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How to sell a Prius

Harder than it looks?

Posted by David Roberts at 3:07 PM on 24 Jun 2005

Read more about: Prius | business | electric vehicles | cars | hybrids

We're constantly hearing about how insanely popular the Toyota Prius is -- the celebrities, the cachet, the waiting lists.

Is it possible that said popularity is just a blue state phenomenon?

I ask because we recently got an email from a reader, Linda, who's having trouble selling hers. No, really!

My husband received an international assignment so we are moving to Belgium. We have decided to sell my beloved 2004 Prius. I live in Pocatello, Idaho, and in this land of conservatives, where they are sure that global warming is a figment of Al Gore's imagination, there appears to be no market. I've had an ad in various papers for over a month and no calls. It is salsa red and comes fully loaded (package #7) with everything except GPS. The blue book value on this gem is $23,360, I bought it for $24,800. I'd be willing to negotiate around $23,000. It has 13,600 miles and is in excellent condition with seat covers and even a 1.25 inch hitch for a bike rack in back. (I could throw in the bike rack too, if someone wants it!)

So, Gristmill readers, I'm curious: Do you have any tips or advice for Linda? Or ... do you want her Prius? Tell us all about it in comments!

FYI: Linda's phone number is (208) 232-8207.

no more waiting lists

FWIW, I bought my Prius off the lot in southern California last week.  This Orange County dealer had one, but I had seen 3-4 on the lot up in LA County (Puente Hills) as well.  Not sure what this means, if production is up, pent-up demand is fommed, or if the cachet is wearing off ...

no idea what my fingers were thinking

fommed/filled

Why didn't you buy hers odo?

Did you want that new car smell?  or just the warranty?

Now get your plugin addon battery pack.  And solar panels and wind generator to power it.

http://amazngdrx.blogharbor.com/blog John Schneider, Northern Wisconsin

bare bones

I'm afraid I bought the bare-bones model, no package #7 for odo.  I am really happy with it though, just pottering along.

I have a new habit

Counting Priuses. I have never seen a car become so popular so fast. Keep in mind that this is inside the Seattle bubble. They become much rarer as soon as you leave the city limits.

In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Poison Darts--Protecting the biodiversity of our world
First Prius sighting.

First sighting here last week, tourist season.

Previously, a year or so ago, I saw a raft of them in a larger city near here, a few hours away where I had to drive to see Farenheit 911.  (The faithbased patriotic theater owner here would not screen it until he realized he was losing money.  Hehey.)

Farenheit 911 fans were more likely to be Prius drivers, in this case.

http://amazngdrx.blogharbor.com/blog John Schneider, Northern Wisconsin

how to sell a prius

re linda s troubles selling her prius....I just listed my 2001 prius on ebay, hope to sell it quickly that way.

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