Black 06 for $1,500 less than MSRP

I am the proud new owner of a Black 2006 Southeastern "Package 8". This is a description of my purchase path that ended up getting me into a coveted 2006 for less than MSRP.

Wanting to take advantage of the 2006 tax credit on the Prius, I wanted to be sure that I took ownership in 2006. on 12/31/05, I started checking out posted Prius inventories at all the dealerships in Atlanta. I wanted Package 7 with leather (since they will not make package 8 available in the Southeast region). I found 1 at Cobb County Toyota that was supposed to come in on 1/6/06. They said it wasn't taken so I ran over to put money down. After filling everything out and writing a down payment, they said there was a mistake and that it was already spoken for. They tried to get me to let them try and locate one for me but, pissed as I was that I wasted a trip, I told them that I didn't want to be tied down so I left. I went back home and continued my search. I found another one at Toyota of Roswell, called and made them verify that it was available and verify again. I ran over to put my cash down. When I got there, they said the one that I had picked was already taken but that they had another one, same color, Package 7 with leather that for some reason was not listed on the website. I was immediately suspicious but they checked up and down and said that it was not spoken for. I put money down, filled out the paperwork and left happily expectant.

The more I thought about it the more I felt that it was a mistake. The thing that made me feel the most sceptical was the fact that the one I had put money down on did NOT include the pure-profit-bend-over Toyoguard. I figured that any Prius special ordered would NOT include Toyoguard since all Prius owners are brilliant and would never willingly pay for such a crappy option if given the choice. I put myself (deluded) at ease by saying that they had checked multiple times and would never willingly sell the same car to two people (DUH - we are talking about a car dealer here).

Delivery day came and I called my salesman. He said that delivery had been delayed because leather installations were backed up at the distributor. New delivery date was 1/16/06. On Monday I called and left a message for my salesman. No return call. OK I'm nervous to begin with. Tuesday I call and leave a message. No call back. At this point I know I am getting the brush off. Wednesday I call and find out that my salesman is off that day. I ask to speak to anyone who can tell me what happened to my car. I talk with another salesman who says he will find out and call me back. No call back. Now I know the car is gone but I'm getting pissed. Fine you screwed up but call me, admit your mistake and let's move on. Thursday I call and ask for a manager. Gary Morotto comes on the line, I explain my drama and he says he'll call me back. Two hours later, I call him back and he asks me if I heard from my salesman 'cause he was supposed to call me an hour ago. Truthfully, I say no and that I can't freakin believe how this situation has played out. He says, "Well... I have a Black 2006 package 7 with leather (and Toyoguard - ^%$#*&!) it's Black (not Seaside pearl) if I take $1,500 off MSRP will you consider it?" Barely containing myself and trying to maintain my indignant tone I say yes. I'll be over in 2 hours to look at it. Of course it's freakin' beautiful. I drive it off the lot to test drive for 24 hours to see if I can "live with" the color. Screw the color, I'm drivin' a Prius!!!!! I just filled out the paperwork and dropped the down payment. Wooooooo Hooooo.

And that's how I got a 2006 package 7 Prius with leather in 2 weeks from looking to driving. There is a God and he drives a hybrid. Happy hunting.javascript:emoticon(':lol:')
smilie