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What accessories to buy during the car purchase?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by krausternet, Oct 25, 2011.

  1. krausternet

    krausternet Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2011
    137
    24
    1
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I am planning on buying a 2012 Prius when it comes out soon. I think the level 2 will satisfy my needs as I don't need gps navigation, nor leather seats or the other higher end stuff. I've read that the level 2 will have the big touch screen display so I am looking forward to that at the base 2 price.

    I dread dealing with car dealerships and that final negotiation of price where the salesperson attempts to convince you to add on a lot of accessories to the base price.

    From the 2011 brochure it lists these addon accessories:

    - All-weather cargo mat
    - Ashtray kit
    - Auto-dimming rearview mirror
    - BLU Logic Hands Free System
    - Cargo net
    - Cargo organizer
    - Cargo tote
    - Cargo/trunk mat
    - Carpet floor mats
    - Door edge guards
    - Emergency assistance kit
    - First aid kit
    - Hybrid window applique
    - Illumintated doorsills
    - Interface kit for iPod
    - Lower door moldings
    - Paint protection film
    - Rear bumper applique
    - Remote Engine Starter
    - Vehicle Intrusion Protection plus
    Security System with Glass Breakage Sensor
    - Wheel locks
    - XM Radio

    There are some things that I know I don't want, like XM radio. And some things that I assume I can buy at an autoparts store for a lot less, like the wheel locks.

    Is there any items that you guys suggest I get at the time of purchase? And are there also items that I should definitely not get from the dealer?

    How about protection plans? I've usually avoided these types of things when buying appliances.
     
    #1 krausternet, Oct 25, 2011
  2. Gurple42

    Gurple42 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2011
    354
    41
    3
    Location:
    Santa Monica, Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Take at look at the online store on this website, check their prices on the things you may want, might help with the negotations. Normally I would suggest buying from other than the dealer, but once you have the car and the fever kinda dies you can miss out on some things you really want. kMost of all enjoy the car, it is a smart purchase:)
     
    #2 Gurple42, Oct 25, 2011
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    1,302
    295
    0
    Location:
    California - SF Bay area
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    - Cargo/trunk mat
    - Carpet floor mats
    - Rear bumper applique

    The above may be standard for the SF Bay Area. That's about $300 in extras.

    protection plans?

    They would love to sell you prepaid maintenance and the 100,000 mile extended warranty. But, most PriusChat members would advise you not to buy.
     
    #3 xpcman, Oct 25, 2011
  4. krausternet

    krausternet Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2011
    137
    24
    1
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    thanks for the info. I will check out the online store and have the prices in hand.
     
    #4 krausternet, Oct 26, 2011
  5. sipnfuel

    sipnfuel New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2011
    1,080
    174
    0
    Location:
    So. Cal.
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    None

    They all can be found on ebay for less. This is for OEM/Genuine Toyota stuff, even floormats but my car came with those :).


    Protection plan --- buy the one from this site. But the best part is you don't have to buy it right away so you have time to think about it.
     
    #5 sipnfuel, Oct 26, 2011
  6. DrScooter

    DrScooter Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2011
    62
    11
    0
    Location:
    St.Louis
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Don't deal or shall we say dealer. Look salesman do it for a living, go to Edmunds and read "Cofessions of a Car Salesman". Then look up just what the Prius you want goes for in your area the Edmunds (True Market Value) then buy On-Line. Not everyone agrees, however, I feel it levels the playing field, I don't bargin I know what price I'm willing to pay. You must understand that "if" the car is in high demand, like the Prius usually is you will pay close to MSRP, why should a dealer bargin if he can sell all he has. In my zip code according to Edmunds TMV the Prius II (2011) Sells for (average) $23,921 it's MSRP is $24,280 not much off, the Prius is in demand. Still little things you can do, wait for the 2012 to hit, buy at the end of the month or even wait to January or February as one "seems" to get better deals when no one else is buying. Still I am a firm believer in Internet "Buy" I've purchased 2 cars for myself and one for my mother. Completed everything on-line and went in for 15 minutes to sign. By the way, I asked for NO extras and that was part of my price deal, still when I went to get the car, I got chrome door trim, full carpets and it was "on the house" sort of, anyway. I paid like $50 less than Edmunds after contacting 3 dealers. I had a much better deal last time on my Civic but fact is the Civic was not a "hot" buy like the Prius.
     
    #6 DrScooter, Oct 28, 2011
  7. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    If you are a member, AAA has a buying service. Shop for accessories on line before going to the dealer. PRIUS carpeted mats are nice but if you can can find custom fit mats cheaper is the name worth it? Get 3M or VentureShield film on as much of the car as you can afford--including the cups on the doors & the top of the rear bumper (if you aren't mounting a rubber piece).
     
    #7 JimN, Oct 30, 2011
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