Newb here, considering a 2009 Prius, need advice

Hi Folks,

I should have come here before I started doing my car hunt.
Basically, I narrowed it down to buying a Prius after trying out the Prius/Insight/CivicHybrid.

I am in NYC and I need advice on what kind of price range should I be expecting at this time of year now that the Prius 2010 is just afew months away.

I had a dealer (who I'm not going to name) go down about $1000 below invoice (yes that's below invoice, not sticker) but I walked out before I uttered a "yes" because the offer was too tempting, but they wanted me to pick from their stock of available colors, none of which had a silver.

So I'm thinking since Silver is a popular color, other dealers should be able to offer me this quote.

Am I pushing for too much if I'm asking for more of a discount? Honestly I'm concerned the base model (w/out any options) is not able to play MP3 CDs (please do advise if the base can play the MP3s), and I hadn't realized this because I was too busy checking out the other cars in the market.

So please help me on my way towards a prius and all will be greatly appreciated.

Great Forums for anyone who loves a prius btw.

regards,
Joe

Hello Joe:

Have you done any research on the option packages? The higher level packages add a lot of enjoyment, in my opinion.

I just bought my option package #5 a few weeks ago. There was a factory $2900 discount for that package (I think that this discount has been running since the end of the summer last year from what I read on some posts here). Then Toyota gave a factory $1000 cash back.

I did not try to haggle with the salesman to get the price further down. I was not displeased with the price, and I know that sales on new cars have been slow. Salesmen need to make a a living; the one that sold up our Prius was very knowledgeable. So I didn't want to horse trade with him, as we felt that he provided a valuable service.

What price could you get on an '09 with package #5? If it's in your budget, I would definitely get it, versus the base or the lower packages.

Thanks for the reply.
I just need a functioning hybrid car. I'm quite satisfied with the base model and frankly I don't have the budget for the packages.
Which is why I'm looking at the base model. The only other thing I would really want is floor mats for all the four locations in the car.
This is assuming the fact that the single CD player which is included by default plays MP3 without any problems (otherwise I may be very disappointed).

The only package i would have possibly considered is #2 but thats the limit.

regards,
Joe

I recently bought a 2009 from a dealer in Uitca NY. I basically got the $1000 rebate, plus another $500 plus another $500 off for taking a color they had in stock. However, I was trading in a car for which I wanted $8300. They met that price and gave me the extra $1000. Maybe the trade was worth more than I thought

I seriously doubt the CD player on the base model '09 would be able to play MP3.

The base model doesn't have all the JBL stuff, so that makes it much easier to install a second unit that can play MP3, DVD, Navigation, and so on in the radio compartment. Many people have done so, from what I've gathered.

I'll need this confirmed. If this is the case, this is putting me over the budget.

Is there anyone who can confirm that the base model (no package) does or doesn't come with MP3 capability on its CD player?

regards,
Joe

The base model CD unit does NOT play MP3s.

However, I have found the MP3 playing head unit on Ebay for ~$150. It would be an easy swap.


Anyway, now is the time to pounce on the remaining 09 models. I bought mine a few weeks ago and not one week after I signed the papers, the dealer started offering an additional $2k off of in stock Prius. That was in addition to the $1000 discount from Toyota.

If they were offering it at $1k below invoice (I found $20,500 as the invoice, IIRC), that would be a great deal.

Some of the jerks selling Prii should be fired, because they all told me that the base plays MP3, which is quite surprising to me as well since nowhere on the specs does it state that the unit plays MP3.

How can you tell when a car salesanimal is lying?

My 2cents worth is to buy a Package 2 or above. Then you'll have your mp3 playback, auxiliary input jack and Smart-key system+. You'll love not taking keys out of your pocket. For what you get, I think Package 2 is a bargain.

I can't say the same from what I've seen on the 2010 option packages so far. Looks like more money to match Package 2 features in the 2010. Just my opinion.

Hello Everyone:

I am shopping for a new Prius to buy and call my own. I'm looking for leather seats and option package 2 or 3. I live in TX, and need to find out what is a GOOD price to pay for Priuses in the area. KBB is reporting the invoice price at about $23.7K, and I'm guessing it might drop when the 2010 pricing is revealed. I had been hoping to look for a car meeting those specifications anywhere between $21K-$23K. I've been told I'm out of my mind by dealers. I've gotten $23.9K from one dealership here. Can someone please set me straight or point me in the right direction?

Another reference point would be Edmunds.com. Select your package and plug in any nearby zip code (large areas are bundled together), and see what it spits out. For Package #2 in Houston (don't see leather option), I see $22,439. This number will be slightly outdated as prices gradually fall. I have no validation of this from good negotiators, but it ought to be useful as an approximate upper bound.

Hello Chance:

I could very well be wrong on this, but I don't think that you will be able to custom order a package #2 or #3 with leather seats. Package #6 (and I think the Touring packages) come with leather.

Frank:
There are several dealerships in TX that offer 2009 Priuses with Package 2 and leather.

Mai-Anh

When they open their mouth.

DingDingDingDingDingDing! You win the powder blue '57 Buick! :_>