I took a look at the new allocations of Priuses that my dealer got in today and almost every one of them was a Package 2 with $5000 worth of leather, 17" wheels, and every overpriced port installed option that they could tack on. It obvious that Priuses are hot but that is ridiculous. No wonder why they cannot keep any Yarises on the lot....
1)Duh 2)That will quickly turn off people that want a $24k car. I'm sure that there are plenty of suckers that will jump all over that though.
I'm confused. Package 2 doesn't come with leather. You have to get the highest level (package #6 on an '08) to get leather: Toyota Prius - 2008 Options and Packages Are you stating that a dealer installed leather (and other options?) on all their package 2 Prii? ... Brad
I got one word for Toyota to learn about... (They've avoided it thus far in the US...but I think their luck's about to run out with a bunch of folks...) BACKLASH I think they're about to get up close and personal with it...
I know I'm one, I'm going to be battling myself on another Toyota, and it has nothing to do with the car, but the dealer and car buying experience, it was the worst experience buying a car I have ever had, and that was at 5 different dealers, in 3 cities.
Leather seats can be installed as a separate option, at least with SET. I'm seen plenty of leather seats listed as a separate option with a package 5 for $1499.
Yes they do....because they can. MSRPBase$22,875Options$6,262Manuf, Delv, Proc & Hndlg$715Subtotal$29,852Dealer Fees$467Total$30,319 Package #2 Includes: Vehicle Stability-HGAT $575 Control Backup Camera Smart Key System; AM/FM CD w/6 Speakers Aux Audio Input Miniplug and MP3/WMA Playback Capability Blueconnect Hands Free Phone System-BT10 $299 Window Tint UV Rating of 98.5%-99%-TW50 $275 Spyder Style Cargo Net-PC90 $99 Leather Faced Seats w/Side Airbag-LA90 $1,499 Electrochromic Mirror w/Homelink-CM50 $325 17" EFPC Wheel w/Pirelli Tires-WB70 $1,649 Splashguards-MG10 $129 Carpet Mats And Trunk Mat-PV50 $225 Rear bumper protector-BP30 $129 50 State Emissions-FEAT $0 Remote Security System-QS90 $325 Southeast Toyota Distributor Plus-FP50 $0 Final Quality Inspection Certified Technician 46 Point Picture Asset Program HZAT - Includes Cruise Control,-HZAT $0 Heated Outside Mirrors 15 inch Alloy Wheels Pockets Seatback Pockets The price of this option is included within the base of the vehicle MSRP ToyoGuard Plus Protection Group-XY70 $699
Wow .... I guess since it's a seller's market in terms of the Prius, Toyota is going to maximize its profits on options! ... Brad
They are Port Installed Options. The dealer has nothing to do with it. It's even listed on the window sticker (not an addendum sticker).
I think we are asking the wrong question. The question is not, "Why is Toyota doing this?" but rather, why haven't other car companies followed suit? Because they do not have the product. I think the reason that GM, Ford, Chrylser, etc. don't have the product is that their corporate executive philosophy is to maximize profits today (after all, I probably won't be the CEO in a year anyway) at the expense of future product development. That explains why we have Hummers and SUVs. Most car manufacturerers defend themselves by saying they are only providing what the customer wants, but the public desires are fickle. It seems that only Toyota, and to a lesser extent Honda, can anticipate consumer demand with enough lead time to get a product to market. When only one manufacturer has the goods, there is no competition and the price is whatever they want it to be.
Well considering that whoever is responsible for this is only doing it on the Prius and not all the other vehicles it's obvious that it's only because of the popularity. Also, 3 months ago when Priuses were sitting on the lots they were not chocked full of extra stuff.
I heard today that every prius out of southeast toyota is loaded with options, I dont mind people making money in demand however some of us are looking for a car in need.
Every dealer I have spoken to has been willing to remove those options for vehicles that are not yet in port. My favorite is "Toyoguard" can anyone tell me why I should pay $699 fro scotch guard and vin etching?
Well not all of them. I just got a black package #2 and that was IT. nothing more, not even toyoguard or floormats. I went to Autozone and bought floor mats for $40 and they look great.
Welcome to our free society! Too bad you are disappointed in the price but as discussed in many other posts when a shortage of a product occurs, sellers will usually raise the price accordingly to cool demand until supply can catch with demand. Unlike the society you wish (or are from) our government, in most instances, cannot dictate what a seller can charge for HIS products. Zimbabwe, as I understand, has an excellent system in place where the government fixes nearly all prices and in most instances does not allow sellers to raise prices (hence there is nothing to sell!, that makes it real easy for everyone). I am sure you could pick up as many Prius's as you wish at MSRP (or maybe at half price if the Zimbabwean government dictates!). If you do not like the price, you can (A) purchase another product at a better price, (B) purchase the product at wholesale and go through the hassle and trouble of marketing the product and then sell it for whatever price you wish, (C) manufacture the product yourself. See, that was easy. Rick #4 2006 through careful and diligent shopping purchased at MSRP!
When I got my VIN my dealer sent me all the info including about $9K worth of options. I told her I didn't want all the options, she said no problem and took them all off. I got the car last night...pkg 2 +floor mats (which I know are overpriced but I wanted them). If you've been on a wait list and a dealer offers you a car laden with options, tell them you don't want them. If they refuse to take them off, don't buy the car.
Two years ago Liberty was selling cars with PIO while Cherry Hill was not so I bought from Cherry Hill. "Next time" I'll shop around again but I'm not about to pay for extra crap or negotiate DOWN to MSRP. Dealer philosophies do change over time. Some do become less sleazy.
