It's decided. I'm buying a 2005 Toyota Prius. The test drive went great! The car is spacious, comfy, feels almost like a luxurious sedan, quite as can be when the motor & AC aren't runny, and just plain cool!
I'm going to do my utmost best to get a Seaside Pearl or Tideland Pearl in a Package 4 with an XM radio installed. I don't need GPS Navigation, Blue Tooth or a 6-CD changer, but I do want the Vehicle Traction Control and the Smart Key is a nice bonus. :)
I'm fairly confident I can get this car at MSRP in the time frame I'm looking. I called around to various dealers in Central Florida this afternoon and I think it's possible. I got clueless jack*ss's who had no idea what their inventory was or would be - one even seemed to try to talk me out of a more expensive package (!), a couple of nice guys who thought they could help me and would get back to me (they haven't yet), and one very nice lady who gave me all kinds of information. And then wanted to tack a $3K "Market Value Adjustment" to the sticker price. Well, okay, she could probably talk her boss down to $1,500. Um, do I look stupid to you?? Sure this car is in demand and there is a waiting time, but I'm not paying about market value lady. That's okay, I'm taking the info I learned from her and calling a dealer I talked to on Thursday. He seemed very much on the up and up and no market value adjustment fee. If he can come through with car, he deserves my business.
I'm soo excited!! This car is unbelievably cool. :)
Posted by Jinglelady at May 14, 2005 10:56 PM | TrackBackI'm more then excited that your going with this choice. Yes! A nice choice love! :)
Posted by: Brat at May 16, 2005 05:00 AMI didn't even know you could buy a Prius in Germany. I have seen one driving along the main street here (but the main street here leads to Patch Barracks and the car had US plates, so I presumed it was a US import). Heavens, I was even at a Toyota dealership two weks ago and didn't see one!
And a $3 grand "Market Value Adjustment"? Nice try.
Posted by: actualfactual at May 16, 2005 10:19 PMNeil - the sales guy (totally cool, btw) said they're having problems getting inventory because America is sucking them all up. Same thing with the other two hybrids that Toyota/Lexus is coming out with this year - they have 8-12 month waits on those already.
Posted by: Anna at May 16, 2005 11:52 PMThere's a black (German registered) Prius in my neighbourhood. I see it from time to time (usually at the supermarket). It's the first one I've ever seen, and frankly I don't like how it looks. However, I won't be driving your car, Jingle, so if it's what you want then go for it! Congrads on a 'green' choice.
Posted by: J at May 17, 2005 02:19 PMactual, 'Market Value Adjustment' is quite normal in the US on cars that are in demand.
Posted by: J at May 17, 2005 02:20 PM