So, I dove right in and bought my first Prius this week. I had been scouting them for a few months, tossing back and forth between a low mileage used and a new 2009. I dont think that the 2010s look that good, I just cant get pass those headlights. So, after much deliberation, I purchased a 2009 Black with option #2. The original dealer offer was MSRP ($24.5K) plus taxes and fees, which came to about $26.8K. After some negotiating with the dealer, I offered my solution which was $20K out the door, including taxes and fees. The salesman looked shocked, he thought I was joking, and I told him I wasnt. I explained my reasoning through the following points: 1. Prius sales are down 50% overall this month (75% in Atlanta) 2. Gas is only $2 a gallon 3. I acted as if the price of the #2 shouldn't be included since I really just wanted a base model (which was kind of a lie) 4. 2010s will be here in no time, need to account for depreciated value 5. Other dealer wanted $21K out the door for same car They lowered the price to $20.9K and I walked. Two days and three phone calls later, I got the $20K I had asked for. In signing the papers later that day, I noticed that the price for the vehicle came to $18.5K, which is $6000 UNDER MSRP. Better still, the dealer invoice in what they paid was $22.8K, so I actually paid $4000 less than what the dealer paid (assuming there were no additional discounts). My question, is this a good deal? Or am I just imagining that I made off with a steal?
Yes, you did good. In comparieson, I just paid about 18.5 for my used 2007 package 3 Prius (bought May 5) with 10,200 miles on it. It wasn't the greatest deal, but with a quickly deteriorating PT Cruiser, I had to switch cars faster than I would have liked. However, I did not shop new. I intentionaly did not want to buy any 2009 or 2010 cars. I'm worried with the auto companies losing money hand over fist where they are going to start cutting corners... -->Adam
What is the rebate in your area? 22,800 sounds about right for the invoice, and take out all the misc charges, 21,900 is dead cost. So yes, you get a whopper of a deal. Assuming the dealer doesn't have dealer cash incentives or rebates.. EVen if they di, I still think you got a great deal. Be proud and enjoy your car!
