Just as the Prius Team told us, Toyota.com updated today 05/07/2009

I'm in Colorado. When I tried to build a Prius IV, it required the Solar/Nav package. The Prius III allowed a choice of Solar/Nav or not. Is this something to be concerned about? I want 3 door SKS/Leather but not Nav.

Roy

 

how much does Toyota figure out installation prices ? Do they charge a flat rate or by normal per hour charges?

 

Well, if they stick to it, this region will lose a customer and Pacific Northwest will gain. I was already thinking of giving my present car to my Daughter in Portland this fall. So, maybe I'll drive out there in my old car and drive back in a new prius!

When I put in east or west coast zip codes, IV is available with or without Nav or Nav/Solar.

Roy

 

I've been trying to build my choice - A 'V' without Nav - every time it forces the Nav. Thought it was an appl build error. If this is forced upon me in this region (SE) I will buy elsewhere. For the life of me - I cannot understand the rational behind this....is this temporary, during inventory buildup - or standard practice?

Confusing, and if correct, frustrating. Like being in a frenzy.....argh! - different 4 letter word almost eeked out.

 

Am I the first to say how annoying it was to have to install Microsoft's Silverlight on my Mac, in order to use the Build Your Toyota feature? And the link to download didn't work, so I had to go hunt it down. I liked the information and presentation on the website, but it does seem to be running rather slow (at least tonight, using Safari).

 

As many of you here, waiting for the '10 Prius info on the Toyota.com site, esp the Build function, added to the frenzy.

Now that it's available, the launch of the Configurator/Build Function is in question.

I know 3 zip codes off the top of my head. My current in Florida, my previous locale in Massachusetts, and hometown in Illinois. So, plugged each into the Build Your Prius:

34748 - FL.... anything past selecting the '10 Prius...it's all '09 info, with no explanation that updates are in progress etc. So if one is a non-P.C. person that could be mighty confusing.
01757 - MA.... select '10 Prius and selections work from there. Check off my preferred Trim V, and I can go right to the final summary - perfect.
60004 - IL....same as MA, but Trim V - forces the Nav system in Options. Which I don't want.

Seems as though there are some holes and inaccuracies in the Config tool. And if there ARE U.S. Regional mandates re bundled options, well that really stinks.

But a high five to Toyota USA for a wonderful rest-of-the-'10-Prius site. Very good graphics depicting the interior, exterior, tech, options, etc. Especially the 360 tool. So what's up with the config tool? Work in progress?

 

There are regional differences. Some regions will not have all 10 combinations at launch. However, they continually revise their orders, so if there is demand for something they don't have, eventually they will start ordering that configuration.

Check with your dealer on how to get a combination that is not regionally available.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

 

Doug,

Thanks. This is my first time shopping for a new Toyota.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I find these "regional differences" mighty confusing and dissatisfying. My sole desire is a Red/Bisque Trim V with no packages. Apparently a V with no major Packages bundled in is not in the mix in the SE region at launch. Or apparently Midwest. So I guess I need to work with NE dealers.

I've checked with the dealer I have a ref dep with here in FL and they're clueless. I don't mind waiting for a few months, but unsure where / who I need to begin comms. Prefer to be closer to the head of the line for my choice rather than wait many months and perhaps be in the general public group when the Prius buzz takes hold. Suggestions? I'm willing to travel to pick up.
Don't mean to come off nasty - just confused. I know you're still dusting off U.S. launch plans.

 

I'm really unhappy that the dealers are once again playing the same games. Give us money and when one in the color and Pkg you want (Blue Ribbon metallic, pkg 2, no other options) comes in we will call you. $1,000 up front and they don't even have one slated to come in that color. One dealer doesn't know what they are getting yet. Small dealers are going to gouge surprise surprise. That's why I didn't buy a 2009 before. $1,000 up front and you had to wait 6 months.
Looks like I might have to pass on a 2010 prius this time around as well. We buy cars for 8-10 years and color is a factor but we need another car ASAP.
I guess it's car shopping again once again due to the dealers.
If I knew they'd be getting what I wanted I would be ok with a deposit but not if it's a vague in several months we might get one.

 

Dean, one thing a dealer can do, since none have really been put on a train yet, is do a simple swap. Think of it as a dealer trade before either dealer actually gets the car.Normally, this is how a dealer trade works. Sample conversation:

Dealer A: Hey, iy shows you with a 1229 w/o NV?
Dealer B: Yep, it's here. I need a 1227 w/ SR back.
Dealer A: No problem. I'll be there tomorrow to pick it up.

Here is how a region trade works:
Reg A: One of my dealers needs a 1229 w/o NV
Reg B: I'll check to see if any dealers in my area need it.

1 day goes by.

Reg B: Ok, I have to have a 1229 back.
Reg A: No problem, he has one. I'll flip inventory.

Dealer A gets the car shipped directly to them.

I'm simplifying the process A LOT. But that is how it works essentially.

 

In all fairness to dealers, when the TCH first came out people were getting on multiple waiting lists. A deposit shows your're serious and allows them confidense in a sale that would make them want to go out and find your desired model.

 

I'm sorry you feel that way. But last time I checked, dealers don't build the car. You put the blame solely on dealerships. We have absolutely no say right now in what car we get. All we can do is take a deposit (whoever hands us money will get the car first), and match up our orders with what Toyota gives us right now. If you choose not to leave a deposit, we have no guarantee that you will actually purchase the car we scramble to get for you.

If you like, I would be happy to call you when I know I am getting a blue II w/o any options. Just an offer. No deposit required. But, without a deposit, if someone walks in in two weeks and orders the same car, he will come first.