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Buying a Prius Prime - within a week... HELP! :)

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by RobFL, Sep 23, 2018.

  1. RobFL

    RobFL Junior Member

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    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I've read through several other threads here in the forum from people in my same situation (getting ready to buy a Prime) - and wanted to get any new thoughts. I'm looking at a 2018 - and looking to purchase within about a week from anywhere in the Eastern US (looks like North East is the best area to find deals?).

    Two main questions:

    1) Thoughts on trim level??? Premium seems to be the best bang for the buck. Would love to hear any "I'm so glad I got the Advanced or Plus..because" thoughts. I live in Florida, so cold weather features are not as much of a concern. I'm an Android guy - so lack of Android Auto - or the ability to add an aftermarket stereo/nav is a bit of frustration for any of the trims. I do love tech - love LED's - love the Advance for the extra goodies. I also love the lower price and minimalism of the Plus. Some days I lean towards lowest cost of ownership, some days I lean towards more tech.

    2) Thoughts or ideas on best deals? Right now I'm seeing them in the North East and the West Coast. The federal tax incentive is a big driver - $4500, right? I know it's not off the purchase price, however total picture it's a great deal!

    If it weren't for the federal tax incentive - I would probably be buying a 2015 Prius. My wife has a 2015 Prius, and we really enjoy when it's driving in EV mode. I know the Prime will just be another gateway drug to full electric.
     
  2. Hayman66

    Hayman66 Member

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    I am glad I got the Advanced so that I can cool/heat my car from inside my office or house from the App. The main reason I went with the Advanced was actually for the rear cross traffic alert. I had it with my last Prius and was not something I wanted to live without.
     
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  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Be sure to insist on the dealership turning the reverse beeping to a single beep. You may wish to make other customization s
     
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  4. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    Consumer Reports recommends the Premium level. I got the advanced “just because”.
    J
     
  5. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Have you actually seen different PRIME trims? If you like all the safety and convenient features on Advanced, you may like that trim but for price. Being a minimalist, Advanced wasn't for me, and I wanted Plus. However, in the end I got Premium because a local dealer gave me better price on Premium that was in stock than Plus from far away dealer. I DO like 3 door SKS and power driver seat offered in Premium, but HATE softex and 11.6 inch LED. If there aren't any PRIME in your area, I think regular Prius have those options in higher trims just to check out if you really like those two features. Good luck.
     
    #5 Salamander_King, Sep 24, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2018
  6. Bob Comer

    Bob Comer Active Member

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    I got an Advanced and love it and don't regret it. The blind spot monitoring and remote climate were my main reasons.
     
  7. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    I had originally wanted a Premium but went with the Advanced when that was the only option at the time. Not a day goes by that I don't think how lucky I am I got the Advanced. Oh, wherever you get your from, insist that it be fully charged up the day you pick it up. You are going to love this car. CONGRATS !!!
     
  8. ems2158

    ems2158 Active Member

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    If this is important to you, you should consider something from another manufacturer. Your frustration will only grow worse once you learn that the Entune/nav is practically useless and the integration with the phone is very limited. Also, the Prime has many other compromises; small EV range, lots of road noise, tiny luggage space, four passenger limit, and no spare tire.

    I've had my Prius Prime for over a year. It would not be my first choice if I were in the market today.
     
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  9. LoraJ

    LoraJ Active Member

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    I had to get a new car and didn't really have time to research and ended up with the Plus. I am fine with the decision as I actually do not like the 11" screen. The only thing I wish I had was the BSM and being able to heat/cool via the app. Not worth the extra cost to me though.
     
  10. RobFL

    RobFL Junior Member

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    Model:
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    Thanks for all of the feedback - sincerely appreciate it. North East is definitely the area to get a deal as best as I can tell. I've been in email negotiations all day - and will probably pick the winner tomorrow.

    For the people that went with the Advanced over the Premium or Plus because of availability at the time, and are really glad they did - what features are you glad that you have? It can even be something purely cosmetic. For example - my wife has the 2015 Prius Persona, and the the blinkers in the side-mirrors are a pretty big deal to me, even though it's just looks. I'm geeky like that I guess.

    Also - just today, the word is on the street that Toyota will be adding Android Auto. Not sure if they'll update 2017/2018 Prius firmware to include it? I can't link to the Bloomberg article yet in this forum. (2 more posts before I can add a link...lol)
     
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  11. eroeder

    eroeder Junior Member

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    I specifically got the Advanced for the technology. We have a newish Honda Pilot too with similar technology, and it is really makes things safer and worth it. I like the bigger screen too. Coming off a 2013 Plug-in, there are some great improvement I am happy to have now!

