Heading to dealership for a Prius Today

As with any vehicle, it boils down to "What Do You Want?".
Since you've already chosen 2013 PiP base, as your profile choice, AND it's the vehicle you mention first, I'm assuming it's your #1 choice.

I own a standard Prius, but the primary choice to choose it, was my living situation which makes recharging difficult. If I had access to a garage and could own my own charger or just plug in, I think I'd rather a plug in, the benefits would be worth it to me.

But the Standard Prius, is a great vehicle, IMO. And "solar" benefit aside, I personally like a sun/moonroof.
I don't want to install one aftermarket, but if they come from the factory, I've had vehicles with them before and have always enjoyed them.

So really I think either is a good choice.
It really might just come down to intangibles. Gut feeling when driving both, which one you like best when you actually sit in it.
I wouldn't call either a "wrong" choice.

However, everything I've ever read about negotiating with a dealership suggests it's best if you transmit that you are willing to walk away.
You seem pre-disposed to immediate purchase. Even if you really, really want the vehicle, you want THEM to think you're willing to walk away from the deal. I wouldn't let them know that you "plan" to do the deal today. Let them think, they NEED to sell you the vehicle, not that it's already sold to you.

As far as they should know, this is just an informational whim for you, and you really, really like your Nissan Altima, it's been a great vehicle.

You seem to have a set price you want to spend, which is good. Good Luck with both the further investigation and the probable purchase. In the end, let it be the vehicle you want the most.

PS.
Make sure the seats are comfortable to you.
Occasionally get threads where people have discovered AFTER purchase that they don't like the Prius seats.
Not a problem for me--but sometimes a problem for some people.

Might be hard to ascertain on a test drive, but getting as much seat time as possible, I think is a good idea.

 

welcome to priuschat! where is dmv? the pip is great if you can plug in at home and have a number of round trips under 15 miles or so, and that is a terrific price. after that, it's a regular prius. the downside is no spare tyre, or storage under the rear deck.

all the best with your purchase!

 

Great advice!

 

Hold out for the PiP. You won't regret it! There are alot of them that come off lease each year. That's how I got mine.

 

Sounds great....I have had my 2014 Prius C for three months now....no problems at all...I bought mine with 26,432 miles on her....I only commute four miles one way to work so the mileage is usually around 44 MPG.....had a bad rattle but that was my fault.....I had put on a metal license plate frame on the back with palm trees....it rattled terribly....now she is quiet again.....I love my moon roof and it is so fun to drive!

 

I do not understand why you will want to trade your 2013 Nissan Altima for 2013 Prius PIP. I suggest doing little financial calculation prior purchasing your desired vehicle, I think financially is not in your favor, but then desire like love blinds reality. If you are enviormentalist and want to make a difference, then do what you believe. If I were you I would just keep your Altima for several years...

 

DMV- I knew that of course. But that brings up a good point.
MD is CARB state and VA is not a CARB state.
If you live in MD, you might want to retain the CARB warranty which Toyota requires orig purchase and use in a full CARB state as a prerequisite. However I assume you are from NoVA cause you said DMV, that seems to be NoVA lingo. In which case, never mind.

PS- We like to know your state of residence as we know the different warranties, the different taxes, incentives, are all state-based so our ability to help the most is if we know the state you live in your profile. If it's top secret, alrighty then. and I wouldn't mind knowing what dealer is selling a Cert 2013 PiP for that price.