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About to buy a new 2011 II - Am I making a mistake?

Discussion in 'Dealers & Pricing' started by lencap, Mar 23, 2011.

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  1. lencap

    lencap Junior Member

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    Greetings -

    I'm about to buy a 2011 Prius Series II. Dealer list is $24,326 (base price, $299 for mats - outrageous). In our state (NC) there is a "doc fee" - $499 for every Toyota. It's a dealer markup but it can't be avoided. They call it a documentation fee to complete the paperwork.

    Anyway, the dealer will sell it out the door for $24,000 (real cost for the car $22,725 versus $24,326 list). I realize with the earthquake, high gas prices, etc. that isn't a terrible deal, but I also realize when gas goes down $0.35 a gallon there will be a surplus of Prius models available.

    My real question is - am I making a mistake. When will the 2012 model be introduced, and will there be any significant changes. I know about the V, but I don't need a wagon, just the standard car. I also don't need the plug in option - the standard car is fine.

    I expect the car to depreciate, like any other car, but I don't want to commit to a 2011 if a 2012 will be available in a few months at no additional cost, or with better features for slightly more money.

    If the 2012 has the same basic body style, features and mileage I don't see much reason to not buy a 2011 now.

    Your thoughts are welcome and encouraged.

    Thank you.
     
    #1 lencap, Mar 23, 2011
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Any info you get about the 2012 right now would be speculation, but I'll suspect you may see minor mid life refreshers for 2012 like headlight/taillight design etc. I don't think you are going to see any major changes to body style, features or mileage jumps.
     
    #2 Paradox, Mar 23, 2011
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think you are getting a good price at this point in time. go for it, enjoy it and don't look back. all the best!
     
    #3 bisco, Mar 23, 2011
  4. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    #4 cwerdna, Mar 23, 2011
  5. mickey513

    mickey513 Member

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    Not sure what the tax, dmv, and fee is in your state but at this point anything close to window stocker out the door is a GREAT BUY. You really should RUN and get it if they are letting it go at $24k even out the door.
     
    #5 mickey513, Mar 23, 2011
  6. Troyroy

    Troyroy Member

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    What make you think that gas price will go down........run to the dealer......buy the Prius......enjoy the ride......it's a great car
     
    #6 Troyroy, Mar 23, 2011
  7. billinmd

    billinmd Member

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    The 2012 is definitely no where near coming out. The 2011 hasn't been out but what, two months so far?
     
    #7 billinmd, Mar 23, 2011
  8. hadone

    hadone Junior Member

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    Even if gas prices go down what other car will save you more? I really don 't tink prices will be going down soon buy the car now while supplies are still good.
     
    #8 hadone, Mar 23, 2011
  9. mainerinexile

    mainerinexile No longer in exile!

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    Please tell us why gas might go down to 35 cents/gallon.
     
    #9 mainerinexile, Mar 23, 2011
  10. billinmd

    billinmd Member

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    I think the OP was trying to say gas will go down BY 35 cents/gallon.
     
    #10 billinmd, Mar 23, 2011
  11. rebenson

    rebenson Member

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    oh how 2 months change the deals.
     
    #11 rebenson, Mar 23, 2011
  12. lencap

    lencap Junior Member

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    Yes, sorry for the confusion. I meant gas would go down by $0.35 per gallon, not to $0.35 per gallon.

    My main concern was that Toyota would release the 2012 model early - like June/July and if I waited a few months I'd have the newest version.

    Sales tax on cars is 3% in NC, dealers add the $499 mandatory "documentation fee". Plate fee is $85. Dealer won't remove the mats - stuck with the $299 cost. At least I got him to not install the "deluxe wax" option - $699 for some wax and an extra two year rust protection. They'll try anything to add on extras to a car.

    I very much appreciate the comments. I believe I'll buy it tomorrow. Any other comments are appreciated.

    By the way I bought a 2007 Touring edition new from the same dealership in late December 2007. Very much loved the car - the touring suspension was, in my opinion, a great value. Really improved the handling and the package included the upgraded headlights.

    Compared to the 2007 Touring edition the 2011 Type II is missing the rear backup camera, 17" wheels/suspension changes, upgraded headlights. The 2011 has a more powerful engine (not by much, but it is quieter and has a bit more push), and no downside that I can see.

