to wait or not to wait?

[Sun__Tzu]

I've been researching getting a Prius for a couple weeks now, and am pretty much set on buying one. But while I'd really _like_ to have one, I don't absolutely _need_ one right now. So I'm starting to wonder, should I get on a wait list for an '04, or wait to see what the '05 looks like?

My friend has a classic Prius, which is what got me looking at them in the first place. And while I haven't actually been in an '04, the jump in design and technology seems staggering. Just wondering how much of an improvement might be coming in '05? Battery performance? 0-60 time? Fuel efficiency? Price?

Which leads me to my other concern. Does anyone think Toyota might increase the price for '05? If anyone knows for sure that they are, I'm calling dealers tomorrow.

Thanks for the help!

[aarons12]

we already know that the price has increased slightly though i think that was for 2004's as well ($300). other threads on this board have suggested that no other major changes are expected. maybe colors.

[Raenstoirm]

Sidenote, I am in Bethesda too.
Anyway...the price will go up for the '05 without question and I am not really hearing any buzz on upgrades, probably a new nav disc. Thing is though, if you order from a local DC dealer you will be getting an '05 anyway since the waiting lists are so long around here. Keep in mind Toyota shuts down the '04 factory in June to retool for the '05s.

If you are willing to drive 6 hours, I can get you an '04 before the summer is out. I highly reccomend the dealer I used in WV.

[chris_b_01]

Originally posted by aarons12
that no other major changes are expected.

Perhaps the XM radio option will be available from the factory?

[randalla]

Originally posted by chris_b_01+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(chris_b_01)</div>

Perhaps the XM radio option will be available from the factory?[/b]

It's a pretty sure bet that it will be. I have installed my XM radio from Jon August's company priusxm.com and have been completely satisfied with the results. The radio itself is made for Toyota and the cable for it simply plugs into the open connection on the back of the standard AM/FM radio. Gotta have my daily dose of Deep Tracks XM40

[bookrats]

Having scanned the news and PriusChat for the last couple of months, the important thing is: So Far, Nobody Knows Anything About the '05 Models.

That said, and IMO, here's a few probabilities:[list] will be any significant changes in the model. Redesigns cost money, and the manufacturer wants to recoup as much from the '04 design as possible.[*]New colors are more likely. The Prius Classic had a couple of colors added over its lifespan. They were usually announced in June. [*]I don't know if something like XM radio might get added. Seems within the realm of possibility; sometimes, things like this get added "across the board" -- i.e., to all of a manufacturers cars in production.[list]
As to cost, no idea; I could believe that, with the demand, Toyota might add a couple $100 more to the MSRP. But I don't see them doing anything drastic, like up it $1K or more. However, I'm just guessing -- someone who has experience with the auto market could give you real info, and real odds, on the situation.

------

I think the wait is still the big issue. I used to think that by late 2005, Prii production would have ramped up, and demand would have settled down, and you'd be able to buy a Prius below MSRP. And that, if you had the patience (I don't), that this would be the way to go.

However, I'm tracking gas prices for the vanpool I'm in, and they just go up and up and up... Which is going to cause demand to keep going up, and the waiting lines will get longer. So I don't know if the "wait for 2005" is a smart scenario any longer.

[Sun__Tzu]

Well, after reading through dozens and dozens of threads on this site (and shooting my sleeping schedule to hell), I'm starting to consider going "out of region" to find a Prius. That is, if I want to get one. I know all the local Washington-area stores have basically said "we can put you on our list, in the mean time, can we interest you in a Corolla?" ugh

I'm half-worried that demand will actually jump for the '05, and half-hoping that there will be enough to go around. The hope comes from the fact that lots of people probably put themselves on multiple lists; so maybe this is generating an unnaturally high level of demand. But I'm also worried that there are lots of people like me, sitting on the fence waiting for lines to shorten, possibly waiting for the '05. I worry alot.

I saw someone who said they drove "5 hrs to Danville", which could theoretically place them in DC. And of course, the WV mentioned above. Hmmm.

[chris_b_01]

Originally posted by bookrats
\"across the board\" -- i.e., to all of a manufacturers cars in production.

The Camry Solara had XM added this year

Hopefully it will be on the Prius for 2005 - most likely when mine will arrive


Chris

[ny888]

When I was in the dealership today, the Scion xB had XM radio installed. Price on sticker was $695 for the satellite radio.

XM is one of the things I want but decided I could get the kit and do it myself for $200 less so I decided not to wait for the '05 and placed my order.

[chris_b_01]

Originally posted by ny888
Price on sticker was $695 for the satellite radio..

Only thing is.... the aftermarket antenna is a magnetic stick on thing

Wouldn't the Toyota antenna be more permanent, like they have now on many GM cars?

I have the XM Roady right now, and it's fine, but the antenna is magnetic and looks like it was just stuck on there


Chris