Best bet is to look out for a chance to attend a Prius Connection event when they are near you. Keep an eye on this thread. http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-news/57793-prius-team-invites-you-meet-2010-prius.html Bookmark it.
I passed on pre-ordering due to three issues: 1. No prices shown. 2. No EPA estimated mileage shown. 3. I'll be deployed when it arrives.
I'll give you number 3, that should be the main reason. 1 and 2 can be dealt with easily because once the price comes out that is when you either confirm or opt out of the pre-order no money lost. Also applies to the epa numbers, they'll most likely be out by the time pricing is released and you would have to confirm or opt out. Hope the time passes fast and you make it back safely from your deployment my friend; served 4 years in the AF myself during the 90's and spent time overseas in the Gulf as well.
I also really like my '05, and since it's paid off, I see no reason to upgrade. Besides, the first year for a brand new model is usually the most troublesome, as the company needs to work out the bugs. I also just bought a new Honda S2000, since this will be the last year of its production...so my new car bills are maxed out.
I attended the recent 2010 Prius Connection here in Wash. DC, and I asked that question. The answer provided: It has the capability to go up to 42 mph on electric power alone, same as the previous generation.
UK version has the same electric-only speed as the US version. The major differences between the two are EV mode and the fuel tank bladder.
I have some questions on the pre-order process for those invitied. Where is the car delivered? Do you go through a dealer? Do you only pay MSRP with no dealer prep fees etc?
We are working directly with Toyota, but will go through a dealer for the actual transaction and delivery. Pricing is still up in the air. Tom
So wait, the only way to get invited to pre-order one is to attend one of these events? Why didn't they tell us that? I live near DC, and would have made an effort to go. I actually told myself I don't need to go, because I already know I'm going to get one! I have been waiting for this for about a year now; my current car is about done with life, and I will be needing a new car right when the 2010 Prius comes out. I have been calling dealers, signed up for the Toyota email list, everything I could think of to get on their pre-order list. I will be so let down if I end up having to wait, and possibly pay more (above MSRP) because I didn't go to some event, especially since they didn't tell us that. Why didn't I get an email about this? What was the point of even signing up for their email list? So, is there any way to get in on this pre-order without having gone to their event? Can someone who got an invite who doesn't want theirs give it to me?
Reb, No. There were many that did not attend one of these events, and they were nonetheless invited to pre-order. I don't know what were Prius Team's criteria for selection, but probably a lot of it had to do with the number of posts someone has to this or other Prius or hybrid forums. I would suggest sending a PM to Prius Team to plead your case.
Rebel, I am a sales professional at Koon's Tyson's Toyota. We are currently taking orders for the 2010 Prius and also giving $500.00 off MSRP. The only requirement is that you pay a $1000.00 refundable deposit. I would be happy to talk to you more about it. You can call me on my cell 727-810-1892
If someone from the Prius Team is reading this, I would like to do a pre-order. Thanks FRED PLEASE!!!!!!
I'm not sure if it is something between CATD and our dealership or what. We are the largest Toyota dealership in the D.C. area and highest volume dealership in Central Atlantic region. We had over 100 ordered Prius all summer last year. I know they want to get the orders in as soon as possible so we don't experience the same backlog we did then.