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Are some Toyota dealers taking advantage of buyers when they purchase the all-new 6th-generation Toyota 4Runner? Here is what one 4Runner buyer found in North Carolina.
It’s a tale as old as time: a new, highly anticipated vehicle hits the market, and some dealerships start to tack on outrageous markups.
This time, the vehicle in question is the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, and the story is about a buyer who found a North Carolina dealer charging nearly $15,000 over the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
This article will help you understand how to find a new Toyota 4Runner at MSRP and what other buyers are experiencing.
Matthew Tally says on the 6th-generation Toyota 4Runner Facebook post that a Toyota dealer in North Carolina is charging $14,000 over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a new 2025 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid.
Matthew’s story raises a critical question for anyone looking to purchase the new SUV: Are all Toyota dealers charging over MSRP for the 2025 4Runner?
Matthew says, “Buyers beware – If you’re in NC and looking for a 2025 4Runner, avoid Scott Clark Toyota. They are trying to rip people off at $14K over MSRP and these crazy interest rates.”
He says the 2025 4Runner was advertised on the dealer’s website for $71,500. However, when he went to try to purchase the vehicle, the price jumped to $86,306. That’s nearly $15,000 over MSRP.
Matthew continues, “I don’t like wasting my time with a dealer. That price was after three rounds of conversations. Not just conversations, but I also have to follow up on them. “I’ll call you back….” “Did you get the numbers…” “Our email is messed up…” “The GM will need to do the quote.”
“My TRX has been fun, but not reliable, and I’m around nine mpg for a daily driver. I need something I can put some miles on and not be worried about it.”
Were the Dealer’s Interest Rates High?
The Toyota dealer was offering financing terms of 36, 48, and 60 Months at 6.89% interest.
However, these rates are not significantly above the current national average. According to NerdWallet, the average interest rate (APR) for new car loans is currently hovering around 6.73% to 7.24% nationally. This dealer’s rates are high, but they are not necessarily out of the ordinary.
Note: The specific rate you receive will depend heavily on several factors, primarily your credit score, the lender, the loan term, and the specific vehicle you’re purchasing.
What are Other 2025 4Runner Buyers Saying In Response to Matthew Tally’s experience?
He wanted it, so he got it.
Hector Romero Jr. shares a different experience, saying, “That’s a TRD Pro I paid $5,000 over the window in California. The window price was $74,662, which shows supply and demand.”
This indicates that some buyers are willing to pay above MSRP for a vehicle they truly desire.
Jim Kiser says, “Toyota dealers don’t care. They have three of the hottest-selling vehicles in the U.S. right now. They know some fool will pay for those stupid extras.”
Teddy Smith – “You’re better off selling your TRX on your own. The dealer did the same crap to me when I purchased my Tundra. I had a 2017 Ram Sport loaded with 50k miles on it. They offered me $15k for it. I laughed out loud in the middle of the showroom floor and said, ” Whatever drugs you’re doing, I need some. My truck was blue-booked at $35k; I told them I’d consider $30k for the trade. The sales guy said, “No way,” so I left. I sold my Ram privately and bought a Tundra from another dealer, and then paid it off a year later. I only have 42k miles on it today.”
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Eric Brown – “I live a few miles from this dealer. My wife and I considered buying a 5th gen from them a few years ago, and they were significantly overpriced and shady. We ended up buying one from Florida and saved a lot.
Michelle Wurzel, “I had a similar experience when speaking with a dealership in northeast Ohio. They tried adding over $12k in ‘extras’ to see if I’d notice.”
Are some Toyota dealers selling the new 2025 4Runner over MSRP?
Yes, some Toyota dealerships are selling the new 2025 4Runner with dealer markups above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). According to 6G4R, some dealerships are adding markups as high as $8,000 or even $16,000 over MSRP.
Examples of Markups:
- South Coast Toyota (Costa Mesa, CA): Advertised an $8,000 markup on a 2025 4Runner.
- Maita Toyota (Sacramento, CA): Added a $5,000 markup to a TRD Off-Road Premium model.
- Stevens Creek Toyota (San Jose, CA): Increased the price of a TRD Off-Road Premium by $5,000.
- Fremont Toyota: Marked up a TRD Off-Road model by $16,000.
Factors Contributing to Markups:
- High Demand: The 2025 4Runner is a highly anticipated model, and high demand can lead to dealerships taking advantage of the situation.
- Limited Availability: When inventory is limited, dealerships may feel emboldened to raise prices.
- Dealer Tactics: Some dealerships are using inflated accessory bundles or unnecessary warranties to increase the price, effectively skirting the MSRP.
This situation makes it essential for prospective buyers to learn how to avoid paying dealer markups on a new Toyota 4Runner. For those wondering how to get the best deal on a 2025 4Runner, the consensus from other buyers is to be patient and do your research.
- Shop Around: If you’re looking for a 2025 4Runner, it’s crucial to shop around and compare prices from different dealerships.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the dealership to try and get a price closer to MSRP.
- Consider No-Markup Dealers: Some dealerships, like Longo Toyota, are known for selling at MSRP.
- Be Patient: If you can wait, the market may eventually stabilize, and prices may come down.
What did Matthew end up doing?
“I ended up going with Rick Hendrick Toyota in Fayetteville, NC. Good group in good ole Fayettnam,” he says.
Conclusion:
It’s important to note that not all Toyota dealers are charging exorbitant prices and selling over MSRP for the new 6th-generation 2025 4Runner.
As always, new car buyers should do their homework, shop around, and find the best deal.
Matthew wanted a specific 2025 4Runner model and trim, and this Toyota was one of a kind and hard to find.
“I wanted the black 4Runner Pro with the cockpit red interior,” he says.
Dealers know this is a hard-to-find trim level in limited supply and will price it accordingly. Someone will likely pay the price.
Ultimately, Matthew’s story serves as a warning for those seeking to buy the new SUV. It highlights the importance of being an informed consumer and understanding what to know before purchasing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner.
Don’t fall into the trap of paying thousands over MSRP. Do your homework, find a reputable dealer, and secure a fair deal on your new 4Runner.
How About You?
Have you recently purchased a 2025 Toyota 4Runner? What was your experience with the sales process? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Toyota RAV4 story: I Would Buy a 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, But The Toyota Dealer Is Telling Me My 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 Is Only Worth $9K
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Matthew Tally
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Source: torquenews.com
