2009 TCH reduced prices - I feel screwed

[HiBird]

Any other Canadians with this issue?
I got a new 2008 TCH at the end of September (one of the first 2008s). Now the 2008s are no longer and the 2009s are available. The bad news (for me) is that the 2009 is $1,500 cheaper and now includes a sunroof in the base model. Will I be screwed when I go to sell my TCH that doesn't have a sunroof?
I've worked out a plan where I think I can get into the 2009 with a cost of $3,000-$3,500. For this I would get a sunroof, 1 model year newer and 13,500 less KMs (currently what's on my car).
My dealer and Toyota Canada say I have no attempt at getting some money back. They are right in their stance, but I still feel screwed.
Should I spend the money to upgrade, or ahould I stick with the car I have?
Thanks

[moptop]

That's the exact reason why I waited for the 2009 to come in. My dealership wanted to sell me an 08 TCH that was left on the lot, but when I inquired about when the 09's were coming in they said a couple of weeks (April) and I could order the one I wanted. The 09 base price is $1,500 cheaper than the 08, but there were no factory incentives, like the $1,500 cash back / gas card. As well the Federal Government ended the ECOAuto rebate for all models after the year 2008, that's another $1,500 saved on the 08. Yes, it's true the only difference is the standard moonroof and the rear reading lamps. But considering you didn't pay any GST you're still in a pretty good position.

The easy solution if you don't want to pay for depreciation is to hold on to your car for a long time until the market evens out for most models. There will always be a better, newer, cheaper model out. I can't wait to see what they include on the 2010 models, standard NAV? Most cars can never be considered an investment because you will never profit off their sale. Just take solace in knowing that you have been saving gas and the planet for 8 months longer than 09 drivers.

[HiBird]

Well said. I doubt I'll make any changes because it would be a hassle and $3,000. My chief concern wasn't the value of my car (got $1,400 off the MSRP back in September) but the fact that not having a sunroof would put my car in a minority and make it less desireable at resale time (which I expect to be at least 5-8 years).
Thanks

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by HiBird

Well said. I doubt I'll make any changes because it would be a hassle and $3,000. My chief concern wasn't the value of my car (got $1,400 off the MSRP back in September) but the fact that not having a sunroof would put my car in a minority and make it less desireable at resale time (which I expect to be at least 5-8 years).
Thanks

It won't be a minority since the 07 TCHs also had no moonroofs in the base models. So you have two years' worth of base models sans moonroofs. Plus keep in mind that you did save $1,500 on the GST which the 09s don't.

[hoser]

I did the same thing. I bought the 2008 one month before the 2009's came out. I had a 2009 Corolla S I was going to order for my son but had no idea the Camry was coming as well. When it came out and was cheaper plus had the Nav system I inquired about ordering the 09. My 08 was never going to be worth more and with the provincial rebate still in place I did it. I wish I had known but believe it or not the 09 seems to perform better than the 08 we had. No other physical changes that I can see. I would like to buy an extra set of wheels for winter tires though. What would work with the tire monitors?

[12Gauge]

Hummm... I suspect there are some Canadian differences with the base 2009 TCH. Down here in the states, the moonroof is still an Option that you pay extra for... There are a few 2009 Hybrids in the dealers lots with the cloth interior and no Moonroof from what I have seen.

I do find it interesting that from what you say, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid came out in September of 2007 and some 8 months later the 2009 models are available.

When does Toyota "Normally" change their model year?

Thanks
Art

[hoser]

I believe the 2008 model was only out 3 or 4 months before the 2009. That is not normal and why we were so surprised. We have the B package with leather and air. The price dropped about $1500.00 and included the nav system.

[moptop]

In Canada there really are only 2 different TCH's to choose from. The base model and the Premium Package that adds a power passenger seat, leather seat "surfaces", heated seats and NAV for $4,120. That's it, all else is included in the base model.

[Tideland Prius]

6 months . 7 if you included February.