Toyota Canada reduces Prius MSRP

I thought June 1st was the drop-dead date to get a 2008 Prius in Canada, after which it would be for MY2009 (carry-over of same model). Did that change?

The Eco-Auto federal 2000$ rebate, from what I read, isn't going to be renewed for 2009 models. They're moving to a lemon-removal program instead (incentives to get rid of old cars), which might explain a reduction in MSRP on 2009 models.

I wish they had a 30-day price guarantee, lol.

 

What the heck is up with LOWER prices for the 2008 Prius ? Are they trying to sell more in Canada now, with the US dollar so low ?

AFAICT they've been flying off of the lots here in Canada. I thought I was lucky to get $1k off of MSRP a month ago. Now, in theory, my resale value is at least $1k lower... ??

Yes, $2k federal rebate stops with the last 2008 MY Prius. But this applies to current 2008 Prius, which I think is getting close to the wire (or finished now?) for ordering one.

Unless this is some theoretical discount for dealer stock only (which doesn't exist) and orders can't be placed anymore... ??

If there are Prii available here at this price or lower, perhaps Americans will start buying in Canada ?

 

The MSRP reduction is well overdue, as the CAD prices are way higher than the USD prices. Even after this 1900 CAD reduction, the Prius is still cheaper in the US.

 

That's what I'm thinking. Two dealers confirmed me that after June 1st I wouldn't be able to order a 2008 from the factory. Consequently I'm guessing this MSRP reduction will apply to the 2009 as well, to compensate for the loss of the Eco-Auto federal 2000CAD credit

 

OK, so in effect, the price is going up by $100.

So if it's impossible to order a 2008 in Canada, and 2009's can't be ordered yet (?), then it's impossible to order a Prius in Canada now ?

I wonder if there's a few 2008's on lots though. If not then advertising $1900 off of 2008's is deceptive IMO.

 

Well, at least it looks like those of us who ended up waiting won't be much worse off in 2009 without the federal rebate. It would be a terrible financial stretch, but I've got to say that this almost makes me want to run out and get an '08 now for both the discount and the rebates. As much fun as squeezing all the value out of my current car is, it's not worth $2000, and gas goes relentlessly up while I wait...

Did they also lower the cost of the options? I thought the Special Edition Premium was more than $3030 above base before.

Last week, there was at least one on the lot here in London...

 

Hmm, I wonder why that is? I don't see why Toyota wouldn't want to call every car right up to Dec 31 a 2008 model for the Canadian market to get the government to continue to subsidize their sales. Just because they've shifted to 2009s for other markets doesn't, AFAIK, mean that they have to call the cars coming out of the plant 2009s in Canada.

 

I think it's just industry-wide marketing.

If brand A (ex: Honda Civic) had 2009s on the lot, and brand B decided to not increment the MY (ex: Toyota Corolla) and keep the 2008 tag, it would hurt sales for brand B. They have to all stop doing it, or they have to all do it.

 

I agree. I wonder why they won't do that ?? Would have made more sense to apply the MSRP reduction to 2009 MY only.

I'm reasonably sure the reason Harper killed the rebate is because gas prices alone are enough to buy a higher MPG vehicle. Gov't doesn't need to subsidize anymore. Also, GM was complaining these programs helped Toyota and didn't help them. (Too bad GM, you could have built your own Prius like hybrids.)

I can't figure out why they'd leave the program open until Spring 2009 though, when MY 2008 is the last MY to get rebate. It's like it's a technicality: Yes, program runs until 2009. No cars will be certified for 2009 though so tough luck, unless you can find a 2008 MY, even if it's no different than the 2009. At least this should help Honda unload all those rusting Civic Hybrids though.

 

In some places there's lots of cars on the lots. In Courtney I saw six brand new Prius on the lot two weeks ago. Dealers here in Edmonton usually have two or three in stock. This can change quickly, of course, so YMMV.