2004 LandCruiser - What should I Offer/Pay

[terrafirma]

... Sorry, took a look at the photo again and just noticed the Scion logo on the pillar. Is it being sold by a franchise dealer or an independent?

If it's a franchise, I wonder why they havent negotiated the service into the deal. In sales you always try avoid negotiating on price; you usually do everything you can to negotiate on value (service, add-ons). The goal is to afford yourself the ability to offer something additional that costs you less than the loss you would otherwise take negotiating the price down without said add-on. If/when it doesnt work, the boiler-room sales manager would then argue that you've retained the higher ground as a salesperson so you dont get beat up by that same client when you go to try to upsell them later.

A 90k mile service might mean $1000+ to you, but to a dealer with a service center it's closer to half of that. If they had said "sure, well offer it to you for $15.5k and we'll include the 90k mile service," you would probably pay the full asking price and walk away feeling treated well. Instead, you're offering $14k and could take it or leave it. Ultimately, even if it's a wash and they net the same amount either way, they will have increased the lifetime value of you as a customer.

 

[patrickfinley]

It's an 04, make sure the Multi Function Display is working properly. That's the big screen that controls Audio, Air, Nav etc. They have been known to go on some 04's.

 

[hkeller]

Blue tooth was also an issue on early 04 models.

 

[UncleBillyCA]

The MFD did work, although I didn't try all the selections. Bluetooth may work, I don't know. I'd imagine I'll replace the head unit anyway. One that has Bluetooth, sync too phone, and XM radio...

Sent them an email last night asking for PPI and asked about the "Master" key and how many come with the rig. This morning salesman asked me too come down and "we can talk" Umm, that's not the game I'm playing buddy! Told him too answer my questions today and then we can talk... Hope this has a happy ending...

 

[DomSmith]

I'd imagine I'll replace the head unit anyway. One that has Bluetooth, sync too phone, and XM radio...

If this is your plan then it's a guaranteed unhappy ending.

 

[studawg]

i looked for probably 8 months for a Galactic Gray 05+, finally found a good one. Love the color. Anyway, seems like a good truck for around $15k. I don't love the wheels, but Ive seen MUCH worse.

Heads up on the head unit though, the stock one controls climate and other stuff too so replacing it is kind of an ordeal.

 

[studawg]

If this is your plan then it's a guaranteed unhappy ending.

LOL, guess we were typing at the same time.

 

[studawg]

check out this one 04cruiser

 

[UncleBillyCA]

Sad ending!

Well after sending them the PPI email, they replied "Come on down and we can talk" Informed them I'm busy and just answer my concerns, then I can decide if I'm making an offer...

So 2 hrs later they inform me the rig has sold Yep, someone just walked in and paid "Full asking price, plus fees" Man, I have bad luck!

Don't know if true or they didn't want too deal with my questions and me. Maybe they did find someone less informed...

Oh well, now we start over... For the 3rd time

 

[RND1]

Doesn't sound like this was the truck you really wanted. If it had 50K less miles, you'd probably own it now. Searching is half the fun - when you find the right one, move quick.

 

[UncleBillyCA]

I've tried too move quick. Both trucks, I'd send emails, then owner would take two days to reply, then ask a few more, and repeat... I'm trying to be smart about this, time doesn't seem to work in my favor.

I did see a nice one in Colorado, for more cash. Will send an email and start over. I'll find one, no idea when... This one was 8mi away, doubt I'll find one with an easier drive...

 

[RND1]

If I lived in So Cal, I'd wait to buy a local cruiser. You guys have the huge advantage of rust free LC's! When my LC popped up on CL, I wasn't the first to respond, but I was aggressive in letting them know I was a serious buyer. It was 2 hours away so it took some legwork to see it, have it inspected, do the actual sale, and then coordinate pick up. But I didn't have to get on a plane or have the LC shipped. You'll get one - it's worth the wait!

 

[studawg]

Maybe they did find someone less informed...

Or maybe someone more informed came up on it and spotted a deal and jumped on it. It is my belief that you need to be well informed and educated on the vehicle you are looking to purchase and know the common problems associated with them. Look it over, test-drive it, then trust your own judgement and make an offer if you want it. All in the same day, in person; thats how you get the best deal. A lot of times people dilly-dally and they miss out on the car that they really should have bought. Then they end up settling for one in a color they don't want, and end up having buyers remorse or wishing they had done something different. Love your avatar, by the way, Uncle Billy.

 

[UncleBillyCA]

Or maybe someone more informed came up on it and spotted a deal and jumped on it. It is my belief that you need to be well informed and educated on the vehicle you are looking to purchase and know the common problems associated with them. Look it over, test-drive it, then trust your own judgement and make an offer if you want it. All in the same day, in person; thats how you get the best deal. A lot of times people dilly-dally and they miss out on the car that they really should have bought. Then they end up settling for one in a color they don't want, and end up having buyers remorse or wishing they had done something different. Love your avatar, by the way, Uncle Billy.

Well, you may be right on both counts! I will just keep looking. Yep, I like my avatar too!

 

[oftpiste]

I once passed on a car at a dealer I REALLY wanted and had shopped over a year to find. I walked away from it over the price (I wanted the last word. Dumb!) and kicked myself all the way home. A week later that exact vehicle showed up at another lot and I went and gave them what they wanted. Still have it and still love it. Sometimes things work out the way they're supposed to, even if you have take a few stabs at it.

 

[UncleBillyCA]

You may be right. Well, we move forward and look for the next great rig for sale! I did just get back from a local dealer who had a Hummer H2. Huge inside/outside. Ran better than I expected, but just to blocky for me! Plus they get like 8 mpg...

 

[qwopzxm]

Hey UncleBillyCA, I'm in SoCal as well and have been looking for a 100 LC/LX for the last month. I saw this one as well and called them to discuss but received a similar non-response to my questions. I'm in Southern OC so the drive up there was 2 hours and I didn't want to mess around with them.

Good luck in your search, hopefully we'll cross paths in our new rigs.