1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Cancelled My PIP Order

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by ggood, Mar 11, 2012.

  1. ggood

    ggood Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2004
    2,436
    517
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Cancelled My PIP Order - Here's Why

    I cancelled my PIP order, even though, and partly because, my PIP was one of the first to arrive. FWIW, here's why:

    Bad timing. I'm in the middle of buying and selling houses, and didn't feel like adding car hassles or new car payments into the mix, at least before the old house is sold.

    Cost. When I started the process, it looked like the economic hit would be $13,000 to $15,000 to make the change. When crunch time came, it looked like it was going to be at least $20,000. This was partly due to the lowering of resale value on my current car, and partly due to my not fully taking into account the sales tax hit and shipping cost. Toyota's decision not to sell PIP through Texas dealers definitely made this problem worse, and seems pointless now, given the low take-up on their early order program.

    Poor lease terms. I came to the conclusion I did not want to buy, given the many new and improved options that are either already in the pipeline or are likely to come in the next 3 or 4 years. I know Dianne (aka Prius Goddess) thinks the lease terms aren't that bad, but they aren't very enticing and didn't take into account the value of the tax credit to the lease co., the way the Leaf and Volt leases do. FYI, Texas is one of the few states that charges sales tax up front on the full value of the car being leased, so that also did not help.

    Not Enough EV Range. I have a short commute, so the PIP would be great for 90% of my driving. On the other hand, I only drive 6,000 miles a year now, so the economic and environmental justifications for making the switch are pretty small in my case. The cost seemed pretty high relative to this amount of EV range.

    New Unproven Battery Tech. There still seem to be a lot of questions as to whether current lithium batteries will hold up as well as the nickel batteries. Even Toyota does not seem fully convinced.

    It's Still a Prius. Honestly, this is the no. 1 reason, other than cost. I haven't found anything better yet, but I really want much more comfort for this amount of money. I have pet peeves with the current ride, steering wheel and seating position. I was looking forward to the 8-way power seat and softer riding 15 inch tires as much as the battery, but wasn't sure how much difference they would make in overall comfort (especially over rough city streets). Entune also seems to be a work in progress. Where's the 4 cyl plug in Venza?

    If I really needed a new car right now, I would have had no problem buying the PIP. I like the configuration choices they made. I 'm really sorry I'm missing out on the fun of having the latest and greatest model. but I think I'll wait for the next latest and greatest. Maybe I'll be the first one on my block with a Lexus plug in!
     
  2. Nadler

    Nadler Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2005
    25
    2
    0
    Location:
    Long Island NY
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I also just cancelled last night. I bought a 2012 Prius IV which is being delivered tomorrow. I was also concerned with the lower than expected EV range and of course the no spare tire issue which I knew about going in. I got a terrific price on the 2012 Prius IV and altho the equipment is not quite the same as the advanced it turns out to be about $12,000 less (not counting the fed credit) which made it worthwhile for me.

    If anyone is interested in a Winter Gray Metallic coming into NY mid April PM me and I will give you the dealer contact info.
     
  3. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    29,110
    8,589
    201
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Just an FYI Nadler, Roman Numeral IV was only for 2010 so you bought a 2012 Prius 4. :)

    Good luck with your new Prius!
     
  4. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2008
    8,245
    1,202
    0
    Location:
    NorCal
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Re: Cancelled My PIP Order - Here's Why

    A plug-in hybrid Venza would be a box office bomb. The massive body, wheels, high Cd and more would ensure the efficiency is not very good. Plus it would cost a fortune more and just about most would buy the conventional version anyway, I believe.
     
  5. bfd

    bfd Plug-In Perpetuator

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2009
    659
    172
    0
    Location:
    Close to SDSU in the Far Southwest Corner of Cali
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Right now, we are shopping the Venza around - probably keeping the 09 Prius when the PiP arrives next month. Regional gas prices in the far southwest corner of the US have made this an easier decision.
     
  6. ggood

    ggood Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2004
    2,436
    517
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Re: Cancelled My PIP Order - Here's Why

    I really just mean give me a better camry-like suspension and power, with 4 cylinder fuel economy and a flat loading floor. I don't totally buy the efficiency arguments, given that they can get near Prius like numbers from the Prius V, 2012 HyCam and the Lexus CT. Would a hundred extra lbs of suspension really decrease range all that much?
     
  7. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2010
    2,401
    758
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    If you only want the plugin functionality, you're better off converting it with a conversion kit. If you want the HOV sticker, HUD, and softtex power seats then wait a few months til someone has one for sale.
    Plugin Supply's 10KW DIY kit looks pretty good for $8500. It's less than half of what you will pay for an 2012 advance PiP. The AER is almost 3 times the OEM PiP.
     
  8. austingreen

    austingreen Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2009
    13,531
    4,062
    0
    Location:
    Austin, TX, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Re: Cancelled My PIP Order - Here's Why

    I've got to say, since toyota decided to wait to sell them in Texas in the initial roll out, the value proposition gets weak here.

