Since the 2010 Toyota Tundra has been slightly updated over the 2009, there are some differences to highlight:

- The 2009 model, which is still widely available, is offered in three styles of cab with three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels. This essentially means customers can go from a 236 hp, 4-liter V6 in a standard or short-bed double cab to a 381-hp 5.7-liter engine. Maximum towing capacity in the line is 10,800 lbs and maximum bed length is 8.1 feet.

- Little of that has changed for 2010, but there is a new mid-range power choice, a 4.6-liter V8 (310 hp, six-speed automatic) with the line-topping 5.7-liter V8 offered on the CrewMax Limited models. All other changes for 2010 are cosmetic including billet-style grille, chrome bumpers, door still protectors, and unique 20-inch wheels — all part of the Platinum package.

Consider this a viable bargaining point. It’s highly likely a 2009 model will meet your needs at a potentially reduced price, since inventory reduction has been at the heart of Toyota’s strategy in recent months.

Essentially, the company has performed well during the current industry crisis, but it has not been immune to the effects of consumers shying away from the showroom floor. Reported sales for March 2009 were flat and production is being held back through June. Toyota remains the world’s largest automaker after having shoved General Motors out of that position, but sales are still down, to the tune of about 18% for fiscal year 2008. Additionally, the company has taken advantage of low-interest loans from the Japanese government to support its American lending arm, Toyota Motor Credit Corp. All of these factors combine to create the same truism across the automotive boards at the present moment — it’s a buyer’s market.

With that in mind, do three things before heading to the dealership:

1. Do your research online. Know exactly what is available for the model and trim level you are considering, all current incentive programs being offered, financing options, and other details that will form the basis of your purchase negotiations. Have your combination of options worked out and resist getting talking into something you don’t want and don’t need.

2. Have the price in mind. Know before you walk into the dealership what price you can handle and monthly payment amount you want to target. Negotiate toward those numbers and if necessary, get up and walk out. They’ll either come after you and or you can find another dealership.

3. Get your present vehicle ready for trade-in to achieve maximum value. Make sure your present truck is in good working order, clean inside and out, and have as much relevant maintenance documentation on-hand as possible.

The Tundra is an excellent choice in a full-sized pick-up and top of the heap or not, Toyota needs you. Know the model, know what you can financially handle, and stand your ground. They won’t admit it, but car salesmen are in a mood to negotiate — deeply. It’s just an issue of survival, so why not take advantage?

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Toyota sites increasing gas prices and a slow housing market for slowing Tundra and Sequoia sales.

The specific numbers aren’t known, but the rumor is production is being cut by a little more than 10%. That would put the annual production figure between 200k and 225k units. Depending upon summer sales, it’s possible that number could be cut further.

What this means: If you’re in the market for a Tundra, now is as good a time to buy as any. Unless Tundra sales grind to a halt (which is highly unlikely), Tundra inventories should begin to shrink back to normal nationwide. Normal sized inventories will lead to smaller incentives – and therefore higher costs for consumers.

So, if you’re thinking about buying, now might be a good time to start the process. Inventories should balance out in about 60 days, so you’ve got until the end of May to make it happen. According to one of our sister sites AccurateAutoAdvice.com, one of the best times to lease a new truck is March thru May, so you can expect some killer lease deals to be advertised on these trucks right now.

Of course, you can wait until the end of the summer too. That’s also a great time to buy.

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

Toyota, unlike domestic manufacturers, doesn’t build trucks to a dealer’s spec. Instead, before one vehicle is built, Toyota determines the number of red ones, the number of 4×4’s, the number of limiteds, etc. that they’re going to build. As the trucks are produced and sold, Toyota may (or may not) tweak their pre-determined production numbers based on sales rates and commodity availability. Witness the beginning of the 07′ model year — Toyota was producing quite a few regular cab Tundras in a “fleet” configuration because they anticipated a lot of fleet sales. Unfortunately, the demand for reg cabs was low, so Toyota’s first incentive was $1,000 on all regular cab Tundras.

In short, Toyota doesn’t build trucks based on orders. They build trucks based on what they want to build. It’s not a bad system — it’s been working for them for decades — it’s just not the way the “big 3″ do it.

