How close should I be paying to sticker price?

Joekc · 11-12-2007, 08:55 PM

I'm likely to buy a new Prius in the next week, since my new job requires driving all over town. In my area the Toyota dealer's Web pages show about 45 Prius available in the Kansas City area. I'll probably be trading in my old Explorer (for various reasons I won't sell it privately.) I know it makes it hard to know the exact price when you've got a trade-in, but I'd like to know for those of you who have bought a 2008 model Prius, how close your dealer stuck to the sticker price. (I'm probably looking at package 3 or 5) TIA.

Woodcote · 11-13-2007, 09:15 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Joekc @ Nov 12 2007, 09:55 PM) [snapback]538650[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I'm likely to buy a new Prius in the next week, since my new job requires driving all over town. In my area the Toyota dealer's Web pages show about 45 Prius available in the Kansas City area. I'll probably be trading in my old Explorer (for various reasons I won't sell it privately.) I know it makes it hard to know the exact price when you've got a trade-in, but I'd like to know for those of you who have bought a 2008 model Prius, how close your dealer stuck to the sticker price. (I'm probably looking at package 3 or 5) TIA.
[/b]

My recommendation is to email or contact several internet sales managers from your local dealers, and see which one offers you the best deal. This way you don't have to waste time driving around and you should get a decent discount without much effort. I was able to get about $2000 off the sticker on my 2007 Prius Touring and I waited about 2 weeks for my exact model to arrive.

I've seen others on this site offer the same advice

Ichabod · 11-13-2007, 09:27 AM

Be happy if you can get sticker price or below for a Prius! It's a great car!!! Oh yeah, you're on PriusChat, so you've probably heard people say that.

1 year and a few months ago I paid sticker price for my '06, but that obviously has not a lot of bearing on the market for you now. Just match a few dealers against each other and take the best offer.

And if you're in the market for the extended warranty, don't buy it right away. There may still be an offer here on PC for a cheaper one, and you don't need it immediately anyway.

personallyuneek · 11-13-2007, 09:36 AM

Look on the Thread on PC
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=26650&st=360

The question now is how much below invoice can you get this great car for. Inventories are high....There are plenty of model choices....and the EPA chages in MPG Calcs made the ave go down...loosing many of the tax/Carpool lane incentives in many states.
08 Models are selling below invoice (Bought mine on 10-9 LOVE IT!!!)

Plus the 09 is going to be WAY better on gas and there is finally some competition for the prius coming onto the market soon..... the Dealers know it.

I would go for 100 under invoice.....

ezbngrn · 11-13-2007, 10:31 AM

I just bought my prius 11/1/07 it has package #2 sticker was $23899. I paid $22099. and they gave me about 1000 more for my trade than any other dealer. I used the internet sales dept as well.

08RedPrius · 11-13-2007, 11:59 AM

I just bought mine a couple weeks ago. I paid list price minus the $ 2,000 "special offer" price that is currently a program that Toyota has on the 08's.

After negotiating a purchase price, I too traded in another car. When we were in discussions they said to look at the Kelly Blue Book for trade ins to get an estimated trade in value as they adhere to that closely. It was actually a couple thousand less when we got to the table. I got them to bump it up another $300 for the trade but that was it.

mldoc · 11-13-2007, 09:42 PM

We recently ordered ours and paid a few hundred over invoice (not MSRP) through the Costco program. Didn't pay a destination fee either, as supposedly Costco doesn't allow it. They claimed that it was $100 over invoice, and even though is seems to be a little more than that, I chalk it up to them adding floor mats and having to cover the freight cost. Still it was a great deal and the price we paid was about $1000 under the next best offer.

