Just put down my $1,000 on a 2009, dealer said that solar is an option for those, but didn't have pricing or availability time frames yet. I didn't think solar was coming until the 2010 model, though. Do we have any real info on the 2009 yet? Tried to search through the forums but couldn't find anything much.
The 2009 is going to be the same as the 2008. I believe it is the 2010, which may come out in the spring that will be updated and have the solar panel option. We have a 2008 now, and a 2009 on order, and have been told there are no changes between the two.
Yes, Big Two Toyota on Gilbert Rd., just south of Pecos and right off the 202. Got my 2006 Prius from them just before they moved to that location and just got my wife's 2008 from them.
That's what I thought as well, that the solar wasn't coming until 2010. When he said it was an option on the 2009 at the high level I was surprised, but he was adamant that it would be an option at the high end. I was originally going to get a 2008 but wasn't sure when the 2009's were due in. When he said September, I figured I'd get a 2009 anyway as it would be that long of a wait to get a 2008, might as well get a 2009. If solar's not an option, not a problem, I'm still getting the car . If solar is on there, though, I will be one happy camper.
I'd be curios then if it is in the 2009, because I have a package 6 on order, and they didn't ask me if I wanted any other options. Maybe I will call my salesman.
The solar option is not in included in the 2009 prius brochure. The 2009 model brochure is identical in packages and options offered to the 2008.
Well, verdict is in. I just heard back from the dealer and he discovered that, shocker, solar is not available in the 2009. Just like I thought originally, and just like what's been said on the board here. We modified my order to what I originally wanted, still sticking with the 2009 as I might as well get that since the wait time is basically the same, Package 5 as I really don't need the leather in the package 6 or the tire size upgrade of the touring model. No harm, no foul, didn't think he was right initially but started getting my hopes up that my "geek-cred" would soar with solar panels. **sigh**
You're dealer is an idiot. The 2009 brochure has been out for almost two month and if that wasn't enough clue, Toyota has stated numerous times that the 2009 was a carry over from 2008 and that the solar panel option would be on the Gen III Prius.
Not the brightest bulb in the lamp, yes. Idiot? I wouldn't quite go that far. Anyway, they're the only dealer in the valley selling the Prius for MSRP without any uplift, so I can accept a little bit of dumb-assery
