I'm currently hesitating between a 2009 Matrix XRS and a Prius. I'd like a Prius and am ready to make some sacrifices, but the current Prius' lack of telescopic steering wheel makes it impossible for me to find a comfortable seating position. I have to sit a bit far for my legs to be ok, but then my arms are stretched. If I get closer, my legs bend and the cruise control knob hits my knee when I turn. So I'm thinking of waiting for the release of the '09 Prius to see if that was fixed. In conclusion, when can I expect the 2009 model release? August 2008? Thanks
From what I have read, the 09 will be out in the early Fall. Don't expect a telescoping steering column. The 09 will be basically the same as the 08. 2010 is the expected date for the Gen III Prius.
2009 Initial Order Acceptance: June 2008 2009 Initial Production: August 2008 2009 Initial Delivery: 09/16/08 thru 10/31/08 http://www.donlen.com/buildstart_toyota.html Ken@Japan
Since this will be the 6th and last year of this Gen Prius, there will likely be no significant changes at all.
Hello, I have a Prius 2006 and I am getting ready to buy a new one. I have two Questions: 2008 or wait for 2009? any opinions? Second question, has anyone had trouble with a mildew or mold smell from the AC vents when car is first started? Thanks, Lisa
^ well, it depends on need, really. i needed a car sooner rather than later, so i ordered a 2008. the 2009 will be the same car, essentially. EDIT: IF IT COMES OUT AT ALL, I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL. it doesn't matter to me, but it may to you, that my car is an '08. maybe waiting for an '09 will at least sound sexier when you trade it in or sell it later? i spoke with a regional sales manager (family friend) and he confirmed that the 'new' prius won't be out till may of 09' as a 2010 model. new body, better mileage, and a bigger engine. which is great but is a whole year away.
Can you provide any evidence? because that doesn't jive with this...http://www.donlen.com/buildstart_toyota.html
That only shows the 2009 build date, not the 2010. He said May 2009 as a 2010 model. Donlen shows the 2009 starting on Aug 2008.
huh? no he didn't. He said the 09 will essentially be the same (i.e. a carryover model). Wouldn't doubt him since the 08 is essentially a carryover model from the 07 anyway. Don't confuse the MY (model year) and CY (calendar year) . (By the way you said "the 09 will be badged a 10")
I see what you mean. I didn't think having a 09 model for less than 6 months seemed doable, but I guess it's possible they might do something like that to finish off the line.
His post stated that there will be an '09, but it will just be a continuation of the current model, in May of '09 (Possibly) the '10 improved next generation will come out. Latest rumor I heard was that the next generation model will come out in stages, new body, but not all the improvements right away, like it won't have plug in version until later in model year.
i have gotten two emails back from him and both imply there is no '09, but its not explicitly stated. i simply asked my contact to please let me know i won't be buying the '08 and then have them flip out a new body within 6 months or so. which i was assured would not happen. the may '09 (as a 2010 model) is the "new" prius. all i've been told. bottom line, is there an '09? i don't pretend to know. nothing more than his emails. i don't think its fair to give the mans name as i don't know their contractual obligations in terms of company info, but i assure you i'm not one to make things up. a regional sales manager SHOULD know what hes talking about, but i'm simply taking his word.
Oh Toyota has done that before. The 2002 Corolla had a short life (Aug 01-Jan 02). The 2008 Camry had a short life too (Sept 07-Feb 08).
If you can start to place orders for the '09 in May how soon do you think they'll release the MSRP? Lots of rumors how there could be a price drop in the '09. I'm starting to gather price quotes on the '08 and am hoping to use the '09 release as a leveraging tool (if possible) to get a better deal to help get an "old" model off the lot. =)
Not trying to feed the rumor mill, but I know I read that Toyota was really ramping up production #'s for the Prius for 2009. So it is possible that MSRP will decrease. Supply and Demand.
Recently, US Dollar value is getting lower and CA Dollar is getting higher. My bet is Toyota is going to adjust the currency conversion rate, therefore the 09 Prius price will be up in the US and it'll be down in CA. Ken@Japan
Hi All I am new to this forum. I am contemplating purchasing a 2009 Prius in October 2008. I am leasing a wonderful 5 series BMW, but I refuse to pay $80 to fill up any longer. If it were not for the price of fuel, I probably would stay with my BMW. I test drove most of the hybrids, and the Prius suits me fine
