Let me start by stating I've been lurking and enjoying this forum for several months now and I'm impressed with the amount of information, good nature of the folks on the boards, and most importantly the valuable information on negotiating I've come across. You guys have a great thing going over here! Makes me miss the days of my SVT Lightning forums from a few years back.
God I miss that truck!

[Outide of the Mobil gas station that is!!! ]
Anyway, to the point: I traded in my 2003 Lightning last year on a...ahem...
Scion TC. <flame on>. Basically the truck was breaking the bank on fuel, tires, and high maintenance costs so I took the plunge on an affordable rice burner and parted with the truck by way of a good anal raping from Maroone Toyota in Weston, Florida! ( Took a bath on the trade!)
Moving on: It's been a year, I've paid ofF alot of credit card debt, and I'm ready for something my Rottweiler Bubba can fit in without hanging out the car window in search of new sights, smells, and the odd hot chick's glance!
I've been researching vehicles for 6 months now and decided on the FJ after reading many reviews by Edmunds and more imporantly the thoughts and emotions of the fine people of the Fj Cruiser Forums!
Now on to the meat of the post: I'm close now. The family member who I was hoping would take over the Scion got cold feet, so it's off to the mattresses again for a trade-in! I want to be more forceful this time around and not have a soar arse after the deal is done.
Any tips on arguing the trade amount?
Below is the correspondence between a Toyota of Hollywood internet sales member and myself. I bargained on the price of the rig and got him down from 28,288 to 26,713 ( The "advertised" "HOT ON THE LOT" sales price) Not necessarily a great deal considering it's the end of the month and the options installed are minimal.
Any tips on getting him down even more and possibly tips to get the trade-in price up on the TC would be appreciated. See correspondence below: Read from bottom to top for the time line of events so to speak.
Thanks in advance!
~ Jake
__________________________________________________ ______________
Hey Michael, there's a slight wrinkle. The loan specifics didn't work out for the prospective buyer of my TC - purchased from Maroone Toyota in April 2006. If you work with me on the trade in value, I may just trade it in. Here are the specs:
2006 Scion TC Base Model
Charcoal Grey
Added options: Fog lights, sport wing
Mobil One Synthetic Oil used since third oil change
Mileage: 29,XXX. ( Miami highway driving mostly)
Added accessories: Clifford G5 Alarm system with remote start
Eclipse Audio System
Multi-Color LED Lighting under car and under dash
Paint condition: Very Good with a few minor blemishes here and there. Easily polished out. Car was waxed every 4-5 months.
Damages: None with the exception of the right fog light being cracked from what I assume is small rocks from a dump truck on the 836. Easily replaced.
I realize they need to see it to make a proper assessment, but I'd hate to waste my time, drive all the way down and wait it out only to receive a low ball number like 11K on the car.
Let me know what you can do for me.
Thanks,
~ Jake.
__________________________________________________ ____________
Hi Michael. I will not have a trade. I have someone finalizing an auto loan to take over my Scion TC. I am curious on the pricing. The site states the following on the "Hot on the lot" FJ listed:
MSRP
Base $23,500
Options $5,622
Manuf. Delv, Proc & Hndlg $695
Subtotal $29,817
Dealer Fees $599
Total $30,416
Selling Price $26,713
Where is the $1575.00 difference given the delaer fees are listed as already included in the sale price? I spoke with Michelle in Internet Sales who verified the selling price is accurate and stated it was priced low due to it being on the lot for an extended period of time. I assume this is the case in order to off load a unit to up the unit sales for next month's FJ allocation.
That being the case, I want it for the selling price advertised on your site.
If you can match the price you advertised on THIS FJ with the options listed below, I'll be ready to deal within a week.
FJ Cruiser
Model: 4WD SUV V6 (5 Speed Automatic) - 4704
Model Year: 2007
Transmission: 5 Speed Automatic
VIN: JTEBU11F570049402
Stock Number: 7177800
Color: White/voodoo Blue
Interior: Dark Charcoal
Available: Immediately
Dealer Name: Toyota Of Hollywood
Dealer Phone: 954-966-2150
Pricing
MSRP
Base $23,500
Options $5,622
Manuf. Delv, Proc & Hndlg $695
Subtotal $29,817
Dealer Fees $599
Total $30,416
Selling Price $26,713
Options Installed - View Image Gallery
Fuel Surcharge $21
Rear Differential Lock-DLAT $340
Convenience Package: Remote Keyless-CQAT $1,840
Cruise Control
Daytime Running Lights
Power Outside Mirror with Image Light
Privacy Glass
Rear Parking Sonar
Rear Wiper
50 State Emissions-FEAT $0
Curtain Shield Airbags (Front Row and 2nd-GYAT $650
Row) with Front Seat Side Bolster Airbags
Southeast Toyota Distributor Plus-FP50 $0
Certified Technician 46 Point
Final Quality Inspection
Picture Asset Program
Toyoguard Plus Protection Group-XY70 $699
Exterior Paint Sealant, Undercoating and Interior Protection Application
No Charge for First Oil and Filter Change at any Southeast Toyota Dealership
Rental Car Assistance for Warranty Repairs
Roadside Assistance Program
Vehicle VIN Etch Glass Product Protection Program
Passenger Armrest-CA10 $149
FJ Roof Rack-CR10 $599
(4) FJ Cruiser 17" BBS Wheels-WW40 $999
Replaces 4 Factory Wheels Listed
Color-Keyed Tire Cover-TC30 $325
"mvoeltz@toyotaofhollywood.com" <mvoelts.toyotaofhollywood@gs.reyrey.com> wrote:
Hello John,You should know better by now about Maroone! When you add the dealer fee that they will charge of $899 + the $650for the side airbags, you see that my price is less. Do you have a trade this time? Thanks,
Mike Voeltz (954)465-6978
--- original message ---
From: McGann, John
Sent: 4/21/2007 5:01 PM
To: ;mvoelts.toyotaofhollywood@gs.reyrey.com
Subject: Re: Toyota FJ Cruiser 4X4 Internet Sale Price
Thanks for the information Michael. I'm currently speaking with Maroone Toyota for comparison. They have agreed to 27,000 + tax, tag, and title, with all matching options but airbags. If you can match that price on your FJ I am ready to deal with 5K down and good credit. Honestly they screwed me on my trade in last purchase. Ford Ligntning sold a week later for 6K over what they gave me for her and it's left a bad taste in my mouth for any Maroone related company. I'd rather do business with you.
Let me know what you can do for me.
Thanks,
~ Jake
"mvoeltz@toyotaofhollywood.com" <mvoelts.toyotaofhollywood@gs.reyrey.com> wrote:
Greetings John,
Thanks for your interest in the Toyota FJ Cruiser 4X4! Your internet sale price on that vehicle is
$28288 + tax and tag. Please contact me at the number below or email at
mikev@toyotaofhollywood.com for a demonstration.