Looking to swap your 2022 Ram TRX for a 2025 Toyota 4Runner, but the dealer is attempting to overcharge, setting the price $14,000 above MSRP and offering sky-high interest rates.
In the automotive market, the demand for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner has been high, leading to a situation where over-MSRP pricing seems to be somewhat prevalent, especially in areas with limited supply. This trend has been noted in various regions, with some dealers adding substantial dealer fees, warranties, and miscellaneous charges beyond the MSRP, driving the final price much higher.
For instance, Hector Romero Jr. shared a disappointing experience of paying $5,000 over the window price for a 2025 4Runner TRD Pro in California. Similarly, Matthew Tally found a dealer in North Carolina charging nearly $15,000 over the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a new 2025 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Some dealerships, like Lost Pines Toyota in Bastrop, TX, are advertising competitive pricing for the 2025 4Runner, with a listed price of $45,602 for a SR5 2WD, which seems close to the suggested retail price including fees for this trim. This suggests that some dealers do sell at or near MSRP without excessive markups.
The average interest rate (APR) for new car loans nationally is currently hovering around 6.73% to 7.24%, according to NerdWallet, making it crucial for consumers to be mindful of the total cost of their vehicle purchases, including financing terms.
The practice of over-MSRP pricing has been criticised, with Jim Kiser stating that Toyota dealers don't seem to care about marking up prices because they have three of the hottest-selling vehicles in the U.S. This has led some consumers to opt for private sales to avoid dealership overcharging. For example, Eric Brown shared his experience of buying a 5th gen 4Runner from another dealer instead of one that was significantly overpriced and shady.
In summary, while over-MSRP pricing for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is common, it is not universal. Consumers should be cautious, research specific dealers, and consider private sales to avoid being overcharged with dealer-added fees. It's also important to be aware of financing terms and compare them with the current national average APR.
- In some areas of the industry, finance institutions are observing an increase in loan applications for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, with many consumers seeking more favorable terms to offset the high prices.
- The transportation sector has seen a rise in private sales for automotive vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner, as consumers seek alternatives to overpriced dealerships, especially with the competitiveness in the automotive finance market.
