I'm about to go out and buy my Prius. Any day now. Does anyone have an idea of what price I should be able to talk them down to (I hate that process)? Any other advice for my shopping day? By the way, I do not intend to order one. I will buy one on the lot. There are enough dealers in my area who each have at least a few. Lori

At 8:18 PM -0800 2003/03/25,

Lori, I got a quote online for what I wanted, which came from a Toyota dealer across town. I took the printout of that quote to a dealership closer to my home. They had no problem with matching that quote (it was just slightly over $20 and included the package with the cruise control, floor mats, a CD player, and daytime running lights). Although they had a lot of Priuses in their lots, we could not find the Golden Pearl color I wanted (and that had those other options). So it took about a day, but they found one elsewhere in the state and it was brought in from Norwalk, CA (I am in San Diego County), which is maybe a couple of hours away from here. I ordered the car on Thursday and had it the following Monday. It had gotten there sooner, but I had to go out of town for the weekend so could not get it until Monday. Was I ever excited! My husband took me to the dealership and I got to drive myself to work in "Elizabeth" (fancier and more timeless-sounding than Lizzie or Betsy)!. If you don't want special colors or options, you might try this approach and get your car the same day. I bought my 2003 just last month. I have never been a car person, but I love this car! Best wishes and have fun when you get yours! Dehbi

Dehbi and others, Thank you for your advice on buying my car. It was helpful to have something to compare against. I hate the whole negotiation process, so husband did all that. It made me uncomfortable how much he pushed, but I think we got a good price, and as of an hour and a half ago, I am the proud owner of a 2003 Prius. Golden Pearl like you. The 6 cars the dealer had (most of any dealer in Chicagoland, we think) we are equipped the same, so color was the only decision to make. I'd shopped on Friday, picked out the blue but didn't sign for anything. We said we'd be back on Monday. They called me Sat. to say they'd sold the blue. I was glad they were selling Priuses and didn't mind at all that the one I picked was gone. I opted for the Golden Pearl and now I'm glad I did. I have daytime running lights, reg. CD changer, side air bags, cruise control, special color pkg (whatever that is) -- I think that's everything. I can't remember our base price, but $22,223 includes 6.75% tax, destination charge, Toyota Dealer Advertising (geez) and paperwork fee (or whatever they call it). Husband go them to drop 7 or 800 from sticker price. It was great to drive home. It's raining and our garage floor is direty so I have put mats on my mats for right now :-) I have to get to work might early tomorrow so I will go to bed, but in the future I will be a little more involved in the list. Lori

Mainly to Lori, but maybe of interest to others (and this list is not as busy at the other one, so I'll post to all), I just saw your message (4/2/03 @ 1:23 a.m.) Congratulations on getting your Prius. I will have been driving mine for 2 months as of Thursday, and I am still in love! Cool that you got the Golden Pearl....I have not seen any others of those around here. You will probably stand out in your area, too. <.........I opted for the Golden Pearl and now I'm glad I did. I have daytime running lights, reg. CD changer, side air bags, cruise control, special color pkg (whatever that is) -- I think that's everything. You are going to like that cruise control. It will really help with fuel economy. I am glad I got the floor mats, and I like the running lights, too. We went someplace last night and my husband forgot to put on the headlights for a little bit. It didn't matter except inside the car! It is also cool that the car will shut off the headlights even if you forget and leave them on! I would have liked getting the changer and the side air bags, but I did not want to pay that money. Sorry I did not see the post about Costco. We are members. I did not even think of going to them for getting the best price. I think you may have paid a little bit less than I paid, but got a little bit more. Way to go! I think my total was just under $23,000, including all of the taxes, licensing, etc. The mats you can use a carpet shampooer on, when the time comes. I have decided to use a commercial hand wash/car wash place that I like. I get them to do a foam wax and the finish really looks nice. I think I'll budget to go there every other month, and wash Elizabeth myself on the in-between months. Well, I'll be interested to see what you think of your new Prius as you get used to driving it. The stealth mode experience is hilarious. I mean, we are so programmed to think "Uh-oh. Dead car." when a car is not idling, that it is pretty strange to get used to stealth when you stop at a light or something. Even after you think you are used to it, occasionally your old programming will come back and you'll have these moments of doubt, like when you are the first in a long line of traffic, waiting for the light to change...and you are perfectly still and quiet. ("Omigod...am I dead here?"). It is also a cool way to impress your friends...especially many guys! Got to hit the hay. Have a great time! Will you name your car, or do you deem that too silly? I did, and it seems right. I mean, I love this car, and we tend to name things we love! Dehbi

Your notes are exactly like my Prius thoughts. I have a 2002 with 11000 mi. My main reason for writing is to note that my driving lights energize only headlights - nothing on the tail end. Seems like a strange setup, but I was told that all running lites are front only. Dale

The Toyota dealer in Doylestown PA (Thompson) seems to always have them is stock. That's about an 1 1/2 hour drive from NYC (Bucks County). That's where I bought mine (2002) and have been very happy with the service etc. Mark Safire