[2024] Will the Prius be partially improved? What are the market prices and acceptable discounts? Discounts are almost impossible! Summary of settlement dates and negotiation techniques

The Toyota Prius underwent a full model change on January 10, 2023, and went on sale. Future plans call for minor improvements, expected around 2025. So, when is the best time to buy one? We’ve put together a detailed summary of discounts on the base price and key points to consider when purchasing. We hope this information will be helpful when making your purchase.

How much is the Prius discounted?

I looked up the current discount market price as of April 2024. The discount was less than I expected. When I checked with the sales department, it seemed like the basic discount was pretty strict.

The highest discount I got was a whopping 50,000 yen. This is just an average target, but I would like to aim for a total discount of 50,000 yen, with the vehicle price at 50,000 yen and the option discount at 0,000 yen.

Toyota’s new Prius price and grade

Looking at the price of the Prius, it’s not particularly expensive considering the current market price. The 1.8L is almost the same price as the Corolla Touring, and the latest 2.0L is a little more expensive, but this seems like a fair price considering the engine and specifications. If you’re thinking of buying one, you might want to think of the current manufacturer’s price as low, even though there’s no discount.

Prius discounts and tips for a successful, low-cost purchase

• Consider purchasing at the end of the fiscal year, or hold negotiations around the end of each month.
• Consider rival models, compare over three models, and even discuss them during negotiations.
• If you have a trade-in car, have it appraised by the dealer first, then have it appraised by at least three other companies, and sell it to the one that offers you the highest price.
• Check whether discounts are available for both the main unit and the options.
• If you purchase through installment or leasing, you may be able to save money on the total price by considering options other than through a dealer.
• At the final stage, make an immediate decision at the desired price.
• Get a quote from a different Toyota dealership

1. Consider purchasing and negotiate during the closing period

Toyota’s financial statements are monthly, with interim and year-end closings at the end of September, and year-end closings at the end of March. The best times to look are June, September, December, and March, which are the quarterly closing periods. Salespeople are also keen to increase sales at these closing times, so they may be willing to negotiate prices. They’ll likely work especially hard at the end of March, when the fiscal year ends!

2. Consider rival models and compare two or more models.

Bringing in a competitor will be a bargaining chip in business negotiations. As a salesperson myself, I understand that bringing in a competitor will force you into a price war. It will also convey to the other party your intention to purchase in the near future, which will give you leverage to lower the price.

Prius competitors

Competing models within Toyota are not acceptable. For example, if you are deciding between a Prius and a Corolla, be sure to get quotes for products in the same class from other manufacturers and consider them.

Prius and its competitors are almost non-existent, but among them, recommended models

The following models are just right for the competition in terms of body size and lineup. It may take time, but please try to get quotes from other companies at the dealership. However, what often happens is that when you get quotes from other companies, you find that the other company’s products are discounted or better, so you decide not to buy them. It is also important to know about other companies.

• Nissan Note Aura
• Subaru Impreza

3. Trade-in vehicle appraisal

If you currently have a car, think about how to sell it for as much as possible when you sell it. When you get a quote for your Prius, be sure to also ask for a trade-in appraisal. Using the appraisal amount given by the dealer as a base, get quotes from at least four other companies and consider selling it. This is essential.

Reasons and experiences

I have had both good and bad appraisals from dealerships, but of course, it’s necessary to compare with other companies. For example, when I sold a Prius that I had been driving for two and a half years, the appraisal results showed a difference of 640,000 yen.

• Dealer 1.66 million yen if you can pick it up next week
• Company A 2.23 million yen Condition: If you can pick it up next week
• Company B 2.3 million yen Condition: If you can pick it up next week
• Company C: 2.3 million yen.　OK until the next car is delivered.

4. Check whether discounts are available for the main unit and options

For example, the discount amount is often larger if you add the main unit and options than if you only add the main unit and almost no options. The reason is that you can receive a discount on both the main unit and the options. That’s why the above prices list the discount amounts for both the “main unit price” and the “option price.” However, as you add more options, the total cost will naturally increase, so be sure to select and add the equipment you want before getting a discount. Adding everything will naturally increase the price.

5. If you purchase through installment or leasing, you may be able to save money by considering options other than through a dealer.

For example, let’s say the HYBRID Z costs 3.6 million yen including all expenses. This is a simulation of what would happen if you prepared 600,000 yen and borrowed 3 million yen.

• Borrowing amount: 3 million yen
• No down payment
• Bonus payment 0

If you calculate the difference in interest rates under the above conditions, you will see a huge difference in the total repayment amount. If you borrow 3 million yen for 10 years at 5.5%, you will end up paying an additional 900,000 yen, but if you borrow 3 million yen for 10 years at 2.5%, you will only pay an additional 400,000 yen, a difference of 500,000 yen.

If the interest rate (annual) is 5.5%

If the interest rate (annual) is 2.5%

Car Loan Popularity Ranking

Points to note

Bank car loans are cheap, with strictest screening, followed by dealer-affiliated loans, but with higher interest rates. Other financial institutions tend to offer more lenient screening, with higher interest rates.

6. At the final stage, make an immediate decision at the desired price.

If they don’t offer the discount you want, try to force them by honestly telling them what you want. Add that you’ll sign the contract today if you agree, and if they still can’t offer the discount you want, you’ll just have to accept that this is the best they can do.

7. Get quotes from different Toyota dealerships

The store I’m familiar with is Toyopet, but there are many other companies. For example, if you get a quote from a Chiba Toyota store, the price will probably change. This happens because the companies are completely different. If you get a quote from the same Chiba Toyopet store, you’ll immediately find out that other stores are quoting the same price because they share information. So, try again at another Toyota dealership with which you have no capital ties.

example

• Chiba Toyopet
• Chiba Toyota
• Toyota Corolla Chiba (now part of the Chiba Toyopet group)
• Netz Toyota Chiba

Toyota’s exclusive “Maintenance Pack”

*Pack contents vary depending on the retailer.

A maintenance package is a package that mainly includes vehicle inspection and maintenance, legal inspection and maintenance, and the maintenance required to maintain a car. There are packages that only include vehicle inspection and maintenance, but many packages also include after-sales service in addition to vehicle inspection and maintenance, and the price is often set at a better price than the regular price.

Chiba Toyopet “Medium Class”

For example, here is a simulation of what would happen if you applied for a maintenance package for a medium-class Prius for 2.5 years (30 months), 3 years (36 months), or 5 years (60 months) .

If you plan to keep your car for a certain period of time, it will be more economical to apply for a package rather than paying for regular maintenance and vehicle inspections each time.

Those who want the desired amount by all means

If you find it difficult to bargain, you might want to look for a used car, which is more affordable than a new car.

Final words

If you want to sign a contract this year, try to negotiate around the “interim financial statements” at the end of September or the quarterly financial statements. The Prius underwent a full model change on January 10, 2023 , so the next model change may result in further price increases and lower discount rates, making this a good year to buy. However, please note that the new model is likely to include more advanced features, so please take this into consideration when making your purchase.