So I saw some of the Prime premiums in Portland that have a 2k rebate. I’m in talks with them about the trade in. This could possibly work out. Though it is a 2017 but as far as I know they are the same. iPhone ?
In addition, try to get another $2500 off the sticker. Adding in the federal tax credit and the rebate—I would go for it!
All 2017 Primes in Oregon have the $2,000 Toyota factory incentive not just Portland. And listen to Steve Bowie you should be able to get a lot more off of it than that. No difference in 2018, just a much smaller factory incentive and the dealer is less likely to take much if any more off EDIT. $500 factory incentive in Oregon for 2018 Primes
The Ontario Oregon dealer doesn’t have any more unfortunately and the Portland one has oodles in stock for more negotiating power methinks. iPhone ?
Latest update: The MLCM speaks and says I need to wait until a couple other financial factors fall into place. But if nothing else I learned that Portland is a very viable option in the future. Also, that I will eventually get a Prime, just need to be a little patient and wait for some timing. iPhone ?
All in all, I think you’ve analyzed the trade-offs quite well. I’ll add another couple thoughts: First, I have found the reduction in cargo space to be not as big of a concern as I had originally expected. It’s a little bit of an annoyance occasionally, but getting our fuel for what works out to be about a quarter of the cost of gasoline (because of certain local utility incentives), easily makes it worthwhile. Still, for me, even if it weren’t cheaper, I’ve gotten to the point where ICEs really kind of disgust me! Second, there is one thing about the big 11.6 inch screen that I think is badly designed, and it’s not the usual things people cite (e.g., matte finish, which I have generally not found to be all that big of a concern): All of the menus, such as for HVAC and audio, come up from the bottom of the screen. That takes my eyes farther off the road than if they dropped down from the top of the screen.
So I had a talk with the MLCM and we have agreed to some conditions. We are definitely eligible for the $4502 for 2018 taxes which cover the (mostly) depreciation. We understand that keeping the Prius would be cheaper in the long run for sure, but after analyzing wants and needs the trunk space and 4 seats for our family are really a non-issue. It's our commuter and date car and we plan on eventually getting solar on our house as well so this really makes the most sense for us. We'll likely get a 2018 near the end of the year when we're closer to tax time and we'll have put a little more $ into our current one.
I would do it now, and get the 2017. A bird in the hand = the current discounts. Call a dealer with a Toyota rebate—and tell them “right now we’ve decided to wait until the end of this year—unless you can give us a heck of deal—what say you?”
It's not in the cards with the MLCM. If it were entirely my choice I would, I'm already in enough trouble as is and there's a couple other factors at play too.
Sure--but that's where the quote comes from "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." The keyword in your post is "should."
Totally understand. Honestly I can afford to get it at MSRP with the trade-in they suggested so it will go a long way to compromise with my wife. In that time frame it should give me some flexibility on future 2018 sales, pay more down on my current vehicle, and wait for a couple other factors. It's all good. IE. A soft yes is much more than I was expecting when I brought it up.
Except a 2017 will always be a 2017. By the end of the year, you might even have 2019 models - and there could be some upgrades in it. I've bought "last years" model a few times - they hit you at trade in time.
Oh, and - sometimes when the dealer knows you're hanging back for some reason, they'll come back with an offer "too good to ...". Friend had that recently - showed interest, but said, no, don't want to pay more than $xxx - which was the price of different brand equivalent. And put it out of his mind till after Christmas - to have an offer come back in a few days with $1000 off - NOPE. After the 3rd offer, reducing quite substantially, he said "YEP".
I can’t seem to find anything different between the 2017 and 2018 Prime Premiums after some searching. Is there a difference anyone is aware of? iPhone ?
Ok, good to know. My wife has agreed once my promotion lands that I can pursue the Prime Premium, so sometime in the next couple of months. After much research and debate it’s ultimately the car I want. So keep your eyes peeled for me joining the Prime fold. ;-) iPhone ?