Pricing for 2005 Prius

[barefootmatt]

I'm shopping for a Prius. My local dealer, I was surprised to learn, has three of them in stock, all 2005's. They just don't sell here, I guess. They're willing to offer me a discount if I take a 2005 instead of ordering a 2007. I have two questions for you sages of the Prius:

1. What, if anything, should I be concerned about with regards to getting a 2005 instead of a 2007? Any major design changes, safety or reliability issues that have since been fixed, etc.? I understand that the seat design has changed - can any of you speak to the relative comfort of the two designs?

2. What would be a reasonable price to pay? I'm going in on Monday to haggle, and I want to be prepared. They're offering $30,000 Canadian, which my handy calculator tells me is about $26,211 American. The three cars they have all have what is known in Canada as the "B Package". The packages seem to be labelled differently in the states, so for reference, this package includes:
- vehicle stability control
- premium JBL audio
- bluetooth capability
- in-dash 6-disc CD changer
- 9 speakers
- front side airbags
- front head/side curtain airbags
- smart key system
- garage door opener
- electrochromic rear view mirror
- theft deterrent system
- fog lamps

Thanks in advance for your help! I'm really excited about this opportunity to get the car I want for less than I budgeted for, but I don't want to get ripped off at the dealership.

[Tideland Prius]

Yeesh, I wish I can sell my 2005 for $30k!!

A new 07 costs, what, $31k? and a package B costs $35k.

Differences between 05 and 07 (Canadian Spec). 2007 adds:
- higher resolution screen
- advanced front airbag with occupant detection system
- tyre pressure monitoring system
- new blue tinted headlights
- HYBRID emblems
- rear seat is lowered 1 inch (supposedly)
- chrome brakelight compound
- chrome grille
- new colours (Magnetic Grey, Barcelona Red, Classic Silver and Silver Pine Mica)
- Package "B" for 2007 adds bluetooth connectivity
- JBL speakers are supposedly better on the 07
- new dashboard material

I think I've covered it all. Phew!

You didn't say which part of Canada you're in but if you're in BC, ON or PEI, getting a new one qualifies you for tax rebates. A used one doesn't.

If you still want to look at the 05, check to see that the ECU has been updated and that the steering wheel recall has been done.

Oh, and try to get it below $28k. According to the Canadian Black Book (from www.toyota.ca), my 38,000km 2005 is worth $22k tops. The issue here is that it the black book doesn't differentiate from the base Prius to a loaded one with nav. But still, $22k is a far cry from $30k.

Hell, if you're on a budget, get the Camry Hybrid instead at $31,900. It's only a few hundred more than a base Prius but comes with 80% of the stuff listed in the "B" Package of the Prius as standard equipment!!

[barefootmatt]

Thanks for the reply, that's helpful. I need to clarify, though: these are NEW cars, not used. The one I'm interested in has just been sitting in the showroom for two years. It's in perfect condition, as far as I can tell. They were even polishing it when I was in there.

I'm in the Yukon, so no tax rebates for me

I'll definitely keep in mind the recall and the ECU update - but to make it sound like I know what I'm talking about, what's an ECU?

[snowflake]

There was a 05 ECU software update recall, I think, but not all vehicles were affected. My 05 built in October 05 seems that it was not. The dealer would be able to tell based on the VIN number

Either way, it seems to me 26,100 $ American is way too much.

November 05 I paid 27,800 $ American for mine (MSRP, in the US though) but mine has in addition to what you say HID lamps self-adjustable and NAV and maybe more (what in the US is package 6 for an 05).

Based on the difference in equipment/price above, I think you should try to get the 05 I'd say for 22,000 $ American, whatever that is in CAN $.

Hope this helps, and good luck with the decision.

S.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Barefoot Matt @ Dec 2 2006, 03:17 PM) [snapback]356779[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the reply, that's helpful. I need to clarify, though: these are NEW cars, not used. The one I'm interested in has just been sitting in the showroom for two years. It's in perfect condition, as far as I can tell. They were even polishing it when I was in there.

I'm in the Yukon, so no tax rebates for me

I'll definitely keep in mind the recall and the ECU update - but to make it sound like I know what I'm talking about, what's an ECU?
[/b]

How can there be a NEW 2005? It's been sitting on the lot for one year?!?!

btw, I heard Toyota is offering a discount on 2006 models.

[barefootmatt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Dec 4 2006, 12:18 AM) [snapback]357270[/snapback]</div>

How can there be a NEW 2005? It's been sitting on the lot for one year?!?!
[/b]

I know, isn't that weird? Apparently, according to the dealer, people up here just don't trust this new-fangled technology. I think it's probably because we get really cold winters, and people think a hybrid will have a harder time of it. I don't think that's true, but people have their misconceptions.

Snowflake: Hmm, $22,000 is about $25,000 Canadian, which is what I was going to open with. Maybe I should start even lower and work up to that. Any idea what the dealer invoice price would be on a car like this?

[Tideland Prius]

For the 2005 model, it's

base: $28,460
Pkg "B": $31,957
Pkg "C": $34,771

[barefootmatt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Dec 4 2006, 10:09 PM) [snapback]357835[/snapback]</div>

For the 2005 model, it's

base: $28,460
Pkg "B": $31,957
Pkg "C": $34,771
[/b]

Are you sure that's the invoice price, not MSRP? That seems awfully expensive. Of course, I don't know what the MSRP was at the time either.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Barefoot Matt @ Dec 4 2006, 11:46 PM) [snapback]357846[/snapback]</div>

Are you sure that's the invoice price, not MSRP? That seems awfully expensive. Of course, I don't know what the MSRP was at the time either.
[/b]

I'm 100% certain.

MSRP for 2005 Prius:

base: $30,330 (that's after the raise in price. It used to be $29,990)
B: $34,395
c: $37,745


I know what I paid for Premium Package Prius lol (try saying that 10x fast). Prem pack = Pkg "B"

[jamesbalch]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Barefoot Matt @ Dec 5 2006, 12:51 AM) [snapback]357831[/snapback]</div>

I know, isn't that weird? Apparently, according to the dealer, people up here just don't trust this new-fangled technology. I think it's probably because we get really cold winters, and people think a hybrid will have a harder time of it. I don't think that's true, but people have their misconceptions.

Snowflake: Hmm, $22,000 is about $25,000 Canadian, which is what I was going to open with. Maybe I should start even lower and work up to that. Any idea what the dealer invoice price would be on a car like this?
[/b]

Good idea to lowball the hell out of him! If he has a NEW prius on the lot he can't get rid of.....well that's just nuts. Sounds like he'd be desparate to sell. If you can get it low enough, maybe you could sell it in a another area for a profit. Then use the extra funds to get an '07 if that's what you really want!

BTW, I bought my 2006 package #7 on Sept 5th and paid just over 26K. I will get the $3150 rebate, so I thought it was a pretty good deal.

Good luck.