toyota
Model 7188 - $ 22,907 MSRP
No email reply. Only a phone call.
I'm not clear what features are included for the extra price.
I have to go in person to get "Costco" price.

Toyota of Escondido
Received email from Autobytel. Playing phone tag.

I haven't received email from any others. I have received phone calls from most and am playing phone tag with them. (Precisely what the Internet is supposed to prevent)

bsparx

I passed 10,000 miles in my Double Cab prerunner over the weekend. Holding true at about 19.1 mpg. 1 problem so far: the lens keeps falling off the dome light. My local dealer (not even where I bought it) oredered me a whole new assembly. They didn't even question as to whether I bought it there, or act as if I should pay. I'm completely sold on this truck & Toyota quality.

By 10K miles in my Dodge Dak. QC, I had had 3 recalls, 4 visits for a TSB they couldn't fix that had to do with the front wheel grinding, was averaging 11.4 mpg., and was paying $45 more per month. (Not to mention $100 more in gas, easy - I drive 20K miles a year.)

Ben

raybear

Try a few of the other services also. What's carsdirect quoting? There are some LA and Riverside dealers who may be more agressive in pricing, though it would have to be worth the trip. Give Escondido a chance, the internet guy there is John Holmgren, decent fellow.

bhjunk

I have talked to most fleet managers in San Diego. It looks like I'll be getting the Prerunner Doublecab SR5 w/o Off-Road in Lunar Mist for $21,519. Most of the quotes came in between $907 to $1000 over invoice.
carsdirect.com is quoting MSRP. Invoice on this is $20,612.

ethuresson

bsparx obviously had a terrible time with his QC, it sounds to me like his dealer really exaccerbated(sp) the pain. Just as a counterpoint, my 01 QC 4x4 has been trouble free (granted only 1500 miles) and I was lucky enough to get a good dealer. I sold a GREAT 90 toyota p/u to get the DakotaQC.

Having owned both, like bsparx, I would say if reliability is issue #1, get the Toyota even though my Dodge experience has been favorable so far. I not only liked the extra size and styling and ride quality of the Dodge, the Toyota salesmen were A-holes, I couldn't bear to look at the SAME dashboard that was on my 90 toy for another 10 yrs, and actually the fit and finish of the Dodge was nicer, believe it or not. As for gas mileage, my 4.7L V8 is averaging 14mpg 50/50 city hgwy, improving sloooowwwwwly. (truck is FAST though). Happy truck buying...

ebbgreatdane

Would you believe I live in Nor Cal but my 1985 Toy's license plate frame still says:

Happy Owners of a Kearny Mesa Toyota!

They were jerks then too. Small world I guess. This is off this topic's discussion but none of the other forum are discussing price. We just finalized our offer for $22,375 for:

Tacoma Xtracab 4X4
V6
5spd Manual
LX - SR5 (CH Chrome, Premium Sound, Tach, clock, tilt, RH visor vanity, Air)
PP - Power Package with mirrors
OF - Off Road TRD Package (includes AA Wheels, diff locker, shocks and tuned suspension)
FB - 4Hi Selector Switch
AB - ABS
CL - Cruise (BTW Cruise = Speed Control. It's a typo in Edmunds review)
BU - Bucket Seats
WR - Sliding Rear Window

bhjunk

I will be getting the Prerunner DoubleCab SR5 w/o Off-Road package soon. I'm still trying to get the best delivery date. I am looking for suggestions on running boards vs. steps. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting them from an aftermarket shop. Which one has the lower step? Any suggestions on manufactures?

My fiancee is only 5' tall which makes getting in and out difficult. I'm 6'6" which makes looking for cars quite humorous. I can't fit me head into most vehicles, she can't even climb into this one.

flugie

Looking for a 4wd double cab nicely equipped. My local dealer quoted me $1000.00 below sticker which left me at $26,000.00.

No trade...out right purchase....Sound good?

raybear

Not really, but it depends on where you are.

ahardcastle

Has any one had experience with after market sliding sunroof (SAC or others) in Toyota double cab or extended cab.

Also, does changing the shocks really improve ride on double cab TRY?

danyboy1

I had my Dcab for 2 weeks now and noticed that it doesn't have intermittent wipers. looked at my window sticker and it says that it should have them. I looked at others at the dealer and they have them. the dealer says that they have to talk to the toyota rep.is there anyone out there with this problem.

rsims1

Have a 2001 DC with a Snug Top shell...has anyone found a good way to mount roof racks, either on the truck or the shell?
thanks,
Rick

bhjunk

I finally got one last night. We settled on a white SR5 w/off-road. We got it for $500 over invoice ($21,449) at Escondido Toyota. The deal on the silver w/o off-road was $907 over invoice (21,519) at Poway Toyota. I played the go to the dealer at the end of the day game. They all wanted to go home so they were quicker to strike a deal. We got out of there at 11pm.

