2010's Not Jumping Off the Lots Everywhere

[Midpack]

I am sure they are in some places, but it's interesting to read here about people who have found and bought them quickly without waiting lists. There are 3 new ones at the 2 dealers near me, they have been available for a week so far, and none of them have moved. As great a car as it is, maybe the underlying historically weak sellers market for cars will make deals on the new Prius a reality in a few months or sooner. That's what I am waiting for ($500 to $1000 below MSRP) - time will tell. If gas prices really start to shoot up over the next 6 months or so, I suspect I will be forced to pay MSRP, but I'm no worse off for having waited.

[NYPrius1]

Good Point!

[PriusCrazy]

Originally Posted by Midpack

I am sure they are in some places, but it's interesting to read here about people who have found and bought them quickly without waiting lists. There are 3 new ones at the 2 dealers near me, they have been available for a week so far, and none of them have moved. As great a car as it is, maybe the underlying historically weak sellers market for cars will make deals on the new Prius a reality in a few months or sooner. That's what I am waiting for ($500 to $1000 below MSRP) - time will tell. If gas prices really start to shoot up over the next 6 months or so, I suspect I will be forced to pay MSRP, but I'm no worse off for having waited.

Unless they start charging over MSRP.

[jeremiah256]

Originally Posted by PriusCrazy

Unless they start charging over MSRP.

Hopefully, the competition from the Insight and the Jetta TDI will help keep prices reasonable.

[agentred]

Prices will probably remain reasonable, but if gas prices go up (which looks likely given the spiralling cost of crude) you can expect month long waiting lists and mandatory dealer added 'options'.

[ggood]

Good for the enthusiasts who want a car right away!

Toyota's advertising campaign is not helping them. I really have no idea how anyone else would know there's a new model out based on what I've seen. No one I talk to about my new car is aware of it until I tell them.

[web1b]

Originally Posted by PriusCrazy

Unless they start charging over MSRP.

The dealership probably is already trying to get some big markups over MSRP and that's the reason they haven't sold.

[web1b]

Originally Posted by agentred

Prices will probably remain reasonable, but if gas prices go up (which looks likely given the spiralling cost of crude) you can expect month long waiting lists and mandatory dealer added 'options'.

Gas prices will likely rise over the summer and drop again later.
Supply of the new Prius is very poor now but in 6 months, Toyota will be able to produce a huge number if demand warrants it.
6 months from now will probably be the best time to buy.

[Jabber]

Certain models are not selling as well. For instance, I have a III gray, gray, base on the lot right now.. available. I have a few orders for IV and V's.

As far as the market goes, I don't think you will see prices dropping until the 09's are off the lot. IF Toyota drops the 0% next month, that will keep the 10's at MSRP. If they don't, it will keep the MSRP price until the 09's are gone.

[Matt Herring]

Originally Posted by agentred

Prices will probably remain reasonable, but if gas prices go up (which looks likely given the spiralling cost of crude) you can expect month long waiting lists and mandatory dealer added 'options'.

IMO, I just don't see gas prices going up to "alarming rates" like in the recent past to force a premium or waiting list scenario. At $3/gallon it's not going to happen...probably not even at $3.50/gallon. Waiting lists on the 2010 Prius are not going to happen....not this summer.

While the Prius is still the benchmark for hybrid technology and highest mpg there are now many other options out there (and at a lower cost...appealing to cash-strapped consumers who prefer a $300/month payment vs. $400/month if they are buying a "new" car). There are far more new cars available than consumers looking to purchase new cars than in past years...and who's to say consumers are buying new cars vs. used cars.

A year ago, wallets were "alot" looser than they are now (job losses and unemployment rates were not as rampant as they are now) and people were still in the "new car" buying range financially.

Right now, panic is not affording gas...it's affording your mortgage at this point in the game...

Google - public data

April 2009 US unemployment rate = 8.6%
April 2008 US unemployment rate = 4.8%

And further proof panic is not going to drive people to the local Toyota dealership to buy a 2010 Prius...or go on a waiting list for one...

Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

May 25, 2009 avg. US gas price/gallon = $2.43
May 25, 2008 avg. Us gas price/gallon = $3.93