Is this a bad time to buy?

[Tom.from.PA]

Hello - joined a while back but this is my first posting.

I sent out a major internet inquiry to all my local Toyota dealers - about 10 - I'm looking for a simple package 2, basically stripped (no need for anything extra), no preference for color, interior, etc.

Every single dealer responded to me that there are no package 2 available. None at all, there's the occasional pkg 6, but thats it. I didn't think it would be that difficult, but it is. Then again, its tantamount to buying a motorcycle in the summertime (or a snowblower in the winter), with the price of gas rising to record breaking numbers, people are scarfing up the Prius like no tomorrow.

I guess what I'm asking is - should I take a break and research closer to the fall, when fuel prices start to drop and the new 2009's come out? I don't think my car will last until 2010, and besides, I'm sure prices will hit the $5/gallon by then. Want to get my foot in the hybrid door a bit sooner.

[qbee42]

It's going to be a bad time to buy for quite a while, unless you want to buy an SUV. Keep looking and you may get lucky, otherwise what do you have to loose other than a little time.

Tom

[rsforkner]

Originally Posted by Tom.from.PA

I guess what I'm asking is - should I take a break and research closer to the fall, when fuel prices start to drop...

Good one! Then again, maybe I'm just cynical.

Seriously, good luck on your quest. It will be worth it.

Bob

[Tom.from.PA]

Originally Posted by rsforkner

Good one! Then again, maybe I'm just cynical.

Seriously, good luck on your quest. It will be worth it.

Bob

Thanks, Bob..I think it will be worth the wait. Its a very fickle public out there, though...once the price drops a cent, these people will be breathing a sigh of relief. I know its only temporary. I wouldn't be surprised to see gas hit $5/gal this summer.

I had initially eyed up a Prius last year, but due to some financial issues, it wasn't in the cards. This year tends to look brighter...hopefully I'll catch a break this coming fall when the new 2009's come in. Sales ebb and flow according to the gas prices.

Only drag is...trading in the gas guzzling minivan. Ugh..only 5 years old and in great shape, I'll be lucky if they offer 1k for it.

[rsforkner]

Originally Posted by Tom.from.PA

Thanks, Bob..I think it will be worth the wait. Its a very fickle public out there, though...once the price drops a cent, these people will be breathing a sigh of relief. I know its only temporary. I wouldn't be surprised to see gas hit $5/gal this summer.

I had initially eyed up a Prius last year, but due to some financial issues, it wasn't in the cards. This year tends to look brighter...hopefully I'll catch a break this coming fall when the new 2009's come in. Sales ebb and flow according to the gas prices.

Only drag is...trading in the gas guzzling minivan. Ugh..only 5 years old and in great shape, I'll be lucky if they offer 1k for it.

I fell in love with the Prius 4 years ago when a friend let me drive his a couple of miles around this neighborhood. Two years later I was in a position to trade cars, but I let a salesman talk me out of a Prius, so I bought a Camry.

So I said good by to my 07 Camry, and a 4.9% loan, and got the Prius. Two months later, I haven't looked back.

The trade in will be a big rub, for sure.

Bob

[Brodie]

Keep at it....eventually you will find one. Are you on any wait lists? That might be the only way to go; to put down a deposit and tell them you'll take the first unclaimed #2 they get. It helps that you aren't picky about color. There are a few #2s around here still, but not 6 or 7 on each lot like there were when I bought mine 2 months ago. I got both the color I wanted and my choice of interior color at the dealer I went to!

[PriusSport]

I didn't buy a Prius because of gas. I bought it because I think it's state of the art in cars. I like the technology in the car. It makes so much sense in today's world, and makes conventional cars look outdated.

The real bargains out there in cars right now are the bigger vehicles that don't get good gas mileage. A 20-25 mpg SUV, for example, can be had for $20K or less these days. If you think gas prices are inflated and coming down soon, that's the kind of car to buy right now.

[rfruth]

>> trading in the gas guzzling minivan. Ugh..only 5 years old and in great shape, I'll be lucky if they offer 1k for it.

- snip -

A 5 year old minivan in great condition should have pretty good resale value !

[Tom.from.PA]

Originally Posted by rfruth

>> trading in the gas guzzling minivan. Ugh..only 5 years old and in great shape, I'll be lucky if they offer 1k for it.

- snip -

A 5 year old minivan in great condition should have pretty good resale value !

Ok...this is difficult to admit...its a Kia.

The resale on them is bad. However, I can say this car is probably the best car I've ever owned - outside the awful gas mileage (12/18). 85k miles and a bad alternator, thats it. Been very solid and reliable for 5 years.

[eclipse3g]

It's amazing how quickly the inventory on dealer lots dis-appeared. Less than a month ago I could go to any of the local dealers and they had in stock just about every color and option package including touring models. 2-3 weeks later there's nothing to be found.