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$35,000 Limited new or $22k for 2018 w/ 15k miles?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by satsuke, May 14, 2021.

  1. satsuke

    satsuke Junior Member

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    I've finally driven one and decided to buy .. what's the hive mind on these prices?

    In my local area, everyone is charging full MSRP on the prime limited .. ~$35,000 excl tax and dealer fees.

    I've also found a 2018 locally for $22,000

    Comparing numbers, that's 35k - $4500 federal = $31000 vs $22k for 3 years old.

    I don't see a huge difference in options between these years. I had initailly wanted the XLE, but haven't been able to find any locally.

    FWIW, I see cars similar to my 2012 Prius 3 going for ~$8-$12k.
     
  2. HanS0lo

    HanS0lo Junior Member

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    What trim is the 2018?
     
  3. satsuke

    satsuke Junior Member

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  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    No brainer.

    22K and $13,000 in the bank > $35,000 'worth' of new car that will be worth only 22K before the new car smell goes away.

    Easiest question I'll answer this week!
     
  5. HanS0lo

    HanS0lo Junior Member

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    Leaning towards the 22k in your case, plus I don't like the new car smell...
    But if you are willing to travel, I do see people posting 28-29k on the 2021 limited model.
     
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yeah the new items on 2021 models include TSS-P 2.0, rear side airbags, CarPlay, sliding/extendable visors, relocated heated front seat switches, USB charging ports (replaces rear 12V port) and a few other minor updates.

    TSS-P 2.0 includes Road Sign Assist, Low-light pedestrian detection for PCS, daytime bicyclist detection for PCS, lower settable speed for DRCC, Lane Trace Assist.

    That said, $9k is a lot of money and that can grow with interest over the life of the car. (And you can use that money for a downpayment on your next car, whenever that is)
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    does the 18 have 5 seats?
     
  8. pghyndman

    pghyndman Active Member

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    What is your location and are you willing to take delivery from another state if it can shave thousands from the price?
     
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  9. Db17

    Db17 Member

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    No Toyota cash where you are? $4500 off in CA plus $4500 federal gets you pretty close
     
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  10. PiPLosAngeles

    PiPLosAngeles Senior Member

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    Not to mention there is an additional $900 off the purchase price in California at participating dealers.
     
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Are you in the States??
     
  12. Db17

    Db17 Member

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    I got my new 2021 Limited for $23k (considering $13k in incentives) plus taxes (which you will also have to pay for used). So the delta is only $1000 for new over used? Why would anyone buy used? Easiest question I answered all week.
     
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  13. satsuke

    satsuke Junior Member

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    I ended up with the prime limited (new) for $31k
     
  14. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Increased sales tax.
    Increased insurance.
    The possibility that 2021's aren't REALLY available for $24,000 OTD after incentives for people that live in flyover country.
    The ability to invest the delta in the market and make a return.
    Being able to write a check for a $22,000 car instead of a continuous cycle of making "easy payments"

    Lots of reasons, really.... ;)


    Good Luck with the car!
    All the best!!
     
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    +1.

    Living within your means, well for everything but the house, helps me sleep easy.

    in OP’s shoes, with a 2012 in hand, I wouldn’t do anything.
     
  16. satsuke

    satsuke Junior Member

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    It was having engine oil burn issues and an engine fault where I'd replaced a few sensors but the issue would recur elsewhere (in an "transmission lurching, big red triangle ICE engine fault" way.

    Aka I didn't want to deal with it

    It had 231,000 miles
     
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  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ok, never mind, it’s time. :oops:
     
  18. Sarge

    Sarge Senior Member

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    I was going to respond the same. The key factor is how important the above feature adds are to you. If not important, then the “previously enjoyed” vehicle is always the wiser choice, since new vehicles depreciate quite a bit in first few years, unless you are in one of those areas that can get a new vehicle for less than used. (Shrug…. Since this emoji didn’t work, lol)
     
  19. satsuke

    satsuke Junior Member

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    Fwiw, in my area (kansas) there was no toyota cash or interest rate incentives, just the $4500 federal tax credit.

    I end up putting $15k down and $4500 in trade, so financing around $14k including sales tax.

    I really didn't need the limited with its hud and parking assist, but around me the dealers seem to have very low inventory in the first place .. all limited
     
  20. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Probably because the Limiteds have the largest profit margin. So if they were gonna sell Primes, they might as well try and sell the ones with the most margin.