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Price negotiation feedback for 2012 PiP Base model

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by PointCounterPt, May 28, 2017.

  1. PointCounterPt

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    I like to tap into the PC think tank regarding price negotiation for a 2012 PiP base model.

    I live in NC, where there are virtually no PiPs, or at least my dealer doesn't know of any. They have a sister dealership with a 2012 PiP with 43K miles. List price is $15,995 but I swear that when I first saw it a week ago it was "just reduced" at $14,995. Apparently that's not so now. They also have it incorrectly listed as an Advanced PiP, which it isn't. –Then again, they don't really know anything about the PiP.

    I checked Kelly Blue Book value and it lists a range from $13,308 to 16,733 and says that a fair purchase price from a dealer is $15,021. I'm comparing this car to Tampa Hybrids pricing (thanks to JerryMildred's excellent feedback about them. TH's has closest car he has is a 2013 with similar miles for $16k, compared to this 2012 for $15k. However, $1000 of TH's price is new aftermarket leather seats, which means his real comparative price is $15k for a car that's one year newer, i.e. one more year of battery warranty.

    My sales guy told me that most people aren't interested in the PiP, except for the newer Prime, so I'm hoping he's right and nobody else is looking at it. Given this, and the comparison to TH's vehicle, do you think I could get this car for $13,000-13,500, or do you think I'm way outside the ballpark?

    Any pricing or negotiation feedback, or other, is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
     
  2. PointCounterPt

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    BTW, the car is in excellent condition and looks brand new, other than an tiny paint ding on the hood from a rock. –At least that's all I saw wrong with it.
     
  3. KCobby

    KCobby Member

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    Surely many will chime in here, but I think your pricing estimate is logical. When I was shopping for my PiP, I contacted a few dealers who had a few models I was interested in. This was back in February. Several of them are still asking me whether I'm "still in the market" - so I think it's true that the demand isn't that high.

    I would also look at trade in value - doing a quick search on KBB for trade in for the car you're describing, in "excellent" condition is just over $13k average trade in. I would guess they paid much less. The owner of my 2012 advanced with under 40k miles said the local dealer was offering her $10,500 for the trade. The car was in truly great shape so that was a low offer I think.

    Can't hurt to make them an offer, either. But I think $13-13,500 is certainly fair and a good deal for them!

    Good luck and let us know!
     
  4. PointCounterPt

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    Thanks KCobby! I do want to see what others think but you've definitely bolstered my resolve . . . And as much as I like the sales guy (I've referred several people to him who have bought, just because he was nice to me a long time ago), if I do this I'll be bringing a badass friend with me to the negotiation that I wouldn't mess with. ;)
     
  5. PointCounterPt

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    And much like you said, the fact that it was a trade in made me think that they had more margin to work with.
     
  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I don't think I mentioned in our conversation that I paid $12,995 for my '13 base. But it did come with some exterior blemished and was a northern car with typical northern corrosion. So it's not apples to apples. Without those fault's I'd guess it would have been another
    $1k.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    my 2012 w/ 50k is only worth 10k on a trade, so i could see them being very happy with a $3,000. profit.
     
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  8. PointCounterPt

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    Thanks Bisco, that's helpful information.

    jerrymildred: How old was your 2013 when you bought it from Todd?
     
  9. PointCounterPt

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    Bisco, I'm hoping that paying with cash helps my negotiation . . . :)
     
  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I just got it the day after Christmas. So, according to Toyota's service records, it was four years old, give or take a month or so.
     
  11. Deoc

    Deoc Member

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    Don't go with the Kbb valuations, I bought mine last year a 2014 Prius Plug In Base for 14,500 it had 39 Miles, Kbb at that time said the value was 14,300, now Kbb is telling me the value is more than 16 K, I'm pretty sure it didn't went up in value and is a mistake of Kbb, so I would just keep looking for prices and see what other dealers are offering them for, at the end if you like the car make them a offer and see if they take it or not.
     
