Tacoma prices increase in 2009

[haven]

Tacoma sales are down 7.2% for the first five months of 2008, but this is much better performance than most other truck lines. So Toyota feels comfortable raising the MSRP of Tacomas in 2009.

Here's the press release
http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2008061325730

MSRP for Tacoma 4x4 models increase an average of $1,104, or 5.1%. The 4x4 range is from

$19,130 = Regular Cab/4-cylinder engine/5-speed manual trans (EPA ratings 17 city, 22 highway)

to

$27,075 = Double Cab Long Bed/ V-6 /5-speed auto trans (EPA 16 city, 20 highway)

All 2009 Tacomas have a full range of safety equipment, including limited slip rear differential, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, driver and passenger front airbags, roll-sensing curtain and seat side airbags, and front active headrests.

 

[Streakerfreak]

Hmm... I don't think that's a great move on Toyota's part. We might be seeing an increase in Frontier sales in 2009.

 

[Rob O]

Hmm... I don't think that's a great move on Toyota's part. We might be seeing an increase in Frontier sales in 2009.

The increased content somewhat justifies a higher base price, with VSC and TRAC along with side airbags now standard equipment (previously optional or not available). I've not done the math to see what those options added (or would add if available) to the base price of an equivalent equipped 2008 or earlier model, so not sure it totally offsets a 5% jump.

The minor interior changes and cosmetic "updates" don't contribute anything toward rationalizing a bigger sticker though ... especially as truck sales are on the decline.

 

[adventureduo]

Don't new car sales go up every year? How is this news? I don't remember ever seeing a company come out with a XXXX year model that was cheaper than the year before..

 

[Streakerfreak]

Don't new car sales go up every year? How is this news? I don't remember ever seeing a company come out with a XXXX year model that was cheaper than the year before..

For the most part that's true, but right now may not be the best time for an increase.

 

[Streakerfreak]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the new, larger, restyled, better mpg, Prius that will coming out in the future suppose to be cheaper? I'm probably wrong, but for some reason I remember hearing that.