    But the venza might make a great phev compared to a standard venza. The 4 cylinder is comparable in hp to the camry, so the camry hsd is appropriate and already designed. Double the battery pack and you might get 100hp in ev and 15 mile electric range. A third motor on the rear axle could give it towing capacity, higher ev max speed, and 4wd. It would have something like 34mpg in charge sustain mode. I don't know how many 4wd v6 venzas get sold, but this could be a solution with very short payback, but better power.

    No, in fact if you make the better suspension out of aluminum like the ct. it might not add any weight at all. Extra weight is needed for more comfortable seats and noise reduction:D
     
  9. essaunders

    essaunders Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2007
    195
    17
    0
    Location:
    NH
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I cancelled my PiP order today.

    I already have a LEAF that replaced my old Subaru. The LEAF plus the 07 Prius makes for a decent garage.

    so, last I checked, Acton Toyota of Littleton (Boston MA Area) has two orphaned PiPs on the lot - one basic sea pearl and one advanced bizzard pearl.
     
  10. moolman

    moolman Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2005
    142
    16
    0
    I cancelled my order last minute, car was on the lot, not PDI'ed yet and i thought about it for the night, i touched it, gave it a hug and decided to not take it. I currently have a Lexus HS and Honda Fit, the PiP would of replaced the Fit. The price didn't bother me too much for the advanced but my Fit is running good with new tires and I know that in less than 2 years, Toyota will come out with a Lexus Plug in which I would much rather prefer, mainly after driving a Lexus and a Honda, cabin noise is a big deal for me now. Also, a 30 mile range is more useful to me and the a Toyota product will have that in less than 3 years for sure. I may even bite on a Prius V plug in.
     
  11. dfleeman

    dfleeman New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2011
    34
    1
    0
    Location:
    Galt, ca
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hi Moolman, I wonder if Toyota would let me trade out my base model for your advanced model. My PIP should be in Auburn anytime now, at least according to Toyota's last email. What dealer is your at?
     
  12. in-control

    in-control Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    32
    2
    0
    Location:
    Charlton, MA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I order one - can you sent me your information so I can forward it to my dealer please? email = [email protected]
    :D
     
  13. moolman

    moolman Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2005
    142
    16
    0
    I ordered from Roseville, not sure if they still have it for a swap. I would think at this point it would be a dealer swap from auburn to Roseville and nothing that corporate Toyota can do. Not sure if it's still on the lot. I told them friday night that I would not take the car. Took a picture with the car on Thursday night when the truck dropped it off at night. Wept a bit as I said know but kept reminding myself that I'll be glad when a Lexus plug in with a 30 mile range comes out by 2014 that it will be worth the wait...haha
     
  14. dfleeman

    dfleeman New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2011
    34
    1
    0
    Location:
    Galt, ca
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I spoke with both auburn and Roseville and they both told me when a plug in is orphaned Toyota picks it up, the dealer is not allowed to sell it. I guess I will stick with my basic pip when it shows up at the dealer.
     
  15. moolman

    moolman Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2005
    142
    16
    0
    You sure about that. Roseville made it sound like they had a buyer waiting in the wings. I was going to have a neighbor buy the car instead but they told me they had a buyer on the waiting list, ready to buy the car.
     
  16. dfleeman

    dfleeman New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2011
    34
    1
    0
    Location:
    Galt, ca
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Who knows what they really do but last week when I was talking with Auburn Toyota and I asked about upgrading my base model to an advance model they said that Toyota will not let them sell a orphan car. toyota sends a truck to pick it up. Today I called Roseville and spoke with Jeremy who checked with his manager about me buying your car and he said the same thing that the car will go back to the Toyota distribution. But really if a customer cancels the order with the dealer and not through the order web page how will Toyota know who bought the car?
     
  17. UCBRUINS

    UCBRUINS Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2011
    96
    44
    0
    Location:
    LA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I know this doesn't happen for a fact. Dealer near me sold one that was cancelled to a walk in customer.
     
  18. gramps

    gramps Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    179
    36
    0
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I know 1st hand that is not how it works too, my dealer got " confused" and thought I didn't want my PIP. They didn't even notify me that it arrived until 2 days after they sold it to some one allegedly on a waiting list. For more money coincidently.
    Dianne and Erica are getting me on track with another incoming orphaned PIP.
     
  19. dfleeman

    dfleeman New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2011
    34
    1
    0
    Location:
    Galt, ca
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I guess some dealers follow the rules and some do not. Boy that would piss me off if they sold mine out from under me, glad your getting it resolved.
     
  20. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2004
    14,487
    1,518
    0
    Location:
    Spokane, WA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    It sounds as though you thought it out, and the PiP is not the right car for you at this time.

    For me, I'd trust Toyota on the lithium battery, but personally I'd trust any of the lithium car batteries on the market today. All the rest of your reasons sound like very valid personal ones.

    In my opinion, this is the ideal solution. (Unless you an afford a Tesla. ;))