I'm about to buy a Prius **any advice**

We can either attribute this to a misunderstanding (if we want to be kind to the salesdrone) or a deliberate attempt to be misleading (perhaps more accurate). It is true that the A/C compressor does not run directly off of the gas engine (like it does in other cars). The Prius has an electric A/C compressor that runs off of the batteries. However, like all other energy in the Prius, the energy in the batteries originally came from the gas engine. So, using the A/C affects fuel economy but the compressor does not run directly off the gas engine.

 

Take a test drive including a stretch on a highway if possible and resolve to grow accustomed to the seats, the handling in crosswinds, and the rear view.

 

Read CarBuyingTips.com new car buying guide, avoiding dealer scams, new cars, used car buying. I would affix VentureShield or 3M film ASAP as the car is a scratch magnet. The heater & ac are electric driven. When used at low levels after driving 5-10 minutes I notice no effect on fuel economy.

 

I looked at new ones and decided to re-double my efforts to find a good used one. Found an immaculate 06 level 4 with 20k miles, color I wanted, for $19.5k from a dealer. I think most folks who buy these seem to take pretty good care of them, used is worth considering.

Had my Sirius SV4 installed by a local car stereo outfit, plus an Alpine class-D amp and a 10" sub for $1.1k. Rocks ok, the JBL stock system is an audiophile's enigma but it will have to do, for now.

There are some ergonomic features that take getting used to, such as using a button which is not part of the gear selector in order to engage Park. And getting used to the smart key which grants you full access to the vehicle even though it remains in your pocket or purse all the time. I gather now though, the smart key is not a Toyota exclusive, no doubt I find it novel because I'm behind the times.

It seems to me the vehicle has more than it's fair share of blind spots.

And the rear view takes some getting used to, it did for me, about two days.

Good luck with your Prius

 

If you haven't had a test drive, then do this before anything else. Once you've done it you'll fall in love with the car. Then, DON'T change your mind and think about buying something else - you will regret it for sure. Other than this "unbiased" opinion, can't think of anything else... have fun with your new car when you get a good deal.

 

Take a test drive, as recommended. Don't go in to buy a car that time - tell them you'll think about it.

Then go to the excellent site referenced by JimN. That'll give you some great tips for shopping.

Then, when you want to buy, SHOP AROUND. Email all dealerships within 50miles and tell them what you WANT to pay. Then negotiate. I'm not sure on the market in San Jose, but you should be able to get invoice at a minimum (maybe a little under).

Good luck! Had our Prius for a month now and LOVING IT!!!!

 

Do not buy the extended warranty from the dealer.

You have 36 months/36K miles within which you can add the warranty, if you so choose, and the warranty is available through Prius Chat for a steep discount.

Just say "No" to dealer extras. All they do is drive up the price. You can probably get your own tinting for less, and the fabric care/exterior sealant, etc., is all way overpriced through the dealer.

DO consider negotiating for a tire upgrade. the OEM tires are not very good.

 

http://priuschat.com/forums/newbie-forum/45870-while-you-waiting-your-prius-do-yourself-favor.html

 

My first post by the way.

I picked up my prius used a couple of weeks ago.

No idea what package it has..

2008 Blue Prius with NAV, Blue tooth and JBL speakers .. it had 5400 miles on it and I paid 23800.

Not sure if it was a good buy or not, but I love the car.. and parked my dodge 2500 diesel. :heh:

 

I went to Toyota of Sunnyvale.
In my research they had the best deal for what I wanted.
The saleswoman was nice, but beware of the finance guy(see the other post about that, "Me Too, Finally")

 

You are correct, it is a package 5 (code NL).

 

Keeping it simple.. Just bought a 2008 5 weeks ago.. Loving every minute of it.. Great mileage and very nice ride.. As one person said, you will fall in Love!!! Go For It and Don't Look Back!!!

 

I found walking into a dealership and trying to negotiate a good deal directly with the dealer to be an extremely frustrating experience. (Maybe it's the attorney in me- I expect a certain degree of logic in negotiations.) I'd recommend soliciting quotes online from dealer websites. Ask for their best "out the door" price, which will include all taxes and fees. Then go with the dealer who offered you the best quote, or ask your local dealer if it will match it.

I found $26,000 to be the sweet spot for a Touring package 6 in the Bay Area. That's around $28,000 to $28,500 out the door, depending on the taxes in the county you'll be buying in.

Good luck!

 

Hello everyone. I just got home from buying my 2007 Prius. I drove over 500 miles each way from my home in Indiana to Minneapolis Minnesota. It only had 20 miles on it!! I had been waiting for almost a month for the local dealership to get in the color and package I was wanting. Saw my new baby online and called the dealership. Told them my husband and I would leave Friday night and be there Saturday morning. I was a great deal. I bought the 07 pkg. 6 (leather and navigation) for $25,495. My local dealer wants $26,334 for a pkg 4 with no navigation or leather. My thanks go out to all of you who post comments, I spent alot of time here doing to research. It helped so much. With all the money we were saving in gas on the way home, we stopped at the casino and I won $250.00. It was a great weekend.