While searching/shopping for a new prius, I've noticed a strange phenomenon that I haven't noticed when buying other new cars. I know the port and dealers both install small options that effect the total sales price, but when looking at the buyatoyota website and doing inventory searches, or doing inventory searches on individual dealer websites, you can search for a particular model/package option and will see very different prices. For instance, if you search for a 2012 model 5, Winter Gray exterior with Dark Gray interior, you will get results from around $34k up to well over $36k. Around here they pretty much all come with rear bumper protector, carpeted mats, some dealers may add window tint... but nothing really all that different. And then I see posts here from people asking if they got a good price. With differences like the above, how is anyone to know? I was offered quite a bit off msrp at one dealer, but then it ended up they couldn't get the car we negotiated on. The next dealer was able to get it and gave me the same deal off msrp, but their msrp was higher to begin with. Something seems amiss. I'm fine. I'm finally getting the car I want. But I'm just curious as to what's going on or if anyone else is baffled by this.
Those inventories don't really list all the options. Unless it's a major package like NAV or ATP, it's the small options like rear bumper applique, wheel locks, etc. that add up.
Thanks. Ya, that's what I thought. But for instance, both dealers i talked to printed out the specs with MSRP. Both showed all the standard options, then the advanced tech package, and then those little options like you mentioned. There was only one extra little option on the spec sheet from the dealer that was quite a bit higher than the other. Even the sales guy was confused and started going through the whole list trying to find the difference.
Are the cars with the different MSRP sourced from the same Region? Some Regions tack on fees like advertising that others don't pass along. I'm not following the model line very closely. Was there a price increase? Some dealers will add a currency conversion adjustment or market adjustment as a line item to the MSRP on the window sticker. If the cars are identical then it has to be some Port Installed Option, Accessory, or dealer prep item. Anything added to the car should be easy to find on the sticker.