LILLIEBELLE · 11-13-2007, 09:54 PM

HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS!!
Here in Seattle, we have hit new heights. Tonight's quote from the Bellevue dealer asks me to believe that the dealer invoice is at $ 23768[font=Georgia] and the cost to me is $ 25354 LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

His rundown of their invoice looks like this:

18186 VEHICLE INQUIRY REPORT DATE: 11/13/07
DCV920 TIME: 18:17
Model Number: 1224A SERIAL # :83322187 Check Code: 8
Model Description: 4-DR GAS/ELEC Category ..........: G
Year ............: 2008 Current Dealer ....: 130-46050
Interior Color ..: FE11 FE11 Wholesale Dealer ..: 46050
Exterior Color ..: 01F7 SILVE Previous Dealer ...: 00130
Body ............: HYBRID GAS/ELEC SEDN Invoice Date ......: 10/26/07
Number of Cyl ...: 4 Ship Date .........: 10/30/07
Allocation Number: 102 Retail Date .......:
Engine Number ...: 4772493 Date of First Use .:
Vessel Number ...: 223 TRAC ..............: NO
Vessel Name .....: PNR RUNRV001 Damage ............: NO DAMAGE
PDI ...............: YES
Fleet .............: NON-FLEET
Port PDS Complete .: NO

VIN .............: JTDKB20U183322187
Ignition Key.....: 59240
Factory Installed Accessories: FE HI HZ
Port Installed Accessories ..: CF EF
Retail Dealer
Vehicle Base Model ....................: $ 22325.00 $ 19889.00
Total Accessories .....................: $ 2369.00 $ 2063.00

MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE
Hybrid Synergy Drive System
1.5L 4Cyl DOHC
16 Valve w/VVT-i Engine Elctrnic Cntinusly
Variable Trans (ECVT)
Electronic Power Steering System
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
Torsion Beam Rear Suspension
15” Alloy Wheels w/P185/65R15 Tires
w/Trim Ring/Fr Disc & Rr Drum Brakes
SAFETY
Dr & Fr Pass Advanced Front Airbag (SRS)
Dr & Fr Pass Side & Curtain Airbags
Traction Control (TRAC)
ABS w/Elec Brake Force Dist & Brk Assist
3 Point Seatbelts w/ALR/ELR Pass Belts
Side-Impact Door Beams
Rr-Seat Child Restraint Sys (CRS) Lower
Anchors and Top Tether Brackets (LATCH)
Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System
EXTERIOR
Multi-Reflectr Halogn Auto-Off Headlamps
Dual Clr-Keyd Pwr Heated Outside Mirrors
Chrome-Type Finish on Front Grille
Rear Spoiler
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Auto Climate Control w/Air Filtration
AM/FM CD with 6 Speakers
Push Button Start
Remote Keyless Entry, Engine Immobilizer
Cruise Control
Liquid-Crystal Multi-Info Display Panel
w/Energy Monitor, Fuel Consumption,
Climate Control, O/S Temp & Audio Status
Tilt Steer Wheel w/Climate & Audio Cntrl
60/40 Split Fold-Flat Rear Seat
Variable Frnt & Intermittent Rr Wipers
Heavy-Duty Rr Window Defogger w/Timer
Pwr Door Locks & Wndws w/Dr Auto Up/Down
Cntr Console & Dual-Compartmnt Glove Box
2 Auxiliary 12V Power Outlets
Cargo Tonneau Cover & Under-Floor
Storage/Overhead Console w/Map Lights
Fabric Cloth Seats, Seat Back Pockets
Retail Dealer Total
Vehicle Base Model .......................... $ 22325.00 $ 19889.00 $ 22325.00
50 State Emissions .........................
Package #3 Includes: JBL AM/FM 6-Disc CD ... 2105.00 1895.00
Changer with 9 Speakers, Aux Audio .........
Input Miniplug, MP3/WMA Playback ...........
Capability, Satellite Radio Capability, ....
and Hands-Free Phone Capability via ........
Bluetooth; Vehicle Stability Control; ......
Backup Camera; Smart Key System; ...........
Anti-Theft System; Auto-Dimming Rearview ...
Mirror with HomeLink. ......................
Includes: Cruise Control, ..................
Heated Outside Mirrors; 15” Alloy Wheels ...
with Trim Ring; Tonneau Cover; Seatback ....
Pockets. The price of this option is .......
included within the base vehicle MSRP ......
above. .....................................
Carpet Floor Mats & Cargo Mat .............. 199.00 126.00
Rear Bumper Applique ....................... 65.00 42.00
--------- --------- ---------
Total Accessories ...........................: $ 2369.00 $ 2063.00 $ 2369.00
Destination Charge ..........................: $ 660.00 $ 660.00
TDA .........................................: $ 477.00
Gasoline ....................................: $ 10.00
Dealer Holdback .............................: $ 446.00
Whsl. Financial Reserve .....................: $ 223.00
--------- ---------
Total .......................................: $ 23768.00 $ 25354.00

