Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
<start email>
Unfortunately no one has the 04 Prius in stock at this time. The 2004 Prius are expected to start delivering to those who have them on order in late October early November. We are expecting to have a couple of "taxi" units, i.e., demos units for test driving only and not for sale, about the middle of October. We currently have a backlog of 25 units on order, and the list is growing. Last Monday the order count when I logged an order was 17 and now its 25. It takes a $500 deposit to get in the queue, which allows you to define the color and the package.
In the initial rollout they are planning to limit the build pattern to three configurations. We expect this to be the build pattern until they can ramp up production. As with most new product introductions our "Best Price" will initially be set at $500 off sticker.
04 Prius Configurations and Pricing including the $515 Destination Charge:
Pkg. #3/AF includes: Rear Intermittent Wiper, D/P Side & Curtain Airbags
$21,345.
Pkg. #8/BG includes: Rear Intermittent Wiper, Smart Keyless Entry System, GPS Navigation, JBL Premium AM/FM/Cass/6-CD w/9 Spkrs.
$23,665.
Pkg. #9/BC includes: Rear Intermittent Wiper, D/P Side & Curtain Airbags, Smart Keyless Entry System, Security Alarm, HomeLink Garage Door Opener, GPS Navigation, JBL Premium AM/FM/Cass/6-CD w/9 Spkrs, Vehicle Skid Control, Fog Lamps, HID Headlamps
$25,760.
<end email>
So if we do a little math, make a very rough estimate of 1000 Priuses for all of Minnesota for a year, about 80 per month, less than 10 per dealer per month... 25 cars represents a 2-3 month backlog. That's VERY rough math. You should ask your local dealer about their backlog, it could vary based on several factors. Also bear in mind that current Prius owners get first dibs on the '04s, so that demand must be satisfied first. When the word gets out about this car, I don't think Toyota will be able to make them fast enough.
> guy put the gizmo in the dash. I love this car!
There are pictures that *STILL* show the original (1998) Prius and claim that it is the classic (2001). So it won't surprise me at all to see a number of mislabeled pictures for the newest (2004) model either.
Lot's of pre-production photos are already making the rounds. Just look for a "Start" button. There isn't one on the production model. The name got changed to "Power". But reporters won't pick up on the fact right away, since they commonly reuse existing materials released to the media. Oh well.
JOHN
One addition is that I GOT MY CALL yesterday from regional! My 2004 is on the way and will be here in less than 2 weeks. Yeah!!!
So watch for a Silver 2004 Prius cruising the streets of the Twin Cities very soon.
JOHN
I had a chance to drive the new Prius & test the intelligent park assist last week in Japan. All I can say is VERY IMPRESSIVE.
The IPA system works very well and it's really quite amazing to experience. As someone mentioned in an earlier post, it doesn't use sonars but instead the rear-back-up camera (Japan-spec only). However, there is no need to worry about running over a dog or anything else for that matter because you, the driver, control the reverse speed by pressing/releasing the brake.
Also, to answer another question about why "P" wasn't part of the shift-lever. I understand from speaking with regulatory people that in some cases (and I don't know what those are), NHTSA requires that the PARK gear be separate from the other gears. As this is not the case with 'conventional' vehicles, I assume it has much to do with the shift-by-wire design.
Anyway, for everyone that has ordered/purchased a new prius, congratulations.. you're getting a great car.
On another note, my sales rep told me recently that his dealership will definitely have one Prius as a demo vehicle. Since I ordered my Prius early Sept. I don't expect to see it until late November to early December. Hopefully sooner than latter. My rep also mentioned to me that a few reps from each Toyota dealer around the state (Texas) will be going down to Austin for a demonstration and education session on the new Prius put together by Toyota.
I plunked down $500 at my local dealer and was told I was first in line to get the single prius they had been allocated for a January delivery. The dealer called and got a commitment for Red which is the color I want but they were unable to tell me which package would be on the car. I would like #6BI and will be real ticked if it has the most expensive #8 or 9 and I have to start all over again. Seems that package #6 with the air bag combo and smart entry would be the most popular. T.
The mechinec who works on the Prius models had his training three weeks ago.
dupie61
WARNING. DRIVER HAS MASTER CONTROL OF THE IPA SYSTEM. PLEASE TAKE CAUTION.
The liability is a huge gray area... and you know how sue happy some people are.
Just look at the odd situation Segway is in. Some people IGNORE the low-battery warning. So after awhile of driving that way, the person falls over because the motors don't have enough electric to balance anymore.
And of course, it won't work well in the north. Optical systems are almost worthless in deep snow. There just plain isn't any way to figure out where the heck the curb is.
