Premium prices...what the???

Hi everyone, I havn't posted in about a year...hope everyone is doing well!

Interesting, my boyfriend and I almost headed out the door this AM to trade in his 03 Camry for a Prius. (He's become extremely jealous after driving mine the last few months). We made a few calls to nearby dealerships, only to find that the 08 tourings were going for premium prices of $38,000....and..the MSRP is still at $29,000!! We found a couple of CPO package #2 06's for $25,000...LOL.

I'm completely dumbfounded over this....and rather saddened.

Should we wait for the 08's or will we wind up in the same boat?

This is depressing.

Which dealerships did you call???? That's just silly.

... Brad

One was in Manhatten Beach CA, one in Glendale CA and one in the valley somewhere.

They all said they were selling for way over MSRP.

Go to Hollywood toyota and talk to Gary he will give you a good deal. gberndt@hollywoodtoyota.dealerspace.com

thanks, I'll send him an email. I actually bought my Prius from Hollywood Toyota...not sure if it was Gary...does he have dreadlocks? At the time I felt like I didn't get a deal, because I paid MSRP for it. But now you have me thinking!

Sadly, I just did a search on autotrader.com and the used 05's were in the very high 20's. EEKs. Maybe its a So. Cal thing?

Seriously???? Hmm I may have to sell mine and just get on the list for an '09. lol

Have you search the Northern California area at all? I know there are a few Prius' on the lots here and I do not think they are charging over MSRP. I was just helping my girlfriend shop for a hybrid Camry 2 weeks ago and there were 3 new Prius' available for sale. My roomate said he saw two Prius' (White and Silver) at Roseville Toyota. Maybe call:

Crag Borgman (internet sales manager) at Folsom Lake Toyota?
916-355-1500 ext. 510

Serious. Go to autotrader.com and punch in my zip. 90041.

I didn't even get that far. I expanded my search to include the Bay Area and they are all between $23k-$29k.

Wow, I see what you mean!!

Is it this bad in other areas of the US?

Just cause we live in So Cal...doesn't mean we're rich. Hmmm. GRRR.

Yeah....and thats for a used one with 60,000 miles and a lower end package!

Around here any Prius doesn't last a day on the lot. Read through CarBuyingTips.com new car buying guide, avoiding dealer scams, new cars, used car buying and get in line for a 2009. The 2008 model year is over.

It kinda blew me away. If I was making more money I'd seriously consider going down to LA and putting my car up for sale at $26k, no NAV but with the "covetted" HOV stickers. Hahaha

What'll you do then? Bike?

Not a bad idea. One dealership told me today that any CPO Prius with the HOV stickers automatically tacks on another 5 grand to the price.

I'd consider an Aptera or I'd just buy another Prius but in blue. While on the list I would have to take the bus or something. lol Or... Borrow your bike.

Oh the blue...the Mica blue...we were dreaming of driving that home today.

Not so much, apparently.

It does make me giggle to think I could sell mine for much more than I paid for it a year and a half ago. LOL....who would think...a little car??? Hehe...I don't even have them silly stickers.

Unfortunately, I don't see myself biking to downtown Los Angeles everyday though. I think I'll keep her.

Could be worse - he could be trying to unload an SUV. At least he'll be able to trade in or sell his Camry.

no. the problem is that your dealers selling new or used cars are greedy as
the devil himself.

just bought a touring package 6 for under 30,000 out the door. this includes
a few extras too.