Hey all. Looking for advice on getting the best price. I'm planning on buying a Prius sometime after I move to Massachusetts this summer, since MA apparently charges full sales tax on cars purchased within 6 months of moving, even if you've paid sales tax elsewhere (Wth!?). Anyway, when's the best time to buy? Are prices likely to drop when we get close to '09 models, or is availability going to be a problem? I don't need frills, so I'll be looking for either a base model or maybe package #2 for the VSC. I'm unsure whether I want Touring or not, but I suspect I'd prefer a softer ride. Edit: should amend that this will be my first actual car purchase -- my first car was a hand-me-down 1987 Corolla, and more recently I've been using a car sharing service (usually drive one of their Civic Hybrids ... : D). So I'm new to this whole process...
Judging by last year, there was not a surplus of cars at the end of the year - I recall seeing several people complaining about not having a good selection last summer. Not sure if that will be the case again, but with gas prices going up, I would expect so. As far as Touring vs. Regular, I would test drive both if possible. I think in most areas, the Touring is harder to find.
Read through CarBuyingTips.com new car buying guide, avoiding dealer scams, new cars, used car buying. Dealers around here don't have many in inventory. It seems the only time they do is when the delivery truck arrives. As gas prices increase so does Prius demand. The best time to buy a Prius is yesterday. It will take time to find the color & package you want. Be patient & look.
There is no simple answer to when is it best to buy, but in general at the end of a model year; calendar quarter or month-end (in that order) is a good time to look. However the over riding factor is supply and demand and this can vary with time or geographically. I shopped around on the internet and always checked the number of cars the dealers had in inventory. Then I focused in on a dealer who not only had a lot of cars in inventory but also other dealers nearby had a good stock of them. This creates competition in a "small" area. The web-site JimN gave you is excellent information source. Take a look and learn before you actually negotiate with the dealer. Good luck, Gabe
