This doesn't bode well for those of us thinking about a trade-in.

Tom

New 09, $4000 off MSRP. Fully loaded package #6 for $24,844.

I can feel that 2010 slipping away....

Tom

"Buy a Prius, get a free Sequoia." Haha. They can't give those paper weights away.

Seriously though, the Toyota dealer in Irvine, CA (HUGE dealer) has a row of about 30 Prius on it's lot (I'm not sure if they are new or preowned or a mixture).

So, I have a question for current GenII Prius owners ... would YOU buy a pre-owned GenII Prius? (let's say you wanted a second one for some reason, or the one you have was handed down to a loved one) Why do I ask? Right now I have my eyes set on the 2010 Prius, but "just in case" something changes and I decide to pick up a pre-owned GenII ... let's say the car is already six years old .. does it still have another ten years of life? How about the battery (not what Toyota claims, but what YOU think). Thank you.

The battery has a 150000miles/10 yrs warranty in CA. When the Prius reaches 150000miles or 10 year, you are expecting a 50/50 chance of replacing the battery. Calculate you risk by factoring the cost of the pre-own Prius now.

If the price is $4000 less than what it suppose to, it will be an even bet.

Hmm...do you think the dealers know something about the pricing of the new 2010 Prius so they are dropping the G2 prius way down?

No, this dealer has 47 Prius sitting in the lot, only to move inventory.
Inventory Search
The 2010 cost is higher @ 27K to start.

What on earth makes you say that?

Edmunds now has the 2010 starting at 23,500...... Where are you getting that 27k number?!?!?

Fortunately, some of us in So Cal, & other states, have an extra ace up the sleeve ... aka HOV stickers. Set to expire in about a year, they still act as a premium to offset the falling used market price.

Have you seen this thread?

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...price-prius-hybrid-in-may-nikkei-reports.html

Hadn't. I can't see them starting the car at 27k. They would have a real tough time at that price point.

Commodity prices continue to plummet, so I think they'll come in lower. If not, they'll just have to start making Tundra like rebates available.

I judge used vehicles more by mileage than age. Would I buy a six year old Prius? That would be ~ 90,000 miles at 15K per year. Since I think the battery is good for 250K miles I wouldn't be concerned. So I would have no issue with buying a used 2G Prius for technical reasons.

The issue will be financial. What else can I buy for my money. If I had $15,000 to spend I would see what is available in the used market for $15K. In the current market I can't see paying the premium for a Prius. That may change if used prices fall with the arrival of the 2010 in May.

The Fusion Hybrid also starts at $27K. There is choice between the FFH and the G3, what would you choose?

Toyota is downgrading the G2 to compete with the Insight2.

Huh? The Insight2 will not be out until April. In April, the 3G Prius will come out. If the 2G Prius production will be stopped and replaced by 3G Prius production, then I don't see how the 2G and Insight2 would be competitors.

Thanks for bringing up the Ford Fusion hybrid. I have my sights set on a 2010 Prius right now, but it's always good to keep an open mind.

Green Car Congress: Report: Toyota Will Cut Price of Existing Prius to Counter Honda Insight

Hamer Toyota in Granada Hills has been offering new Prius for $3000 off sticker for several weeks now. They say "over 50" in stock. Times have certainly changed from waiting lists, $500 over MSRP, take it or leave it. Back in Jan. 06, I bought mine "off the lot", no waiting list, but paid $500 over for pinstripes, door moldings, and fender moldings, and was happy to get it. Still am.

HOV stickers expire in two years...

"All Clean Air Vehicle stickers will expire January 1, 2011, unless the law authorizing their use is extended beyond that date."

Everyone has excess capacity. Why does Toyota have to shut down the 2G line? Barring a bottleneck in parts the lines could run side by side or the 2G & 3G could share a line. Toyota boasts flexible lines so they shouldn't experience the retooling downtime we'd expect from Detroit.

I think all HOV lanes should be converted to FEV (Fuel Efficient Vehicle) lanes. Hybrids, EV, NG only would be allowed to use these lanes. Forget the govt. rebates on hybrids; converting the HOV lanes would have a much greater initial impact. If people were willing to pay $4000 for HOV stickers, they'll surely spend the extra to buy a hybrid over a regular vehicle. :welcome::cheer2:
The great thing about "FEV" is that the definition of "FEV" can be modified as time goes on. This will drive progress. Now, if I just knew how to lobby the State Senate. (scratches head)

Thank you for the link.