A local dealership has a v 2 for $25,999 and I was wondering if it's a bad idea to buy a first model year leftover. I would certainly negotiate hoping/expecting to get in the 24K range or I would just buy a 2013. Any thoughts?
I would think you should get a much better price for a 2012 v model 2 than $26k. That's about what I paid for my 12 model 3 when they first came out in Dec 2011. Another factor is the 2014 models will be out in a month or two, which will drive the 12 price down further even though they are virtually the same. As long as it is really new and not a 10k mile demo, these cars are not really first year models in the traditional sense since most mechanicals are the same as the standard Prius generation that started in 09. I would want something closer to $23k (after any dealer add-in) but demand may allow a better price. KBB shows it at $24.9.
The car in Md may be slightly different than the car in TX because the TX car may have add-ons from the Southwest Distributor. Bought one Toyota in Md from CarMax (great price, very easy transaction (I was out of state), took train up to pick it up and I was out the door 20 minutes later with no surprises or upselling). Also bought a v3 from a local NC Toyota dealer who is under the Southeast Toyota Distributor umbrella. There was a list of about 6 different items on the NC one that a MD one didn't have...few of which I valued and none would I value at their prices. I negotiated to reduce their impact.
I'm in a car buying mood, I just bought a 4x4 Tundra this weekend for me and am wanting to buy a Prius v 2 for my wife to offset my carbon foot print (joke). I did price out Tundra's in Maryland because they had the non FFV Tundra engine and thought strongly about jumping on a plane and buying from up there. Gulf States does add a bunch of stuff and the east coast prices do seem better but am not sure due to the typical $1000 freight charge (for a Tundra). I'm gathering prices now and one is from Coons Toyota in Annapolis so that option will be strongly considered.