Joekc · 11-13-2007, 10:06 PM

Several of you suggested the Costco route, so I went through the Costco Web Site (I'm a member) and it directed me to the dealer I had already contacted. They called me (not the original salesman) and told me to come in for a chat. When I told them I'd already contacted a salesman, they said that was fine and I should just show him my Costco card.

I was troubled that the Costco "representative" at the dealership also told me that because of the rising gas prices, discounts might be harder to come by. As of today, this dealership had in stock or had available 56 Prius. That sounded a little phony to me. I was under the impression Costco had certain guidelines about costs. Am I wrong on this?

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

brentmeister · 11-13-2007, 10:07 PM

I believe that the deal you can get depends on inventory and dealer sales figures. Last month, I was able to purchase a package 2 with pinstripes, window tint, bumper protector and shield package for $300 over invoice... I referred a couple of friends this week and the same dealership told them the best they could do is MSRP. We went from 2.65 to $2.99 down here in Dallas in the past few weeks and inventories are very low. I think folks have lost a bit of the negotiation power for now.

I also want to let you know how happy I am with my Prius. I am getting about 54 mpg and the car was everything it was said to be. I am profoundly satisified and saving about $125/ month in fuel costs compared to my '98 pathfinder.

11-13-2007, 10:07 PM	#10
brentmeister Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 51 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I believe that the deal you can get depends on inventory and dealer sales figures. Last month, I was able to purchase a package 2 with pinstripes, window tint, bumper protector and shield package for $300 over invoice... I referred a couple of friends this week and the same dealership told them the best they could do is MSRP. We went from 2.65 to $2.99 down here in Dallas in the past few weeks and inventories are very low. I think folks have lost a bit of the negotiation power for now. I also want to let you know how happy I am with my Prius. I am getting about 54 mpg and the car was everything it was said to be. I am profoundly satisified and saving about $125/ month in fuel costs compared to my '98 pathfinder. __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is paying MSRP or more the ONLY way to get a Prius?	carolbrady	Gen II Prius Main Forum	50	08-31-2007 01:46 AM
UCS is paying attention	MissPaisley	Prius and Hybrid News	1	02-13-2006 10:57 PM
Forests paying the price for biofuels	Areometer	Environmental Discussion	0	11-22-2005 06:51 PM
Used Prius: More than sticker price	DaddyLongLegs	Prius and Hybrid News	5	05-13-2005 09:57 AM
Salon: "Paying the price for Bush's retro energy policy	swamprius	Environmental Discussion	7	03-25-2005 10:05 AM

11-12-2007, 08:55 PM	#1
Joekc Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 243 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 2	I'm likely to buy a new Prius in the next week, since my new job requires driving all over town. In my area the Toyota dealer's Web pages show about 45 Prius available in the Kansas City area. I'll probably be trading in my old Explorer (for various reasons I won't sell it privately.) I know it makes it hard to know the exact price when you've got a trade-in, but I'd like to know for those of you who have bought a 2008 model Prius, how close your dealer stuck to the sticker price. (I'm probably looking at package 3 or 5) TIA.

