New to Prius - My Crazy Story

[rubiconpete]

So-I'm looking for a 2010 Prius (who isn't right)....let me back up a bit..

I left the Army about 8 months ago and went from driving my 2003 Jeep 3 miles a day to work, to a Houston Texas commute of 40 miles one way, 80 round trip. Crazy huh - so I thought to myself - man I need to get another vehicle - I am burning WAY too much gas - I used to fill up 2 times a week - UGH.

Anyhow - so about 4 weeks ago I went to Africa on business and while I was gone, someone decided to steal my Jeep and total it - great welcome to the neighborhood....so, I've been in a rental for about a month, and have looked at the various hybrid vehicles out there...Insight and 09 Prius were the obvious choices. I test drove both - and liked the 09 Prius, but then I saw the 2010 Prius...and really liked it.

So here I am now, with a Prius on order and my rental car just ran out. I'm borrowing my brother's Jeep for now, but really need to get into a Prius....

Which leads me to my next question...

I've noticed around here there are some people that have spotted 2010 Prius on dealer lots near them....if there is anyone out there that could shoot me a PM and give me the dealer info where you saw one - that would be great. At this point, I am SERIOUSLY considering flying to pick one up at the dealer somewhere in the USA, and driving back (Road Trip!!)

TIA for the help in advance...sorry my first post had to be this one one on here

Pete

[hughh]

Might be easier to get a list of nearby dealers from the Toyota webpage and either contact them or visit their web pages for vehicles on stock.

[F8L]

Nice story LOL!

Welcome to the forum and the world of Prius my friend. And thanks for serving.

[Steve Cebu]

Originally Posted by rubiconpete

I've noticed around here there are some people that have spotted 2010 Prius on dealer lots near them....if there is anyone out there that could shoot me a PM and give me the dealer info where you saw one - that would be great. At this point, I am SERIOUSLY considering flying to pick one up at the dealer somewhere in the USA, and driving back (Road Trip!!)
TIA for the help in advance...sorry my first post had to be this one one on here
Pete

Hi Pete, there are several dealers in here that are very helpful. Depending on how far you want to travel there certainly are some available. If you want to fly all the way to IL, you could contact Jabbber, he's a PriusChat member and a Prius Salesman.
Then there is another dealer DianneWhitmore or something like that, that is also on PriusChat, she is in CA. I think if you deal with decent salespeople who are on PriusChat you can avoid hassles After you fly to the dealership.
Less drama =

[Martin37]

Originally Posted by rubiconpete

At this point, I am SERIOUSLY considering flying to pick one up at the dealer somewhere in the USA, and driving back (Road Trip!!)

Of course buying out of state might cost you that state's sales tax. I personally have purchased several cars in Southern California and had them delivered to me across the border in Arizona . . . to avoid the sales tax. This process might cost you several hundred dollars but that is a heck of a lot less than paying 8 or 9 percent sales tax. Such a deal may work in other areas of the country, too. Essentially the dealer hires a driver to drive your new rig while you follow in a chase car also provided by the dealer. Good hunting! Also, as you have military ties don't hesitate to check out the PenFed credit union w/ 3.99 % interest rates +/-.

[equake]

Originally Posted by Martin37

Of course buying out of state might cost you that state's sales tax. I personally have purchased several cars in Southern California and had them delivered to me across the border in Arizona . . . to avoid the sales tax. This process might cost you several hundred dollars but that is a heck of a lot less than paying 8 or 9 percent sales tax. Such a deal may work in other areas of the country, too. Essentially the dealer hires a driver to drive your new rig while you follow in a chase car also provided by the dealer. Good hunting! Also, as you have military ties don't hesitate to check out the PenFed credit union w/ 3.99 % interest rates +/-.

Huh? CA has a sales tax of 9.25% and if you are really lucky and buy it in Pico Rivera you get to pay 10.25% sales tax. So there is your bargain.

[cmumford]

Originally Posted by equake

Huh? CA has a sales tax of 9.25% and if you are really lucky and buy it in Pico Rivera you get to pay 10.25% sales tax. So there is your bargain.

I just moved from TX to CA and a while back I bought my Insight out of state in OK and drove it back to Dallas. The dealer in OK didn't charge me sales tax and I paid the 6.25% (yes read it a weep y'all) when I registered the vehicle back in TX.

I'm about to pick up my 2010 Prius and am not looking forward to the 9.25% sales tax. I say go for the road trip as long as it's < 8 hours - you'll enjoy it. I'm about to do the same as I'm buying the car in LA and driving back to SF.