Buying a Prius below MSRP - is it doable?

If you have a Costco in your area, check out their auto buying service. My daughter bought a 2011 trim level 2 in Ohio for $300 over invoice through Costco's program. You register with them first, and they monitor the dealers to eliminate any funny business.

 

I'm starting to see sales prices at <MSRP in some of the local sales papers.

Supplies are up, post tsunami.
Gas is < $3 in most areas.
The Economy is still somewhat depressed.

I'm thinking that you can get a G3 NOW for less than MSRP, and that the prices will continue to be somewhat depressed until the next spike in gas prices.

Good Luck.
SHOP around!!!

 

Yes, you can get a 3rd Gen Prius right now below MSRP. I would suggest Fitzgerald or James Toyota Website since they actually post the selling price. If you don't buy from them then use their prices as a guideline at your local dealer.

 

Go through their Internet Sales Manager.
Got me $750 off msrp on the 2012 PIP, and $3500 off msrp on my 09 Prius.

 

Not sure how it is in PA, but here in CA, not only is it possible, I'd say you should expect to get below MSRP for any 2011 Prius. You probably won't do quite as low as CA, but shouldn't be much higher in PA. Just doing some quick 2 minute internet research for you, I'd aim for $1000 under MSRP for a Prius 2 (which is right around invoice).

 

Some folks reported below MSRP at http://priuschat.com/forums/dealers-pricing/100569-good-deal.html.

 

Definitely.

Dealers can only make you pay MSRP if they can sell the car to some other mug at that price. Supply is back to normal, so dealers who won't deal are simply losing a sale. You've already decided you want the car and you're paying cash. As long as you aren't picky about color you're an easy sale so they should be ready to deal.

If you're going to buy a late 2011 model you should be able to get a very good deal as they want to clear them for the 2012, which has upgraded amenities and DRLs.

If you're going to buy a 2012 you'll likely pay more but you'll still be able to get under MSRP. And ignore any crap the dealer throws on to make money.

 

I have two words for you:

true.com

I just purchased my Prius v at about 1000 below MSRP using this site.

 

I think you meant truecar.com, though you could probably find a date for less than MSRP on true.com

 

I just bought my Prius here in Socal for $2500 under MSRP. I used the internet and edmunds.com to request a quote from several local dealers. I took the written quote to my local dealer and told them if they beat it , I would buy it tonight...and they did.

 

I would recommend that you start getting your quotes after Christmas indicating that you already have the best truecar.com quote, wait till the 31st morning, and then ask everyone to beat your best offer till that point. Both truecar.com and consumer reports build and buy program are good reference points. I would be surprised if your best quote on the 31st is not below invoice.

And always get your quote for the out the door price (inclusive of all fees and taxes).

 

I went to Ashland toyota in Wisconsin and got rip off. I like the end of the year 2011 sales plans Toyota had going, 0 percent for 32 months a nice lease plan. None of this was talk about by the sales team. They bully me ( a senior citizen) into giving them my use car for a trade in. I really do like the Prius and am hoping to move on and try and forget the rotten deal the dealership gave me. Its been two weeks and I still get mad thinking about it.

 

I usually try to avoid going to the dealer and becoming captive to their Selling System which they start to wear you down into a Purchase. Start by getting all quotes via Internet, and refuse to go to the dealer until your price comparisons are done.

 

Very good advice, let me add to it. Once you decide on a dealership to buy from after doing aforementioned research, be prepared to be bombarded with all sorts of options for the car, including extended warranties after you physically go to the dealership. I won't say all the options and warranties are terrible deals (though I feel most are), but get ready to stand your ground in your refusal of them. If you're financing the car, you'll have to deal with even more potentially wallet harming offers and incentives. If you want to add any options, first establish a definite base of all the required fees (dmv fees, taxes, "required options" like floor mats, etc...) and go from there. If you can, get a written summary of all the dollar amounts before they transfer you to the finance department to pay for the car, that way you'll know if the finance guy tries to pull anything fast on you, because some of them are very aggressive as well.

What I just said may not apply to all sales people as I've come across at least a couple very forthcoming ones, but just keep your guard up and be prepared to spend at least a couple hours at the dealership, (maybe more) even if you've negotiated a price before stepping into the showroom.

 

pdp. You are spreading the internet love.

 

i'm actually going to be discussing with my gsm about how to make it easy for prius customers if they come in off of the priuschat forum...