  12. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

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    Paying cash doesn't hold the negotiation sway it once used to.

    Also, what is your car usage/commute like? Your particular unique usage pattern may make a different car a smarter choice.
     
  13. hackenfort

    hackenfort Member

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    Early March I purchased a 2014 Plug in, wasn't looking for a plug in just a std prius, but compiled a list of about 30 prius all at dealers within 20 miles. Sorted the list by mileage and price. Couldn't understand why but the plug in seemed to populate the top of my list.

    After visiting the dealer, with the lowest mileage plug in (30K), car was nice an clean, made an offer 4K below their asking price. Sales guy looked shocked and asked if I was serious. I stated we have to start some where, after about 10 minutes he counter offered $600 more than my offer - I drove the car home the next day.

    $12600 for 2014 with 30K on it, I'm not sure why but the plug in generally were list near the same price as the std prius.
     
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  14. Mavi

    Mavi Active Member

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    I'd offer 12k if you were serious about the car. They'll eventually call you back and sell it for 12.5k. Use edmunds for a more accurate price value, kbb is over valued imo.
     
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  15. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Have you considered flying to Florida and buying from Tampa Hybrids? You could then drive home in your new car.
    Several here have done similar to get their Prime. Perhaps Jerry would come & pick you up if you ask nicely & pay for his gas. :D

    You would end up with a known good car at a good price.
     
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  16. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I'd be happy to do that. I've even told Todd to call me if he ever needs something like that. One time he did call, but I had a family commitment I couldn't break, but otherwise I'm happy to help.

    By the way, he has a bigger than usual inventory right now. Home - Tampa Hybrids Inc.
     
  17. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    A drive to North Carolina? Any excuse to drive your PiP. :LOL:

    Are you buying the electric motorcycle? :D :eek:
    Lutz FL - 2013 Brammo Empulse R ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE ONLY 450 Miles - Motorcycle for Sale - Tampa Hybrids Inc.
     
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  18. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I would enjoy that drive, but we are tied down right now. Our son is still waiting for his new lungs, so we don't go more than a couple hours away from Tampa General Hospital. The big call could come any time. Otherwise, we'd be going way farther than that to see family & friends.

    That motorcycle does look like fun! I was admiring it the other day when I did the battery exchange. But I think my riding days are over. Drivers here are almost too dumb to know how to breathe these days. It seems like almost everyone I know has been rear ended at least once. One guy has been hit three times!!
     
    #18 jerrymildred, Jun 1, 2017
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2017
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  19. N.J.PRIUS

    N.J.PRIUS Member

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    Definitely go for the lower price and let them come back to you. I purchased my 2013 Prius Plug-in Advanced with 21,600 miles for $16,500 a little over a year and a half ago. Original asking price was $19,500. I wasn't in the market for a vehicle, however was too good an opportunity to pass up on.

    Actually, they would rather have you finance a vehicle as they make money on this. Paying cash does nothing for the dealership.

    Good luck with your negotiations. Let us know what happens.
     
  20. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    PCP, take a closer look at that car. Would you buy a brand new car with a tiny paint ding? Excellent condition implies no damage, rust, or badly worn tires. If you were trying to sell that car to the dealer they certainly wouldn't grade it excellent.

    Check out the listings on http://www.cars.com . $16000 seems like the market's asking price which means the dealer will settle for less. If the car was worth $16000 or $15000 it would have been sold.

    You won't know whether they will accept $13000-$13500 until you ask. Start lower and work your way up. I'm sure the salesman will mention that you are taking food out of the mouths of his children and that at your offer they would be selling the car at a loss. Point out the paint chip and whatever other defects you find. Make sure the car has the retractable cover and two fobs. If it doesn't have the floor and deck mats point out they are missing.

    Always good to go shopping with the disinterested buddy who can play the role of the bad cop by pointing out why the car isn't as good as the salesman believes.
     
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