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Trading in 2009 BMW 328i XDrive for a Prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Jaybroonz, Mar 21, 2012.

  1. Jaybroonz

    Jaybroonz Junior Member

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    Hey there. Just thought I'd introduce myself, get my feet weet and try to make some friends on what should be a "fun" (not so fun) car buying experience.

    I'm trading in a 2009 BMW 328i Xdrive for a 2011/2012 Prius IV. Looking to spend between 28,000-30,000 on the vehicle. Paying 75.00 at the pump is getting a little bit old--I just proposed to my girlfriend and it's time to get something a little bit more appropriate to the lifestyle I'll be living in a year.

    So, those Prius owners in the Baltimore, Washington DC, NOVA area--point me in the direction of an AMAZING Toyota dealership. I'm trying to avoid Antwerpen in Clarksville at all costs.
     
    #1 Jaybroonz, Mar 21, 2012
  2. Prius M.D.

    Prius M.D. Junior Member

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    Congrats!! I just traded in a 2009 BMW 135i for a 2011 Prius III about 2 weeks ago...best decision ever! Could not be happier :D I was also getting killed at the gas pump and am also "growing up" :cool:
     
    #2 Prius M.D., Mar 21, 2012
  3. TomDac

    TomDac Junior Member

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    Well, I'm all grown up, but like you guys, was sick of paying so much money for gas in my 04 M3. Loved that car and love the brand, but love getting 50 MPG even more!! Welcome to the club.
     
    #3 TomDac, Mar 21, 2012
  4. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    we still have our 2000 323ci ragtop, keep around nice Sunday drives with the top down:D
     
    #4 Airbalancer, Mar 21, 2012
  5. Randyneely

    Randyneely Junior Member

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    Have a 325i for Sundays, but love my prius.....welcome :0
     
    #5 Randyneely, Mar 21, 2012
  6. Jaybroonz

    Jaybroonz Junior Member

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    That's the idea (perhaps when I'm in my early to mid-30s), but for being in my early 20s, without a mortgage or kids, I think it's best to start being sensible now rather than later. Just to start instilling smart buying habits.

    I'm going to be taking a "hit" so to speak, but again, zero expenses helps when making "misguided" buying decisions.
     
    #6 Jaybroonz, Mar 21, 2012
  7. billinmd

    billinmd Member

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    I actually bought my Prius at Antwerpen, but I made sure I had all of my ducks in a row before going. They still tried to rake me over the coals until I threatened to leave. Not the best car buying experience. I had a great experience at Alexandria Toyota a few years back when I purchased my Tacoma.

    I would suggest checking the CarMax site (Laurel Toyota) for the car you want. I've always had good luck with CarMax, and if you don't feel like haggling, you'll know the price on the car before you even leave the house.
     
    #7 billinmd, Mar 21, 2012
  8. Jaybroonz

    Jaybroonz Junior Member

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    Thanks for the advice. I went there to inquire about the one 2011 Prius they had on the lot--which was actually a demo that had 1,200 miles on it (though they still considered it "new"). So, I'm not really sure I want to deal with them. They low-balled be on my trade-in value of the BMW also--way below KBB, NADA, etc.
     
    #8 Jaybroonz, Mar 21, 2012
  9. krazypriuslady

    krazypriuslady Member

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    Hi neighbor,
    Just last week, I traded an 02 Audi A4 for the 2011 Prius III, in Mont County. I started by getting web prices from the dealers and online 'fair price to pay' sites. I think I got the last 2011 in the DarCars chain, and I think the other 2011 (I was looking at IIIs only) I was looking at at Jim Coleman in Bethesda might be sold since then. Coleman tried to lowball my trade telling me the transmission on my Audi was iffy. It was not, and no other (3 other) dealers mentioned anything like that, which irritated me.

    Anyway, I really liked the experience at 355Toyota. I got the same price I was getting at Coleman, I probably could have squeezed a little more out but didn't try; I was happy with the deal and I preferred the color at 355.

    Whatever that's worth. I *think* but am not sure that the fees and TTL part is more expensive in VA than MD.

    I went to the 355 new customer event last night and the only guy there was the shop foreman. I actually found it interesting and even though I regard them as 'stealerships' generally, he inspired confidence. I guess I'll use them until I have a reason not to, even though they r further away than Coleman.

    My salesman was "KD" If I can help, PM me.
     
    #9 krazypriuslady, Mar 21, 2012
  10. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    I have always gotten a better price for my cars by selling them myself vs trading them in. If you can put up with the hassle it's a good way to go because negotiation for the new Prius is a lot simpler.

    I am a former 330i owner and there are a few things I miss about the BMW, i.e. better seats, more power, no rattles, etc. But I am not unhappy I made the switch, especially when I look at prices on the pump. :)

    You may be pleased to notice the Prius has a spare tire and a dip stick.
     
    #10 tumbleweed, Mar 21, 2012
  11. billinmd

    billinmd Member

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    I have had nothing but bad experiences with Coleman. When I was trading my SLK a few years back, they offered me $6,000 less than Carmax, and they also tried to put a lot of pressure on me to close what was obviously a horrible deal.
     
    #11 billinmd, Mar 21, 2012
  12. Jaybroonz

    Jaybroonz Junior Member

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    Right now, I've contacted the dealer to see if they'd like to buy back my vehicle at a loss to me. The car was purchased two weeks ago. I had to rush into the sale since I had to get rid of my '03 Honda Civic because I got an unbeatable offer from CarMax. So, that gave me a week to decide.

    If that doesn't work, I'm going to try a private sale, but I've gotten ZERO bites on CraigsList.

    The question you're probably asking yourselves: why didn't I just buy the Prius from the get-go? Original intention was. I've had my heart set on it since 2003. But, never having driven one before I had a HORRIBLE test drive at Antwerpen. No vehicle walk-around, no explanation of features, and I drove with the parking brake on the entire time.

    I'm young, and I realize that I made a piss-poor decision. Err, bottom line an ill-informed one, but I'm in a comfortable enough position that I can take a bit of a hit.
     
    #12 Jaybroonz, Mar 21, 2012
  13. Scotty Danger

    Scotty Danger Junior Member

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    Congrats on your decision! I chose the Prius over the 335i 4 or so years ago, and it was one of the smartest financial decisions that I have ever made.

    I still love BMW, but the Prius is just the perfect fit for my lifestyle (great efficiency, tons of cargo room, no breakdowns/headaches).
     
    #13 Scotty Danger, Mar 31, 2012
  14. Jaybroonz

    Jaybroonz Junior Member

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    As an update, I ended up purchasing a Winter Gray Prius IV with the solar roof package from Koons Toyota of Arlington.

    Loving it!
     
    #14 Jaybroonz, Apr 4, 2012
  15. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Good for you :cheer2:
    I would have been too embarrassed to turn around and dump a car I had bought only a few weeks earlier. It is smart to know when to cut your losses.
     
    #15 SageBrush, Apr 4, 2012
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