Then you've got the possibility that some people will abuse the system by figuring out a way to fake it into doing something it wasn't designed to do. Unfortunately, Americans are well known for being "innovative".
So it quite simply won't be available here at first... someday, perhaps.
JOHN
Also, a special thanks to john1701a, mrvadebon, backy and others regulars here... that have provided a lot of helpful information and feedback in this discussion! ;-)
Revka
Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons
packages your region has decided to order. Yes,
there are 9 packages available from Toyota, but to
make things easier on the individual dealer each
region picks what they think will sell in their
area and that's what's available to dealers in that
region. If you have a good dealer, they may be
able to get you a package that's not in your region,
either through special order, or by swapping with
another dealer in a region that offers that package.
for model 1224 (2004 Prius). Each region chooses among these packages for
what will be ordered/available in that area (so you may not have all 9
options to choose from depending on where you are). With the exception of
FE = 50 state emissions, each package conflicts with all the other
packages (so you can't double them up).
Base 2004 Prius MSRP is $19,995. That does not include the Delivery,
Processing, and Handling (DPH) fee, any option pricing, or any taxes or
advertising fees.
FE = 50 State emissions = MSRP $0
RW = Package #1 = MSRP $180
Rear Intermittent Window Wiper
GY = Package #2 = MSRP $650
Driver/Passenger Side & Curtain Airbags
AF = Package #3 = MSRP $830
Rear Intermittent Window Wiper
Driver/Passenger Side & F/R Curtain Side Airbags
AG = Package #4 = MSRP $1,100
Rear Intermittent Window Wiper
Security Alarm
Homelink Garage Door Opener
Smart Keyless Entry System
AI = Package #5 = MSRP $1,920
Rear Intermittent Window Wiper
Driver/Passenger Side & F/R Curtain Side Airbags
Security Alarm
Homelink Garage Door Opener
JBL Premium AM/FM/Cassette/6-CD In-Dash Audio w/9 Speakers
BI = Package #6 = MSRP $1,280
Rear Intermittent Window Wiper
Driver/Passenger Side & Curtain Side Airbags
Smart Keyless Entry System
AM = Package #7 = MSRP $2,255
Rear Intermittent Window Wiper
Driver/Passenger Side & F/R Curtain Side Airbags
Smart Keyless Entry System
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
Fog Lamps
HID Headlamps
BG = Package #8 = MSRP $3,150
Rear Intermittent Window Wiper
Smart Keyless Entry System
GPS Navigation
JBL Premium AM/FM/Cassette/6-CD In-Dash Audio w/9 Speakers
BC = Package #9 = MSRP $5,245
Rear Intermittent Window Wiper
Driver/Passenger Side & F/R Curtain Side Airbags
Smart Keyless Entry System
Security Alarm
Homelink Garage Door Opener
GPS Navigation
JBL Premium AM/FM/Cassette/6-CD In-Dash Audio w/9 Speakers
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
Fog Lamps
HID Headlamps
In this region, there are only 3 "accessory combination" packages
available for Model 1224 (2004 Prius 5-door liftback, CVT-E). For the
region, 92 Prius were ordered in August (for the September
production/October arrival).
20% of the orders (18 vehicles) were for:
Suffix AG = Combination packages AF + FE = MSRP $21340
AF = Rear window wiper, side & passenger side and curtain airbags
FE = 50 state emissions
40% of the orders (37 vehicles) were for:
Suffix AH = Combination packages AI + FE = MSRP $22430
AI = Rear window wiper, anit-theft system, garage door opener, driver &
passenger side and curtain airbags, JBl AM/FM/cassette/CD changer with 9
speakers
FE = 50 state emissions
40% of the orders (37 vehicles) were for:
Suffix AA = Combination packages BC + FE = MSRP $25755
BC = Rear window wiper, anit-theft system, garage door opener, driver &
passenger side and curtain airbags, JBl AM/FM/cassette/CD changer with 9
speakers, Smart Entry and Start system, navigation, VSC, HID headlamps and
foglamps
FE = 50 state emissions
Color choices were for:
Exterior color: 040 Super White
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 5%
Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 5%
Exterior color: 1C0 Millenium Silver
Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 26%
Exterior color: 202 Black
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 4%
Interior Color: 18 Burgundy/Dark Gray = 7%
Exterior color: 3Q3 Salsa Red Pearl
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 11%
Exterior color: 4S2 Driftwood Pearl
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 18%
Exterior color: 6S9 Tideland Pearl
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 11%
Exterior color: 8S2 Seaside Pearl
Interior Color: 08 Brown/Ivory = 13%
I hear that these will be in by the end of the
month (October). Also, brochures are arriving at
dealerships!
month...
