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Best time to buy a Prius?

Discussion in 'Dealers & Pricing' started by Dr. Gaius Baltar, Nov 18, 2011.

  1. Dr. Gaius Baltar

    Dr. Gaius Baltar Junior Member

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    It's just about time to say goodbye to this old Toyota Corolla 1997 after about 150,000 miles. My local dealer is Fitzmall, and I don't mind waiting to get the best price. When do you suppose we'll be seeing the best deals on 2011 Prius IIs?

    The Donlen site (google for "Toyota (Build Out Final Order Start Up Dates")) seems to suggest that 2012 Priuses will be arriving in February of 2012. If that's true, maybe late January or early February would be the best time to buy. If I remember correctly, last year around this time new 2010 Priuses were $20,000 or $21,000, with 60-month 0% APR financing. But when December came around and the new 2011 Priuses arrived, all of those 2010 Priuses disappeared faster than you can say "oh crap, I missed out on the deal".
     
    #1 Dr. Gaius Baltar, Nov 18, 2011
  2. Dr. Gaius Baltar

    Dr. Gaius Baltar Junior Member

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    Nobody?

    Can anybody confirm that that Donlen site is accurate in its assessment of when 2012 Priuses will begin arriving at dealerships?
     
    #2 Dr. Gaius Baltar, Nov 21, 2011
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    generally, when the dealer first opens and the salesman hasn't had his first cup of coffee yet.:D just kidding, i suppose when the 12's are coming in, you might get a good price on a leftover 11. but inventories are fairly sparse, so i don't reacon you'll save much. all the best! not sure when the 12's are coming, but i doubt you'll catch toyota with their proverbial pants around there ankles for a while. last time it happened, unexpected accelleration and low gas prices and a bad economy really handed them the triple whammy.
     
    #3 bisco, Nov 21, 2011
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  4. Dr. Gaius Baltar

    Dr. Gaius Baltar Junior Member

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    Yes, I'm trying to figure out when the 2012 models will arrive so that I can buy a Prius 2011 just before the 2012 models get in, so that I can get a very good price and not have to worry about availability.
     
    #4 Dr. Gaius Baltar, Nov 21, 2011
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it seems toyota has been careful about production and inching up msrp. i would start looking now so at least you have something to compare to.
     
    #5 bisco, Nov 21, 2011
  6. Dr. Gaius Baltar

    Dr. Gaius Baltar Junior Member

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    Oh, I look every day to see what the current price is. If I wait too long and see a 2012 Prius pop up for $24,000, then I have a plan to immediately panic and get to the car dealership as quick as possible to get a 2011.

    I just wish that they announced release dates on these things so I could know in advance when I'd get the best bargain.
     
    #6 Dr. Gaius Baltar, Nov 21, 2011
  7. Gurple42

    Gurple42 New Member

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    The 12's will be here in late December/early January, if I were in the market, I'd be shopping now, especially if I wanted a specific colour. I would imagine that the last of the 11's are in the pipeline now.:cool:
     
    #7 Gurple42, Nov 21, 2011
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  8. Dr. Gaius Baltar

    Dr. Gaius Baltar Junior Member

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    Currently I'm seeing prices of $21,964. I suppose that means $21,964 with the $1,000 Toyota Finance Cash, and if you opt for 0% 36-month, 1.9% 48-month, or 2.9% 60-month, then you won't get that $1,000 credit for using regular Toyota Finance, and will instead pay $22,964.

    I was hoping that I would be able to hold out until it got down to $21,000 with 0% 60-month financing. I could have sworn that Priuses were that price this time last year. Maybe I was hoping for too much?
     
    #8 Dr. Gaius Baltar, Nov 22, 2011
  9. CandyCanePrincess

    CandyCanePrincess New Member

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    I was hoping to get it for an even 21k as well, but I JUST paid a bit more than that. I did fly up state to get the 1k rebate, otherwise I was looking at 22.3k. If your area is selling them for 22k WITH the rebate, try looking into a wider mile radius. My area didn't have great prices or the rebate. Too many Prius(es? is that the plural prius?) are sold in Los Angeles area, so Toyota doesn't offer the rebate here. Could you increase your search zone?

    ETA: I would start looking now as well.
     
    #9 CandyCanePrincess, Nov 22, 2011
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  10. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Locally? In Oregon, I think now is a great time to look at Prius. Local dealers in the Portland area, are offering discounts on 2011 Prius II's. You can get one, for less than $23,000, which I personally feel is a pretty good deal on a vehicle that is well equipped even at the entry II level.

    I myself have been contemplating whether I should take a serious look.
     
    #10 The Electric Me, Nov 22, 2011
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think you may have been. unfortunately, it's this time this year, not last year. circumstances are different. but keep looking, carolyn got a pretty sweet deal.
     
    #11 bisco, Nov 22, 2011
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  12. CandyCanePrincess

    CandyCanePrincess New Member

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    Thanks Bisco! I think I got a pretty sweet deal too.
     
    #12 CandyCanePrincess, Nov 22, 2011
  13. Dr. Gaius Baltar

    Dr. Gaius Baltar Junior Member

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    I think this may explain why the price is a bit higher:
     
    #13 Dr. Gaius Baltar, Nov 22, 2011
  14. Dr. Gaius Baltar

    Dr. Gaius Baltar Junior Member

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    Got the Prius II, base price of $22,964, with 5-year 0% financing (better IMO than regular financing with $1,000 off). After 6% sales tax, registration fees, gap insurance, and a $300 off coupon for black friday, it was $25,000 out the door, or $415/month for 5 years. Fitzmall staff were great.

    Does it have a head-up display? If so, how do I turn it on?
     
    #14 Dr. Gaius Baltar, Nov 26, 2011
  15. Zanrok

    Zanrok Casual Prius Lover

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    grats. No the HUD is not available on the base 2011 model II. :welcome:
     
    #15 Zanrok, Nov 26, 2011
  16. dtraveler

    dtraveler Junior Member

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    Anyone in the LA area can get a II for about 21,488 if they are quick. Miller/Anaheim usually has the sale often. I saw on another forum with someone getting that price earlier this month. I could've gotten that deal yesterday, but paid more for a white. They had 5 for the sale, only silver and black when I was there.
     
    #16 dtraveler, Nov 27, 2011
  17. AJP

    AJP Member

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    Prii is the official plural of Prius. ;)
     
    #17 AJP, Nov 27, 2011
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