2 yrs later and I'm back to PC

Welcome back!

I'll have to let others chime in with more specifics, but I believe your thoughts are basically correct. I know people were getting them down around invoice a few months ago, I'm not sure if thats changed with gas spiking recently. My dealer had 8-10 on the lot last time I was in. In general the cars are continuing to sell very well, but production seems to have picked up so there's finally enough supply. I don't think you'll find any major differences since you were last looking. I think the traction control may have gotten a minor revision to make it less touchy on slippery slopes, an I'm sure there are a few other little things I'm forgetting. I think some of the options have now become standard, like side airbags, and I'm sure the option packages have all been rearranged several more times. People are generally getting high 40s in terms of an overall average for mileage, though plenty on this list are learning to push that into the 50s and even 60s. There have been some good tricks learned about improving winter mileage and handling. Battery longevity is turning out to be much less of a concern than some originally feared. Reliability in general has proven to be excellent, to the point where Consumer Reports just named it the least expensive family car in terms of actual ownership costs. I believe there is a mostly cosmetic update coming in 2009, and the expectations are that 2010 will be the major mechanical update perhaps even the roll out of a plugin option.

Rob

 

BTW, I think what you are looking for is a package 3 or 4:
2008 Toyota Prius Vehicle Brochure

Not sure if you can get leather without going all the way to package 6 with NAV though. If not factory leather, you should be able to get dealer installed leather.

Rob

 

I don't know how much longer it's going to be a buyer's market. Might not even be one anymore.

Whenever the price of gas goes up, the demand for Prii goes up as well. And when they're selling, it's harder to deal. But it's easier to deal now than it was a few years ago.

Good luck.

 

Yes, in 2008, people have been reporting prices that were near invoice (which, btw, is a tricky, variable term) or around $2000 less than MSRP. But back in 2006, you were possibly eligible for a $3150 tax credit.

 

Hi Dan. The best way to get a handle on packages available in Dallas is to go to Toyota.com and "build your own" Prius (button right under the search box). You put in your zip code so it only shows you options that are actually available to you, and you can mix and match to get what you want. The Touring model goes full up fast, so aftermarket or dealer leather is what you want if you don't want Nav.

 

You've over-constrained the problem: touring, bluetooth, leather, and upgraded sound are not basic. Ditch that stuff, play the many fine regional Toyota dealers against each other, and be prepared to wait for a while for delivery, and you can get a much better price.

 

We found an 08 with:

Package #2: which includes Vehicle Stability Control:
Backup Camera; Smart Key System; Am/Fm Cd W/6 Speakers~Aux
Audio Input Miniplug~And Mp3/Wma Playback Capability.
15" Alloy Wheels With Trim Ring;Tonneau Cover; Seatback Pockets.

The Extra Mile Option Package A:
includes Custom Tape Stripe~Cargo Net~First Aid Kit~Mud

Guards~Rear Bumper Protector~Fabric
Guard~Carpet Mat Set~Wheel Locks~Glass Break
Sensor~Carpet Floor Mats~Trunk Mat~Road Hazard
Tire Warranty~(3 Years / 36,000 Miles)~Roadside
Assistance (3 Yrs/36,000 Miles)~The Extra Mile​

Service Rewards Program~(5 Years / 60,000 Miles)


Leather Upgrade Package.

We didn't want all the extra high end gadgets and this was perfect.
Got it in Dallas for much less than MSRP also.