Ordered: 3/26/04 From: Michael's Toyota - Bellevue, WA Timeframe: 7-10 months - but I'm flexible on color and some options - so maybe something will break sooner. I'm not in a rush. A friend with a '02 Prius is talking about putting in his '05 order now. Color: Millenium Silver, Tideland Pearl, Driftwood Pearl (aka grey, blue, brown) Option package: #7; I went in thinking #6 - but they said they had more luck getting 7's and I'm ok with blinding oncoming traffic with the HID lights. Number on Dealer's list: Ha! they don't even bother to tell you. The salesdude I talked to said they could sell 20 a month if they could get them. From his other comments it appears a lot of people walk away rather than get in line. I'm trading in a BMW 540 for something that's more commuter and environment friendly. The salesdude, in his late 20's, said, "If it's not too rude a question, what the h*ll are you thinking?"
Perhaps you meant Seaside Pearl for "blue". I just got mine (Seaside) this past week. I placed my order in mid November. The car is fantastic! I waited 4 months for my 2001 Prius (well worth the wait then) and I set very high expectations for my 2004. It is everything I read and hoped it was! This group has made the last weeks of the wait much easier. Lots of helpful information. Good luck with your order.
Yes -- the Tideland Pearl is the off-green color. At any rate, I suspect you'll be getting your #7 in before I get mine -- you're being more flexible on color than I am. It'll be interesting to compare the two orders, though -- same city, same model, ordered approximately the same time. Initially I'd thought about other colors -- the silver specifically (particularly as they apparently make more silver models than Tideland Pearl). However, there are actually enough '04 Priuses in north Seattle that you can see all the various colors "in the wild"; and I've come to the conclusion that the silver is not for me. If I ever opened it to a 2nd color, it'd probably the Driftwood Pearl -- the golden tan color RobertO so eloquently describes has grown on me a bit. However, two rays of hope: Toyota has now reported that they are doubling Prius production; and one of the few things they might change for the 2005 are more colors -- one or two of which might be added to my acceptable choice list. Good luck to you!
I also ordered a silver #7 on October 23rd from Bob Bridge Toyota in Renton, but am still waiting (127 days). My agreement was for MSRP, did Michael's mark up the price?
Michael's wrote the deal at MSRP, too. I thought I saw a couple of Prii on Bob Bridges' site last week, but they appeared to be over MSRP. Maybe I misunderstood. My brother was aghast that I was choosing silver. He says it hides the line of any car - he's a 3D graphic artist. I maintain that it's the most practical color. White cars find all the black dirt; Black cars find all the white dirt; but, somehow, silver cars never look that dirty. Happy to join the back of the queue... keith.
) I rented one last week that was dark gray. (not silver and not black) What would be the Toyota name of that one? I can't find anything that matches on their web site. (It was cloudy the whole time I drove the car, so it may have had some color to it in bright sunlight) 2) Where do you hear about doubling production? I went to pressroom.toyota.com and found nothing other than the old PR about going from 30,000 -> 47,000. That won't really show up as much of an increase...just prevent the numbers from dropping to 0 after May.
I go to Michael's myself - didn't buy my '44 there ,though. The "Dark Gray" was probably "Tideland Pearl". Interesting color. Tends to shift depending o9n time of day and light. I wanted it but got a shot at a Driftwood Pear the day I wnt to tet drive (10/25/03) It was an AM-7 with extras, almost 2 garand more but we grabbed it. Now I'm really glad we got the 7. As to Michaels Toyota in Bellevue, I didnt' buy there but go there for service; they were up to 90 orders (I saw the folders) last month. At, say, 6 acvars a month, you're almost 2 months out. I'd stay on top of them. Also, they'll moving to Eastgate into the old Safeway building. This will make them more or less convenient. I will have to say that their level of 2004 Prius product knowledge is low, One of their Service Advisors is a Classic Prius Pioneer, knows a lot about the Classic but I caught him on som '04 techical stuff. Be advised. Bob (North Bellevue)
I bought my SW #9 from Michael's last November, after only a 2-week wait. I concur that you need to watch their service department. I've caught them on a few oversights, but they've willingly and quickly corrected them. Good to know they are moving to Eastgate ... it'll be a few miles closer to home now. Suanne Fall City, WA 47 MPG, 9K miles
PriusChat thread here. There's a link to a London Times article where the president of Toyota was interviewed. The article mentions that Toyota will be producing 130,000 Prius next year. BTW, I feel lucky to live in the Seattle area. By the time I get my Prius, you guys will have scoped out all the best service centers!
A very good question. I'm sure you're right, that the 130,000 is world-wide, which would indicate that the 2004 production was 65,000 WW. However, I haven't seen anything indicating what the allocations per country are now, much less in 2005. I suspect the ratios changes over the year -- i.e., Toyota may alter them as the year progresses, based on demand, increased production, sales, costs of production and transportation, etc. I also don't know if they ever make this info public. Whether North America gets twice as many of those 130K Priuses remains to be seen, I guess. Maybe some info will come out of the press releases at next week's New York Intl Auto show. (We can hope, anyway.)
Everyone take one step forward After 2 months of waiting, I started to research other enviro-friendly options. After being in line 3 months for the Prius, I just took delivery of a Platinum Grey 04 Beetle TDI which I'll be running on bio-diesel from Dr Dan's Fuelwerks in Ballard. Using 100 year old diesel technology seems like a pretty far swing from the high-tech excitement of the Prius, but I'm happy with the choice. One of the reasons I got interested in the Prius was to "send a message" that consumers were ready for new answers. Thanks to all of you, it seems that the auto industry is getting the message. Now, I'm on to try and convince people that bio-diesel is another great alternative. The Prius still looks like a great car. To all those behind me in line at Michael's Toyota - "you're welcome" Look for me over at www.tdiclub.com and www.biodieselnow.com . Both really good forums to learn about this other really interesting alternative to conventional vehicles. cheers, krowe
Re: Everyone take one step forward Well, hybrid technology is only a little younger than diesel -- guess there's not much new under the sun. Thumbs up for pushing progressive automobile solutions, Prius or not! I've a friend who bought a VW Golf Diesel this year. Nice car, and gets comperable gas mileage with the Prius (depending on how you drive either). Me, I'm in love with the HSD mechanics and the Prius, and I think I've reached the "zen point" in the waiting list... it will arrive when it will arrive.
Re: Everyone take one step forward Hey....what about those who are (were) IN FRONT of you?? Day 190 and counting.....
