How to get a good deal...What IS a good deal??

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kalicojunction @ Feb 21 2007, 02:50 PM) [snapback]394086[/snapback]</div>

Have you considered getting a lower package an upgrading the seats post-purchase? Mere mortals don't always need the nav-system and bluetooth and all that other jazz. I had a buddy buy a type 1 and put in leather seats at the local custome shop, they look better than the ones that come in the package 8(??).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kalicojunction @ Feb 21 2007, 02:50 PM) [snapback]394086[/snapback]</div>

I agree with Deevan. If all you want are leather seats look for the lower package that has the options you do want and you should save some serious money. Check out the advice at www.carbuyingtips.com and keep us informed.

 

I have the 2006 pkg #8 that includes Leather seats, I got it at $27,356 and I thought that was a great deal considering the MSRP was $29,195 and I think the invoice was around $26,700. I really do enjoy the leather seats, and the other features of the pkg #8 are very convenient but really I wanted to have all the options just because I get tired of cars that have blank covers where buttons are supposed to be and things like that. I really do like it though.

One thing about the leather though, I've only had it nine months with just over 9K miles and I'm already seeing some stress lines or cracking forming on the left edge of the drivers seat and a few other areas. I've conditioned all the seats twice already with Meguires two-step leather care. I might have to call Toyota and tell them I'm not very happy about the looks of the future of my leather seats as far as durability goes. It's not like their under any extreme conditions, it's always been in the garage, I had it tinted with FormulaOne Pinnacle series ceramic tint and I have a Covercraft sun shade for the windshield, and I only weigh 160 lbs. Before I even got the Prius I really was seriously considering getting the next package down without the leather so I could have them custom made the way I wanted them, and I wanted it to look like the seats in a Jeep Grand Cherokee:
http://www.jeep.com.sg/Projects/c2c/channe...her_seating.jpg
http://www.precisionfit.com/media/catalog/f397_st.jpg

I know there are leather seat covers being made for the Prius that look very similar though. You may consider that route to save a lot of money and just replace the inexpensive covers if they wear out.

 

Adding aftermarket leather installation won't be the same quality as factory install in addition to it could actually run you a bit more money ironically. Skimp on your brand of sour cream or hairspray, but this is afterall your vehicle which you'll rely on so you don't want to go super cheap on it and recognize the value built-in.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kalicojunction @ Feb 21 2007, 02:50 PM) [snapback]394086[/snapback]</div>

I don't know about the market in LA, but in NorCal I got my 2007 option #6 OTD for 27,544. It has all the bells and whistles along w/ leather and navigation.