The ride is a bit stiff. I test drove the finance manager's demo car which did not have off-road and had Bridgestone tires. It rode much smoother. When it comes time to change the tires, I'll take a look at putting Bridestones or something smoother riding on mine.

bsparx

Thule feet from the '00 4runner work great on the cab. That way you don't have to drill your sung top. I actually got more spread between the racks on my DC than you get on the 4runner because the back doors are square at the top instead of narrowed. The racks don't seem to be affecting mpg much either. I have almost 11K miles and get about 19 with the racks and 19.5 without - prerunner V6.

Ben

raybear

Who was the salesman?

The OF has a stiffer suspension, changing tires may no make much difference. Glad you got a good deal.

bhjunk

The salesperson was Eddie. The asst. sales mgr was Tim. I didn't like Tim at all. I spoke with John Holmgren over the phone, but he was only selling for $1000 over invoice and wasn't interested in selling for any less. I know the sales guys incentives are tied to their volume and would be more eager to move the truck off their lot ASAP. We were holding out this long to get Silver. After seeing and driving the white one last night, my fiancee fell in love and we got it.

This ride is already driving me nuts. I may look into the Rancho shocks people have been talking about.

raybear

That's funny! John should be beating the rank-and-file guys hands down! His loss.

briancorr

You may check into Old Man Emu suspension systems. They have the front parts out now and should be releasing the rear parts (for the 2001) by June or July. You can do an entire system and get about 2.5" lift. Everyone I have talked to has said this system rides better than stock. You may also want to just look at their shocks for improving the ride.
Ranchos will most likely ride stiffer than stock unless you get the 9000's, which are adjustable. But last time I checked, they didn't have the 9000's for the front.

kcowboy

I'm thinking about getting a new loaded V6 2WD DoubleCab, I'm debating about getting it with the TRD package or without. I do want the diff. locks though, but that is a option that can be added without the TRD. I'm just curious can anyone tell which offers the better ride and is the TRD worth the extra price. I've read where some people think the TRD is too stiff, but living in Louisiana the roads can be a little rough. Are the stock shocks that come without the TRD to soft.

raybear

differential locks without the TRD package.

bsparx

I bought mine w/o TRD. I didn't like the TRD shocks or the BFG tires (I live in a rainy area and they hydroplane a bit) or the locker. It seems like a lot to pay for the locker & some stickers when it comes down to it.

I put Rancho 5000's all around and an Auburn Gear LSD - total cost about $1200. I like the result much better than the TRD package and I think the Bridgestone Duelers handle & wear better and get better MPG.

Ben

kcowboy

You can get differential locks without the TRD. I test drove one the other day. This site here also mentions it as a separate option when you price vehicle with options. Of course, if you get the TRD package it comes with it.

jyd2

I am seriously considering buying a Tacoma Double-Cab, but had a question about the bed size. Has anyone tried to fit a bicycle (mountain bike size) in the back of the truck? Do you feel that a bike would fit easily or would I need to take off the front tire every time i put it in the truck? I ride quite frequently and I would probably rather get the x-tra cab instead of the double cab if a bike is a hassle to fit in the smaller bed of the double cab. Any feedback is appreciated.

mbatchelor

A friend of mine has a Double cab and carries mountain bikes with no problem. He has a bike rack crossbar in the bed. He does have to take the front wheel off the bike for mounting to the crossbar. The tailgate will close in this configuration. The tailgate has to be open when carrying bikes with the front wheel still attached.

lad10der

The bed on the Toyota double cab is 5'1" long. You should be able to fit a mountain bike in the bed without taking the front tire off if you lay the bike on its side and turn the front wheel so that it is vertical.

ebbgreatdane

Um...unfortunately some people pay more for their all aluminum mountain bikes than they would for a motorcycle. Laying it down would be sacriligeous.

You should have no problems keeping the tire on, and getting the convenience package from Toyota which includes the ever so needed bed extender.

