2004-2009 Toyota Prius Prices Paid and Buying Experience

seismo123

I just talked to a dealer in Alabama. If I buy the car there, I pay their tax ~ 4%, then pay the difference when I register the car in Houston, another 4.25%

Has anyone bought a car in CA who doesn't reside there?

gagrice

That is true also. I tried to buy a vehicle in CA and register in Alaska that does not have sales tax. The dealer informed me they can no longer sell without charging the local CA tax which is 8.25% is some cities. I ended up flying to Portland to get one vehicle and Denver to get another.

greentea69

It sounds like in DC area, you don't have to pay taxes. Also, the prices there are close to CA's. Check out Priuschat.com!

jaxs1

How many times are you going to keep mentioning Priuschat.com?

CarMan@Edmunds

Hi thomaskl1. I believe that Toyota had been providing lease support on the Prius for a number of months, not just March. The only reason that it ceased providing a special money factor on the Prius in April is that is replaced all of its existing support on it with special option package discounts of up to $2,000.

Car_man
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CarMan@Edmunds

You're very welcome, anchovy. It definitely is very time consuming . What you were told is correct. When Toyota introduced the special option package discounts on the Prius in April it stopped providing special lease money factors on it. As a result, if you were to lease one through Toyota Financial Services right now, you would have to use its standard lease program. Its standard money factor varies somewhat by region, but the factor that you mentioned looks about right to me. The best that you can do is shop around for the lowest possible selling price on the Prius that you want and have the dealer that gives it to you use the money factor that you mentioned to calculate your monthly payment.

Car_man
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CarMan@Edmunds

Hi Jerry . I see that you are considering trading in your Camry on a lease of a new Prius. There's nothing wrong with trading in a vehicle when leasing, however it would be in your best interest to have the dealer that you are working with cut you a check for your trade rather than using the proceeds from it as a down payment for your lease. I always advise consumers against making large down payments on leases. Those who do risk losing part or all of their down payment if their vehicle is totaled in an accident or stolen and never recovered.

The lease money factor that you were quoted for the Prius that you are interested in looks about right to me. In your post you mentioned that this car's cap cost is $23,236.38. Is this before or after the down payment is applied? If it is before, this is a great deal. If this is after, not so much.

Car_man
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kyfdx

I'm going to guess: Maybe one more time at the most.. :surprise:

Thanks,
kyfdx
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seismo123

Enough about Pruis chat....

I'm looking for the best price for Base + #5 between LA and Palm Springs...

If someone paid less than 25K please let me know.

Thanks,
Merritt

lowemission

Hey, we picked up our Prius with Package 6 with matts this Monday. So far, so good. Wife couldnt be happier. We got it from Thompson Toyota in Doylestown, PA. Deal through internet was $25,500+tax and tags.

carlstraub

Hi,
It has VERY helpful examples of RECENT prices paid here in So. Cal. and elsewhere.
Seems to me its valuable to buyers to get all the knowledge they can before purchase.
Carl

kyfdx

It might be valuable....

But, you can't promote other forums, on this forum...

Though your membership is free, this is a profit-making enterprise...

Thanks!
kyfdx

youngjo6

Car_man,
First of all, you're a saint.
I'm looking at a 2007 package 2 with a net cap cost=21995 and a money factor=.0025.
I was wondering if you knew the current residuals for area codes 93030 and 93101(Oxnard and Santa Barbara CA) and if 21995 is a good price for that model.
Thanks!!!

weldmax

I have had quotes from several dealers in So Cal. First, go through their internet/fleet department. I went to San Bernadino Toyota and the price was dropped $1K just for coming in. I know of a dealer north of Victorville that quoted me Base Prius w/ Pkg 5 for $24,400. I also hear that if you belong to AAA, that you can get a lower price as well. Does anyone know if THIS is true? If I don't get my local dealer to work with me...I am headed north.

weldmax

I dont see how being a state resident has anything to do with it. I used to live in Missouri and you could go to Kansas and get the same price as a Kansas resident...lower taxes there.

