I did some LIGHT research, I just wanted to get one, didn't really care for what option packages are out there, nor did I want to wait for X months, so I found (and subsequently bought) an '04 with 12.8K miles on the clock for 21.4K. IMO, it was an "all right" deal, not great, but not terrible... Thoughts, comments, opinions?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MarinJohn\";p=\"90843)</div> I don't think any really. Just the basic stuff, single CD, remote power door locks. None of the navigation stuff, or that automatic recognition jazz. I'm really not sure what precise model/package comes with it, but it appears to be the base model? Regardless, assume base model...
Too Pricey, sorry. If you think it's worth it then it is though. Congratulations and I hope you love your car.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ray Moore\";p=\"90873)</div> Thanks! Even so, any idea what the price should have been?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mystery Squid\";p=\"90908)</div> You can obtain fairly accurate quotes on www.kbb.com and www.edmunds.com .
$21,400 is basically MSRP for a base '04 (ie no wiper on the back window). You get to pay sales tax but don't get the income tax deduction. You paid MSRP plus (your marginal tax rate * $2000). So I would say someone got a good deal, but it wasn't you. Sorry. What SHOULD it be? If there are people out there willing to pay MSRP for a car with 12K miles on it, I guess that IS what it should be. Supply and demand.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius\";p=\"90912)</div> You can obtain fairly accurate quotes on www.kbb.com and www.edmunds.com . [/b][/quote] Thanks, tried that... KBB says 23,145 Edmunds says 23,767, and NADA has no clue... lol I'm hoping for something with more 'real world' expectations though.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bruceha_2000\";p=\"90921)</div> Actually, my sales tax was pretty low given my trade in. I'd rather isolate the cost to what the dealer is charging for the unit.
Where did you purchase it? I personally work for Ira II in Tewksbury, MA. We have a 2004 Seaside BI there w/ 28k for $21,995 (And that IS bottom line). Prius resale is ridiculously high as those who have them want to keep them. The market values on 04 Prii are so high we have to pay top dollar just to get them, then obviously ask more to make a profit. Dealers sometimes don't care because used Prii are good switch cars if the customer doesn't want to wait X number of months to get one.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IraJim44\";p=\"90940)</div> LOL, small world...! I got mine at Danvers, just last night. Carfax says it came from an auction, I really wonder how much the dealer actually paid for it. Then again, maybe it was bought in "bulk" with 10 other cars, I have no idea what those dynamics are. Like I said, I feel like I got an "OK"/acceptable deal. I'm sure someone somewhere has done better, but I'm also sure the differential is low enough that it probably doesn't matter too much, i.e. I would NOT drive 500 miles to save $500 that sort of thing...
Rest assure the dealer paid less than 18k. That doesn't mean they made the difference of what they paid versus what you paid in profit. They still have to put it through the shop. Shop averages about 1,000-1,200 per car. Dealers never buy vehicles in bulk. Just like CarFax says, auction. One thing you have going for you is the fact that the Prius was certified (Very hard to find!!). That 6yr/100k Powertrain and Roadside assistance warranty will come in very handy!! Plus, it is fully transferrable, free of charge, which will help the resale value of you decide not to keep it. All in all I think you did well!! Good Job. Jim
Well, thanks for the candor! LOL, I REALLY hope that 6yr/100K warranty DOESN'T have to come in handy!
They sell one thing when it comes to warranties and extended service plans... PEACE OF MIND!! the "Just in case factor."