Happy Biking,
John

boxsterjbc1

any thoughts on this fee I was hit with that I wasn't expecting to pay when I sat down to negotiate. Kind of like a hidden fee. This fee has never before been disclosed before in previous my car buying experiences. I was sitting down with a verbal offer at % over invoice, about 600. over. wasn't happy about this fee and am willing to shop around to see if this is the way it is in the S.. Bay area. Anyone else seen this fee? Thanks John

raybear

Six hundred seems high. I have invoices on file and none are that bad until you hit Land Cruiser prices.

ebbgreatdane

Marketing fees....oh boy. Seems like they vary depending on the dealer anywhere from 1-3% (according to the edmunds carbuying howto sections). In my opinion, everything is negotiable. However, everyone wants to pay as close as they can to that invoice price, we still have to begrudge the dealers a modest profit to make this capitalistic society go around.

I usually, take the invoice of the vehicle (what the mfr charges the dealer) less any dealer holdbacks but add a 1% marketing cost and chaulk it up to dealer costs. Then I take that number and haggle with the dealer for the best deal I can get.

Remember, that not all dealers are as sneaky as the one you dealt with was. We live in the Eas bay and shopped all the Toy dealers in the Bay area and got lured by a dealer in your neck of the woods before we used the only power us consumers have. We walked out. Turns out we worked out a deal about $1000 less with a dealer in the East Bay and negotiated everything over the phone including our payment. (Toyota of Walnut Creek btw).

Good luck,
John

ahardcastle

Does anyone have experience with exchanging TRD shocks for regular PreRunner shocks? Will that improve the ride? I think that is the only suspension change on TRD.

briancorr

If you want to change out the TRD shocks, why not go with aftermarket. You would think that most aftermarket shocks would be better than the toyota stuff and cheaper.

ahardcastle

What aftermarket shocks do you recommend? And how can I be sure they will be less jerky than the TRD shocks?

bhjunk

I'm trying to find aftermarket stainless steel side steps for the Doublecab. I like the step design of Smittybilt Modular Side Bar, but they aren't available for the Doublecab. It seems like nobody makes them yet.

I can't find a decent picture of the Toyota side steps to determine if I like them.

Any suggestions or pictures of trucks with the Toyota steps?

boxsterjbc1

Thanks for your input about the add fee. Coincidence that Walnut Creek is where I ran across this problem. I was'nt happy about this charge so we did walk out to do some investigating. Let me stress that they were very pleasant to deal with. So I went home and researched about this fee and then did some more shopping and found other dealers were also charging this added fee. Hayward Toyota went as far as adding a dealer mark up on there stock by 1995.00 only to scratch out that number and then mark up the price, in pen, 3995.00 over msrp!!. Dublin Toyota, without sitting down, quoted me 5% over invoice and was also charging the Toyota ad fee. They do need to get someone less expensive than Steve Young to do those commercials.The add fee by the way was 333.00. So we did end up back at Walnut Creek and purchased our vehicle there. So depending on how you look at it we got the double cab at % over invoice and if you include the ad fee then <5% over invoice. The % over was what Edmunds quoted with there TMS per our zip code. All in all I feel we got an Ok deal, one thing to stress here is that this was a 20000 something vehicle, not 60000 and the % over invoice that was being dickered was only a few hundred and would have put forth more effort it there would have been more at stake. Thanks to everyone who responded. P.s. I do notice it rides a lot more bouncy than my 94 4 x 2 Toyota. Going to have to get used to that. John

ebbgreatdane

Looks like Walnut Creek hooked both of us. ;-)

Seriously though we got the xtree cab (I know, this is the Double Cab post) and I think we got a very good deal from those guys; I can't remember an easier exerience buying a car/truck.

Some feedback on your comments:
Dublin Toy - after looking at a truck we didn't really want to buy, they sat us (my wife and I) in a small room and began the pressure process. They tried guilt, insults, and anger...everytime they got more intimidating, we just got nicer. Man did that chap them the wrong way. After an hour and a half, I told the two guys (the younger kid brought in the big gun to do the negotiating), "We aren't buying today...we didn't even bring the check book," The Big Gun got pissed and walked out. I was feeling pretty good when we walked out.

Capitol Toy - lured is into a two hour drive in heavy traffic to their dealership after confirming option by option over the phone, "We have your truck on our lot." Yeah, except it had no ABS and was the wrong color. After a week and a half of, "We can get your truck..." they stopped returning our phone calls.

Tracey Toy - nice folks who tried to get us our truck. No lies and honest.

Concord Toy - supposedly our AutobyTel car dealership. After attempting to use AutoByTel, we ended up calling them after 3 days (they are supposed to call within 48 hours of your order) and we never heard back from them.

