Does anybody else think the PiP is overpriced ???

What about Federal rebate of $2500? States like Calif have CARB and State rebates too?

 

As others have said, pricing it against the base model isn't apples to apples but I agree with your overall thinking. It isn't an EV and it won't pay off in fuel savings against a Prius; however, it will easily get great FE for most folks.

To use an computer analogy, Toyota took a mid-level desktop, swapped out the processer (ev motor) and memory (hv battery) for higher spec units but kept the same old mainboard, case, monitor and peripherals. Then, they priced it out of the desktop line into the workstation class.

 

It's not just you REV- anyone who runs the numbers will come to the same conclusion if they can do simple math!

If, and it's a big if... the PIP could go 60-70mi on a charge- then maybe the $5K premium would be worth it just to avoid the inconvenience of going to the gas station every week for a few years. But the paltry 11-13 miles the PIP runs on electric is just not sufficient for daily use.
Get that 11-13 miles up to 60-70 mi.. then call me for as test drive

 

Very few cars will pay you back, and that is a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of cars sold. Who cares how long it takes to make up the savings... The fact is you are an early adopter and running EV.

People don't argue about the payback over time of the V6 versus the V8 on some muscle car. Cars won't pay you back, stop analyzing them as such.

 

speaking of sales in US, there's all the 'others' - hybrids, plug-ins, diesel .... then there's the ...

Prius. 20,500+ unit sales of Prius and v in US, Feb '12 ....

#12 of all cars, trucks and SUV's sold. Nearly tied the Accord and beat the Cruze.

At least here in US ... Prius is the King Kong alternative (hybrids,plugs, diesel)

Personally, I think the success starts with an amazing chassis - great balance of size, interior space and liftback a nice bonus. it's unique, it works, great efficiency, price a little steep, but good enough. Balance.

 

Or anyone checking for detail? No total distance travel wasn't mention. That bit of information is a huge omission, very important to state. Number of charges per week is too.

The value of emission-reduction obviously isn't $0 either, nor is the value of reducing oil dependency.

It's the same old approach we saw a decade ago. The affordable approach gets lots of scurtiny, but that's because it has a high probably of large scale acceptance.
.

 

All I have to say is that I have a sincere appreciation for early adopters. They made it possible for me to drive the amazing car I drive today! No doubt they are paying a premium. The math is not in their favor. If I were in the position I would love to take part in making this kind of investment in our future. But, yes, I agree, the PIP will not help the budget or help the piggy bank expand...not yet.

 

People who have a limited budget and feel they need to be conscious about the price difference.

This is actually the key point. It's expensive and Toyota aren't trying to sell this car at a loss.

That's purchase for enjoyment, not purchase for economy or efficiency.

Cars can pay back relative to each other. Care to spread your spare money around?

 

My perception: so far, the Plug-In Prius is still a cobbled together prototype. The extra battery capacity sacrifices the spare tire. For me that's a deal breaker. Even if I never use the spare, I want it. I think in a few years the price difference will come down, and the technology will compress battery, improve range, and then it will be more worthwhile.

 

to me, it's all about driving electric. after tax credit, it's about $3500. more than the 2012 III. would i like it to have been cheaper? of course, who wouldn't? is it overpriced? not to me. but as an early adopter, price wasn't the main deciding factor. to me, it's another step in backing away from foreign oil, improving the environment and supporting automotive technical advances in these areas. some prius owners bought when prices were high, and some bought when low. it's usually based on the price of gas. it takes all kinds!

 

I had a PIP or order and cancelled it and bought a regular Prius 2.

From a financial sense, it does not make sense. The added cost will never be made up by running in plug in mode.

Also, due to the heavy extra batteries, you will get worse gas milage than a regular one if you drive a lot of highway.

I do miss the right to drive in the HOV lanes, but I will get over that.

 

Fuel price is not constant.

What price will be gas in 2 years, 5 years and 10 years?
(10 years will be the car end of life)

Europe and America reduced oil consumption between 6 and 8% in 2 years and yet the oil / gas price increased more than 20% in the same time frame.

If gas is 8$/G and electricity cost is 12c/KWh (US price average) it should break-even during the car's life.

In many countries gas is more than 8$/G today.

 

Ok, we get it. Perhaps, you are the type that is OK with spending more on more steel (heavier car with better suspension) or on asphalt (sound deadener). But it is NOT OK to spend more on emission reducing technology that also happen to save fuel and money?

Give me a break!

 

Is it just me, or is a corolla overpriced compared to a nicely used Ford Pinto ? I mean, its not like you get anything of real VALUE for you money

 

The average price of car sold in USA is $30,000. Thus PiP price is not outraggueos. But after saying this, I will hold on to my $21,000 (original price) Prius II. Prius was probably the cheapest car I could buy that doesn't appear cheap in the place i work and live. That is my definition of value.

 

Maybe not cheap, but surely gay ?

You might want to ask those people in the lot whose values and opinions you seem to care about.

 

I'm not going to circulate a questionnaire, but I'm sure they would not approve used Ford Pinto.

 

There's the bad math that negates so many arguments for electric vehicles... If gasoline hits $8/gallon it's because crude went up. If crude goes up... it costs more to produce electricity because many power plants run on oil- so electric rates will go up- not remain at 12c/KWh (US price average).

We just got a notice this week from our electric utility that they were granted a temporary 1.5% electric rate increase due to rising fuel costs... so electricity is already rising due to higher crude prices. If gas prices go to $8/gallon, that 12c/KWh (US price average) will be 24c/KWh. We're already paying 20c/KWh in downstate NY.

 

The Plug-In Prius is a bargain.... (Compared to the price of a Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, or Tesla).

Keith

 

I wish our electricity was that cheap!!!

Keith