    Yep, $4500 federal tax credit, and some states have an additional $2500. There is a thread somewhere on that subject.
     
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  12. citiprius

    citiprius Active Member

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    Totally agree. I have both Plus and Premium trim. the 11.6" LED looks nice but it really sucks, very poor interface and hard to use. But I do enjoy the 3 door SKS power seat, and I'm thinking of installing the SKS sensor/switch to my Plus. The Softex is not that bad. But I like the Corolla Softex much better as it look and feel totally different. I wonder why Toyota is not using the same Softex in both Prius and Corolla.

    From the resell value, I think the Premium will be better as it has that eye catching 11.6" LED and leather look seat. Potential new owner might be willing to pay more for that?
     
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  13. coach81

    coach81 Active Member

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    Quick question.. assuming you haven't bought one yet.. reason why you don't just wait like I am for '19 reveal in a month or so? Possible Apple Carplay?
     
  14. coach81

    coach81 Active Member

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    Update Rob???
     
  15. RobFL

    RobFL Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    1st Deal: When they realized that I wouldn't be financing or servicing the car through them - they backed out. Stealership that was counting on making money on the back-end. That fell through right as the September rebate was ending.

    2nd Deal: Still in process. Was up front with dealership with everything, and have had some more time to let the deal work through. Hurricane Michael shut everything down here for a few days.

    Both deals on '18 Advanced.

    I've got a little bit of buyer's fatigue - it's sort of a pain in the butt to buy a car out-of-state, over a thousand miles away. I found out that the car has 100 miles on it when I got the purchase order, and I lost a little of the new car pride feeling - but I'm still going.

    As far as the '19 - I'm concerned that rebates won't be around. That - and life is short. I'm also picky on colors and color combinations - so the ones I like are starting to get harder to find. $3500 Toyota Rebate + $4500 Fed Incentive + Dealer markdown is a great combo right now, along with the available trim and color combos remaining.

    I normally only buy the last year of a model, however plug-in hybrids and electric cars are changing the way I think about that. I think electric cars are going to create a FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) affect..similar to cell phones and laptops, etc. I'm the guy that buys a new phone every year to have to latest tech. I can see myself being very vulnerable to that the more technically advanced cars get.
     
    #15 RobFL, Oct 11, 2018
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2018
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  16. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Lot's of out-of-state buyers end up here on the DC Beltway, usually MD side since it is CARB state. That should not matter much to you in FL. Michael here right now pouring rain, but sunny/cool by tomorrow.
     
  17. mrsocal

    mrsocal Junior Member

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    Rob,

    I went through the exact situation like you and I ended up buying the Advanced and I'm so glad I did.

    I got the Advanced for all the extras and I truly didn't want to go through regrets afterwards.
    First of all the JBL music system is way better than the premium's system. I made a point listening to two premiums and the difference was huge for me. I commute 70 mls round trip and found that to be essential. Also, the HUD the BSM and the rear sensors were critical to choosing the Advanced.

    I did my research, trial, emails and negotiation for a month and no dealer gave me the bottom line price unless I was physically at their facility.

    I got buyers fatigue as well and they let me go because I did not use their finance then I got concerned about loosing the end of the month incentives from Toyota.

    I visited 6 dealerships in one day so finally I got lucky finding a dealer who wanted to meet his quota and they got me the Advanced a day after we agreed on the price. i bought it on 9/30. The next day Toyota reduced their cash rebate from $1,500 to $1,000. Not much but it's just another reason to make me feel good.
    I'm done and I'm enjoying reading all the emails from dealers inviting me back to make a deal :)

    Good luck!
    Mike
     
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  18. benagi

    benagi Active Member

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    Mike, I see you are in So. Cal. Who did you buy from? I’m up in Utah and I bought a car from Diane at Carson Toyota and had it shipped to me.
     
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  19. coach81

    coach81 Active Member

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    Hang in there Rob... good luck.. please let us know how it all works out!!!
     
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  20. mrsocal

    mrsocal Junior Member

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    I got mine from Toyota Place in Westminster. Carson Toyota was not one of the dealers I contacted.
    I hope you had a good experience dealing with them.

    Mike



     
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