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Need help deciding between 2009 vs 2010 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by vpg0002, Apr 23, 2009.

  1. vpg0002

    vpg0002 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2009
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    Location:
    Kirkland, WA
    Model:
    III
    This is the first time I am buying a new car and am looking for the best possible model, deals and timing to make the purchase.

    I have the following offer for a 2009 Prius Package 3 option (handless bluetooth option is mandatory for me):

    Invoice Price - $300 + $750 Mfr Rebate & no sales tax as I am a resident of WA state.

    If I go with 2010 Prius Package 3 with MSRP it will be close to $3000 more than the 2009 Prius.

    My question is if it is worth spending the extra money on the 2010 model vs the 2009 model?

    Another question I have is - What would be the best time to buy the 2009 model - now or after the 2010 model arrives?

    A couple of dealers have been telling that WA may repeal the sales tax exemption (presently valid until end of Dec 2009) on all hybrids which give more than 40 MPG.
     
    #1 vpg0002, Apr 23, 2009
  2. sorka

    sorka Active Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2008
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    Location:
    Merced, CA
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius
    Model:
    Limited
    If it's only a $3K differencefor similarly equiped, then it's a no brainer especially given the model change, I'd get the 2010.

    The real question should be should you get a used Gen II or a new Gen III? Even if you get a clean 2008, you could potentially make that price difference more than $10K.

    If money were an issue, I'd do that, drive the Gen II for a few years, and then buy a used Gen III.
     
    #2 sorka, Apr 23, 2009
  3. lauren80ryan

    lauren80ryan New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2009
    165
    26
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    Location:
    Tri-Cities, WA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I'm not sure I see your price quote for the 09. :confused:
    My friend was looking at the same package #3 on the 09 and her quote was $23,500. This was with her doing a good amount of wheeling and dealing...but the new 2010 package #3 is $23,000 right??? Or did you want the upgraded nav too? which would be $24,800 right?

    And my dealer is only charging MSRP on the 2010s. So $1300 more for a better car.......
    NOT that the 09 isn't great! But if you upgrade the nav package you're still getting the back up camera AND you get navigation so you're really not missing much (and gaining mpg and more), the SKS on passenger door is all that comes to mind.

    As for the sales tax in WA being revoked...see my thread here:
    PriusChat Forums - Sales tax being revoked early?! Not till July (IF ever)
    or here:
    http://priuschat.com/forums/2010-toyota-prius/60756-group-buy-in-tri-cities-wa-2.html

    If you get on list right now, i think you have good chance of purchasing one before the tax credit is revoked (IF it is). Great scare tactic for WA dealers to use right now, since we won't know "for sure" for another couple weeks. But like a friend is doing, she is #2 on wait list for 2010 but has 09 option if it's end of June and still no car in sight. And by then she thinks she'll have more power to get price down on 09 since they'll be making room for 2010s on the lot. We'll see.....

    DECISIONS, Decisions GOOD LUCK!:p
    ~Lauren

    PS. tax credit does not apply to used hybrids
     
    #3 lauren80ryan, Apr 23, 2009
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