I bought my prius last month. and ever since I discovered PC here, I have been regretting not getting a car with a package. I bought my 2011 gen 3 no frill car cash, paid in full so I owe no one nothing but what do I need to do to get a 2011 with a package.. or a 2012? Am I just better off sucking it up for a full year or so before I even consider upgrading? or does anyone have experience with trading up from a more or less brand new less than 1500miles on it paid for car for a better or newer model?
I am trading up after two years, sometime in about January 2012. It is a good market for used cars, but not so soon after purchase. Of course, if you want the better car and can afford it, go for it. You will be helping the economy. Thanks.
What options or features do you regret not having? 17" wheels? Buy a set. Better radio? Buy a radio. In dash nav? Buy a nav unit. Backup camera? Buy a camera. Leather seats? Go to an upholsterer & buy real leather seats. You can get them heated, too. You'll end up spending less money & maybe getting better quality than if you bought a higher package. If you really wanted the solar roof or the AT package then you'll have to hustle to find a car. The good news is that the AAA price for a new one is invoice. The bad news is that your used one is most likely going to sell "way" below. Don't expect much of a discount on the 2012's when they hit the showroom.
I also purchased the same model you have last month. I haven't felt the least bit deprived of any benefit that may have been provided by any package that may have been available.
You have to pay sales tax and registration all over again. The state isn't going to give a refund ya know. So unfortunately, it's a bad deal all the way around.
State, county, and possible local sales tax plus dealer fees will add about $3,000 - $4,000+ to the price of a Three, Four, or Five in CA. Just considering that amount, you should be able to equip your car with most items in those packages except lock/unlock sensors on all doors and solar roof.
Thanks everyone! You've all put sense back into me. I will keep my prius and just get things added to it rather than pay for a new one all over again! I'm not even sure what it is I want in my car. I think I want the car navi and a better seat for sure. If Im going to do those, I will probably go ahead and add a tint to my windows as well. thanks again!
What EXACTLY do you want in a higher package that you don't have in your Prius III? IMO Prius is rather unique in being very well equipped along all package levels. If you are talking some "creature comforts" or navigation, audio upgrades those can be done aftermarket. So IMO unless you are set on a solar roof, or the Tech Package? You'd be best served to figure out exactly what you "think" you are missing, and seeing how much aftermarket upgrades would cost you. Winters coming...and the second you drove off the lot, your vehicle depreciated. Even if I was absolutely commited to upgrade, I think I'd wait out the Winter... Good Luck.
I want 50 MPG and a sub-6 second 0-60 time. I haven't yet figured out what package contains that - aside from the motorcycle package.
Excellent advice. I actually regret getting the Package 3. I paid an extra $1000 for a JBL radio, that turned out to be a complete waste. I have since installed a Ottonavi NAV unit because it handles my IPOD perfectly.
Hi Sophia, Better yet, just wait a while and the desires will probably leave you. Probably the most important thing is good tires and good maintenance, proper tire inflation--things like that--oh, and driving safely!! If the seat really bothers you (are you sure?), I'm sure you can get lumbar supports, seat pads, etc. which would probably make a lot more sense than going to an upholsterer's. But all the suggestions sound way better than immediately purchasing more frills than you purchased initially. Of course this is just my stupid opinion. I've had the same type of urge as you, quite a few times!
I have the built in nav system and prefer the portable ones. IMHO the factory nav is not worth the price they get for it at purchase, let alone the expensive updates. My daughter just bought a level 2 trim Prius, and the six-way adjustable seat seems to me to be an improvement over the one in my '06. She is used to using a portable gps and a visor mounted BlueTooth unit, so I advised her to save her money and go with the level 2. I agree with everyone else here that you would lose big-time to trade now.
I did not know my wheels were plastic covers until the first time I washed my car. Was quite the disappointment. I'd like to have real wheels. Not the black or mega-chrome wheels, just something better than plastic covers...
Why? They serve no point (other than if you go with true racing aluminum wheels or something that are lighter) except to look a certain way. Obviously had you fooled, and I doubt many other car drivers will walk up to your car and poke the hub caps. It sounds like you want it just so you can say you have it...
