Okay all you SF Bay denizens, where's the best place to get a Prius in the area? <br>Vetali

I recommend doing the ordering on line before talking to a dealer. Anyway what part of the Bay area are you looking?

I have found Bob Lang at Hansel Toyota Petaluma(my original sales person) very nice to deal with.<br><br>Also service folks at Freeman Toyota in Santa Rosa are very into the Prius, especially Rene Doess, their master technician (he owns an Aqua as well).<br><br>Either place should serve well...<br><br>Alan

Thanks for your suggestion. I live in Oakland, but commute to Palo Alto.

Darn, Alan, that sounds good, but I'm in Oakland and work in Palo Alto. I should have mentioned that. Santa Rosa and Petaluma are long trips, for service. Too bad.

I purchased mine (super white), from the Internet Sales Group of Walnut Creek Toyota, John their sales manager was our salesman and a owner of a silver prius. He was able to relay some hands on experiences regarding our questions of ride, power and mileage. And he also was very informative about the warranty, service and ordering process. Give them a call, I also live in Oakland.

I received my Super White 2001 Prius last July through Hanlees Hilltop Toyota at the Hilltop Mall in Richmond, CA. (I actually ordered it via the Prius web site, specifying Hanlees as the dealer.)<br><br>We've been doing business with Hanlees Hilltop for over 15 years. We have a 15+ year old Toyota 4WD pickup which runs like a top thanks to Toyota's superior engineering and Hanlee's excellent service dept.<br><br>Although their salespeople are not tremendously knowledgeable about the Prius, Ipalibo Amatoru and his fellow salesmen colleagues have always treated us well. However, the main reason for doing business at the Hanlees Hilltop location is their service dept. It's very good.<br><br>Once Toyota "switches on" the 2002 US Prius ordering web site, I plan on specifying Hanlees Hilltop Toyota as my Prius dealer again.<br><br>- Peter<br>(Prius: It may cost less than a Rolls Royce -- and explode far less often -- but it's still the best engineered car in the world! <a href=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2001/03/05/016003.html target=new>http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2001/03/05/016003.html</a>)

I got mine at Berkeley Toyota. They were really quite good. The service department is also quite good. I bought a Previa there in '90 and was happy with sales and service.<br><br>George

I've enjoyed working with Chojiro Hirose "Rickey" at Dublin Toyota. Rickey was an engineer with the Toyota racing team. As such, he is able to understand the technology built into the Prius. His primary language is Japenese and seems to have an insiders knowledge of the future features. I would highly recommend Rickey.

There?s a database of dealers in the yahoo groups prius site. You may want to check there for additional suggestions.<br><br>Those of you with dealer experience should add your comments to the dealer database too, to help with the increasing number of questions from potential Prius buyers!<br><br>Chris

I combed the Bay Area for a good dealer and settled on Toyota 101 located in Redwood City. They have the friendliest staff, a reliable service and parts department and a totally no pressure atmosphere. <br><br>If you are tired of listening to bragging salescritters and egomaniacs, go to Toyota 101, you'll be pleasantly surprised.<br><br>Ask for the Fleet Manager, Nikolay Mak. Tell him the "MSG" drummer referred you to him. <br><br>"Okay all you SF Bay denizens, where's the best place to get a Prius in the area?"<br>Vetali