New to the Prius thing

[eg239]

Hi folks,

After putting up with crappy gas mileage and an all-around poor driving experience with my current car, I've decided to go ahead and order myself a Prius. The dealers I've spoken to have all said their waiting list extends at least into the 2005 model year.

So... naturally, I've got a few questions. Would it be wise to stick with my current dealer (Autofair in Manchester, NH), whose list is approximately 30 people long with an allocation of two cars monthly, or should I find a dealer with a larger allocation or a shorter list?

Does anyone find all the features in their Prius useful?

Is anyone working with Toyota Financial Services? Are they easy to deal with?

Someone I know owns a 2004 and swears that it handles well in snow, would you all agree or disagree?

I'm sure I have a hundred thousand more questions... and I'm sure I'll have to ask them all when I can remember them! Until then, thank you very much, I'll be sure to post again when I order my car.

[aarons12]

so far, it seems you can cut your wait time significantly by finding more 'out-of-the-way' dealers but that's not engraved in stone.

i was told a year at one local dealer, but thanks to this site i put in an order with a dealer in WV that should arrive in July. of course, i can't tell yet what will actually happen but enough people have been lucky that way that it's more than myth

[cybele]

Welcome EG,

Would it be wise to stick with my current dealer (Autofair in Manchester, NH), whose list is approximately 30 people long with an allocation of two cars monthly, or should I find a dealer with a larger allocation or a shorter list?

Check around in the Order Tracking forum. You'll probably find some other folks there in your area.

Also, some folks have had great luck calling around to dealers that they are willing to travel to. Many have found that rural dealers have shorter waiting lists and occasionally get cars that have no pre-set buyer. You can find a comprehensive list on the Toyota website when you search by zip code and range.

My personal suggestion is to sell your old car yourself instead of trading it in. You'll get more money for it (usually) and it will mean that you are in a better position at the dealership (no haggling).

Does anyone find all the features in their Prius useful?

I got a middle-of-line model - just additional airbags and smart start/entry and I have to say, I love this feature, I don't know how to behave with a regular car now. It'll spoil you. It's not necessary but definitely useful.

Is anyone working with Toyota Financial Services? Are they easy to deal with?

I got my loan through them, at the dealer the evening I picked up my car. But I was also preapproved at two other places, so they had to meet that interest rate to get my business, you might want to try the same.

Try browsing around some of the older threads in the forums about financing, shipping cars long distance, multiple waiting lists and maintenance and handling questions. You'll find most of your questions (and many more that you didn't even know you had) can be answered there.

[woodworks]

Would it be wise to stick with my current dealer (Autofair in Manchester, NH), whose list is approximately 30 people long with an allocation of two cars monthly, or should I find a dealer with a larger allocation or a shorter list?

Well, I got my Prius two weeks ago without ever being an any dealer's list. I had made a few phone calls to regional dealers, and one of them called me when they got an extra Prius in. So it may be worth your while to call around. But getting your name on a list will at least get you in line.

Does anyone find all the features in their Prius useful?

All except the 3 Homelink buttons on the rearview mirror. I use only one for my garage door.

I'm afraid I can't answer your other two questions. Good luck!

[richard schumacher]

I bought option BI/#6 as the basic set of safety features and functionality. Them other gew-gaws warn't gonna get used enuf, by cracky.

[htmlspinnr]

We had a thread on what was used least a while back. I have a BC (#9) and use most features regularly. The things I use least are probably voice control (except to control POI's on the maps and cancelling destinations), and perhaps the homelink mirror as I don't have a garage or gate.

I enjoy the smart entry, as well as the auto-dimming mirror (which took some getting used to - green tinge is wierd at first). I love the steering mounted controls (I drove a classic Prius before), but that's pretty much standard fare. The EV Button Mod is kinda nice too, but that's a self-added feature :-P

I think you'll need to define how far you're willing to drive vs. how long you're willing to wait vs. how much you're willing to pay vs. which packages/colors you'll accept. These 4 factors could very well decide whether or not you'll get one tomorrow vs. next year. The key is being flexable.

Once you've decided what is most important - I concur with the other posts - call around. You may just get lucky!

Good luck!

[eg239]

Well, I did some calling around. I almost need the year, or at least a few months, to try and build up some credit and savings. But, if $23k should fall from the sky and land in my lap, a very local dealer has a waiting list of four people (!) and a montly allocation of three cars. (!) He also has a few #7 packages coming in (which is all the stuff I'd find useful).

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to post this dealer's info in the dealer forum.

[toyoprius]

If you are not particularly price sensitive, EBay 2004 Prii are going for a few thousand over MSRP. (WARNING: gratuitus regional stereotype to follow...) If you want to invest a few hours phoning and emailing, I personally would check out dealers in a nearby "Red" state. Be flexible in color and features, be prepared to put down an instant deposit, and I bet you could land one within a couple of weeks.

Would it be wise to stick with my current dealer (Autofair in Manchester, NH), whose list is approximately 30 people long with an allocation of two cars monthly, or should I find a dealer with a larger allocation or a shorter list?

[mashmom]

I just got my new Prius a couple of weeks ago. I am in S. California and was on the list since Nov. 11, 2003. The dealer said their allotment was 3 per week and I was no. 12 on the list so I figured about 2 months on the outside. It was five months, so I don't think they really know how many Prius' they are getting. There are now over 50 on the list at the dealer we used. I did hear of a broker that said she could get one in a month. I pretty much don't understand the whole system.

[toyoprius]

Assuming there is one.

Originally posted by mashmom
I pretty much don't understand the whole system.