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What to expect from the next model year Prius - READ ONLY

311 messages,  Last post on Apr 26, 2009 at 6:43 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Hybrid Cars, Car Buying, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 31

#1 of 311 Waiting for the 2009 Prius? by dramades

Jul 17, 2006 (3:20 pm)

Hi all,
 
I'm new to the board, but it looks like good info and friendly folks. I test drove a 2006 Prius and fell in love. Doing my research and comparisons now. Found info re: "all new" engine w/increased mpg and cheaper MSRP for the 2009 (avail in '08), yet the Fed tax credit will be eliminated by then.
 
Sooo, the ? is, does anyone have an opinion on whether the price decrease would make up for no tax credit? Yeah, I know, it might be hard to tell and I really don't want to wait that long to buy one frankly. It would mean pumping money into my 1997 Ford Contour w/107K mi and I think that's a mistake! Ideas? Thanks so much.

#2 of 311 Re: Waiting for the 2009 Prius? [dramades] by gagrice

Jul 17, 2006 (4:31 pm)

Replying to: dramades (Jul 17, 2006 3:20 pm)
Welcome to the Forum.
 
Buy now! There is no way the Prius will be less money than it is now. Unless they cannot sell them and have deep discounts. I would not count on that. Also the credits are still at the top dollar. They will go down soon I would imagine that Toyota is near 60k units for this year. Your 10 year old car is not worth a lot. I would not use it as a trade-in. Get your own financing or better yet pay cash.

#3 of 311 Re: Waiting for the 2009 Prius? [dramades] by pathstar1

Jul 17, 2006 (9:32 pm)

Replying to: dramades (Jul 17, 2006 3:20 pm)
The 2009 is also reputed to get LiI batteries and be plug-in capable, for much better mileage on short trips. Short trips (1-3 mi)is where the current Prius gets its' worst mileage - still not bad, just not as good as it gets on longer trips.
 
Most Prius officionados think it will cost a lot more, because of the battery (lighter weight) and charger. But mostly because it will be in great demand initially.
 
This is a conundrum for many prospective owners. It's a high tech. car, and high tech things go "obsolete" fast. The current car has been shown to last a long time (mileage wise) in taxi service and has been pretty trouble free, with only a few owners having problems. I'm planning on getting a 2006 as soon as I can.
 
One remark I found entertaining - there are a lot of discussions on how expensive the traction battery will be to replace. One owner phoned Toyota USA and asked how many had failed. The answer was none so far! In any generation Prius. The cost isn't too bad anyway - currently around $2000. I think they can be rebuilt as well, as they are modular.

#4 of 311 Re: Waiting for the 2009 Prius? [gagrice] by kdhspyder

Jul 18, 2006 (4:39 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Jul 17, 2006 4:31 pm)
As Gary said buy now if you can. Typically on every model Toyota, and most others as well, do not change the pricing from the last model. It usually stays within a few hundred $$ but more features are added, that's the 'discount'.
 
Unless Congress extends the incentives program which I think is unlikely the $3150 incentive is very valuable now in today's dollars.

#5 of 311 Re: Waiting for the 2009 Prius? [pathstar1] by dramades

Jul 18, 2006 (10:33 am)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Jul 17, 2006 9:32 pm)
Thank you all for the quick feedback. This site rocks!! Yes, I agree that the tax credit is a wonderful incentive now and I doubt the 2009 will drop in price more than the $3,150, if that.
 
I'm hoping if I buy a 2006 and it proves as reliable as I expect, it will hold its value. Consumer's shows hybrids (Honda included) as losing more in depreciation dollars than coventional, however, as gas prices increase, reliability stays sound, and people want these cool cars I personally don't think the depreciation will be as much. Any thoughts on that? BTW, can I still order a 2006? I read on Toyota site they are taking orders as of 7/12 for 2007...

#6 of 311 Re: Waiting for the 2009 Prius? [dramades] by pathstar1

Jul 18, 2006 (2:33 pm)

Replying to: dramades (Jul 18, 2006 10:33 am)
Not sure why anyone thinks the hybrids depreciate fast - dealers are selling one year old Prii with up to 10,000 mi on them for only a few thousand less than new list price (about 10% discount). What's surprising to me is they sell! Especially in the US where the used one wouldn't get the tax credit.
 
I was offered one a few weeks ago here in Canada, but I passed. For a few thousand $ extra I'm getting a new one!

#7 of 311 Toyota has a target of 94 MPG for the next Prius.... by larsb

Jul 18, 2006 (3:09 pm)

If the 2009 Prius hits the showroom floors at 94 MPG, there will be no need for a tax credit, an HOV sticker, or any other incentives.

#8 of 311 Re: Waiting for the 2009 Prius? [pathstar1] by dramades

Jul 18, 2006 (3:32 pm)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Jul 18, 2006 2:33 pm)
I think the idea is that once the vehicle gets close or past the battery warranty period then you're looking at a nice bill to fix or replace and the resale value would be lower than a conventional car. I am considering that somewhat in my decision whether to purchase one.
 
You are right re: prices. Just saw an ad here in SD for $28K for a 2005 w/6300 mi. Granted probably top of line, but no tax credit so doesn't seem like a deal to me.
 
Will you purchase an extended warranty? I've read one can be had on the east coast of US for $875 and used anywhere...sounds good...any thoughts out there?

#9 of 311 Re: Waiting for the 2009 Prius? [dramades] by pathstar1

Jul 18, 2006 (8:10 pm)

Replying to: dramades (Jul 18, 2006 3:32 pm)
I'll tell you what I've read elsewhere.
 
Battery - one member of another forum asked a Toyota exec (in parts as I recall), "how many batteries have failed?". The answer was none, in any Prius, any model year. Remember there are some Prii being operated as taxis, and there is a report that some of them are over 200,000 mi now and still going strong. The member then checked on battery replacement cost - about $2000. I don't think the battery is an issue.
 
Extended warrenty - I don't like extended warrenties, especially on a Nissan, Toyota, etc. because they are so reliable. I am going to eventually purchase one. Some of the parts of this car that have failed (on a very few owners) are very expensive. The approx. $900 is worth it just for peace of mind!

#10 of 311 Re: Waiting for the 2009 Prius? [pathstar1] by dramades

Jul 18, 2006 (9:40 pm)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Jul 18, 2006 8:10 pm)
What year was the first Prius on the market?
 
I'll check into the extended warranty. Is the std 3 yrs/36K bumper to bumper? Wonder if the extension differs depending on state as I'm in CA where the battery warranty is longer already. Anyone know?
 
Another option I'm considering is driving my son's 1991 Honda Accord EX (178K mi) while he's away at college and wait for the 2009, however, I'm thinking the price of the vehicle will be at least what it is now if not higher and no tax credit. Depends on how much one drives on how long it wouold take to make up the difference even at double the mileage. I don't drive more than 12-13K yr. Decisions, decisions!!

Messages Page 1 of 31

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