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Buying Strategy Question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Prius_Coveter, Mar 19, 2005.

  1. Prius_Coveter

    Prius_Coveter New Member

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    I'm going to buy a Prius this summer. In the past I've had good luck buying the current year's model when the next year's model comes out (usually in August) since everybody wants the new model. Do you think I will be able to get a better price on a 2005 after the 2006s come out? Or is this a pipe dream considering the demand for this car? I've heard Toyota has ramped up production so I'm hoping there will be a few 2005s sitting lonely and unwanted--I'm willing to travel to get a good deal. What do you think?
    Thanks,
    Brian
     
    #1 Prius_Coveter, Mar 19, 2005
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    There will be, but it may or may not be the one with the option package you want (especially once they stop production of the 05 and start production of the 06). Also, if it's still on an order basis (like it seems to be in Canada. I visited my dealer yesterday and they only had a demo) then you may not get a deal.

    On the other hand, it might end up like a regular car where there are discounts for 'old' stocks. I would wait til summer and scout around the dealerships for inventory counts and then decide then whether to wait or to get a discount on the old one.

    I started searching last Aug. They told me the wait might be til Nov or Dec so I decided to wait for an 05 since the $300 increase to me is worth the 1 year's depreciation further down the road and the fact that I'll probably wait as long for an 05 anyway. I ordered on Sept 15 and got it on Oct 25 (a 2005 model)
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Mar 19, 2005
  3. felton

    felton New Member

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    This is just a guess on my part, but I think the current upward moves of gas prices will trump any *normal* selling price patterns with these cars. In short, I personally believe that it is better to act now than wait. I feel fortunate to be in the process of closing a deal on an out of state Prius purchase. There are pockets of supply...but not down here (Texas).

    You can wait if you wish, but as for me, I think to time to buy is now.

    Felton
    Dallas

    Soon to have my 05 Salsa Red pkg 6
     
    #3 felton, Mar 19, 2005
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    It will very much depend upon the supply and demand, but I seriously doubt you'll get more than a $500 break in price under the best of circumstances. And who knows if that will be any real savings when it comes time to sell the car as the "newer" '06 model may bring a higher price than a '05 at that time.

    I'd say this is going to be a wash.
     
    #4 efusco, Mar 19, 2005
  5. Prius_Coveter

    Prius_Coveter New Member

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    OK, you guys have convinced me it's probably not worth it to wait. Besides, the sooner I get the car...the sooner I get the car, right?
     
    #5 Prius_Coveter, Mar 20, 2005
  6. priusham

    priusham New Member

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    Actually, the sooner you get the car, the sooner you'll be saving $$$ on gas.

    Depends a lot on what you are driving now of course... plus, nobody ever "saved" money by purchasing a new car :)

    http://www.w8kc.com/priusmileage.htm
     
    #6 priusham, Mar 20, 2005
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