Toyota Canada reduces Prius MSRP

[zenMachine]

The Canadian Press: Toyota Canada reduces sticker price on 11 Toyota and Lexus models

Toyota Canada announced Tuesday it's lowering the manufacturer's suggested retail price on three Toyota and eight Lexus models.The reductions will range from $1,350 for the RAV4 to $7,900 for the Lexus SC series and will apply regardless of whether the vehicle is leased or purchased, the company said in a news release.

[Tideland Prius]

Yeah I just saw it on their website. ANOTHER price drop from $29,500 to $27,600. Take $4k off from rebates (in provinces where applicable, $5k in PEI) and it's $200 more than a Camry LE 4 cylinder w/ automatic.

[Stefx]

I thought June 1st was the drop-dead date to get a 2008 Prius in Canada, after which it would be for MY2009 (carry-over of same model). Did that change?

The Eco-Auto federal 2000$ rebate, from what I read, isn't going to be renewed for 2009 models. They're moving to a lemon-removal program instead (incentives to get rid of old cars), which might explain a reduction in MSRP on 2009 models.

I wish they had a 30-day price guarantee, lol.

[Tideland Prius]

They're still 2008 models for the price reduction. The 2009 isn't out yet.

[hiremichaelreid]

What the heck is up with LOWER prices for the 2008 Prius ? Are they trying to sell more in Canada now, with the US dollar so low ?

AFAICT they've been flying off of the lots here in Canada. I thought I was lucky to get $1k off of MSRP a month ago. Now, in theory, my resale value is at least $1k lower... ??

Yes, $2k federal rebate stops with the last 2008 MY Prius. But this applies to current 2008 Prius, which I think is getting close to the wire (or finished now?) for ordering one.

Unless this is some theoretical discount for dealer stock only (which doesn't exist) and orders can't be placed anymore... ??

If there are Prii available here at this price or lower, perhaps Americans will start buying in Canada ?

[Stefx]

Originally Posted by hiremichaelreid

If there are Prii available here at this price or lower, perhaps Americans will start buying in Canada ?

The MSRP reduction is well overdue, as the CAD prices are way higher than the USD prices. Even after this 1900 CAD reduction, the Prius is still cheaper in the US.

[Stefx]

Originally Posted by hiremichaelreid

Yes, $2k federal rebate stops with the last 2008 MY Prius. But this applies to current 2008 Prius, which I think is getting close to the wire (or finished now?) for ordering one.

Unless this is some theoretical discount for dealer stock only (which doesn't exist) and orders can't be placed anymore... ??

That's what I'm thinking. Two dealers confirmed me that after June 1st I wouldn't be able to order a 2008 from the factory. Consequently I'm guessing this MSRP reduction will apply to the 2009 as well, to compensate for the loss of the Eco-Auto federal 2000CAD credit

[hiremichaelreid]

Originally Posted by Stefx

That's what I'm thinking. Two dealers confirmed me that after June 1st I wouldn't be able to order a 2008 from the factory. Consequently I'm guessing this MSRP reduction will apply to the 2009 as well, to compensate for the loss of the Eco-Auto federal 2000CAD credit

OK, so in effect, the price is going up by $100.

So if it's impossible to order a 2008 in Canada, and 2009's can't be ordered yet (?), then it's impossible to order a Prius in Canada now ?

I wonder if there's a few 2008's on lots though. If not then advertising $1900 off of 2008's is deceptive IMO.

[HolyPotato]

Well, at least it looks like those of us who ended up waiting won't be much worse off in 2009 without the federal rebate. It would be a terrible financial stretch, but I've got to say that this almost makes me want to run out and get an '08 now for both the discount and the rebates. As much fun as squeezing all the value out of my current car is, it's not worth $2000, and gas goes relentlessly up while I wait...

Did they also lower the cost of the options? I thought the Special Edition Premium was more than $3030 above base before.

I wonder if there's a few 2008's on lots though.

Last week, there was at least one on the lot here in London...

[HolyPotato]

Two dealers confirmed me that after June 1st I wouldn't be able to order a 2008 from the factory.

Hmm, I wonder why that is? I don't see why Toyota wouldn't want to call every car right up to Dec 31 a 2008 model for the Canadian market to get the government to continue to subsidize their sales. Just because they've shifted to 2009s for other markets doesn't, AFAIK, mean that they have to call the cars coming out of the plant 2009s in Canada.