Purchase timing?

So it appears that PHV sales are far lower than what Toyota had predicted…and as a result we have cars sitting on lots.

So we have Northern CA Toyota offering 0% financing for 3 years/1.9% financing for 6 years on the PHVs now. And potentially you could get even more out of the dealers if you see they have tons of these cars in the lot.

My question is…is there any rush here? Any reason to jump in on these "deals" before they "go away"? Or will this keep continuing as long as gas prices are where they are now?

Thoughts appreciated.

it will proly keep up as long as gas prices are low. the question you have to ask yourself is, 'how long will they be low?'. 6 months from now, people might be crying, 'i should have bought one 6 months ago, now they want msrp or higher'. why not jump on a good deal while the deal is good? that's what smart people do. the rest buy air conditioners when the temp hits 100.

I guess the question is how much lower can it go?

As for why not now…well, I'd like to first sell the two cars I already have before buying a third lol

So funny, that's exactly what I did, bought an ac at 100 degree day two weeks ago. But that's not too big an issue. Although I over paid big in terms of %, the absolute amount is small.

you could say the same thing about the stock market.

true, you don't want to make that mistake on a major purchase if you can help it.

good reason, i would put them up for sale asap. of course, if you miss this low, ther will always be another one. when? who knows?

In California, the sooner you buy a PHEV, the sooner you can get into the HOV lane.

In today's paper, Toyota of San Diego (on Mission Gorge Rd) is advertising all PIP's for $2500 below MRSP. Few weeks ago, Mossy Toyota advertised all PIP's 3k below MRSP. I'd say that is your yardstick for a decent deal. Unfortunately, most of the folks on this forum are early adopters and paid MRSP (and have no regrets bc we got our car early).. but definitely, the market has changed. I doubt one can expect more than 3k below MRSP. In fact, I'd run and get the 2.5k deal asap if I were in the market. (I have zero affiliation with any dealership)

That's great info, thanks!

I don't claim to know market well, but I think the gas price is only one factor. Economy is probably bigger factor in the PIP sales. The reason is, there is not too much difference between PIP and Prius II, in terms of gas savings, but price difference is big (feature list big too). If I am not optimistic of my pay increase or job security in next few years, I would buy less features to save the $7000 upfront, while get similar gas savings and being green. Even among those hard cores, not too many people happen to drive 15 miles on most trips everyday, and get charges in between. At this price level, the PIP is still more a cool high tech toy than a real money saving feature. Just my view of cause.

Actually I think you're absolutely correct. That's a very good point.

I Think the average consumer can't see the reason to pay the price premium for just 15 mile electric range.

I stopped by Toyota of Marina Del Rey Yesterday and they had a bunch of plug-ins on the lot but they were asking MSRP for them plus around 2K for Toyota Guard. I didn't see if they were willing to haggle since I plan on buying from Diane at Carson but it didn't sound like they were ready to budge from MSRP +

Noel

Mossy is advertising $2500 off MSRP on the PIP on their website: Toyota New Car Specials - San Diego California area Toyota dealer near San Diego California - New and Used Toyota dealership serving Carlsbad El Cajon Kearny Mesa California

I don't see why you'd go to Diane and get a few bucks off, when dealers in SD are giving thousands off.

I am currently looking for a PIP and would like to know if anybody can point me in the right direction. I can't seem to get lower then $700 below msrp. I want the advance package if I can get 2500 off.

I just bought an advanced pkg for $35,999. Just thought Id brag.

you should, that's a great price!