The no credit card deal is due to them having to pay a percentage of the purchase to process the credit card sale.

weldmax

I just got a quote from Souters Toyota in Barstow for the base plus pkg#5 for $24,400. Grey with grey interior. Good luck. I would avoid Valley Hi in Victorville, they like to play games.

weldmax

We have been talking to 5 dealerships in So Cal around the Ontario/San Bernardino/Victorville area and I have to say, be patient and check them out. Do your legwork online, talk to fleet manager and internet folks and know what you want. Unfortunately for us as consumers, the Prius is a HOT car and we may not be able to deal as if we were looking for a Hummer or some other gas guzzler. The best price I have seen is $24,400 for base with pkg#5. I do not know any hidden fees with this and am going to investigate this dealer this weekend. Will keep you posted.....

prusa

I called a dealer nearby and gave them the price you paid in PA and they accepted to give me the same price. I will stop by next week and see if they can cut down on the price since GA dealers now have the incentive for 2,000 +750. I need to go and talk to these people. Thanks for your help. It paid off to find out what others paid.
By the way, do you really enjoy this car? I can't wait to get mine.
PRUSA

prusa

Did you buy it for 24,400? If so let me know. I wanted a package 6 because of the leather seats, but think it is too pricey. Let me know if you get a better deal than 24,400. Is 25,500 a good deal for a package 6? If anyone I hear from the forum that is a good deal, I'll make a deal with the dealer with this dealer who wants my business. What do you think? Anyone out there is welcome to give me their opinion.
Should I take this deal?

heidiprius

21,599 for level 2-@Mossey-Internet-is the besy price so far
22,300 Escondido Toy
21,995 San Diego Toy
22,100 Poway Toy
does anyone know what Costco price is?

mmcar2

Regarding AAA member discount, I belong to AAA and contacted dealers in my area. Toyota told me they will give a price of 3% above invoice, however that is the price, take it or leave it. The whole idea is no hassle and no negotiating. I have read that using this method you may get a fair price, you may not necessarily get the best price. I live in NJ however, so it might be different in your area.

I you want to read more about AAA and other similar discounts, there is a forum here, good luck!

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef3d20a

lowemission

We dig it. Its alot of technology to get used to! I saw some prices over on PriusChat.com and looked like some Cali drivers were getting a better deal than us. That may have to do with the volume of Prius (What is the plural of Prius?) sold out there. I saw one deal for a Touring Pack 6 for 25400.

My advice is watch the trade-in. Have another dealer in the wings just in case they try to screw you.

weldmax

From what I have seen, that $21,599 is a good price for a pkg2. That is what I was quoted from a dealer in the high desert. Good luck.

treagan

I'm buying this weekend. The range is 21,500 to 20,900 is L.A. area (pkg. 2). The problem is I want mag grey and the 20900 dealers have my least favorite colors. So is my first choice color worth $300? thats my dilemma.

salme

GRAB THAT CAR!!!!

That's exactly the car I'm looking for in MD/DC area, and have been told it's been discontinued "for this area". I'm not sure from your msg. if you want the Touring or not. (I Do).

I've been told so many different stories I've lost count. The Touring is no different from the base is my favorite. Clearly, even the Toyota website states in the specifications that it has a different suspension and shocks (both are refered to as "tuned". This can (according to wikipedia) result in a "stiffer ride" which I gather means you feel more of the potholes, because the suspension is tighter between the two wheels, so hit a pothole in one wheel, feel it in the other.

I'm more interested in it as a safety feature. Apparently, the better suspension can reduce single-car accident rates by 80%.

Everyone tells me that you can't get the touring now for love or money. It's weird you'd have them in TX, because the roads are so flat and straight, for the most part. The Touring is better for hilly terrain, or switchbacks.

I'm extremely frustrated that I can't find the touring in my area, but I have a guy with a Base Blue No. 5 (bisque int.) ready to sell to me for 25.4K. Wanna trade?

seismo123

You can have it. I have a few quotes for you if you want them. The Package #5 is only available here with the Touring model.

These are prices I got in CA.
I want to thank the people here who submitted their dealerships b/c that's who I contacted and got the same prices.

Carlsbad Toyota - Base + #5 = $24,043 + TT&L -
Longo Toyota had a price (same package) $24,439 + TT&L but will NOT sell to out-of-state.

I'm not in CA but getting one from Costa Mesa (same package) for $23,774 flatbedded to Texas ($650) - don't have to pay CA tax that way. THE ONLY way NOT to have to pay CA sales tax of 7.75% is to flatbed your car. I got 5 quotes from carriers, between 650-750 for 1500 miles. It's worth it for me.

All these quotes were about $2000 less than Houston.

rcinmd

When gas prices were down earlier this year, and with sales of the Prius dropping, and production on the upswing, I decided to take the plunge. I had been reading about the Touring, and since I "like" cars, I figured that had to be my choice.

