Need help negotiating … how do I get closer to base MSRP

I need some advice on how to negotiate closer to the base MSRP of $33,810. The car is advertised at $39,368. Any tips or phrases I should use? I’m in NC and would appreciate all the help I can get.

Don’t deal with dealers who charge for nitrogen in tires. It’s that simple. There’s $2k of useless stuff on that car. Who knows what else they’re overcharging for. Find a dealer that doesn’t play these games.

I bought the same car brand new for $35,480 out the door. This deal is really bad.

Oswin said:
I bought the same car brand new for $35,480 out the door. This deal is really bad.

Agreed, way too much. I bought a Hybrid XLE with convenience and weather packages, plus some extras, for $36,750 out the door in Durham, NC. Walk away!

@Meech
I got mine for the same price in Ashtabula, OH.

@Meech
Which dealer in Durham did you use?

Perry said:
@Meech
Which dealer in Durham did you use?

Marc Jacobson Toyota. I live a couple of hours away, so I negotiated over the phone and email. I worked with a salesman named Ahmad. He sold the one I initially asked about but found me another with the features I wanted. I put down a deposit and picked it up a week later. I got a tip from someone on this forum, and it worked out great. Good luck!

@Meech
I asked for $36k, and they dropped it to $39k. They said it’ll sell as soon as it hits the lot this weekend. It has the convenience and cold weather packages, plus $2,483 in add-ons that were ‘discounted.’

@Perry
Be ready to walk away if you can. If it doesn’t sell this weekend, let them contact you on Monday. Ask for their best out-the-door price. If it’s close to MSRP, great. If not, keep looking. Don’t talk about financing or trade-ins until you agree on the price. End-of-month deals can work in your favor, so timing helps if you can wait.

I’d walk away. Too many extra fees.

Run!

$798 for a doc fee? Really?

Aim for 7-10% off MSRP without add-ons. That’s the market right now.

Check caredge.com for advice on what fees to avoid. For example, road hazard with nitrogen tires and pointless dent repair might not be necessary. Also, look at Edmunds.com to see a fair price over the dealer invoice. You can ask to see the dealer invoice—they get hidden incentives from the manufacturer.

They’re selling you a new car that’s been damaged, based on the paintless dent removal. This could hurt its value and might show up on Carfax. Make them knock off $1,500-$2,000 from the price.

Slate said:
They’re selling you a new car that’s been damaged, based on the paintless dent removal. This could hurt its value and might show up on Carfax. Make them knock off $1,500-$2,000 from the price.

You’re wrong. Those are warranties against damage, not proof of damage. Stop spreading nonsense.

@ROZZY
So they’re prepaid services? That’s even worse.

Slate said:
@ROZZY
So they’re prepaid services? That’s even worse.

What? A warranty isn’t a subscription. Learn what words mean before giving bad advice. People here need real help, not misinformation.

$39k for a Rav4 is too much. Even with all the extras and hybrid tech, $32k max. A 4Runner TRD Pro shouldn’t be more than $45k.

Taj said:
$39k for a Rav4 is too much. Even with all the extras and hybrid tech, $32k max. A 4Runner TRD Pro shouldn’t be more than $45k.

They’re the best-selling SUV in this segment, so you’ll likely pay sticker. For example, the hybrid Wilderness edition lists around $38k.