11-13-2007, 09:27 AM	#3
Ichabod Artist In Residence Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 1,793 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Friends: 7	Be happy if you can get sticker price or below for a Prius! It's a great car!!! Oh yeah, you're on PriusChat, so you've probably heard people say that. 1 year and a few months ago I paid sticker price for my '06, but that obviously has not a lot of bearing on the market for you now. Just match a few dealers against each other and take the best offer. And if you're in the market for the extended warranty, don't buy it right away. There may still be an offer here on PC for a cheaper one, and you don't need it immediately anyway. __________________ 2006 Barcelona Red Metallic - a.k.a. "The Professor" :: Accessories/Mods :: BT Tech Stiffening Plate - Engine Block Heater - OEM EV button - OEM Mud guards - Rear Bumper Protector :: Near-future :: ScangaugeII

11-13-2007, 09:36 AM	#4
personallyuneek Yankee fan in New England Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NorthEast Posts: 47 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Look on the Thread on PC http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=26650&st=360 The question now is how much below invoice can you get this great car for. Inventories are high....There are plenty of model choices....and the EPA chages in MPG Calcs made the ave go down...loosing many of the tax/Carpool lane incentives in many states. 08 Models are selling below invoice (Bought mine on 10-9 LOVE IT!!!) Plus the 09 is going to be WAY better on gas and there is finally some competition for the prius coming onto the market soon..... the Dealers know it. I would go for 100 under invoice.....

11-13-2007, 10:31 AM	#5
ezbngrn Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Miami Posts: 46 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I just bought my prius 11/1/07 it has package #2 sticker was $23899. I paid $22099. and they gave me about 1000 more for my trade than any other dealer. I used the internet sales dept as well.

11-13-2007, 11:59 AM	#6
08RedPrius Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I just bought mine a couple weeks ago. I paid list price minus the $ 2,000 "special offer" price that is currently a program that Toyota has on the 08's. After negotiating a purchase price, I too traded in another car. When we were in discussions they said to look at the Kelly Blue Book for trade ins to get an estimated trade in value as they adhere to that closely. It was actually a couple thousand less when we got to the table. I got them to bump it up another $300 for the trade but that was it.

11-13-2007, 09:42 PM	#7
mldoc Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Riverdale, NY Posts: 28 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	We recently ordered ours and paid a few hundred over invoice (not MSRP) through the Costco program. Didn't pay a destination fee either, as supposedly Costco doesn't allow it. They claimed that it was $100 over invoice, and even though is seems to be a little more than that, I chalk it up to them adding floor mats and having to cover the freight cost. Still it was a great deal and the price we paid was about $1000 under the next best offer.

