Toyota's Listening to it's Customers :) (To a degree)

[Obi..]

*FWIW*
I've not shared this info with anybody else yet, so you all get the exclusive! :clap:

Within the last year you've all have seen my feedback (griping) when it came to the options and levels of spec(s) available in the Toyota 4wd range. Specifically with the 4Runner and how it's started to move out of it's introductory level and more into a higher spec range, disassociating a lot of potential customers as well as used customers.

I was made aware that just this past week coinciding with the re-tooling Toyota is doing, some changes have been implemented for the late 2011-2012 vehicle spec options.

If I wanted to go back and get the base level SR5 Fabric Seated 4Runner I looked at in the spec I want, say, without a sunroof and all the chi-chi stuff I can now do that in the $800 option for only a 3rd row seat*, which of course I can just as easily remove and go about my business. (*This would be the (CP), (DJ), (PE) and (MR) code deletes. I am unaware if you can do a third row (TH) delete in substitutiuon of the slideout deck choice.)

Check things out if you're in the market for a new Toyota 4x4. I know about three people who'd decided to wait for the 2011's to drop in price (which they haven't since the Tsunami affected availability) that now can go get the vehicle they want. Note, KDSS (KD) and Nav (ND) are now standard and not deletable from the Trail and Limited Editions, I believe Moon Roof is also standard.

[DHC6twinotter]

That's pretty awesome! I can't find that page on the east coast version of Toyota's website. If you type in my area code, 28314, you get a different site that is horrible. Links don't work, the accessories field is blank, and when you go to build a 4Runner, it just gives you options for 4Runners that are already built and on dealer lots. The TE even has two base prices listed on the same page. Toyota really needs to fix their website.


Now if only they would offer a 6spd manual and a green color, I'd be set! :drool:

[Obi..]

You forgot to ask for diesel? Better yet, make the Prado available since honestly it is just a SR5 spec'd Lexus.

Try either scrolling over the 4Runner and down to the "Build your 4Runner" choice instead, or here ya go, substitute in your area code for the last 5 of the url. :D http://www.toyota.com/byt4/pub/setStartOptions.do?seriesCategory=1&zipCode=94109&lang=&modelId=&zipEditInputTextField=28314

[DHC6twinotter]

Yeah, I just used the area code that you had entered in your original post, and that website is sooo much better.

And yes, a Diesel would be fantastic. And Toyota should make a 70 series troop carrier available here as well. :D

[Obi..]

*Realize that most dealers will not stock a lot of base level spec rigs these days, you may have to do a deposit and order one up instead. Still, it is a great option that I know I'll tell others about. Even better, anyone wanting to do this out here in my area let me know because I've shared this with a sales rep who I know might appreciate the referrals. :D

Also, what would you all say to an app for your smartphone to make shopping any easier?
re: http://www.toyota.com/mobilepromo/ I just went to http://m.toyota.com/ and window shopped to my heart's content. :thumbup: A QR-Code function will be appearing really soon. Front-line vehicles will have a QR-Code that is on the window, scannable so you can view and save the information to use to shop with. Picture that possibly rolling out in conjunction with how we access information we all like. :thumbup: :clap:

[Obi..]

I'm using the smartphone app here's where the (TH) delete option shows as available (see attached pic). Priced as..

4x4 4.0L V6 : $32,045 MSRP [1]
$800+tax less than the $33k for the screenshot above. I took a pic of that also, here you go.
*Disclaimer, the prices I show here are current stock or to-order amounts and don't include shipping/dock, tax, license, etc-etc, which for my area oddly is around the same $800 price, so the $33k figure would then go to ~$33-34k and the $32k goes to ~$33.5k .

[DHC6twinotter]

That QR-code stuff is pretty cool. That may come in handy when somebody is trying to get the best price on a Toyota.

It looks like the prices on the 4Runners have dropped a bit too. When the 5th gen TE first came out, I think it ran about 43k here at my local dealer. Maybe they just jacked the price up a bit. 36k or so for a TE isn't really all that bad for an SUV. I might be tempted to buy a used one in 4 or 5 years.

[Obi..]

That QR-code stuff is pretty cool. That may come in handy when somebody is trying to get the best price on a Toyota.


O/T: ;) Also could come in handy for our own purposes. I'm tempted to have a batch of these ran if I can get an "OK!".
Someone could strategically place 'em in certain spots or on certain things between here and So-Cal along a specific route people would be taking while going to the Pism,o Jamboree. :D
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ySw9S1QxjiI/TiucPHIqf-I/AAAAAAAABSM/lBPPfr9_Afs/UYQRCode.png

Here's the reader we're useing: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan/id411206394?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2

[YotaFun]

I would still give it a little more time.
Right after the Earthquake and Tsunami over in Japan, I noticed a lot of options for the 4Runner drop completely, including the trail edition which now seems back up using my area code.

I have been scouting dealers around me lately (mostly trying to find a job closer to home) and have been looking over there inventory and there is def not a huge selection of 4Runners on there lots or even at there P.D.I centers...

And most of them are just base model SR5 4x4 models.

Its amazing how the times have changed, I remember back in 2002 when we were on the lot buying my stepdad's Sport Edition 4Runner, There was at least 10 on the lot, most were either SR5 or Limited, there was just one SE at the time...

Price hasn't changed much for me in the configuration I built, still 43K for me here... but that was with the NAV and TRD wheels,
Without those its 37K

The selection I have noticed most of is line up from Toyota pretty much made here, and all there Hybrids still made in Japan, So the Corolla, Camry, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Rav, Highlander, and from Japan they mainly just focus on the Hybrids, So the Prius, CarmyHV, HighlanderHV