I finally did it

Hi Everyone,

Since I have impacted your internet experience with my trials, tribulations and stupid questions over my labored decision to buy a Prius. I feel it is only fair to inform you that you all helped me immensely in my decision.

Yesterday I took delivery on an 05 Package 6 in Driftwood Pearl. Exactly the car I wanted. No waiting list either. No deposit. San Diego dealers (as well as many in CA) commonly attach a $3,000.00 additional mark up over MSRP. With the information I found through all of you. I was able to talk them down from that to MSRP. It wasn't easy. but I did it. All in all it was $26,800.00 before tax, license paint sealant, seat cover sealant, and extended warranty.

I just got the SMART Key to work, and the stereo tuned to my favorite channels. I was able to get the GPS to direct us to our favorite Chinese restaurant. But I have so much more to learn about this car.

I feel I have taken on a new education. I hope to learn how to use all the gadgets, and adapt my driving habits to get the best mileage.

Thanks again for all the help!

Reply to
John J. DeGrazia
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Congratulations, John! Give us a day-by-day as you learn to use the toys. Do you have a Bluetooth cell phone? I'm green with envy, having now waited seven months for mine.

Reply to
Bill

Thanks Bill!!!

I am elated and overwhelmed at the same time. There is so much stuff to learn how to use. And I am no novice at new technology. (make a comfortable living as a Network Engineer) but I went to bed last night exhausted with the deluge of gadgets and whizz-bang stuff.

I don't have a Bluetooth cell phone. But my wife has a Bluetooth enabled PDA (Dell Axim) that may have some compatibility with this system. I don't know if I can use it to play MP3's or extract maintenance data, or even use it to fill the car's memory with phone numbers and addresses.

But it is early and "our relationship" has just started.

I was teasing my son last night that I was going to find a hack to get the voice operated GPS to sound more like Catherine Zeta Jones than the Star Trek Computer.

-John

Reply to
jj

Congrats! Just remember that the fuel mileage is speed sensitive. You'll get much better mileage at 50 on suburban and rural roads or 35 on city streets than you will at 70 on the interstate. My wife changed her driving patterns from interstate driving to city street driving (about 10 minutes difference) and got 6 miles per gallon better.

KK

Reply to
Kevin Kirkeby

Congrats, welcome to the club John. I waited 8 months for my first 2004 but my second 2004 was an impulse buy. I don't want to burst your bubble, but the dealer "packs" you had to pay for...the sealants and the extended warranty are huge profit items for a dealership, which I still consider way above MSRP. Technically, if you look at my sticker, MSRP for the 2004 was $20295. The BC package added $5245 and the dealer processing and handling fee (non-negotiable) was $565, so my car was $26105. After that point, the label states "Total from the Manufacturer's label" and then the dealer installed options are listed. I got the PV1, carpets for $169 and had to pay a $6.18 fuel surcharge, so my total "out-the-door" price was $26,280.18 before state tax and license fees. I installed XM satellite radio (which I highly recommend) and had my dream car. Unfortunately, its been sold...but I can still drive my wife's car, so I still get quality Prius time. IMHO, I don't think west coast dealers are still dealing with Prius buyers fairly. We have it easier out here in the east, especially now since it seems the wait lines are ending sooner than on the left coast. BTW, I've never heard of license plate sealant...is this some California thing? See you on priuschat.com!

Bill in Cary, NC

Reply to
Bill

There was no dealer mark-ups or addons required here in Jax, FL. The car I bought had a $99 paperwork fee and I bought the extended warrantee (with works out to 60% commision for the dealer.)

KK

Reply to
Kevin Kirkeby

Thanks Bill! There should have been a comma between license and plate (license, paint sealant). I now feel pretty silly. but I enjoy the joke as much as the next person.

I know that all of the options I bought were a huge markup for the dealer. But many of them are actually worth something. The Teflon paint sealant is really the only way you can get any guarantee on the paint. Since the manufacturers have had to ban lead from auto paint. they can no longer guarantee it for more than a year.

The light tan fabric of the interior just begs to be stained by my two kids and our dog. So I really have to justify the additional fabric protection. Heck. I have spilled my share of coffee in my older cars.

The only option that I bought that I now question is the satellite version of the lo-jack system. I am pretty certain that the built in anti-theft technology in this vehicle are quite extensive and comprehensive. However... Here, next to the Mexican border, and Tijuana, if we get a car stolen, that is usually where it goes. Lo-Jack works on cell phone antenna cells, and it does NOT work south of the boarder.

I know I paid a premium for all of those options. I could be considered foolish by some. And rightfully so. I don't buy a new car very often, and I really like having the newest high tech technology. I don't think I would pay anything for it, but I would pay a fair price.

John

05 Package 6 Driftwood Pearl 124 miles @ 40.3 average MPG Every one of them driven with a shit eatin; grin! :)

Reply to
John J. DeGrazia

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