11-13-2007, 09:54 PM	#8
LILLIEBELLE Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 3 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS!! Here in Seattle, we have hit new heights. Tonight's quote from the Bellevue dealer asks me to believe that the dealer invoice is at $ 23768[font=Georgia] and the cost to me is $ 25354 LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK His rundown of their invoice looks like this: 18186 VEHICLE INQUIRY REPORT DATE: 11/13/07 DCV920 TIME: 18:17 Model Number: 1224A SERIAL # :83322187 Check Code: 8 Model Description: 4-DR GAS/ELEC Category ..........: G Year ............: 2008 Current Dealer ....: 130-46050 Interior Color ..: FE11 FE11 Wholesale Dealer ..: 46050 Exterior Color ..: 01F7 SILVE Previous Dealer ...: 00130 Body ............: HYBRID GAS/ELEC SEDN Invoice Date ......: 10/26/07 Number of Cyl ...: 4 Ship Date .........: 10/30/07 Allocation Number: 102 Retail Date .......: Engine Number ...: 4772493 Date of First Use .: Vessel Number ...: 223 TRAC ..............: NO Vessel Name .....: PNR RUNRV001 Damage ............: NO DAMAGE PDI ...............: YES Fleet .............: NON-FLEET Port PDS Complete .: NO VIN .............: JTDKB20U183322187 Ignition Key.....: 59240 Factory Installed Accessories: FE HI HZ Port Installed Accessories ..: CF EF Retail Dealer Vehicle Base Model ....................: $ 22325.00 $ 19889.00 Total Accessories .....................: $ 2369.00 $ 2063.00 MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE Hybrid Synergy Drive System 1.5L 4Cyl DOHC 16 Valve w/VVT-i Engine Elctrnic Cntinusly Variable Trans (ECVT) Electronic Power Steering System MacPherson Strut Front Suspension Torsion Beam Rear Suspension 15” Alloy Wheels w/P185/65R15 Tires w/Trim Ring/Fr Disc & Rr Drum Brakes SAFETY Dr & Fr Pass Advanced Front Airbag (SRS) Dr & Fr Pass Side & Curtain Airbags Traction Control (TRAC) ABS w/Elec Brake Force Dist & Brk Assist 3 Point Seatbelts w/ALR/ELR Pass Belts Side-Impact Door Beams Rr-Seat Child Restraint Sys (CRS) Lower Anchors and Top Tether Brackets (LATCH) Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System EXTERIOR Multi-Reflectr Halogn Auto-Off Headlamps Dual Clr-Keyd Pwr Heated Outside Mirrors Chrome-Type Finish on Front Grille Rear Spoiler COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE Auto Climate Control w/Air Filtration AM/FM CD with 6 Speakers Push Button Start Remote Keyless Entry, Engine Immobilizer Cruise Control Liquid-Crystal Multi-Info Display Panel w/Energy Monitor, Fuel Consumption, Climate Control, O/S Temp & Audio Status Tilt Steer Wheel w/Climate & Audio Cntrl 60/40 Split Fold-Flat Rear Seat Variable Frnt & Intermittent Rr Wipers Heavy-Duty Rr Window Defogger w/Timer Pwr Door Locks & Wndws w/Dr Auto Up/Down Cntr Console & Dual-Compartmnt Glove Box 2 Auxiliary 12V Power Outlets Cargo Tonneau Cover & Under-Floor Storage/Overhead Console w/Map Lights Fabric Cloth Seats, Seat Back Pockets Retail Dealer Total Vehicle Base Model .......................... $ 22325.00 $ 19889.00 $ 22325.00 50 State Emissions ......................... Package #3 Includes: JBL AM/FM 6-Disc CD ... 2105.00 1895.00 Changer with 9 Speakers, Aux Audio ......... Input Miniplug, MP3/WMA Playback ........... Capability, Satellite Radio Capability, .... and Hands-Free Phone Capability via ........ Bluetooth; Vehicle Stability Control; ...... Backup Camera; Smart Key System; ........... Anti-Theft System; Auto-Dimming Rearview ... Mirror with HomeLink. ...................... Includes: Cruise Control, .................. Heated Outside Mirrors; 15” Alloy Wheels ... with Trim Ring; Tonneau Cover; Seatback .... Pockets. The price of this option is ....... included within the base vehicle MSRP ...... above. ..................................... Carpet Floor Mats & Cargo Mat .............. 199.00 126.00 Rear Bumper Applique ....................... 65.00 42.00 --------- --------- --------- Total Accessories ...........................: $ 2369.00 $ 2063.00 $ 2369.00 Destination Charge ..........................: $ 660.00 $ 660.00 TDA .........................................: $ 477.00 Gasoline ....................................: $ 10.00 Dealer Holdback .............................: $ 446.00 Whsl. Financial Reserve .....................: $ 223.00 --------- --------- Total .......................................: $ 23768.00 $ 25354.00

11-13-2007, 10:06 PM	#9
Joekc Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 243 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 2	Several of you suggested the Costco route, so I went through the Costco Web Site (I'm a member) and it directed me to the dealer I had already contacted. They called me (not the original salesman) and told me to come in for a chat. When I told them I'd already contacted a salesman, they said that was fine and I should just show him my Costco card. I was troubled that the Costco "representative" at the dealership also told me that because of the rising gas prices, discounts might be harder to come by. As of today, this dealership had in stock or had available 56 Prius. That sounded a little phony to me. I was under the impression Costco had certain guidelines about costs. Am I wrong on this? Thanks for all the great suggestions.