Help a friend decide on a hybrid

Personally, I say look for a Package 2 or 3 and get an aftermarket GPS for $300-$600. Based on what I've seen though the Package 6's are going for the MSRP of a pack. 2 now. I would shop around and see what each model has to offer, if a Package 6 is only $2000 more than a 2 i would go for the 6.

Also, the fact he is paying cash may help in the negotiation too.

 

Read through www.carbuyingtips.com. He'll have to buy a load of other stuff to get the NAV in a 2009 Prius. If he doesn't want or won't use the stuff a more versatile portable GPS unit & a lower option package is the way to go. I don't believe the backlog of 2009s will disappear when the 2010 pricing is announced or the cars become available. If he needs a car now there is only one choice. In 3 months or so there will be more choices. It is hard to make a direct comparision because the basic 2010 Prius as described contains some things standard that are current options and won't have some things we now take for granted but I don't believe the 2010 is going to be cheaper than a 2009.

 

Does he care much about the comfort of the seats? Has he test driven any of the cars (except the 2010 prius). How much does he care about gas millage?

Personally, I think he should get an aftermarket GPS. No point in paying for all this other package stuff that he may or may not need. I'd wait until the 2010, and then perhaps get the 2010 gen II prius (supposedly more stripped-down then the current model, so its even cheaper).

 

I like the factory NAV system. It's nice having it built into the dash. It is more expensive, but there are some great deals out there right now. We went with a high end package which gave us VSC, side airbags, and NAV. The safety features are important, but I believe they now come on lower packages too (check to make sure).

Tom

 

I am 5'7" and fairly thin. The seats fit me just fine.

Tom

 

There's a deduction for motor vehicle sales tax.

 

In the US 2009 is the end of the generation as reportedly confirmed at one of the meets. The stripped out version is intended for possible fleet use or for sale in less affluent markets.

 

I just went through the same decision making process and selected the 2009 Prius. The price is right for the 09s now. I liked the idea of the lower price for the Insight, but believe the Prius technology is better. I was somewhat concerned about first year model bugs in the 2010 Prius and Insight. I did not get the Nav package - already had a Garmin I like.

 

I just traded my 07 base for a 09 Touring , got the $500 rebate and they still got the
ECO discount $2950 for pkg #6 . I like the Touring better on low speed turns , on highway the Touring about the same, still feel the crosswinds thou. I'm happy with the Touring and not sure if Touring was gonna be avail in 2010 model so wanted to try it out . I'm also afraid of the price increase for 2010. I was able to get a Touring off the dealer lot too - so many 09 Prius's avail now on dealer lots .
I decided to go for 2009 now and wait for the plug in Prius and lithium batteries prob in 2011...
Can't believe this is my 3rd Prius, started in 2004 , 2007 and now 2009
BTW I did want the "Touring" in 2007 (introduced) and ordered one but not able to get it with Navigation so I refused it and ordered a base #6 instead in 2007 so that is why when I saw Touring's avail on a dealer lot I said now my chance to try a Touring.
So I decided to go in and try bargaining, did do a better deal then I had gotten in 2004 and 2007, those 2 I had to preorder and had no chance to bargain. All these purchases were at DIFFERENT dealers cause I never seem to get a good deal in New York. This last dealer I ventured down to New Jersey ! And when you buy a new car in NJ they cannot inspect the vechicle for NYS inspection so I had to bring new car to a NY dealer for inspection , cost $10 LOL

 

He needs to drive the 09 Prius. If it satisfies his comfort needs etc then buy one with the features he wants.It's a buyer's market. Milage between the 09 and 10 won't justify the lower price for an 09 with comparable features that are available for both. None of the new features on the 2010 are game breakers for me. The Honda is a different auto that is smaller and less fuel efficient. I'd get a nonhybrid if that were my only choice.

 

My 09 Touring #6 stickered at $31,061 includes $279 carpet floor mats, cargo net , first aid kit and $67 wheel locks
(these options came with the car )
handling and delivery fee $720
- extra value package discount -$ 2950 = $ 28,111
-$500 rebate (still good till march 2 ) = $27,611

(this is in New Jersey btw )
www.prestigetoyota.com

I ended up paying $10k +Tax with my 07 trade- in

 

Yes Package 6 is Leather and Navigation , Package 5 is just
Navigation - no leather . The Touring has 1 in bigger , wider tires and sport tuned suspension, handles a bit better on sharp turns , winding roads , not as soft as standard Prius suspension. I do feel potholes more with this suspension but I like the handling

 

Dealer Holdback Definition & Information