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Prime time in Toronto

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by EddyCurrent, Mar 24, 2017.

  1. EddyCurrent

    EddyCurrent New Member

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    I walked into a Toyota Dealership last week, Ken Shaw Lexus Toyota to be exact, to inquire about the Prius Prime. They had very little information from Toyota Canada. The salesman suggested we leave a $1000 deposit to ensure I have the opportunity to get a Prime when they arrive. Since there is no price or availability information, the contract would be void if we are not comfortable with the purchase (given the new information).

    Since I have never driven a Prius, I suggested to the salesman that I should drive a 2017 Prius Touring Package to get a feel for the car. I took it for a spin-shit I nearly bought it, LOL.

    I just received an email from the dealership stating they won't be getting any Primes and they are considered a "special vehicle order" only. The salesman will submit my incomplete bill of sale to Toyota Canada to order a Prime with a possible delivery in May.

    My first choice of PHEV was the Chevy Volt. I had test driven the Gen One and loved it. I have yet to drive the Gen Two but am sure it is as good as the prior model. I decided to go with the Prime because I will be moving in the near future and the place may not have a dedicated plug in. It seems wasteful to have such a large battery in the Volt and not be able to make use of it, as opposed to the Prime that is more economical to drive in gas mode.

    Because of the difficulties in getting the Prime, I may have to go with the Volt.....not a bad second choice.
     
    #1 EddyCurrent, Mar 24, 2017
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  2. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    Man, I feel your pain. Know you would love the Prime.
     
    #2 huskers, Mar 24, 2017
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! the volt forums aren't nearly this fun. all the best in the future.(y)
     
    #3 bisco, Mar 24, 2017
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  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Welcome! Just a thought here. If your new place doesn't have a place for you to plug in, you might be just as happy with the hatchback as the Prime. More storage and about as good at the gas pump if you can't plug in the Prime. If you can plug in, and electricity isn't expensive (as I recall hydro is a lot less than most of the US), then the Prime sounds great.
     
    #4 jerrymildred, Mar 24, 2017
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  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yes there's been very little information other than we're getting two trim levels (base and Technology.. which is basically the equivalent of the Advanced in the U.S.). Also, @PrinceD11 managed to get some colour options as well.

    If there's no plug-in, why not a regular Prius? Is it for the Green Plates? (Volt).

    Also note that the Prius Technology with Advanced Package is the only one without a spare tire and therefore the largest trunk. (if cargo space matters).
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Mar 24, 2017
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  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    For those who haven't been keeping up with the news in Canada, electricity is -very- expensive in Ontario right now. So much so that the current provincial govt. is in danger of being voted out. ;) They went "overboard" on "green energy" installations in the past 5-10 years. Now they're paying for it. Big time!
     
    #6 David Beale, Mar 25, 2017
  7. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    OUCH!
     
    #7 jerrymildred, Mar 25, 2017
  8. EddyCurrent

    EddyCurrent New Member

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    Why the plug in you ask. I'm thinking it makes a great car even better. Its a nice option to have .Although Ontario prices are high for electrons their is talk of free charging at night.
     
    #8 EddyCurrent, Mar 25, 2017
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    higher than 24 cents/kwh?
     
    #9 bisco, Mar 25, 2017
  10. EddyCurrent

    EddyCurrent New Member

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    As a result of increases that kicked in May 1, the off-peak rate (weekends and holidays, and weekdays 7 p.m.-7 a.m.) is now 8.7 cents per kWh, the mid-peak rate (weekdays 7 a.m.-11 a.m. and 5 p.m.-7 p.m.) is 13.2 cents per kWh, and the on-peak charge (weekdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) is now 18 cents per kWh — the highest price ...May 1, 2016

    We also pay a delivery charge and a global equalization charge and other taxes as well. You would need a encryption expert from your N.S.A to figure out the true cost which is probably around the 26 cents mark.

    That is the reason i prefer the prime over the volt.
     
    #10 EddyCurrent, Mar 25, 2017
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks, but mostly, you're charging at night. 8.7 cents plus taxes is fabulous. the way i figure mine is take the total bill and divide by kWh used. but we only have one rate, so it's easier. not cheap, but easy.
     
    #11 bisco, Mar 25, 2017
  12. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    It's not "taxes" that you "plus". It's delivery charges (lots and lots), then taxes, municipal franchise charges, then a charge because they can. And then other charges they like to make up. The night charge is still up around 20 cents per kwh, though I'm not there but I hear the screams from Edmonton (3000 km away)! ;)

    Our rates are also done the same way, but they aren't quite as high (yet).

    Oh, and in Alberta the Con-servatives screamed when the NDP (provincial) and Liberals (federal) implemented a carbon tax. They didn't bother to mention the secret carbon tax implemented by them on electric power in 2007. All power companies were told to keep it quiet, "or else"! I believe it was done so they could sell power to the suckers, er customers, in the US. ;) Particularly California.

    Don't you just love politicians?!

    Back on topic. I stopped in at the Toyota dealer who moved from near my house to 10 km away, now called "Toyota of NW Edmonton". Nice new building, lots of space to park the cars, nice service setup too. When I asked them about the Prime they looked at me like I had just crawled out from under a rock. "How about this nice Rav4 Hybrid sir?"
     
    #12 David Beale, Mar 25, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2017
  13. Primetoronto

    Primetoronto Junior Member

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    I hope the Prime plus will only cost me $32k after $7k rebate in Ontario..else I will chose the 2017 honda civic coupe..love that car too.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #13 Primetoronto, Mar 25, 2017
  14. EddyCurrent

    EddyCurrent New Member

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    Prime Toronto where did you come by the by the rebate number of 7,000 dollars.
     
    #14 EddyCurrent, Mar 25, 2017
  15. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    A friend who wanted to buy a Prius v a few years after launched found it hard to find one. The dealer claimed "the taxi drivers bought them all". Also, whatever is in stock is either black or white.

    Is that dealer formerly Mayfield? At least they have a RAV4 Hybrid. AWD sells in Canada. I've heard too many "if it doesn't have AWD, I'm not buying". And I'm like.. I drive a Prius just fine... but it's psychology. I've driven the Prius in conditions I never wanted to... freezing rain (both during and after an event on two separate occasions. Once on the factory Ecopias because I swapped over in March. Learned that lesson lol), blowing snow with occasional zero visibility and in Banff, up/down a steep hill with compact snow and embedded sand. (I forgot that hotel that's on the hill towards the gondola)
     
    #15 Tideland Prius, Mar 25, 2017
  16. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Kingsway Toyota, now NW Toyota of Edmonton, moved to 137 Ave and 142 St (just east of St. Albert Trail). They had lots of Rav4. A few Prius (no G4 hatchback in the showroom).

    They've got me wondering if the Prime would have problems in our occasional -40C winters (didn't see those low temps this winter). Some tell me the Li battery can be destroyed at those temps, though I find it hard to believe.
     
    #16 David Beale, Mar 26, 2017
  17. canuck2013

    canuck2013 Junior Member

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    I did the same thing - 6 months ago. apparently I may be first in line in ontario. Regardless, I have no details on price or availability, beyond "maybe in may".

    For me, it boils down to lease payments. If toyota sets an unfavourable lease rate on the prime, they may price me out.
     
    #17 canuck2013, Mar 26, 2017
  18. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    RAV4 sells like hotcakes in Alberta.

    Potentially but if you leave it plugged in, there is a traction battery warmer that'll draw a small amount of amperage to keep the battery warm (used in relative terms). This is in addition to the battery heater so I'm guessing just leave the car plugged in during the winter.
     
    #18 Tideland Prius, Mar 26, 2017
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