Hi! This forum has been so informative as my husband and I research the Prius. We've decided on getting a 2009, but we were surprised that many dealers aren't providing many deals on them despite the fact that the 2010s should be arriving in the next month. We were quoted $24,699 for package 5--it seemed a bit high. Any feedback? At that price, we thought perhaps we should consider the 2010. Also, for long commutes (800+ miles / week), does the Prius perform well on highways in terms of gas (or lack thereof!) consumption and comfort? Thanks a bunch!
IMHO, if you can afford it, get the 2010. The highway handling and seat comfort are much improved, which will make those long commutes a lot more pleasant. Also, you get more power, better mileage, and a tilting, telescoping steering wheel. However, if you want a discount, you'll have to wait till inventories build up.
You'll get your best price on the 09s when the 10s become available at the dealers this summer. Personally, I'd prefer the 09--a tested model since 04?. The 10s are just different enough to have a few first model year pains.
I have not seen any budging on 2009 prices yet......hopefully we will soon. Deals come to the patient. Frank D.
Thanks for your input. Just read the post re: April sales of Prius were way down. I think we'll wait until the summer and in the meantime, research the 2010 a bit more!
Every dealer I see in LA has 15-20 of them (09s) sitting around. Maybe a trip to LA would get you a better price. I got mine thru Carsdirect.com back in 06, and it was the easiest car deal I ever made. Supplies were short then, not like now. All these 15-20 cars siting around can't be going out for list price. Good luck!
Honestly, I think you've got time on your side. With the economy not appearing to be recovering in the near future (few months), a new model year and redesign coming out, low fuel prices, and depressed sales, you should be able to get a 2009 with some nice incentives come summer time.
I agree with the wait until the 2010's are out into the summer, but hopefully you're not set on a particular color and are flexible on options packages. My own take on it is if you are going to hold onto it for 7-9 years, put the emphasis on getting what you really want even if it means you spend 1 or 2 K more.
+1. They quoted $24,699 for a package 5 ... OK. check this out, the package 5 comes with the HID headlights, but did you know that Toyota quotes $400 per side, parts and labor to replace an HID capsule (bulb). Call them to verify. Also, do a search here on problems owners have had with HID / Prius . I understand the 2010 III with Nav is $25,520 MSRP. If you could get it for that, you get the backup camera, more power, much better seats, better rear headroom, new styling. Seems a no brainer to me. You might have a few issues, but once those are fixed, you're set. I seriously doubt there will be major issues even with a new Toyota model.
