Anyone else ever see this...Distributor Installed Options?

Yeah. Accessories added at the port or dealership, not directly from factory. Usually marked up quite a bit (for instance a $289 power tailgate lock ?!)

 

Truck was built in Texas. So maybe 'distributor' just replaces the word 'port' because it was not imported?? I have seen Port Installed on some window stickers and build sheets.

 

Yeah, six in one hand, half dozen in the other. All amounts to the same thing. Marked up add-ons.

 

This is common in the gulf states and the South East states. My understanding, and I may not have this entirely correct.
The gulf states and south east states have separate distributors that are not exactly part of Toyota. They install the accessories prior to shipping to the dealer.

http://www.jmfamily.com/newsroom/articles/presskits/southeast-toyota-distributors

Unfortunately when looking for vehicles in these states most have add on’s.
Just another way to make money.

Fortunately my truck only had the clear paint protection and the package of phone charging cables.

 

Every dealer I went to had the way way over priced DOOR EDGE GUARDS , ALL WEATHER MATS, SILL PROTECTORS. When I ordered my truck they slipped them in. I read before signing and said NOPE! You can remove those. Never ever pay for any add ons that were not installed at the factory when built. If they are on a truck you want to buy just refuse and say if you do not remove im walking.

 

Just tell them you don't want any of that stuff, and to call you when they get one on the lot that doesn't have any of this junk tacked on. Watch the price quickly drop.

 

There are usually some dealers that get all this crap put on just about every truck they try and sell. Those are the ones I stay away from.

I go to the dealers that nix all the bullshit dealer fees and add on crap and just sell the trucks as they were built in factory.

The $400+ “glass etching” fee is rampant in the southeast.

 

Here's what'd I'd do when the sales guy handed me that pos list of crap:

 

Rental car assistance?

I see it's part of the Vehicle Protection Plus Package.

No thank you.

At least the other stuff on the list physically exists.

 

What happens with the factory wheels and other take off items?

Do the vehicles come equipped with steel wheels, or do they simply leave the Texas plant with the Gulf State wheels?

I know that when an actual port facility is involved, wheels come off wheels go on.

I guess those wheels go back to the manufacturer, never inquired about the whole process.

 

Really the bottom line is if you get the out the door price you want and don’t mind what was added on, it really doesn’t matter.
What bothered me was some of the dealers had the roof rack rails and stepbars added and would not take them off, I walked.

 

Those predator steps are ugly.. sorry not sorry.

 

Dealer $ maker. That paint protection is such a rip off. Not sure if it is the Auto Butler name. One of my cars came with it and they still charge you X amount of $ for a car wash. such a rip off.

No paint protection.

 

They know SOMEBODY will pay for them if patient. The pain of a desirable vehicle.

 

I bought the truck used, so the window sticker price was irrelevant. But being someone that was a Finance and Sales Manager for 25 years, I totally know the game of the add-ons. EVERY time a customer threatened to walk, the dealer will ALWAYS back off those items...

 

Best way to buy a vehicle is to be willing to walk. They always call back.
Took me over a month to buy my last two vehicles, got the price I wanted in the end.
Unfortunately you have to be willing to play the game....or get hosed.

 

https://www.forbes.com/companies/gulf-states-toyota/#470baabf49c7 Look at their annual revenue and you will see how they have made a great business out of nothing. It's why I live in Texas, but my last 2 trucks were sourced out of state. At my local dealer, there is an average 0f $1500-$2000 in these add-ons one each vehicle. very annoying.

 

some of the Items are just total scam just like when a dealership tries to sell you "Gap" insurance. Rental Car thing on it too? start running away or tell em you do not need or want any of that crap

 

I had to search out my truck to get one with no Gulf States add-ons.

I remember one salesman, stone faced, tell me that a 4x4 Tacoma sat on their lot an average of nine days. They sell themselves. He had no incentive to bargain with a customer. Someone would buy it within a week regardless.