...will be buying... price/packages? Need Tutorial on buying...

[DadaCheese]

Greetings Prius Owners (and newbies like me),

My wife and have to bite the bullet and buy a new car. Last one we bought was nine years ago ('99 Subaru Forester). We always said we'd consider a hybrid if we had to buy again, and now it is time. We think we'd like to get a Prius.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS:
I/we are not the "haggling" type. Our last new car was our ONLY new car. We're babes in the woods/novices as haggling through sales/package/sticker pitches. I already know we are pre-approved through our credit union for a loan (5.69% 5/years).
We're going to have to hit the lots this weekend.
So, what will the Toyota dealers be trying to sell us/make money on?
I believe the basic model comes with cruise control, yes? So it's things like a "back-up camera", nicer stereo, navigation unit that they will try and get more for?
Let's say you find out what the sticker price, and the invoice price are. What do you offer? I mean, is there a formula in your head to suggest a price?
I've read a little bit of the forums, extended warranty seems to be something to look out for. Worth getting?

As you can see; we need a "how to buy a car for the best price" tutorial.

Lastly; how much did YOU buy your 2008 Prius for? What did it come with?

Any/all help, suggestions, links for us as very novice car buyers would be appreciated.

-

[aaf709]

Well, remember, YOU'RE the one that's going to be driving and so get what you like and can afford.

That being said, although the NAV is nice being integrated, you can save money by getting a third party NAV system. In 2005 in So Cal, there were only so many packages available so I got the NAV. I like it, but others don't.

The extended warranty is up to you. The April car issue of Consumer Reports has an article about it. One thing, you don't have to get it when you buy the car. You have up to the original 36K mile warranty before deciding. You don't even have to buy it from that dealer.

Can you rent one for a few days? I see that Hertz is now advertising that they do. This may help you decide, especially because some are very uncomfortable with the seats.

[pardreamer]

I don't like haggling either, my advise is to find out online which package you want and then go to edmunds.com which will allow you to receive quotes from 3 or 4 dealers near you. You could receive quotes from more dealers by putting in a different zip code that is not too far from you.

In the comment box, be specific on which package and color you want. Some dealers reply back with a quote. Many dealer reply back with a vague answer like "lets come in and we can talk", answer them back and request for a quote for the package and color that you want. If they still don't give you a quote, ignore them.

Also, you should create a temporary email account for this purpose, they are likely to bombard you with junk mails later. Also, if you decide to give your phone number then be aware that it will be ringing off the hook for the next 2 to 3 weeks. I didn't give a phone number, only a fake one, change one digit in your phone number. Only when I get a good offer then I call them.

If you get 6 or 7 quotes, then it should be enough. These are like their best offers because they know you requested more than one. Just pick the best offer.

I paid $22,600 (before taxes) for a package #2.

Good luck,

Par

Originally Posted by DadaCheese

Greetings Prius Owners (and newbies like me),

My wife and have to bite the bullet and buy a new car. Last one we bought was nine years ago ('99 Subaru Forester). We always said we'd consider a hybrid if we had to buy again, and now it is time. We think we'd like to get a Prius.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS:
I/we are not the "haggling" type. Our last new car was our ONLY new car. We're babes in the woods/novices as haggling through sales/package/sticker pitches. I already know we are pre-approved through our credit union for a loan (5.69% 5/years).
We're going to have to hit the lots this weekend.
So, what will the Toyota dealers be trying to sell us/make money on?
I believe the basic model comes with cruise control, yes? So it's things like a "back-up camera", nicer stereo, navigation unit that they will try and get more for?
Let's say you find out what the sticker price, and the invoice price are. What do you offer? I mean, is there a formula in your head to suggest a price?
I've read a little bit of the forums, extended warranty seems to be something to look out for. Worth getting?

As you can see; we need a "how to buy a car for the best price" tutorial.

Lastly; how much did YOU buy your 2008 Prius for? What did it come with?

Any/all help, suggestions, links for us as very novice car buyers would be appreciated.

-

[pardreamer]

duplicated

[richard schumacher]

See
ConsumerReports.org - Car buying guide for new and used cars by Consumer Reports

Remember, you've got the money, and they want it. You are in control. When they try to sell you a bunch of crap you don't want, just say no.

[ktoepp]

I think you'll need package #2 to get the cruise control and back-up camera. You'll also get the keyless FOB, which is nice.

[sdtundra]

I would get a package 2 just because the cost for what you get is actually cheap, AUX jack, stability control, smart key, rear tonneau cover...cruise control is standard on all from what i've seen.....someone correct me

I paid $19,947 on sale before taxes for a Package 2 with the accessory package(floor mats, trunk mat, cargo net, first aid kit) sticker on it was $23,something..there is a member on another forum i am on and she had quoted me a Package 2 for $22,000 even so i'm sure she could do the same for you...PM me for number and info

[halleyscomet]

I paid $25,892 for a package #6 (had mats with it, didn't want them)
(+tax, title) In northern West Virginia (live in Pennsylvania)

Feel my price was very fair. Sticker was $27,800ish...

[Codyroo]

You can also shop "online" via Edmunds, or by calling the toyota dealerships. Tell them you are ready to buy and get their best price (keep it consistent, like asking for an "out the door" price (includes tax, license, destination and all other charges). You can also go to Costco (if you have one near you and you have a membership) and buy a car through them.

They will try to get "extra" money from you by selling you paint protection or undercoating. They will try to sell you an extended warranty (check out this site for details on cheaper extended warranties if you want one). If you trade in your car, they will try to talk you into selling it for a lower price.

Good luck!

[pardreamer]

Wow, 19,947 for a package #2? Awesome deal. They lost money on this transaction. I wonder why?

Originally Posted by sdtundra

I would get a package 2 just because the cost for what you get is actually cheap, AUX jack, stability control, smart key, rear tonneau cover...cruise control is standard on all from what i've seen.....someone correct me

I paid $19,947 on sale before taxes for a Package 2 with the accessory package(floor mats, trunk mat, cargo net, first aid kit) sticker on it was $23,something..there is a member on another forum i am on and she had quoted me a Package 2 for $22,000 even so i'm sure she could do the same for you...PM me for number and info