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Would this be fair to a dealer?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by dbullock, Nov 2, 2004.

  1. dbullock

    dbullock New Member

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    I'm looking to purchase an '05 and I understand that there may be increased availability over the next 6 months.

    If prices are to be lower in 4-6 months, would it be fair of me to put an order in now for MSRP with a 4 month wait and in 4 months then ask the dealer for a lower price?

    Basicaly, I want my order in, but I want to reap any benefit of a possible future lower price.

    Thanks,
    Dan
     
    #1 dbullock, Nov 2, 2004
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    You can try, and it's fair, but a bit deceitful on your part. I just wouldn't get bent out of shape when it doesn't work. You're going to have a very hard time getting a Prius under MSRP for many months or even longer.
     
    #2 efusco, Nov 2, 2004
  3. dbullock

    dbullock New Member

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    I read an earlier post from someone that said those who buy now will be kicking themselves in 3 months. So I guess the first question would be, is there any hope of a much lower pice in the next 6 months?

    Thanks,
    Dan

    p.s. I did a test drive and I wish there was a way to know when the disc-brakes were being used so I could reduce breaking to insure max use of the regen. I loved the car!
     
    #3 dbullock, Nov 2, 2004
  4. snarfo

    snarfo New Member

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    I seriously doubt the backlog will be cleared up AND there will be enough cars sitting in lots for any haggling to happen. I ordered my Prius last March from a nearby dealership and was told I was 60th in line. I checked with them a couple weeks ago and now I'm 15th in line... but they don't anticipate me getting my car until next February or March. That means there's a loooong list of other buyers behind me who will be likely waiting into the summer or fall months next year--- even if Toyota can dramatically boost allocation.

    It will surely be another year before we can go to a dealership and be able to browse a few colors and trim levels of Prii as we can a Camry...
     
    #4 snarfo, Nov 2, 2004
  5. priusham

    priusham New Member

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    OH! I can answer this one!

    Last week while speaking to my salesperson, we got on the topic of the increased production. As you know, Toyota has basically double the Prius output for 2005.

    So I asked her, "Have you noticed the increase in 2005 production with your allocations?"

    She responded cheerfully, "Oh Yes! Why now we get TWO Prius' a month instead of one!"

    They have $300 deposits from 27 people. Do the math.
     
    #5 priusham, Nov 2, 2004
  6. dbullock

    dbullock New Member

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    So would MSRP be a good price right now?

    If all dealers offer me MSRP, would the best dealer be the one with the shortest list?

    Thanks,
    Dan

    p.s. I'm interested in black and I've never owned a black car but I've heard horror stories about keeping them clean.
     
    #6 dbullock, Nov 2, 2004
  7. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    MSRP is a fair deal right now. There are plenty of dealers selling at MSRP and, unless you are in very urgent need of a car, there is no need for you to pay over that.

    The 'best dealer' issue is more complicated. Which ones will give you more service, more hassles, more pressure sales on junk you don't need/want, etc. Which is more convenient. But yea, all else being equal the one that can get you what you want the fastest with the least hassels is probably your best choice.
     
    #7 efusco, Nov 2, 2004
  8. snarfo

    snarfo New Member

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    Ye gods, don't do black. My previous car was a black Lexus SC400 with black leather. Beautiful car when freshly washed, but unbearably hot in summer. ---and I mean UNBEARABLY hot in summer.

    My current car as I wait ever-so-patiently for my silver #9 is a black Avalon with tan leather. It's not as searingly hot, but it still sucks. No more leather for me, and no more black.
     
    #8 snarfo, Nov 2, 2004
  9. dbullock

    dbullock New Member

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    Thanks to all.

    A local dealer, no pressure which is nice, is telling me 5-6 months. Another says 7 months.

    Snarfo, thanks for the comments on black paint. I just viewed a pic of a white Prius with nice heavily tinted windows. I think I may like that a little more.

    I think I would be fine with silver or white.

    Now I just need to convince the wife.

    Thanks,
    Dan
     
    #9 dbullock, Nov 2, 2004
  10. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

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    Dan,
    White gets dirty fast too!

    If you have multiple local dealers, selling at MSRP, with a wait that matches your needs, you might be able to haggle other things than the base price of the car. For instance, my '95 Odyssey was $200 more at the local dealer, but they also offered free state inspections and 10% off all service because I bought it there. Since I keep my cars 8-10 years, I came out ahead.
     
    #10 bruceha_2000, Nov 3, 2004
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