Thinking about pulling the trigger in Big D

[Hostage46]

Excellent reference points....

The civic is indeed an excellent car. Because it's rare EX with Nav in perfect condition I'll get blue book via a private sale if I make this move, about 19K.

I currently get 30 MPG combined. I expect in the Prius I'd get high 40's to low 50's, this is a factor, but not the only one. Based the numbers, between the mpg and the tax credit the additional cost of the Prius is tolerable.

The other factor here is size. I want more room, the civic is small and has minimal cargo space.

If I can get a good deal on a #3 I'll pull the trigger... we shall see..

[pewd]

I'm also in Dallas, averaging 45mpg after 4500 miles.
Only 42mpg this week, it was better 10 days ago when it was warm

[cwerdna]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hostage46 @ Apr 14 2007, 10:04 PM) [snapback]423497[/snapback]</div>

The civic is indeed an excellent car. Because it's rare EX with Nav in perfect condition I'll get blue book via a private sale if I make this move, about 19K.
[/b]

Although Hondas apparently hold their value very well, KBB IMHO generally seems a bit on the high side. I'd look at what Edmunds says too for private party value. 15K miles for a 6 month old car is a lot IMHO and will in turn reduce the value of the car.

Again, w/o knowing much about your commute and habits, I'd factor in a predicted mileage of low to mid 40s, to be on the safe side. To expect a lifetime avg. in the low 50s is tough, at least for me here in CA w/our special blends of gas, w/my route and the usual speeds I travel. My lifetime avg. is ~45.5 mpg per my calculations.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(V8Cobrakid @ Apr 14 2007, 07:06 PM) [snapback]423453[/snapback]</div>

Go for the touring model. the 04 you drove has a shitty suspension. Sure.. it works. the 04 is like a corolla compared to the touring which i could describe as a Camry feel to the suspension.

At the same price you can pick up a Camry hybrid ( fully loaded prius - touring )
[/b]

How does that work lol. The Corolla's suspension is definitely stiffer than the Camry's (dunno abt the Camry SE since I have yet to test one but based on the LE/XLE models)

[Hostage46]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cwerdna @ Apr 15 2007, 12:19 AM) [snapback]423502[/snapback]</div>

Although Hondas apparently hold their value very well, KBB IMHO generally seems a bit on the high side. I'd look at what Edmunds says too for private party value. 15K miles for a 6 month old car is a lot IMHO and will in turn reduce the value of the car.

Again, w/o knowing much about your commute and habits, I'd factor in a predicted mileage of low to mid 40s, to be on the safe side. To expect a lifetime avg. in the low 50s is tough, at least for me here in CA w/our special blends of gas, w/my route and the usual speeds I travel. My lifetime avg. is ~45.5 mpg per my calculations.
[/b]

Well it is good to see some solid counter arguments verses blind loyalty, it's just plain refreshing.

Bottom line is I can get a decent amount of money out of my Civic. My decision is not a financial one, Frankly, if I could have found a Prius last year, I'd have picked up one then, seems to me supply and demand are in my favor now.

My commute is perfect for the pulse and glide as well as battery only runs. The first 5 miles of the commute is on city streets, speed limit 30 to 35. Then it's 15 miles on highway half of which is in heavy traffic at 25 to 40, When there is room I run between 60 & 75, then the last three miles is back on the city streets at 25 to 30.

The other deal is the size, the Prius is bigger then the Civic. Today I had to take my wifes' van to the monthly to an RC Soaring contest, picture very large toy airplanes that have 12 foot wingspans, cant' really do it in the Civic, the prius would have hauled all of my toys very nicely with the hatchback and fold down seats. The Odessy get's 20 MPG, and I drove over 100 miles round trip.

So we'll see what happens, I'm going to have a go at finding a #3..... color isn't too important.

Thanks to all for the excellent, well balanced feedback, I'll let ya'll know how it turns out.

[Charles Suitt]

Hi Hostage46

You're definitely in a better "buy" situation regarding a Prius than you would have been last year.

Have you logged on to Toyota.com and checked inventory of North Texas dealers? You can probably find which dealers have the Package 3 you seem to be seeking. Try: 'Toyota.com' - Locate a Dealer - ZIP Code - Select a Dealer - Find It Fast - Build Your Toyota - Prius - on from there.

I kept track of dealer inventory and "available" {on the way} last November to be aware of what equipment, colors, etc. were in stock or in transit. I did shop the deal with 4 dealers in the Dallas area and made sure all knew I was shopping by having the salesperson's business cards visible on my legal pad. I was willing to walk out, just say "no" to the overall deal - and did just that. The successful dealer called me back and I made a good deal at that time. Due to the Texas sales price tax on a new car (6¼% of total price or 'difference' when trading), I chose to trade rather than sell my 2004 on the street. My '04 was low mileage, no damage, fully equipped and immaculate. I bought from Roland Crenshaw, Internet Manager, Cowbly Toyota, Dallas. I choose to have maintenance done at Toyota of Richardson who maintained my 2004 Prius.

I bought the Touring Edition Package 6, trading my 2004 Package 8 Prius. I liked the 16" wheels, Bridgestone Turanza tires, firmer suspension, HID headlights, Backup Camera and factory leather trim which included the leather steering wheel and avoided the port-installed leather "Liquicell Comfort" pads under the leather - felt lumpy to us. I'm getting 42-45 MPG "around town" (Dallas) and 50-52 MPG straight freeway driving at 60-70 MPH, after 3,000 miles on the clock. I expect the MPG to increase with more miles on the odometer. This is with Toyota-recommended tire pressures of 35 psi front/33 psi rear - didn't like the 'feel' of higher pressures I had used on my 2004 Prius.

Good luck on your negotiations.

[richard schumacher]

I bought mine entirely by phone, fax, and email. Have them bid on your desired package, then see whether the seller you like best will give you the best deal.

I did not buy from them (they were the runner up) but I have my service done at Toyota of Richardson.

[Hostage46]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Apr 16 2007, 01:40 PM) [snapback]424118[/snapback]</div>

I bought mine entirely by phone, fax, and email. Have them bid on your desired package, then see whether the seller you like best will give you the best deal.

I did not buy from them (they were the runner up) but I have my service done at Toyota of Richardson.
[/b]

Yes I will never buy a car any other way, email and fax is the way to go.

I got a call from the Costco fleet manager at Toyota of Plano with a quote of $500 over invoice. He has a black HI in stock.... a good sign.

I thinnk I might get invoice from someone!!