2/5/04, black or red pkg 1, Broadway Toyota, Portland OR

From my understanding, the 2004 #1 package (RW) is no more in the 2005 as the rear wiper is now standard (PriusChat Knowledge base). I ran into much the same issue as you are in. Back in late January, I “ordered†a Salsa Red #1 from Ron Tonkin (The gory details) and finally accepted a 2004 Black #7 (AM) at the end of June. From what I’ve experienced and heard from others, the basic packages can be very hard to come by in (at least in the Portland metro area).

In my case I upgraded my order after 2 ½ months after discussing my position on the list and the actual allocations that were being delivered to Tonkin. If I were you, I would not be discussing this on the phone with either a receptionist or a salesperson, but would drop by and speak with the fleet manager in person. Others here at PriusChat have had good things to say about their experiences at Broadway Toyota and with the fleet manager (Jerry Rousselle?) in particular.

In addition, you may have compromise with respect to packages and color. While I was initially not pleased to spend thousands more than originally planned, I am quite pleased with the additional features.

 

I got my car from Broadway Toyota as well, and I was very happy with their service. I think one of the problems is that pkg #1 is not very common, plus you are very restrictive in your color preferences. Any advice I can give you is don't talk to the receptionist but ask for fleet manager Jerry Rouselle. He knows everything about the Prius orders. He gave me very specific info on where I was on the list and what he was getting in every two weeks. In the end he even tried swapping a car with another dealer so it would meet my preferences. Call him on a regular basis (I kept in touch with him once a month) and see if he can help you get your car sooner. Good luck!

Esther

 

I ran into the same sort of problem. I originally ordered a #1 (RW), but that went away. So, the very least I could do for 2005 was to get it with air bags; a $650 option. So... after a bit of self whining over the extra expense I went and changed my order to the AM package for 2005. After thinking it about it added a nice blend of added performance/safety (HID, side airbags and VSC) and tech geek (SE/SS) without going over the top the BC package does in my perspective.

Since you originally ordered yours back in Febuary, I believe you would qualify for the $800 or so rebate. It's mentioned in some other threads.

 

He'll call you back as soon as he can. If not today, then definitely tomorrow.

And I think the rebate for a 2005 is $700.

Hang in there. I used to count Prii on my way to work as well before I had mine. They are really abundant over here. And believe me, it is worth the wait.

Esther

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dnorwood\";p=\"43546)</div>

When I upgraded from the RW to the AM package, I went from 4th in line for the RW (an estimated 7-8 month wait) to #1 for the AM and took delivery 3 weeks later. In fact, I got called 2 days later for an available BC (2004 #9), but passed on it knowing that Tonkin expected delivery of a few AM’s within 2 weeks.

I am currently saving around $75/month on reduced fuel expenses alone.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eklabbers\";p=\"43549)</div>

Do you mean you've stopped since getting yours?

I still partake in the daily Prii count (and yes, Insights and Hybrid Civics as well).

 

No, I'm still counting. However, before I got the Prius I was carless for a while and it was way easier to spot them as a passenger. I saw 3 Prii on my way to work this morning. I'm not counting Insights and Civic Hybrids but I do notice them.

 

Going from a RW to a AM didn't change my wait time. It seems I'm still the same number in the line. But what I believe is going to happen, and this happened to many others here, when my name gets to the top they'll call me for whatever car comes in and I can chose to take it or not. Now this is where it's gonna get tricky for me and probably make my wait a little longer... The region here is only getting #1 (GY), #5 (AI), and #6 BC and the most in there allotment with be the AI which is mainly the JBL system that is not worth $2000. For the same extra expense the stuff in the AM package is closer to being worth it. So, I put in the order for an AM package, which I guess would be a typical special order they would do and put into Toyota corp. They didn't seem to have a problem with that and I still have the option to pick from allotment cars when my name comes to the top of the list. It will be interesting to see just how this whole thing plays out, especially with the increased allotments to the US, etc.

 

Congratulations! I'm glad to hear your new car is on the way.

 

Congratulations! You'll be amazed at how fast you forget about the long wait time once you pick up your Prius.

BTW, which package level are you getting?