Hybrid Vehicle Shopping: Camry hybrid v Prius
A better buy right now?So, I've been helping a friend of mine, Carlos, shop for a Toyota Prius, which I first covered in $3000.00 Prius markup: Screw the Customer. Since that time we've gone to and called dozens of Toyota dealerships in Southern California, and we've found that many dealerships have increased their markups, read $10,000 extra for a Toyota Prius.
Still, we have found a couple of dealerships that were not adding ANY markups to their Prius hybrids, nor were they accepting deposits. It was simply first come first serve at MSRP. Most dealers, however......
Finish: Hybrid vehicle shopping: Camry hybrid v Prius
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, toyota camry hybrid, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
10:00 AM
5 Comments:
Full Story
So, I've been helping a friend of mine, Carlos, shop for a Toyota Prius, which I first covered in $3000.00 Prius markup: Screw the Customer. Since that time we've gone to and called dozens of Toyota dealerships in Southern California, and we've found that many dealerships have increased their markups, read $10,000 extra for a Toyota Prius.
Still, we have found a couple of dealerships that were not adding ANY markups to their Prius hybrids, nor were they accepting deposits. It was simply first come first serve at MSRP. Most dealers, however, are requiring refundable deposits to be put on their lists, and some are even requiring non-refundable deposits. Unfortunately, wait times can run several months.
As we've shopped, Carlos has become interested in the Camry hybrid - mostly because he really needs a car, wants a hybrid, and the Camry hybrid is available. Still, when we first started shopping, one dealer was willing to sell Carlos a Camry hybrid for almost $2000.00 below MSRP. As of Tuesday, however, most dealers had placed a $3000 - $4000 dealer markup on the Camry hybrid.
Just as with the Prius, fortunately, some dealers are not adding ANY markups to the Camry hybrid (actually its still a lot easier to find a Camry hybrid at MSRP compared to the Prius), but they don't last more than a day or two on lots. Thus, on Tuesday, Carlos picked up a Camry hybrid at MSRP.
Based on this demand trend, it seems that the Camry hybrid will soon become just as impossible to find as the Prius. Now, could be the last best chance to find either a Prius or a Camry hybrid, but finding one without a dealer markup or dealer add-ons won't be easy.
Our best deals were found at smaller dealerships, outside of major SoCal cities, particularly at family-owned dealerships that have been around a long time.
If you're desperate for a Toyota Prius, or a Camry hybrid, shop around - ALOT - and be willing to walk away. Most dealers have scarified referral business, repeat consumers - customer service - to squeeze every bit of extra money they can from hybrid consumers. If you can wait, wait until 2009, when Toyota will significantly increase battery production and hybrid output.
And, when it does turn around, remember those dealers with the biggest markups, and remember that their business model has nothing to do with taking care of consumers.
I work for David Maus Toyota Scion, a dealership in central Florida. With permission from the owner, I can say that with acuracy that we do not mark up any hybrids. Yes, the Prius is a bit hard to obtain right now, but what we do is hold a lottery. Everyone is given a number after they sign up, and as the Prius hits the lot, a number is drawn. that person has the first right of refusal.
Our dealership has the motto "whatever it takes". I know everyone has a horror story about a dealer no matter how hard they try, but as a mechanic I can see how all the different departments work to make someone happy. MR Maus also says that he would not want to lose a customer over a price.
Our service department has actually worked with customers to bring a service or repair by using different options to better meet a customer's price range.
I agree with dahcredyns, be willing to do alot of shopping and be willing to walk away, and DO JUDGE a dealer by the way they make the sale, or how they treat you. Yes, the Prius is a hot commodity in the automotive industry, but it isn't the only alternative to a gas hog. If a dealer treats you like they have ten other people bidding against you, leave...they will treat you that way with everything. If they treat you like you are the first person they have seen in a month, stay.
We picked up our 2008 Prius today after a 10 week wait. There was an additional $400 charge because of a change in list price, but our dealership in NW Indiana is not adding any additional costs, although suburban Chicago dealerships are adding $3000 or so. Remember the dealerships that treated you fairly. There are at least 9 dealerships within 50 miles of our home in the Chicago area.
This weekend, Edmunds did a Camry hybrid v Prius comparison. It isn't focused just on shopping, but it you're debating a Prius v Camry hybrid, its worth a look.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=127826?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*
We purchased an 08 Camry hybrid in march in San Antonio,texas and the dealer had dozens to choose from and started at 4000 below msrp. Also our average(almost all hwy ) mpg has consistantly been 37 to 41. I have noticed that it takes awhile to get the battery fully charged and you can see the mpg go higher and higher as you drive farther. If you could start out fully charged the gas milage would be much better.
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