[efusco]

I got a call from my dealer tonight who was just "touching base" and to talk Prius a little. He was thanking me for forwarding information about the Prius he (and none of the other dealers here) had previously that he's subsequently used with other customers and salesman at the lot.

Anyway, I'd put down $500 for the first right of refusal of the first '04 Prius on the lot. He mentioned that he's since pre-sold another '04 and that another salesman has pre-sold 3 of them! We're talking about a town of 250K with a somewhat sprawling rural suburban area, not a big city. If dealerships around the country are getting this kind of response 3-5 months before the vehicle is even expected to hit the lots this car is going to hit the broader markets like a sledge hammer.

Just thought I'd post that annecdote and maybe spur someone thinking about getting an '04 to get out and put some money down if you hope to have one in the next year. Also, production of the '03 has stopped (couple months ago I think) and are rare if available at all.

 

[efusco]

Excited

I know what you mean about being excited. I'm almost giddy about this vehicle, more so than I was with my Expedition before I got it and it was my first "Real" new vehicle(had a new Isuzu P'up, but that doesn't count) and was the first year for that too. I feel like such a nerd b/c you'd think I was first in line for a 50th anniversary Corvette or something instead of a hybrid economy car! But hey, maybe it's my age getting to me!

 

[efusco]

You're gonna have to talk to the other folks here for details, but my understanding is that there is not much budge room on the price, if any, anyway. With the anticipated demand for the vehicle, if you want to avoid sticker you better plan on a long wait for the demand to drop and hope the supply exceeds.

I figure I'm gonna pay sticker--I'll try to talk them out of the advertising fee and destination, but honestly don't expect success.

Remember, also, you're not technically "ordering", I gave a $500 deposit for rights of first refusal. IOW, if I see the car, test drive it and don't like it for any reason I just ask for my money back and it goes to the next guy down the list. Or, I can refuse the first one on the lot and wait for the second one if it has the right features, color, whatever and the first one didn't have what I want. Basicly just makes sure I get what I want and I get first shot.

If you made the decision to buy I'd make a deposit if you can afford to leave the $$ sitting around for that long. Otherwise wait and see what happens, maybe the demand won't be that high.