Purchasing a new 2008 Prius

Consult the April issue of Consumer Reports magazine for car buying advice, or see their website ConsumerReports.org - Car buying guide for new and used cars by Consumer Reports
Try all the dealers that are close enough to you. Have them bid their out-the-door price in writing for what you want, and then if necessary challenge the dealer you like best to meet the best price. I did all my shopping and haggling with 7 dealers by phone, email, and fax. It saved a lot of trouble. I didn't even meet the salesanimal until after we'd agreed on a price and I'd put down a deposit.

But I would not hope to get much or any discount now. Dealers see gas prices going up just as we all do.

 

Leaving you sitting at the dealership for 30 minutes is a common tactic by dealers. It is designed to wear you down and they hope you become more agreeable to their terms. You should warn them not to do this (make you needlessly wait) and/or walk out. I've done that and they never saw me again. If you want a good deal I recommend that:

1. you check out this site: CarBuyingTips.com new car buying guide, avoiding dealer scams, new cars, used car buying with excellent tips. Even with my professional purchasing degree I found this site very useful.
2. search and even make your deal on the Internet and always ask for the Internet Specialist - you'll get better price.

When shopping on the Internet find dealers that have a good stock of cars you want; even better if you can find other dealers in the same area with good stock. This creates competition and gives you more leverage. Also you may get better deal in this order: end of the month; end of the QTR; end of a model year.

Best of luck
Gabe

 

What dealer were you working with in the area? I might suggest (if you don't mind) contacting some people in Kansas City ... or even Chicago ... you could fly out and pick one up in Chicago on SouthWest out of Omaha (would be less than $100) and drive it the 7-8 hours home ... might be worth it to save some $s imho. Just let the dealers know on the phone you want to cut to the chase ... maybe talk to the Internet Department.

 

Did you try these dealership's internet sales? I bought mine just over a month ago and I did it almost entirely on the web. I researched the vehicle I wanted and decided on a goal. I then used the quotes from the dealerships, received via e-mail, to try and reach my goal. The best thing about buying on the web is you don't sit around waiting for the boss to decide if what you want to give for the car is what they want to take for the car. I also have heard that the end of the month is a good time to buy too. I kept telling them I was looking for a great deal, a smoking deal, the best deal I can get and thanks for your help in my new car purchase!!! I hope this helps you get the deal of you dreams!
Rusty

 

Hi Peanut,

Please consider telling us where you spent 30 minutes waiting. I'm in Council Bluffs for the next year or so and am strongly considering making a Prius purchase.

Briefly driving around Council Bluffs and Omaha (less than 60 minutes on the road), I saw six or seven of them today. I was really surprised to see so many here. It's no big deal to see that many in Los Angeles. Typically around here, one is a notable surprise.

Anyway, if you can please respond with your initial dealership and if you have any other dealership experiences in Omaha, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Tim (not currently) in Hollywood

 

I would also love to hear how your buying process is going. I'm just east of Des Moines and started contacting the local dealerships around here. I plan on contacting more dealers that are within a 1/2 day's drive. What's better than a roadtrip in a new Prius! =)