It became clear quickly that there might be one Touring for every 40 standard models. I found a pkg 2 Touring in Hagerstown, Md in January, and in February, when the transaction prices were falling, and zero percent financing was available, the car was still on the lot. I drove it back to back with a standard pkg 2. While the standard seemed a bit smoother, it was on the interstate where I decided the Touring was the way to go.

For the first 1000 miles, I drove it much as I do any new car, very very carefully. Gradually I began to push it a bit more through curves, and found it to be surprisingly good.

On my drive to Fla last week, I took Rt 220 out of Roanoke, Va towards Martinsville. Anyone familiar with that route knows that just north of Martinsville, the road almost becomes a chicane. I thought back almost 35 years to when I would attack those curves in my Corvair. I'll admit the Prius, with its electric steering, does not communicate quite as well as some, but I glided through that series of curves like in the old days, upwards of 75 mph, and it tracked beautifully.

Today, while heading back to work after lunch, as I approached a left turn I have taken for years, I found myself going for the clutch, and reaching for the gearshift....I am starting to drive 'normally' again, and I guess after not having an automatic transmission for 35 years, old habits are tough to break.

What's easy to take is the gas mileage, which is very good I think considering that my commute is less than 3 miles, and the car really does not become efficient within that distance. With the warm temps, I'm doing about 46 mpg. On longer drives, non-interstate, I'll see a bit over 50. Running 75 mph on flat ground, about 44. The sweet spot for the car seems to be 45 - 60.

Having said all this, I'm glad I found a Touring, but I bet a decent set of tires in the standard size would transform that one as well, at a slight loss in fuel efficiency.

aroxas

I live in Northern NJ. A dealer just quoted me Touring #3 an MSRP of 26,072 but was willing to sell me the car for $24,856. Is this a fair price?

What would be a fair price for a touring #6?

Thanks.

treagan

Just bought grey pkg. 2 at 21244 +ttl in so. cal (thousand oaks).

joecarnut

from the quotes I have received I have to concur with the pkgs available in so cal

joecarnut

what state and is that all tax and fees?

heidiprius

So Cal, avail for 19,900 to 20,500 for level 2 several dealers based on inventory on hand & certain colors.

treagan

what dealers in so cal have 19,900 to 20,500 pkg. 2 in the last week?
thanks.

weldmax

That seems high to me. I know California is a Prius mecca but that car can be bought here for $22-$23K. I actually have been quoted a pkg 5 for $24300. Check around my friend and do your research on line.

dc94587

I bought a pkg#5 for $23685 + lic/doc/fees for $26K OTD. That was in mid April in Nortern California. I added the leather afterward for $800 by buying a set from ebay and having it installed by the the shop my dealer uses. It is just like the leather in pkg6. Don't buy a pkg6. The difference between 5 and 6 is just too much.

prusa

You said you bought a pkg#5 for $23685 and this is the deal I have been looking for. I would like for you to give me the dealer's name, town, city, etc. so I can get in contact with them. I will appreciate if you email me ASAP.
PRUSA

jaxs1

Prices offered to you are going to be different based on what they give you on your trade-in and whether or not you buy extra stuff from them like extended warranties and dealer-installed accessories or if they handle getting the financing for you and how much of a markup/commission they get on the financing deal.

It is easy to shuffle and shift hundreds or even thousands of dollars around in a car purchase deal based on how much they overvalue or undervalue your trade-in to suit their purposes. Each used car being traded in and the circumstances around it is different, so other peoples trade-ins really muddy any prices they claim to have paid on their new car and make comparison useless.

Just because someone says they got a certain price at a certain dealer doesn't mean you can match it without knowing all the facts and details behind it.

heidiprius

San Diego Dealers not sure what LA is quoting
tax & lic doc fee is xtra limited to what's on hand for promotion.

uppsala

Exactly one month ago I purchased the #6 package with the silver green mica color (hard to find in this area). I live in the San Francisco Bay Area of California and paid $24,900 before taxes and license. Hope this helps you negotiate a good deal.

jccastillo1067

Yesterday (May 27, 2007) we tried to buy a package #6 touring. The invoice price was approximately 25,950. I don't know what was in the head of this salesman from Frontier Toyota (in Valencia Auto Mall - Santa Clarita, CA) why he sold it to me 30,500 - Out-The-Door (OTD). I'm willing to pay 26,050+ Taxes & License = approximately 28,500 OTD. Do you think this is good? Can anybody help me or give me advice?

