I'm thinking of picking up a 2008 package B with NAV, I find it a well appointed vehicle for the $$, i've been to a few dealers, nobody seems to have any. I'm in Toronto Canada... Should I get the 2008 or wait for the '09 at this point, any confirmation of a PHEV option? I hate purchasing a vehicle and then the next year it's totally re-vamped.
Hit enter too quickly... So Toronto seems to be bunk for B Packages -- plus i'm looking to hear from everyone here, wait for 09? I hate purchasing the last year of a generation.
Last I heard the updated Prius could be introduced "as early as" 2009, so it would probably be a 2010 model year. I don't know what the Canadian Prius supply is. They're supposed to be ramping up this year and next.
Package "B" doesn't have the navigation system. If you want factory nav, you're looking at Package "C" (Special Edition Premium Package w/ Navigation). We're doing well for Package "B"s here on the west coast. It's our most popular model, followed by the base. We rarely stock navigation models. It seems you Ontarians can use the navigation system more fully than us west coasters.
I've had GPS's in all my vehicles since the early 90's, and i simply wouldn't go without. I like the idea of fully integrated, on board, no BS, built right in... So it's really a no brainer for me! Hopefully a dealer from Ontario can pipe in.
Hi Grinthock, If you want the integrated GPS you need to get package C. Although Toyota reduced the price for 2008 it still is "premium" priced. With respect to waiting for the next model I had the same issue 11 months ago when I decided not to wait and purchased an '07 package 6. There were a lot of rumours around that time about the next model; plug-in... IMHO opinion you should not only consider buying the last year of a gen but also buying the 1st year of a new gen, although Toyota brand is very reliable. The current Consumers Report rates the Prius as the one with the highest resale value. If you wanted to trade in your '08 later for the new gen it seems that you'll be able to sell it at a good price. Good luck,
I agree that both points are valid, and the 08 seems to finally have things "Right" With the changes in the new gen, first year may not be best. So I have decided I will 3 year lease my prius, and then trade it back in perhaps once the new ones comes out.
What about a Camry Hybrid? At $34,780 with factory nav (and it comes with the Energy Monitor and Consumption Screen), it's a pretty good deal. Of course you won't get Prius mileage and not as flexible a cargo area but still... (esp. since TCHs are more abundant, at least in my neck of the woods)
If you want a Prius soon another option is to buy one with very low mileage used in the US. I found a package 5 (Nav + HID etc)with 160 miles total in Indiana for $24,499 US. At the time the $CDN was $1.04 US so it cost me $23,553 CDN. It was on ebay, being sold by a Toyota dealer who took it back on a trade for a new Corolla. Like you I also tried here in Canada and found, not only waiting lists, but also a really long wait time for ones with Nav (HIDs not available in Canada). I actually bought two, the other for my wife who was driving a HCH but "loved" my Prius from her first drive. I found both in different cities in Indiana. Perhaps that state had a generous allocation of Prii with nav. It wasn't too much hassle to drive it across and obtain Canadian certification.
I'd rather not get into the US purchase market issues, plus i'm not looking to buy used. Regarding the Camry Hybrid, i'm far from interested, I'm into this for the fuel econ, plus I think the Camry's interior is ugly, that translucent green crap is horrible.
