When I first started my search for a Tundra I was looking for what I called a "steel wheel" version, but I also wanted the SR5 Upgrade Package. So I was looking for a '17 CrewMax 4x4 with the 5.7 that was pretty basic, but I absolutely wanted the front buckets. I also was focused on just a few color combinations. Once I started soliciting the local (and some not so local) dealerships and getting them to provide me with a quote....it was for a unit that I found in their stock. Some of those dealerships STILL funked up and quoted a TSS or a TX Edition unit. That is when I realized that with the number of TSS units on lots and in inventory coupled with the added incentives from Toyota for the "special package" units I was getting quotes for the "steel wheel" and for the TSS that were only $500 apart.
A dealership in San Antonio (Cavenders) was slashing the shit out of their "on lot" trucks. I got him to rock bottom each version. After that....I went back at the original guys who quoted me and told them what they had to take off to earn my business. I let them whore themselves and beat the hell out of each other on the TSS versions that were configured the way I wanted it. The "add-ons" were taken off right away....I didn't ask for nitrogen in tires, cheap tint on the front two windows, lugnut locks, and/or a spare tire lock. My dealings were starting with the window sticker. At that time, Toyota was offering $3,000 in incentives on a TSS model, and then I was able to get multiple dealerships to discuss a dealer discount of another +/- $6,000.
Final deal was my TSS (window stickered at just under $48k) for $38.5k +ttl. All fees were in line with each of the other dealerships. They kept saying that they "couldn't" do the deal....that they were losing money on it and that it was several thousand under invoice. I also had in my favor the last weekend of the month and also a holiday weekend.
AND...even though I knew I wanted to upgrade my truck, I wasn't sure how long before I would start. Getting the TSS would keep me satisfied for a while so that I didn't feel the need to run out and do upgrades right away. And when I go to sell the take-offs....I am expecting to get more out of these TSS wheels and tires than I would've gotten for the steelies.
Sorry if this ended up getting confusing. Short answer is that I went with what I felt was the best deal. I got the "steel wheel" version down to $37k +ttl, and the TSS down to $38.5k. I jumped on the TSS. Hind-sight....I probably should have gotten the steel wheel. I tend to get caught up in "best deal" sometimes....but I feel great about my deal and love the truck. This Tundra still rides, sounds, and feels like a truck and I like that.
CK
