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What's a better deal - used 2008 or new 2009?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by pumpkin21, May 1, 2009.

  1. pumpkin21

    pumpkin21 New Member

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    hello everyone..

    i'm considering getting a prius and wanted to know what was a better deal.

    i'm looking at a used 2008 silver prius at $20,991.. the price does not include tax and registration yet.. i'm assuming it's package 6 since it has leather seats (i believe this is the only package that comes with leather seats but correct me if i'm wrong)

    or

    a brand new 2009 prius in black (the color i want) with package #2 for $23,195..

    i'm also considering a new 2009 prius w. package #6 (i really want the leather seats, but don't know if it's worth the extra money.. i don't really care for all the other features that come with pack #6 that aren't already include in pack #2.. my bf did sugget that i get pack #2 and get custom leather seats which will be cheaper then getting pack #6.. LOL)

    any feedback is appreciated..

    thanks :)

    pumpkin21
     
  2. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Of course only you know your requirements and constraints well enough to answer the question, but I'd get the new 2009 #2. I'm always leery of used cars because of doubts about maintenance, and especially used Prius as so much can be wrong with an abused one.
     
  3. Sandy

    Sandy Hippi Chick

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    I loved used as you can go to dealer and pull all service records...but price is so close go new :)
     
  4. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Careful with used cars ...

    there is currently a used 2008 Spectra Blue Mica at Fremont Toyota pack 5 for sale

    trouble is, the finish is heavily micro-swirled, circular scratches in the clear (outer) coat all over the car. Have to catch finish at the right angle to the light to see it.

    A rookie will not notice this. Looks like someone used an orbital buffer incorrectly.

    One must know what they're doing to not marr the finish on a car.
     
  5. Mach1

    Mach1 New Member

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    Hello Pumpkin, I recently purchased a 08 Touring package 6 with 3700 miles for $21,000. I worked hard shopping but found a great deal from private party seller. I would advise to try to buy used from a private party or buy new; it appears there will be great deals on new 09's in the next few months, maybe rebates up to $3000. which means possibly $6000. off the price of a new package 6. My advise is to take your time and be patient. If you buy new, deal with the internet dept and ask for price via email. For used try VEHIX or autotrader.com. Good Luck
     
  6. pumpkin21

    pumpkin21 New Member

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    hi everyone..

    thanks for all the feedback.. i've decided to wait for deals on a new 09 prius instead of the used 08.. hopefully some will come up soon with the new 10 coming out soon.. =)

    -pumpkin
     
  7. CharlesJ

    CharlesJ Member

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    You may want to expand your search on the Internet beyond your area and see what is available. If nothing else, it may be a bargaining chip for you.
     
  8. NorcrossPrius

    NorcrossPrius New Member

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    Bargaining definately helps, especially where there are more than 1-2 Toyota dealerships out there. I wrestled with the same question for a while. Hardly any dealerships in Atlanta are selling because no one is buying. They do have some low mileage (under 20K) used Priuses here for $18-19K.

    The the route I did, I totally owned a dealer for a new one. Just this week bought a 2009 Black with Option #2 for..... $18.5K!!!! MSRP was $24.5K BEFORE the option package. The dealer is so slow on selling them, they took a loss in selling the car to me because I wouldnt budge and took a brand new car for $20K out the door (plus sales tax is tax deductable for 2010 federal tax). Ammunition to keep in mind to get them to lower the price:

    1. Prius sales are down 50% from last year
    2. Gas is less than $2 a gallon
    3. 2010s are practically here
    4. Dealer inventory is high
    5. Economy is bad

    I just went there, presented everything to them, told them I wasn't going to go below the price I asked, after 3 days and 3 phone calls from the dealer, I got what I wanted. Peace.
     
  9. hampdenwireless

    hampdenwireless Active Member

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    Dealers in MD are selling the #2 2009's for $21500. I would go for the 2009 but at invoice minus incentives.

    Right now you should be able to get almost any package Prius at invoice - the $1000 incentive. The dealer is still profit in most cases at that kind of price.
     
  10. pumpkin21

    pumpkin21 New Member

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    WOW!! 20K OTD.. i pretty much got laughed in the face when i told them i wanted $22K OTD.. i even went back and asked for invoice (-) Rebate (+) tax/reg/license and was still told that they can't sell at that price.. apparently 2009 prii are still selling like hotcakes out here in SoCal and dealers don't have much in stock... either the deals here are playing me or im not talking to the right dealer..
     
  11. DIG

    DIG Junior Member

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    We just bought a 2007 Prius #2 with only 11,000 miles on it for 18,000. That was by far the best deal we saw in our area. We also took the car to our mechanic who checked it out for 45 minutes. We trust him. He said we had a real find. We've been driving it for 6 weeks. So far, so good.
     
  12. NorcrossPrius

    NorcrossPrius New Member

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    I know, they laughed at me first too. But if they are pushing $22K OTD stick with it, when I walked away the first time I knew they would call back later with a lower offer. Yeah, $18.5K for a brand new Prius? There is no way I could say no to it, but in Cali I dont know how the deals work, good luck though.