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Potential 1st time Prius or PIP owner

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by JJBuckley, Nov 16, 2015.

  1. JJBuckley

    JJBuckley Member

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    Just talked to the owner and operator at Tampa Hybrids, super nice guy, answered all my questions. Going to go see him next week. Thanks for the suggestion JC91006
     
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  2. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Re: CA great on HOV so I think it could be a good time to import a used PiP, just like in 2012 it was good to go back East for new PiP.

    As far as H. Sandy you know it was Sept 2012 and some new PiPs and regular Prii in New York City/North Jersey ports got water damage on the ships. They were on the ships coming into the ports for delivery. At the time in the news we had a bunch of Fiskar Karmas catch on fire due to the sea water exposure on the lithium batts, but also a few Prii if I recall a few PiPs and even regular Prii with NiMH batts smoldering as well. I presume the worst damages were not sold but I do not know about the total picture. I am just a little paranoid. Depending on purchase history of your car, you might be able to get an idea. You know on the door there is a sticker of mfg date I do not know if port of entry is on there.

    This reminds me I think one time Tampa Hybrids said he saw a PiP Li Batt on Ebay for $1500...maybe I know why
     
    #22 wjtracy, Nov 17, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2015
  3. sillylilwabbit

    sillylilwabbit Active Member

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    Thanks for the info on H Sandy.

    I don't think if someone were to import a used PIP in to california will make a lot of money after you factor in the cost to transport it.

    2012/2013 PIPs are selling for about $17,000, but when the HOV stickers run out, then those will have a premium price tag.

    So the problem issue is: do you bring a PIP now and sell to make a little more after transportation costs and let the new buyer pay for the HOV sticker for $8, or wait until the HOV stickers run out then bring the PIP into california, but the new buyer won't have access to HOV stickers.

    Either way, it is still only a small premium in calif, unless you are will to bring the PIp to calif and register it and obtain the HOV sticker and wait until the HOV sticker is depleted then sell the PIP at a premium.

    At this point, the only reason why prius are a little more in calif is because of gas prices and gas taxes.

    The only person who can make decent money in this situation is a person with a dealer's license who has access to the off lease/fleet auctions. They are buying these PIPs for a little above $10k and bring them to calif, and obtain HOV stickers (dealers are able to obtain HOV while the car sits on the dealer lot) and sell then for $17'ish.

    The above is my opinion.




    iPhone ?
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would go with tampa prius, just because he's a respected member here. it's worth paying a little more for peace of mind. you're getting spectacular pricing anyway. all the best!(y)
     
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  5. m.wynn

    m.wynn Senior Member

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    Agree! Just looked through his inventory and he's got a slew of sweet PiPs with great pricing. Guess Tampa is the place to buy a used PiP. Now I'm gonna have a constant, irrational obsession to fly down and drive one home!!
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not if it's february.:)
     
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  7. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Good point the beach on that side of FL is really nice with nice shells and all
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm thinking you can buy now, drive till gas prices go up and sell at a profit.;)
     
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    what if gas goes down further?
     
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  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you'll get to drive it longer.:p
     
  11. Stormz

    Stormz Member

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    You guys are making me jealous. Wish we had Plug In Prius here in Australia.
     
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  12. JJBuckley

    JJBuckley Member

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    When the 2018 Plug-In Amphibious Prius comes out I'll drive you one over from Florida, is your address still "P Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney NSW Australia"?
     
  13. mrlebop

    mrlebop Member

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    I bought my first Prius (a 2012 Plug-In with 51k miles) this month. Love it. I bought it from a no-haggle dealer in Norristown PA for $13,999. They had 5 used Prius Plug-Ins, ranging from 2013 with 8k miles at $18,000 to mine with 51k miles at $14k. Out the door price was just over 15k. Sounds familiar, even though in a different state.
     
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    wow! those prices are scary!:eek:
     
  15. JJBuckley

    JJBuckley Member

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    Scary high? Scary low?
     
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    low, very low. they may not look low to you, but to someone who paid 30k 3 1/2 years ago...
     
  17. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    I asked Dory.
    She said she didn't remember.....

    Think of it as an early adopter tax.
    Your Pip is just as dependable and economical as it was when you bought it.
    Think of all of the off-lease Pips running around as an incentive for Toyota to make more of them someday.

    In the end, you want to drive a car until it's only worth a few thousand bucks....then sell it and buy a replacement.
     
  18. randalla

    randalla Member

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    I just bought a 2012 base PIP this October from Carvana out of Atlanta. (not the car in my avatar which I traded for the PIP). Perfectly clean on Carfax car coming off lease out of Rochester NY. 34k miles and paid $16,000, delivered. And I do mean delivered! Carvana delivered it to me sight unseen at my work in Charlotte and took my 2010 in trade all in one transaction. 7 day money back or trade for another car in their inventory, no questions asked! What a great operation Carvana is! Let me know if you are interested in dealing with Carvana & I can send you one of their cards they give new clients to give to prospectives that give $500 off for you and $100 to me! Win-win!
     
  19. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Nice and it's got CARB credentials too...if the batt breaks down after 100k, just move to New Jersey:p
    (but I am not expecting a problem...just thought I'd make a New Jersey joke)
     
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  20. boricua

    boricua New Member

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    hi JJ
    I am a new Prius buyer in the making. I noticed that Offleaseonly has similar deals for these Prius. Did you buy yours at EVO Motors? any feedback? I am hoping to get a Plug in Hybrid so I get a few miles in electric and gas as well.