    By the way - over the years I've found this forum to be great -- good information, friendly people, and excellent advice. Thanks to all.
     
    #12 lencap, Mar 23, 2011
  13. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Situations where a Prius may be a mistake:

    If you vacation away from the Prius for months each year, it is a mistake to get a Prius. (Even many weeks is a worry)
    If you drive less than 5 minutes to work, the car sits for 8 hours, and you drive less than 5 minutes home, it may be a mistake to buy a Prius.
    If your lifestyle requires spinning the tires at any point to travel, it is a mistake to own a Prius.
    The Prius is rated to tow 0 pounds.
    It is unwise to jump start others with a Prius.
    If you need to put your car in neutral without starting the car, the Prius is not for you.
    It is hard to get more than 10 foot lumber in a Prius.
    There are times when the Prius's simulation of a 'normal' car is imperfect (The brakes do not feel 'right', there is no 'starter' sound, the steering is numb, or the engine does not run at idle) If this will bother you (enough to lead the Police on a 27 miles chase), the Prius may not be for you.

    I like mine quite a lot!

    [Edit: now I find this is not your first Prius, so you knew all that]
     
    #13 JimboPalmer, Mar 23, 2011
  14. Rocco42

    Rocco42 Member

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    Gas ain't goin' down. Has it gone done, over the course of the last five, ten, or fifteen years?
    Now how long do you plan to own your Prius? What kind of mileage are you getting now?

    Go for it. If you don't like it, you can more than likely sell it for close to what you bought it.
     
    #14 Rocco42, Mar 23, 2011
  15. mickey513

    mickey513 Member

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    OP, if you are looking for the "refresh", mid-life cycle model, it's going to be 2013 for the Prius. Toyota like Honda has a cycle of 5 years on a product, 3 year out before MMC on the last 2 years.
     
    #15 mickey513, Mar 23, 2011
  16. tjeeper

    tjeeper New Member

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    I just bought a new Prius II, paid MSRP. No dealer around here would negotiate lower than that. They are too popular, and there is too much speculation about what is going on in Japan. Worse case scenario is the US dealers run out of their 60 day inventory and have no replacements coming for months. Prices will continue to rise as long as the demand is there and the supply dries up. Or not. No one knows at this point.

    If you want to wait until after the summer, prices will probably be more reasonable than today. If you are planning to buy one within a couple months, you are unlikely to get a better price than you have now. We could not wait, we decided it wasn't worth the risk of having to pay $2k over MSRP next month.
     
    #16 tjeeper, Mar 23, 2011
  17. tpfun

    tpfun New Member

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    Mistake ? Maybe , maybe not, it depends on your personal situation. Why are you buying a new car ? Why a Prius ? What's your budget ? etc etc

    There's a new model year every year. Say you postpone your decision to Mar 2012, then you will be waiting for the 2013 model.
     
    #17 tpfun, Mar 24, 2011
  18. Palmacartney

    Palmacartney New Member

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    Have you tried using the Costco deal in NC? I used it last weekend in CA on a 2011 black II, but we still have lots of inventory here. It's worth a try.
     
    #18 Palmacartney, Mar 24, 2011
  19. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Face it, buying a car is usually a crap shoot.
    Had the arabs not deciced to ALL revolt at the same time, that gas thing would not be a issue. Then life threw in Japan, BAM triple header.
    The net result, not a lot of newly assembled prii showing up, unless you count whats left to load up on the docks, or already on a ship at sea!
    Now Libya, MoMo gotta go!!! Dude smokes way too much Hashish anyway!
    Enjoy yourself, buy one now.
    If you really do not like it, I would bet you could sell it for darn near what you paid for it.

    SNAKE EYES...
    CRAPS...
    NEW SHOOTER...
     
    #19 KK6PD, Mar 24, 2011
  20. tpfun

    tpfun New Member

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    Now, having to sell soon after you buy is definitely a mistake. Any car loses 10-20% immediately out of the dealership and that's not counting the reg fees, taxes etc.
     
    #20 tpfun, Mar 24, 2011
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