Avalanche vs A Prius

*Mod, If this is on the wrong area, please feel free to move it.

Hello Everyone,
First, thanks for this OUTSTANDING website, its Members, and the info you all have already provided me.

I'm new here, and I've tried the search feature, and not a whole lot comes up for what I'm looking for.
I posted this in another area too, but I figured it would get more exposure here instead.
Sorry for a double post, I’m just looking for guidance form the experienced people here.

I'm an Outside Sales Rep., and I currently drive an Avalanche at 15.1 MPG.
I do ~800-1000 miles per week, and I get paid mileage at the going Federal Mileage Rate of 50¢ per mile, so a Prius appears to be a no-brainer.

I drove a Prius few months ago, and I drove 2 more yesterday at dealerships, and I'm just about ready to buy one.


I'm looking at a 2010 IV with Remote Start, BUT I’d consider a III instead.

I'm in Long Island, NY.
One dealer quoted me $26,500 + $480 for the RS = $26,980 for a IV.
He said it was $500 over his cost.
Second dealer quoted me $27,500, then $26,900 for a IV (after he "went to check on something").

I asked each Rep if that is the best deal you can give me, and they said yes.

I just now found out that one of the pricing websites says dealer Invoice is $26,188.

Any advice as to what should my next move be?
Should I skip the leather and go for a III instead of the IV?

[FONT=&quot]
The Classic Metalic Silver IV:
MSRP = $27,889 Invoice = $25,902 TMV = $26,188

The Blizzard Pearl:
MSRP = $28,109 Invoice = $26,078 TMV = $26370


Thank you very much for your help,
BigBen[/FONT]

 

Thank you very much for the replies, ideas, and website links.
I already went to the Edmunds website to get my current info.

I like the idea of heated seats, as that's what I have in my Av. I don't use 'em very often, but when I do, It's NIIIICCCCEEEEE... LOL...
Another main reason I'm looking at a Prius is because I'd be able to drive in the HOV lane here in NY, which would drastically ease the commute into my territory.

Do you happen to know what the Lexus CT200H's mileage supposed to be rated at?
I think I need 45 MPG to drive in the HOV lane.

Thanks Again,
Ben

 

That makes sense, thanks Tideland.

Last night I checked TrueCar and came up with Invoice Price of $26,362, and "Your Prices" of $24,602, $24,861, and $26,312.
I e-mailed a couple of dealers back & forth last night, and they said those 2 lower prices were unrealistic.

Here's their replies:
I deleted their names & companies.

"Hi Ben Thanks for the email The prius 4 cost us 26142 I'll sell it for that without the auto start .It cost us 795 The prices you gotten for 24602 is unrealistic
And I know their going to hit you with made up fees, we don't ! I could tell you anything, but when you come back I'm adding fees ( delivery destation administration etc etc ) We don't play games here we give you a real price with no games. Let me know if I can help".

======================


[FONT=&quot]Dear Ben,[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]As per your request here is the information on the 2010 Prius IV with the remote engine start. The listed price on the vehicle is $28,215 and your internet sales price will be just $27,257 + tax + dmv fees please let me know when if you will be interested in coming in and discuss your purchase further we are offering special financing as low as 0% plus the 2 year free maintenance. Please understand that due to the high demand on these vehicles there are currently few of them available with the options requested and if you are looking to take advantage of the current incentives I will suggest to come in sooner.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Then she sent:
[/FONT]
I see that there are Floor Mats, Rear Bumper Applique, & Wheel Locks added to the car, at the end of this e-mail.
I'm just looking for a IV w/Remote Start.
I read somewhere that this place "gives" you your first set of tires "free" too, but there's no mention of that anywhere in her e-mails.

