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Advice, first time buyer...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by jgallardo, Jun 23, 2009.

  1. jgallardo

    jgallardo Junior Member

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    Hey guys, my old car just broke down, so while I was planning on waiting until Nov/Dec to get a Prius, I'm now forced to speed up the process. I've never bought a new car before, and don't want to get taken advantage of during the process. I don't think I have the strong/seemingly-rude personality to get in there and argue. Any tips/advice?

    The car I want is a black or blue Prius 3, w/ Solar Roof (and Nav).

    I live in New York (on Long Island), but is it worth it to get it from another state? It's probably more convenient to get it from around here (if they even have what I want), but are there large price differences?

    I don't really want the accessories, except for maybe the floor mats.

    I want to put around $8k down, but should I go in there and say that, or should I start at a lower down payment point, say $5k. How honest should I be?

    Lastly, this is probably a dumb question, but in regards to paying off the rest, to get a loan for the rest of the car, is it better to go through Toyota or a bank? I've read about people getting blank checks, but I don't quite understand at which point I would tell the dealer whether or not I like the interest rate offered (my credit is tip top).

    Thanks for any help/advice/comments. And yes, I know, I'm a complete n00b.
     
  2. jonathandz

    jonathandz New Member

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    2010 Prius
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    III
    Here is my two cents:

    Find out what dealers are within a reasonable distance. Reasonable being whatever distance you're willing to travel. Call each dealership and tell them you are interested in a 2010 Prius, the 1225 model (1225 = package 3) and what options. Ask if they have any in stock, or if they will shortly. If yes, tell them you want to purchase in the next week (or two weeks, or few days, whatever is a reasonable estimate) and that you'd like an out the door price, including any and all taxes and fees. Ask them to itemize that. If you can get it in writing/emailed to you, even better. Tell them thank you, that you're calling a few dealerships in the area to see who can offer the most competitive price and you will call them back as soon as you have all of those prices.

    Do that for each dealership, and which ever offers you the best price is your winner. It is good form to call all of the dealers back and at least let them know you are buying somewhere else because you found a better price, but that you appreciated their assistance.

    Don't discuss financing, trade-ins, down payments or anything else until you've come to a final agreement regarding the price of the car. Adding financing into the mix gives the dealer a new "shell" to move around numbers under so you lose track of what is happening. You think you've come out ahead when really you're paying more in the end because of the financing terms. Some dealers are honest and will make you a fair deal. Others are not and will use financing to take you to the cleaners.

    Most of us are finding deals at MSRP without additional mark-ups. "Market adjustment", "Document fee", and other such terms are often just "dealer profit." Don't be afraid to ask what a fee is and that it be removed!

    Good luck with your car buying experience!
     
    2 people like this.
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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  4. ggood

    ggood Senior Member

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    Don't call. Just e-mail. Far better to deal with internet sales managers, and only those that send you back a reasonable quote. But you must be specific.
     
  5. checo446

    checo446 New Member

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    Lots of good advice on the buying and financial side. Just to give you a heads up though. The III's with the solar roofs are near impossible to find. If you don't have a car due your prior one breaking down, you might have to either find a IV with the solar or settle with a III without it. Hopefully you are luckier than most in finding one.
     
  6. NenaPR51

    NenaPR51 New Member

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    Noooooooooooooooooooooo!!! Don't buy a Prius !!!! :eek: My Prius was great during the first 4 years. Afterwards, the headaches and the expensive repairs I incurred, like changing the $3 thousand dollar battery was one of them. Hybrid never never again! All the gas I saved I had to spend in repairs. :mad:Think about it! You can get a good car with good MPG with $8K.
     
  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    LOL! You're knocking one of the most reliable cars on the road. Maybe you should have replaced your battery with a used unit for $600 instead of a new unit for $3000. You did actually own one right?
     
    1 person likes this.
  8. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Check NenaPRs post history, signs on here, makes 4 posts within a half hour all saying the same things, scattered on different threads.
    Troll maybe?
     
    1 person likes this.
  9. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Aye, I usually do that before responding but the join date threw me off. I know better than to quote them too. Uggg

    Good call, my friend. :)
     
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  10. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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  11. C56spd

    C56spd New Member

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    go to Truecar.com website to locate the least expensive vehicle near you. Good luck!!!!
     
  12. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    TROLL !
    This guy has 4 posts, none of them asking for help with his Prius, if he really has, had one he would have come to us at Prius Chat. Pay no attention to his idiotic ranting. :mad: