New '09 or '10? In a buying dilemma

[putty]

after 6 months on the wait list my dealer called me (about a month ago) that a touring is on a ship if I want it, since my old car is still running I decided to wait for a 2010, sure I'll check out the insight too

[fedman]

I live in Massachusetts and I just bought a 09 standard prius pkg#6 at 100 below dealer invoice. Dealer told me these cars where selling at msrp 2 weeks ago. I had ordered spectra blue back in June and it came in this week. I offered this dealer 200 above dealer invoice and he would not budge. I called another and got him down to 100 below dealer invoice. I went down, did the deal on sat, and take delivery next Tuesday. I guess timing is everything. I will be replacing my 1995 Camry xle with 222,000 miles on it. If you need a car, go now and get a 09, as the timing is right. My 2 cents.
Good luck.

[liam51]

Hello...New guy here. Just purchased a new 09', pkg 6 with a couple other options, msrp> $29,627.00 last night in Florida. They allowed me $5000.00 over the Kelly Bluebook for my Passat. I traded for $5000.00 including all taxes, title, and plates, out the door. I found that because the gas prices have dropped, all the dealers I spoke with/visited, had an abundance of Prius's on their lots because nobody wants to pay hybrid prices at this time. I consider myself VERY fortunate finding the right dealer at the right time. 2010 models will have to wait for me......

[cycledrum]

Originally Posted by putty

after 6 months on the wait list my dealer called me (about a month ago) that a touring is on a ship if I want it, since my old car is still running I decided to wait for a 2010, sure I'll check out the insight too

Wouldn't the wait list for a 2010 be very long and distinguished? I should think so.

[Ryeder]

I think the 2010 Prius will come out near August. If cost is an issue, I think waiting could be a good idea. The Honda Insight should be released around the same time as the 2010 Prius and promises to be cheaper. We'll see about that. There will also be other competitors on the market. Gas prices are also down and hopefully won't double again around the 2010 releases. If things fall to plan, Toyota may lower their prices to crush the competition and keep people from detracting.

[cairo94507]

Uhhhh, did I miss something? When did MSRP on a Prius go up to 29,679?

[liam51]

Originally Posted by cairo94507

Uhhhh, did I miss something? When did MSRP on a Prius go up to 29,679?

Actually, the sticker was for $1995.00 more than that, because of gouging by dealers in the area. But, its a pkg 6 with floormats, bumper protector, and Toyocare option= $29,679.

[Black2006]

Buy the car when you need it.

Judging from my experience with the 2006 ($35,500 out of the door,) prices are likely to spike up when the new model comes out.

Plus, generally, the first year has statistically higher number of quality issues for all manufacturers, including Japanese ones. Add to this Toyota's declining quality and the move to Blue Springs, Miss. in 2011, and the 2009 starts looking a bit better:-)

[cycledrum]

Was doing some business at Piercey Toyota today. A sales manger mentioned the 2010 , Gen3 Prius will 'be here' by April 2009. I assume he means the first one delivered to customer next April.

[cycledrum]

I would recommend taller individuals (perhaps 5ft 11in and up, maybe) to pay particular attention to the driver's seat ergonomics and comfort of the 2009 and earlier Prius.

Both the 2009 Corolla or Matrix have very good vertical seat height adjusters and tilt/telescopic steering wheels. Using the forward handle on the left of the Corolla driver's seat, move the seat to the max height position. You will find this very close to the fixed seat height position of all models of 2004 though 2009 Prius cars.

When the Corolla seat height adjuster handle is 'pumped' downward, the seat bottom both lowers and tilts backwards. I don't know how much it lowers, but I'd bet money it's at least 2 inches. This has at least 3 benefits for taller individuals -

1) Increases the forward view by moving the rearview mirror out of the road-level line of sight.

2) Legroom increases, and the knees and ankles are 'less bent' in reaching the gas and brake pedals.

3) Thighs, especially long ones, hook up more with the seat bottom as it is lowered.

IOW, it feels so much better to be in a car with a well adjusted seat and steering wheel.

Some have spent lots of time and money altering the seat mount on the stock Prius. Then, you still have the problelm of lack of telescopic steering wheel, and would need to explain or re-modify when trying to sell the car.

Hopefully the 2010 Prius will get the veritical seat height adjuster that works the same as the Corolla's and the telescopic steering wheel. For many taller individuals, these two reasons might be enough reason to get a 2010 or something else over an 09 Prius or earlier.