[FONT=&quot]Ben,[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Here is the detailed information on the vehicle you requested the only thing extra on the vehicle is the Wheel locks priced at $40.00 and a rear bumper appliqué at $45.00 also there is a $750.00 rebate that you can use I didn’t include it on the sales price I provided to you because I assumed you wanted to take advantage of the special financing but if that’s not the case your selling price will be at $26,507 + tax + dmv fees but you wont be able to take advantage of the financing because is only on or the other also please keep in mind that other dealers may have extra fees such as higher dealer documentation fee, window edging and prep fee. Our price thru the program is based on a $700.00 over invoice on a vehicle in the store please note that I have honored the price even though we have to locate the vehicle. Please let me know if you have anymore questions.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE
Hybrid Synergy Drive System, AT-PZEV
1.8L DOHC 16V VVT-i 4-Cylinder Engine
15" Aly Whls w/Cvrs & P195/65R15 Tires
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
4-Whl Disc Brakes / Front Ind Suspension
SAFETY
Star Safety System includes:
Enhanced Vehicle Stability Ctrl w/TRAC
Anti-Lock Brakes w/ EBD & Brake Assist
Smart Stop Technology
Dr & Fr Pass Advanced Airbag System
Dr & Fr Pass Seat Mounted Side Airbags
Side Curtain Airbags & Dr Knee Airbag
Dr & Fr Passenger Active Headrests
LATCH(Lwr Anchor & Tethers for Children)
for Outboard Rear Seating Positions Only
Eng Immobilizer, Tire Press Monitor Sys
EXTERIOR
Rr Deck Spoiler, HSD Blue Accent Badges
Projector-Beam Halogen Headlamps w/Auto-
Off Feature and HSD Blue Accents
Clr-Kyd Foldable Pwr Heated Outside Mrrs
Front Variable & Rear Intermittent Wiper
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
EV/Eco/Pwr Modes & Touch Tracer Display
Multi-Information Display w/ Trip Info
JBL AM/FM/MP3 6-Disc CD Chgr w/8 Spks,
Integrated Sat Radio/Ant (Req Subscr),
Bluetooth Wireless Tech & Aux Audio Jack
3 Dr Smart Key & Leather Seats & Str Whl
6-Way Adj Driver Seat w/Power Lumbar
Rmte Keyless Entry & Push Button Start
Tilt/Telescopic Steering Whl w/Controls
Cruise Control, Instant MPG Meter
Center Console w/Sliding Armrest/Storage
Compartment & Dual Front Cup Holders
60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Bench Seat w/
Fold-Dn Ctr Armrest & Adj Hdrests
Auto Climate Ctrl Sys w/Plasmacluster
Pwr Locks & Pwr Windows w/Auto Up/Down
Htd Fr Sts, Autodim Rrvw Mrr w/Homelink
Dual Glove Box & (2)12V Pwr Outlets

50 State Emissions .........................
Carpet Floor Mats & Cargo Mat .............. 127.00
Wheel Locks (Alloy) ........................ 40.00
Remote Engine Start ........................ 380.00
Rear Bumper Applique ……45.00[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]

 

Thanks Anthony.
PM sent.

 

Airbalancer, I was told the remote start WILL work, even though it didn't make sense to me as to HOW it COULD work.
Dealer Rep said the car has a storage tank or something like that, that keeps the water in the
system warm.
I'll need to do more research on that.

Colonel, thank you for the further insight on tge Sales Reps. My BS meter was going off as this guy was talking.
LOL...

A Prius is a far different car than my Pro-Street '71 Monte, with it's blown 565 in it! LOL...
Ben

 

Thanks for the remote start info., I'd like to find out more before my final decision.

Also, none of these dealers want to drop their price.
It's time for another face to face "sit-down", Italian style! Fuhggeddabotit!!!

 

Re: Is It Worth The Upgrade for The Larger Rims/Tires?

Hi All,

I have a couple more questions.
As you probably already know, I drive ~800-1000 miles per week, and I was wondering:

1) Is it really worth paying for the upgrade, to get the larger rims/tires???
I think the car looks better with the larger ones, but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra money.

2) Also, how does the size of the rims/tires effect to overall performance & mileage of a Prius???


Thanks again for all of your help & guidance,
BigBen