To continue the story…A Toyota dealer gets a build list from Toyota that tells them what trucks they’ll be getting in the next two or three months. If the dealer wants to “order” a truck, they make a special request. Depending upon Toyota’s pre-determined mix, the truck might be built right away, might be built if a certain commodity is in excess, or it might not ever be built. If Toyota has determined the configuration being requested isn’t something they’re willing to build, the order will go unfulfilled. Hence, the term “special order” isn’t really applicable to a Toyota. It’s more accurate to describe it as a “please make this request.”

SO, when a dealer says they’re taking your order for a new Toyota, what they’re ACTUALLY saying is that they’re going to keep an eye open for an inbound truck that matches your specs and try and fill your order that way. They’ll also “preference” an order for your truck, but that may be a meaningless gesture (as explained above). Don’t get us wrong — that’s not a slam on dealers. They’re doing the best they can with the system they have. It’s just not what people think it is.

A lot of people find that when they discuss ordering a new car with a Toyota salesperson, the salesperson seems to be uninterested. The reason salespeople walk away when a person mentions “special order” is that it can take 2-6 months for that unit to come in. Most salespeople have an attention span that is measured in minutes, not months, so they’re not interested in working hard for a deal that might not happen for a few months (if it ever happens).

So what does it all mean? Basically, if you want to order a Tundra, make sure you’re asking for something that’s “normal.” If you want a truck that’s dramatically different than every truck you’re seeing on your local car lot, your chances of getting what you want are pretty slim.

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks

1) Do you belong to a credit union?

If you have access to credit union financing, I highly recommend you investigate this option first. Credit unions are in the business of saving their members money, and they do this by offering some of the lowest vehicle finance rates available. Often times, a simple phone call will tell you everything you need to know. However, before you pull the trigger at the credit union, talk to your dealer first. They may be able to meet or beat your credit union’s rate (wouldn’t that be super?)

2) Do you have a home equity line of credit?

The home equity line of credit is a great way to save. You can often borrow at a lower rate than you would on a vehicle, but you must remember, you only save money if the term of your home equity loan is the same length as comparable vehicle financing. In other words, if you take out a home equity loan at 4.99%, but you take 10 years to pay it back, you will lose thousands of dollars. Typical car financing is only five (or six) years in length — make sure you structure your home equity loan to be paid back in that same time period.

3) Can you lease the vehicle?

Often times, leasing makes more sense. Why? First of all, you can save money up-front. Lease payments are almost always lower, and the amount of money required up-front (aka down payment) is very low. Second, a lot of people buy cars but trade them in before they’ve been paid off. If you buy a new Tundra but trade it in 2 years from now, you may end up owing more on the vehicle than it’s worth. If this happens, all you “bought” was debt. In that case, a 2 year lease would have made a lot more sense. With a lease, as long as you take it to term, you have no debt at the end. Last, when your lease ends you can buy the vehicle out. Sometimes the combination of lease end value (aka residual value) and lease payments will add up to less than the up-front purchase price. How can that be? Simple. Toyota may provide more of a discount for leasing than for buying. Check this option out, but remember, you must drive less than 15k miles per year for this to make sense. If you drive more, leasing is definitely out.

4) What if you have very bad credit, what can you do?

Sometimes the best choice when you have bad credit is to buy nothing. Your interest rate will be very high (20%+), and the amount you pay could have bought you two vehicles. Instead of buying a new car, concentrate on paying off any collections and re-building your credit score with credit cards. However, if you must buy, make sure you ask lots of questions. Find out if the rate your being quoted is the best rate available (or if it’s just the best rate they’ll quote). Also, don’t feel pressured to buy anything extra like extended warranties or credit insurance. Dealers make a killing forcing people with bad credit to buy all their expensive extras. Most importantly, find and join a credit union when you buy. Even if they don’t approve you right away, if you make your payments on time, after 6 months to 1 year, you can refinance your new Tundra at your credit union and save money.

5) Here’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten about vehicle financing. “Don’t do it. Pay cash.” Easier said than done.

L8r …

Check out this list of available Toyota Tundra shocks