Purchasing advice please

The Prius market is really crazy these days. Wait a couple of months - you will get a better deal.

Keith

 

In my case, the dealer was simply not accepting orders on a new one, said it would be too many months out. Plus they like to sell them for $2500 over list anyway.

So I bought a used 2008 #2 with 7800 miles for $27000 (in May, from Toyota used car lot). Not the best bargain, but I am extremely pleased with it. I added the extended warranty to that (I paid $1500), but note: The extended warranty specifically excludes several things, including the Hybrid battery (better read its fine print, where it says: Items that are not covered).

What I dont know yet is if the original warranty is extended to used cars for the duration. The saleman said yes, but he said many things. So I dont know if the used car includes any warranty on the hybrid battery.

 

I agree with Tech_Guy -- would wait a couple of months. We waited 11 weeks for our 08, but it looks like the wait is subsiding a bit in some parts of the country. When I got the follow-up call the other day from the dealer I told him we would like to get a second one. His response was that the wait could likely be as short as 3-4 weeks. Sounds like there are still several months wait in some places.

I looked at several used 07's and 08's during my wait, but I just couldn't bring myself to paying more for something that someone else used (and maybe abused) -- in some cases $5000 more for a car with 20K miles on it. Hold out for a new one -- you won't be sorry once you have the car sitting in your driveway.

 

Haul yourself over the nearest Toyota dealer, check your VIN# with the Service Dept to see if you have any warranty on your vehicle. Better to find out as soon as possible.:fear:

 

Wait for a new one. You've almost talked yourself out of the '07 anyway, from the sound of your post. You will really appreciate a new one when it arrives. My 2008 was the first new car I purchased in 14 years. I have no regrets whatsoever.

 

Heavens--don't buy a used Prius right now. Find a dealer who will order you a new one at invoice price (lots of them will), and wait 8 months for it. Look to pay about $25K. I would get the Gen II car--it's a known quantity. The next generation car is bound to have growing pains.

I wouldn't buy a car just on gas prices right now. I would hold onto my car, and wait to see what direction gas prices go. Right now they are headed downward. But they are liable to go up again. If you are trading a car that doesn't have good gas mileage, you will lose your shirt on the deal. It isn't worth it.

 

I agree with PriusSport and taggart, order a new Prius. Why buy a used one that you will regret later in not having bought a new one.

 

Agreed,
The black one sounds like it has been abused.
While waiting for the market to cool off you can still look for
a "like new" used.
Good luck!!

 

I would buy the new one with Package 3....There seems to be issues with the HID lights....Sales of Hybrids have dropped as of late (likely a combination of the fact that those who really wanted one have one now, and everyone else that's been stradling the fence has gotten frustrated by the wait list and the dealers who are selling abouve the MSRP....

 

Don't forget our sinking economy.
Many simply cannot afford to buy at this time.

 

Keeping an existing car running and waiting to buy a new car is always cheaper.

The choice between that used one and a random new one is a no-brainer. Buy new.

 

Nice!
Car sure looks cherry.
The only drawback is price,that is more than I paid for my 08.

 

Man a 2005 with only 5,000 miles? Ive had my car just under 4 months and it has 3,000!

The car looks fine, but I agree with penbed...the price is a little absurd (i was one of the lucky ones who picked mine up new on the lot JUST before everything took off and waiting lines appeared everywhere....as a matter of fact, I paid basically invoice, 21,900, in boston for a new '08 package 2 on april 31! Sorry, im gloating.).

If you live near the dealership, go check the car out....but plleeease be willing to walk (as a matter of fact, PLAN to walk so you dont get suckered into anything, or bring a friend to play bad cop). On a used car they should be willing to drop that price, and if you are willing to leave the dealer it may buy you something (or some other guy might buy it at 27 grand...but thats the risk i suppose, but its overpriced i think).

I mostly agree with everybody else on this board...look new if you can, and call a lot of dealers everywhere (both around NYC and further out, espec small dealers in tiny towns, like north adams, Mass or something) to see what they got...you never know, you could get lucky...I did!

 

I doubt any dealer is taking deposits to sell a Prius at INVOICE. I presume MSRP was meant. Read through www.carbuyingtips.com & wait for the supply to equal demand. Prices are "high" now because of the production hiatus between model years. Historically the best time to buy is Dec-Feb.

 

Had to smile, reading this thread. After all the initial comments, still looking at used, huh? I'd be sure to get a carfax report on any used Prius, at this point, with the market the way it is on them.

I vote get on the list for a new one.

 

Come to think of it I did the "used car looking" while I was waiting for the new one to come (11 weeks). I never had to wait for a car before so I guess I was being impatient and wanting instant gratification. I still say wait for new and just look at the used one(s) out there. Carfax report is a must, but some things can still get under the radar. I can almost guarantee you'll be glad you waited.