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Considering a Prime Advanced - a few questions...

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Snoho3, Jan 3, 2018.

  1. Snoho3

    Snoho3 Junior Member

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    Hi Folks - Newbie here. I'm currently driving a '05 Prius, purchased new, and now with 222K miles. It's giving up the ghost and I'm considering a Prime. I like the concept of being able to do errands around town with no gas, but being able to take long trips with no dedicated recharging. (an aside - Several Tesla charging stations were recently installed at a local shopping center. I've seen drivers sitting in their Tesla's reading the paper while waiting for their car to charge. I don't want to be that person...)

    Anyway - a few general questions -

    1. I live in the Seattle area. There are several Prime's available here, but no one is willing to deal below MSRP. Looking at this forum, that seems normal, or perhaps some folks were able to do better by $500 or so. Is that about right?

    2. Alternatively, I read somewhere on here (can't find it again) that a dealer in SoCal was specializing in selling and shipping new Primes. Does this make sense given the above? If so can someone redirect me to her post?

    2. The idea of no spare tire is a bit intimidating. How are people dealing with that? I have used the temporary spare in my '05 three times in the last 12 years. I see that I could buy one aftermarket (or perhaps take the existing one out of my '05) but then I'm further limiting the already reduced cargo capacity. And it would look terrible.

    3. The $ jump between Premium and Advanced is substantial. I understand the features I'd be getting with the Advanced - none of which are on my '05. For those that bought an Advanced package - why did you do so and after owning the car for awhile - do you still think it is worth it? (for those that considered the Advanced then decided against it - why?)

    4. Does anyone know when 2018 models will be available? The one local dealer that I asked didn't know. He just has 2017's. I've read there isn't much difference in any case, but I thought that it being 2018 already that I might be able to get a deal on a 2017. Any thoughts on this? ( I spoke to several other dealers before I even thought to asked the question - I just assumed we were both talking about '18s)

    Thanks for whatever insight you can provide, and Happy New Year to everyone.
     
  2. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    1. yes, you also still qualify for the $4500 tax credit.
    2. Diane.
    2. (again) spare is an issue for some. You could always take the 05 spare with you on long trips. I am just playing the odds. Have had a Prius since 2005 and never had a flat. Knock on fake wood somewhere.
    3. I had originally planed on a Premium but the dealer I was dealing with got an Adv in instead. Go For It...well worth it for the Adv. (Oh, you also get sheep with the Adv.)
    4. It is still hard for many to find a 2017. Have not heard of any 2018s yet. Same car except for the year.

    Good luck...this is an amazing car. Fun to drive
     
  3. stuyguy

    stuyguy Active Member

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    Get one shipped from NY or NJ instead, where cash back from Toyota is now $4000 through 1/31/18!
     
  4. Washingtonian

    Washingtonian Senior Member

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    I bought mine in Renton last March. Paid MSRP, but got a $1000. rebate as Toyota was offering it on most models at the time. If you are a Costco member, check to see which dealers offer a Costco discount. For example, the Renton dealer doesn't, but my local Bremerton dealer does. Unfortunately, he didn't have a Prime at the time. I bought a compact spare from a Lexus CT200 and keep it in my garage. For long trips I plan to store it upright behind the driver's seat with some pillows and a blanket to keep it from moving. I am very happy I bought the Advanced with its extra safety features. The rear traffic alert is really helpful when backing out of a parking space between two huge SUVs; the blind spot monitoring helps on the freeway, and I have gotten so used to using the radar cruise control I wonder why all cars don't have it. Can't help on your first #2 or number 4.
     
  5. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    :p:D:ROFLMAO::LOL::eek::eek::eek:
     
  6. Snoho3

    Snoho3 Junior Member

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    Thanks for all your thoughts and ideas. Very appreciated. Just gave a call to a dealer in Latham NY (near where I grew up) and asked about the Toyota rebate. Was told it is $3500, but there is also an $1100 discount off of the NY State sales tax. Total discount $4600. Remains to be seen how this translates into a out the door price. The dealer also said he'd put me in touch with some shippers - not sure of the cost for that.

    Going to test drive a Prime locally now - looking forward to the experience. Will inquire about the Costco angle.

    What sheep??
     
  7. Primetime2017

    Primetime2017 New Member

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    Bought the Prius Prime Premium almost 2 weeks ago. I LOVE IT!!! The advanced was 4,000 more and since it looks the same and gets the same gas/electric milage I decided to get the Premium. I'm sure it's nice having the heating steering wheel and other safety features but I just decided against it. I had a 2008 Prius with 196,000 miles and it was hard for me to let it go. Nothing was wrong with it but when I saw the Prius Prime and with all the incentives being a NY state resident and having a charging station at my job it was a no brainer. Enjoy your Pruis Prime whichever model you choose. You won't be disappointed.
     
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  8. Hayman66

    Hayman66 Member

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    I went with the advanced mainly because of the rear traffic alert. I had this on my last Prius and it was something I was not willing to give up. I haven't received my Prime yet as it is still on order. It should have arrived at the port on 12/21.....still waiting.
     
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  9. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    Screenshot_20171221-123323.png
     
  10. stuyguy

    stuyguy Active Member

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    I input a NY zip at toyota.com/local-specials/ and discount shown is $4000. I believe the $3500 discount ended yesterday. Are nonNY residents eligible for the $1100 discount?
     
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wow, have they gone to 4k rebate? crazy! on top of the toyota rebate, they should be offering quite a few thousand dealer discount.
     
  12. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    Make sure it is charged up for your test drive. Long story on the sheep.
     
  13. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    Waiting is the hard part.
     
  14. Snoho3

    Snoho3 Junior Member

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    I was told the NYS $1100 rebate came right off the Sales tax at the point/time of sale. The salesperson said I was eligible even though I lived out of state.
     
  15. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    So, how was the test drive?
     
  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    If you go for the prime, you could use the temp spare rim, but I'd say it's time to spring for a new tire: look in the 4th gen Owner's Manual for the spec'.

    My 2 cents, and you're likely set on your choice but anyway: I would just buy a regular Prius, a level with the spare. The more customers do this, the more likely Toyota will pay attention.
     
  17. Snoho3

    Snoho3 Junior Member

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    Test drive was enlightening. Car was not fully charged but that was not an issue - we (wife and I) got the idea. Elbow are my thoughts from just the drive (not the on line research).

    Pros - quiet. Really liked the eco vs. sport option. Comfortable. Felt sporty but I am sure muscle car buffs would laugh at that. Visibility good except out the back, but I’m used to that.

    Cons - Human Factors design! e.g. I don’t need three ways to turn on the radio. At least the buttons are bigger this time than on my ‘05. Couldn’t figure out how to eliminate the map from the display. I don’t need to see a map for 99% of my driving and found that it was just distracting. Trunk space - I see what people mean about that...

    All in all I was greatful to be able to drive one and I am charging ahead with the plan to purchase. I am convinced that for my type of use a plug in is the way to go. And I can get used to my ‘interface’ with the car as I drive it on a daily basis.
     
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  18. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    Proper tire maintenance and a plug kit.

    Blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert are worth it by themselves.

    I find having the map 100% of the time to be extremely useful, especially if it's displaying traffic from HD radio. I have two threads about how the cargo area is plenty big enough. People who say it's not generally haven't actually tried to put anything back there. A lot more fits than you would think.
     
  19. MNdriver

    MNdriver Senior Member

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    In case you didn’t know it, you can have the map on half the screen and something else (like climate controls) on the other half. That’s what I do.
     
  20. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    or........... 20171121_001949.jpg