Last week, I put $500 down to order for a new Prius 3 with the solar roof option. Now, however, I have read about Entune options possibly coming to additional models (besides the Prius v) in 2012. Now I am having second thoughts and wonder if I should just wait to see what 2012 offers. When would people expect the new 2012 options to be announced, and when would people expect that these new 2012 models would arrive for customers? Can anyone recall (timing-wise) what happened for the 2010 to 2011 update? It sounds like the 2011-2012 updates will be more significant (and worth waiting for if one can do so).
In a typical year, new MY production starts August, with cars arriving at dealers Sept/Oct. The question is, will this be a typical year? Announcement of new MY specific items comes as late as possible, so as to not impact existing production/inventory.
Can I assume then that both year's models are not manufactured at the same time. (Once assembly of the new model begins, are they completely done making the previous year's model?)
It may be that the 2012 will be a light refreshening year where the headlights/taillights get redesigned for example. When the Gen II had its refreshening it came in 06' after the initial 04' release of the Gen II. And when they came out, it was quite late into the end of 05, something like December for West Coasters and January 06' for East Coasters.
Great question, especially in light of Toyota's interrupted production issues. IMO, Toyota may pull the plug early on 2011 production and try to get an early jump on 2012 production. My fleet sources reflect the following 2012 Toyota build dates, but Prius is still "TBD": http://napletonfleet.com/nfg/nfgweb.nsf/VEH/StartupDates.html
Today I cancelled my 2011 Prius Three order. I will be without a Prius now for a long time (my wife drives our generation 2 Prius) but I hope I can get in on a model next year that has the new Entune system (and possibly other goodies like 3-door keyless entry). I just hope that the 'piece of crap' car that I currently drive makes it until my 2012 model arrives.