Walnut Creek - Honest, straight up and everything they told us worked out (although we had everything in writing via fax before we went). They even called to give us status about when our truck was being built and when it would arrive approximately. Yesterday, the salesman who sold us the truck called just to see how the new truck was. I don't know how, but they picked the price my wife and I were looking to pay. I estimate that they made $150 profit on us which in car speak is a narrow enough margin so we were happy and they were happy.

briancorr

There really is no way to be sure of how shocks will ride on your truck without actually trying them.
Most "off road" shocks are going to give a stiff ride on the road. You may want to look for a shock more geared to the street (gabriel, monroe).
I have also heard great things about old man emu shocks and suspension systems. Everything I have ever heard has been good and that they ride better than stock.

petitdru

Wanted to take a few minutes and thank those who post here for all the info on the DC. As soon as I saw the Dodge AC, I knew I wanted that configuration (replacing an '89 Pathfinder) to accommodate family and still go climbing here in Washington and get nasty dirty. Waited till Toyota came out with the DC because I wasn't willing to risk a Dodge given some of the quality problems I've seen on this site.

I got a 4WD DC with ST, KO, BB, AR, LX, PA, GU, CA, A, ID, V3, HP and cruise. I added aftermarket PIAA foglights and a sun roof for $675 for a total invoice of $24,196. The dealer added $800 profit, $480 destination, $197 advertising and fuel for a total of $25,673 before tax and license. I ordered from the factory since its so hard to find Anti-locks and they built it super fast - came in three weeks earlier than I expected. If you have the time - order it the way you want it.

For anyone in the Seattle/Puget Sound area, I have to recommend Jim Adams at Magic Toyota in Lynnwood. He answered all kinds of questions and was super helpful while the guys at the main Seattle dealership couldn't answer question 1 about anything. (They said they'd have to talk to the parts department if I wanted 16" wheels). Although I realize I paid a pretty penny for it, Jim saved me some money by finding me a camper top from FiberForce, installed with rails for ski rack at $977 vs. the cost of a SnugTop of $1,400 plus he handled all the aftermarket stuff.

As far as driving experience, I am happier with my DC every day. Drove 4 people and climbing gear into the North Cascades and it hummed along like a charm and rode smooth on the 20+ mile gravel roads. My wife, who definitely did not want a truck in the family, now loves it and prefers it over her Mercedes SUV. We use the DC for all family trips now. Now, I am only hoping that the Toyota reliability will take care of the rest. My dad is on his second Tundra/T100 and has had great luck so I'm hopeful.

Your posts and critiques were very helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at petitdru@hotmail.com.

Brian

petitdru

OK - I can't type or the spell checker did something: I got the following options on my DC:

ST, KG, FB, WR, LX, PP, LU, CF, AB, LD, V3 and HP.

Sorry for any confusion. Brian

kevin101

I love Toyota and I want a 4 door pickup. So I waited for years for toyota to bring their DC to the States. Finally it came but without one feature. There is no 5 speed option... why? I want a 5speed DC. So here's my question... Is toyota going to come out with a 5 speed version? Does anyone know? Ive also looked at the nissan CC and it seems similar in many aspects. So is it worth waiting for a 5 speed toyota? Or should I go with the more affordable CC?. Help..

jrohr1

I'M IN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A COLEMAN TENT TRAILER. THE TRAILER WEIGHS 2440 DRY. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE TOW WITH THEIR D.C. ??? PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW IT HANDLES TOWING.

THANKS, JOHN

ahardcastle

I'm not happy with ride of my DC PreRunner with TRD package. A Toyota parts man suggested I change just the rear shocks for standard PreRunner shocks. Has anyone done this? Any shock changing experiences will be appreciated.

danyboy1

I tow a trailer that weighs 4700 pounds with a DC 4x4 trd package. I use weight distrubusion bars and it tows great. So 2500 pounds should be a piece of cake.

kevin101

Does anyone have any info on if or when Toyota will come out with a 5 speed DC?

ebbgreatdane

Looks like you may have to wait till the 2003 before that boat sails. I have seen no plans to include this configuration in the 2002 models.

John

bsparx

I replaced all 4 shocks (all right, rear shocks and front struts) on my stock prerunner DC with Rancho 5000's. Love the ride now, and they keep the tires on the ground on rough roads, too. I'm a dry-only off roader (CA & Baja) so didn't need 4x4, and I can go everywhere I need to go.

The Nissan is really small inside. I didn't fit comfortably in the front and couldn't even fold myself up enough to get into the back seat. Reason enough to buy the Toyota (or a SuperCrew, if you don't mind the body roll, or a Dodge if you don't mind gambling on quality).

Ben

dcabman1

Does anyone know what changes are planned for the 2002 Double Cab model? Thanks.

jtd1

BrianCorr- have you had any takers on your bed liner. I too am in the DFW area and am looking for an over-the-rail plastic liner in good shape. Price?