End of the month vs. end of quarter buying

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jupitercrash @ Feb 25 2007, 05:08 PM) [snapback]396365[/snapback]</div>

I'm not sure if there will be more of a deal at the end of March... The dealers don't profit from the tax credit.
If you like the financing, then I would suggest getting one before the end of Feb. They may not have that promo any more in March (even the dealers don't know what the next promo is). Since there are a lot on the lot, you can probably haggle them down pretty low. Also, ask about Costco pricing...
Keep us posted, and welcome!

 

Hard to say.

Keep in mind that as the price of gas goes up, the demand for Prii goes up. So if gas climbs over $3 a gallon, the Prii will start moving again and it will be harder to negotiate.

I imagine the best time will be late fall when the 2008s come out, if you can wait that long.

 

Jupiter, I'm not sure where in CT you are, but Boch Toyota in Attleboro is selling well below invoice-- around 1k below.

As far as dealers go, they are month to month in goals... the end of the month they want to get more units out last minute. If you negotiate well though, you can get that same deal in the beginning of the month. My family is in the car business in FL, and after working at the dealership for a couple of years I witnessed internet buyers consistently getting the BEST deal.

Hope this helps!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jupitercrash @ Feb 25 2007, 06:22 PM) [snapback]396400[/snapback]</div>

Costco is likes Sams club, I don't think we have any up in the NE.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jupitercrash @ Feb 25 2007, 05:08 PM) [snapback]396365[/snapback]</div>

Jupitercrash,

Welcome to the site. IMO I think you are in the buyer's market now. Go to www.carbuyingtips.com and read their advice. Gas prices are rising now and the existing credit will be halved April 1 so I think selling prices will rise next month.

Now, my friend, we need to get one thing straight. There is no hybrid tax deduction. A credit is available. They are not the same thing. Look on your 1040 form. If you have entries in lines 47 through 55 you will not be elligible for the full credit.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PorkchopPrius @ Feb 25 2007, 06:24 PM) [snapback]396402[/snapback]</div>

Oh yeah, forgot that might be a possibility you don't have Costco. Costco pricing makes it so the price is just X amount over invoice. Dealerships can participate in the program, and it *typically* helps get them to their "best" price right away.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jupitercrash @ Feb 25 2007, 05:08 PM) [snapback]396365[/snapback]</div>

I would try for below invoice. I got mine for below invoice and I've seen others doing the same. Do your research, try the site JimN suggested. That will help out a lot and be prepared to haggle. If they know you've done your research, they will be more likely to give you the deal you want.
As far as when you buy, I'd try at the end of this month. If you don't get the deal your looking for, walk away and look some more. I don't think much will change before the end of March, but since the dealer will have to pay property taxes on whatever is one the lot at the end of each month, they will be willing to deal then. I don't know about the end of the quarter, though.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jupitercrash @ Feb 25 2007, 08:06 PM) [snapback]396447[/snapback]</div>

I don't know about the Costco plan but I have had the opportunity to use other purchasing plans. In my admittedly limited experience I found that the seller's price was the same for each plan. Other members have had good things to say about the Costco plan.

 

I'd buy at the end of THIS month. I think the 0% financing will be carried over, or if anything an alternate cash rebate will be added soon to the prius as sales are not picking up. HOWEVER gas prices are going up and the tax credit will be halved again next month so there will be more consumer demand (just like September). Just got my base prius for about $700 under invoice. Costco price is okay but I'm sure any semi-savy consumer can do better.