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How do I go about this car buying thing ...

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by mile-o-mania, Oct 18, 2012.

  1. mile-o-mania

    mile-o-mania New Member

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    Hi All,

    First, thanks to the Admins for hosting this great forum!

    This is my first post and I am a total newbie to PriusChat, car buying and hybrid cars in general.

    I think I know which car I would like to buy: 2013 Prius III/3 with solar-roof and few other add-ons. Only trouble is I cannot seem to find a dealer willing to quote me a price on the 2013 model year in my area (New England). I am willing to drive around to a neighboring state if that is what it'll take to get the new model year car. Since Toyota already released the pricing for the new model year Priuses (Priusii?), how long may I need to wait before ordering the 2013 model?

    Any ideas, guidance and suggestions will be most welcome ...

    Thanks!
    mile-o-mania
     
    #1 mile-o-mania, Oct 18, 2012
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Welcome aboard! Can't help much on the buying info... we have one dealership up here so we get what we get. Fortunately they had just what I needed. :)
     
    #2 spiderman, Oct 18, 2012
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Welcome. Read through New car buying guide, avoiding dealer scams, new cars, used car buying and if you are a member of AAA or a buying service you can get quotes through them.

    Toyota sells cars to Regions that distribute them to their dealers. You can't get a car built to order. If your Region doesn't order a Three-Solar (some haven't) then you'll have to search dealers in the next state. This is easy enough to do by typing zip codes from different cities into the website. When using your zip code on Toyota Cars, Trucks, SUVs & Accessories you'll be able to build everything the Region orders. If it isn't available then it isn't available.

    You are in the Boston Region. NY, NJ & CT are in the New York Region.

    The 2012's sitting on lots will come with better deals than you will get on a 2013. Is there something on the '13 that isn't available on a '12?

    Best wishes for finding exactly what you want at a good price.
     
    #3 JimN, Oct 18, 2012
  4. mile-o-mania

    mile-o-mania New Member

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    Thanks for the detailed replies spiderman and JimN!

    The primary reason I am interested in the '13 models is the better re-sale value I could get when it is re-sold or traded-in for another vehicle. Since we are at the tail-end of 2012 and Toyota has already announced the '13 models, I'd rather spend my money on a newer model year Prius.

    Talking of something new in the '13 models, I am looking forward to checking out the "Prius Persona Series Special Edition" and figure out if it might be more to my liking! :)

    Thanks again for the great advice, I'll look around for dealers in adjoining states.
     
    #4 mile-o-mania, Oct 18, 2012
  5. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

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    If you are at all interested in the plug-in, there are some great deals right now. NE region has $3500 off the base 2012 PiP, which combined with the $2500 tax credit can make it cheaper than a 3! Plus they are offering 0% financing for 60 months on these, as well as 2 years free maintenance and roadside assistance.

    Best deal on a PiP I've heard reported recently was ~$27,600 (~$4400 below msrp) before the tax credit.

    Rob
     
    #5 miscrms, Oct 18, 2012
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    get the plug in, there's no solar roof option, but the ev is worth every penny and more. as miscrms says, they are a great deal right now. you'll save more buying off the lot now, than you will get in trade in on a 2013. and you'll save some more on reduced fuel cost. all the best!
     
    #6 bisco, Oct 18, 2012
  7. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

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    I'd buy now, if you could. Once you get behind the wheel and get used to the quiet ride, great gas mileage, and low cost of ownership, you'll never want to trade the car in for a "dumb" car that can't even shut off its engine at a red light.
     
    #7 Codyroo, Oct 19, 2012
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