dc94587

Hayward Toyota. $23685+ tax/docs/fee = $26K OTD for a pkg5. No trade-in, no options, no accessories, just a black standard pkg5. The finance guy really tried to sell all those ripoffs but I sat there shaking my head the whole time.
Ebay has the leather for about $500. Find a local uphostery shop to get it installed for you for $300. Buy the extended warranty from any dealer when the standard warranty is about to expire. You can find the extended warranty for under $1000 on priuschat.com. The finance guy wanted $2999 for it. He wished.
Oh, we paid cash and we have a SF county address (which is the lowest sales tax rate county in Bay Area.)
The finance guy didn't look like very happy when we left. I beleive I got a good deal.

wooha2000

All / Anyone - have you seen /expereinced any indication of Pruis pricing firming up? Meaning, dealerships not moving much off of MSRP as the price of Gas has gone up?

larsb

Well, my guess is that they are DEALING because just yesterday in Scottsdale, AZ I saw 8 Priuses lined up in the Toyota lot.

I've never seen that many in one place for sale before in the Phoenix area.

zencalc

Hey all;
my wife and I test drove a sweet black pkg. #5 this week-end here in Oregon. Price is 26,650. What do you think? Would we do better leasing, since I mainly use it to commute.

jtny

I live in Manhattan, New York. Does anyone bought Prius with #2 recently in this area? How much is the fair price? Thank you!

florida_wen

Sorry I can't answer your question, but I have a very curious question I would like to ask YOU, as I once lived in Connecticut (born and raised for 48 years) then seven years ago moved down here to Florida............. :confuse:
Is is possible to get the Pruis TOURING in Silver Pine Mica in New York, Connecticut area ???? When I go to "buyatoyota.com" website and put in some of my old Connecticut Zip codes, it does NOT give that color (SPM) as well as one or two others, as a "choice" for the TOURING, just the NON-Touring....... I was wondering (VERY CURIOUS) that if I was living in "your area", could I have been able to actually purchase an '07 Silver Pine Mica TOURING ?? OR, is the website correct..... NOT AVAILABLE COLOR in TOURING edition ????????
Thanks................

norskeyman

In my area (Minnesota), Toyota dealers have very few Prius models, and they're selling them at, or very close to, sticker price. At least that's the story they told me when I dropped by. The dealership that sold me my Prius two months ago had about 30 in stock at the time. I stopped by today, and the inventory was down to ONE! Funny what high gas prices can do.

colourmix

We shopped for about a month - started at SF Toyota where we were told that Magnetic Gray cars were in extremely short supply, and package 4 wasn't being made anymore.

Asked around at other dealerships (Melody Toyota in San Bruno, City Toyota in Daly City) and got the same answer.

Both my wife and I were pretty much set on the Magnetic Gray - so even though cars in other colors were available, we weren't interested. Almost put down a deposit on a Pkg #6 Touring Edition (just for the color) but somebody else bought it first. That car was being offered for $28,800.

Based on what SF Toyota had told us, we'd accepted the upsell to Pkg #5 and put a $500 deposit down. The very next day we saw a Pkg #5 craigslist ad for Antioch Toyota (abt 50 miles from SF). Headed all the way out but found out it looked like a bait-and-switch! We got a good salesman who was very apologetic, and actually managed to find a Pkg #4 for us. Finally bought the car last Saturday for $24,500 + tax etc. Love it!

timhooligan

Hi all!

Just bought a Barcelona Red Package #5 for $24,000 even (plus TTL) in the Washington, DC metro area at Jim Coleman Toyota. It arrived off the truck with 1 mile on it and I couldn't be any happier! The process took a while since Package #5's are in high demand (versus #4s) so I waited a week to get the exact one I wanted. The dealership offered $400 UNDER invoice on any Prius I wanted, and he got the exact one!

The funny part was that the price difference between #4 and #5 worked out to be about $390, which is cheaper than buying a Garmin Nav.

Good luck and don't pay anything close to MSRP!!!

timhooligan

There must be a dealership disease, because a bunch of dealerships I went to used that same lame excuse. "You won't find a package #5 in red because Toyota isn't making them anymore. BUT, we have many package #4's on the lot!!!"

Liars!!!!