I don't know if that list includes Pioneer orders
or just non-pioneers or trac units or what.
My husband's 2004 (MA) is on that list, though. Pioneer
package 3 = BC = fully loaded.
I need more interior room and I have narrowed it down on the TL board to the I35 and the TL. I've decided to add the Prius to the list- but I won't be placing any order until Late November and I've heard that the $2,000 tax break was going to be cut after 1/1/04. Is that true? If I am getting a Prius, the second to last package listed above (pkg. 7 or 8, depending on dealer inventory) The whole Prius thing depends on how much the Acura/Infiniti dealers are willing to bargain and how fast I can get the Prius and how much the tax break is.
has DRLs.
my dealer at a hybrid gathering event we're having
in Worcester, MA (airport)...
I understand that John just posted a copy of the
12 page brochure in a PDF here:
http://www.john1701a.com/prius/prius-ad03.htm
qualify for the US Federal Clean Fueled Vehicle
tax deduction.
If purchased in calendar year 2003, the deduction
off of your taxible income is $2000. (only a few
hundred dollars off of your actual taxes, depending
on your tax bracket)
If purchased in calendar year 2004, the deduction
off of your taxible income is $1500, thanks to a
sunset provision (that was pushed out...).
Depending on where you live, some states/localities
also give you various tax breaks. PA was offering
a grant program for a while when they had funding.
(TX has the forms, but no funding.) There are
tax credits in OR and I think CO. No/reduced sales
tax in MD, NY, ME. VA owners can get the clean
special fuel plate, which gets them single-occupant
HOV access on VA highways. Many states allow you
to carry over your federal deductions onto your
state income taxes, so you also get the deduction
on state taxes (MA is like this).
Look around, more detailed tax info has been posted
here and elsewhere...
It shows the "power" botton instead of a "start" button. There is also a picture of the front and side airbags fully deployed.
This is it, the wait is almost over. By this time next week, I expect to have driven the new Prius or if I'm lucky have one park in my garage.
I think I need to find another Toyota dealership that acts as though they care about this new amazing car!
I live in Westchester County, NY...right next to the border of Greenwich, CT. Anyone have any personal recommendations?
All 9 option packages are listed as well as a list of standard and option items. Was excited about the color chart (I should have a Salsa Red by Jan) until I looked in the 2004 Camry brochure and noticed that the Camry also comes in Salsa Red - problem is the Salsa Red color chart for the Camry does not match the chart for the Prius. Oh well - minor hitch.
I understand Toyota consulted with Microsoft on this design. ;-)
Ha!
"Why does it look & operate just like every other car? I thought it was suppose to be the advanced new technology." Comments like that is why it looks different and costs more.
Ugly is just an opinion. Improved aerodynamics is a fact. Even SUVs are now beginning to adopt the smoother air-flow shape. It isn't just for the efficiency gain either. It is also because people are now craving something different. Looking just like every other vehicle is considered by some to be boring.
Expensive is a relative term. Some see the extras as desired features, worth that extra cost. For Toyota to release just a Corolla with a hybrid system without any interface enhancements wouldn't generate much attention. The vehicle would just achieve unusually clean emissions and high efficiency. That isn't much of a draw in the land of cheap gas and only minimal air-quality regulations. Goodies like the Multi-Display, Key-Fob, and Electric A/C come standard in Prius. No other vehicle offers these. That makes them a very unique draw, an expense some deem a well justified cost.
So there!
JOHN
About the price, they could offer it as it is currently for the folks who want it that way. They could also offer a model with fewer bells and whistles for those who would like to pay less for one.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
The term "ugly" is extraordinarily vague. Please describe how you'd like a particular aspect of the vehicle to look.
> They could also offer a model with fewer bells and whistles
> for those who would like to pay less for one.
They will. Look beyond what is available at this exact moment. Instead, look at what will be available at the time when the competition begins offering high-volume full-hybrids. That's at least 2007. At that point, a no-frills hybrid version of Corolla should be available.
JOHN
That's not realistic. The hybrid system adds a little bit to the base price of a vehicle. But since you spend less on gas, that little bit will later be saved. In other words, the improved technology isn't free.
Expect to pay less than $3,000 more for a hybrid version of a traditional vehicle.
JOHN
As for cost, I suggest anyone who thinks the Prius is overpriced does some math to compare the ownership costs of a Prius to a similarly-equipped Camry. Remember, the new Prius is closer in interior room to a Camry than a Corolla, plus it has hatchback versatility. The Prius will easily make up the small bump in price compared to a Camry with gas savings. Also remember the Federal tax incentive of $2000 off taxable income ($1500 next year) that will save most people hundreds of dollars in taxes.