Gosh, don't pay off a 0% loan! Use that money for the full 60 months! Toyota financing gives you the ability to have the payment automatically deducted from your account. Easy peasy to set up online. The free financing is built into the price of the car, so if they offer financing to you, take it!
Wow, you guys have been extremely nice and very helpful! I think the consensus is for the new car. I noticed that the 2013 Prius Two comes with the HAC (Hill Assist Control) which is incredibly helpful for the hills of SF when you're in traffic. Does anyone have any gotchas or suggestions for a new car? I noticed that the auto-dimming rearview camera isn't available on the 2 or 3. My '98 Camry has it, is this just an error with the brochure or is it actually not possible to install this?
You can install pretty much any options as long as you can order the parts or find a pick you own junkyard that stocks wrecked Prii Mike Mobile on my SGH-i717
I *love* the HAC for San Francisco—it works very well. I have the Personna and love the rear camera and 3-door SKS that are not found on the 2.
Back in May, I just bought my Prius 2, at that 22,500 price. My logic was that was a pretty good entry level price, and my further thinking is even the "base" Prius is very well equipped in comparison to most other vehicles. I had to pay extra for cruise control and keyless entry on my Honda Fit Sport. The Prius comes with a boatload of technology, even at the entry level. That and of course I'm getting into a new vehicle inwhich the history, starts with me. And I get the new car warranty starting on day one. And vehicle mileage started at 5 miles. All Benefits. I absolutely do not regret it. A lot of the "perks" can be added later in aftermarket. And I don't find myself wanting for a lot of things found higher up the ladder. The only exception to this...speaking only for me, is I wish I had the Solar Roof Package and the Moon Roof. Not so much for the solar roof and the ventilation system, but for the moon roof itself. BUT...the cost difference to get that benefit was pretty steep. This time of year and with fall approaching I do sometimes find myself wishing I could open the top. I've had moonroof/sunroofs before and I personally like them. But in any comparison new to use, and/or up or down the ladder extra's it comes down to how much are the extra's worth to you? For me? I was happy to be able to get a new Prius for $22,500, which I felt was a good price. The allure of the extra's higher up the ladder wasn't enough to entice me to pay more. And I'll say that easily on most days....except those days when the sky is clear and the air clean and fresh....
I absolutely agree. This 100% in accordance with my reasoning when I bought my Prius 2 in early 2012. I have since added built in navigation and, like you, I would have loved the moon roof, but not bad enough to pay the premium price necessary to get it it. Otherwise, every other "must have" was already there.
Bought the 2013 Prius 2, Sea green with the beige interior. Absolutely amazing car. I wish I had gotten the rearview camera and auto dimming rearview mirror, but it looks like there's a way to retrofit those and the LED lights
What refinements were made since 2010? I'm strongly leaning towards a 3rd gen, and generally consider 4 years old to be the sweet spot in price. You can typically get the current tech, with relatively low miles, at substantially less than new price. Example: I bought a 4 year old TSX with 36k miles for $17k when it went for $30k new. The stealership initially offered $24k, and I stuck to my price of $17k until they agreed to it, 2 weeks later.
Seats are better. Front & rear bumpers. Exterior lights. Brake software. Paint colors. Daytime Running Lights. Audio system. I can't think of all the stuff right now. Someone help Plenty of stuff if you drive a 2010 then hop in a 12/13 and the differences are real apparent Mike
Do not know why the price of the 2010 is so high!? in FL, they are going for $ 14-15,000 for Ver. II and saw a Ver. III for $15,500 with 55,000 miles.
I would ask where you live, couple variables being CARB warranty and state taxes. As much as 15000/yr tends to say new because the gaso savings adds up.
