Just when everyone thought that Prius availability problems might be over as a result of all the problems the tragic earthquake and tsunami caused the Japanese automaker, another disaster comes rolling in. And it's not good news for Toyota Prius 2011 inventory new or used. The huge flooding in Thailand is affected to impact all Prius prices.
The rising waters has shuttered plants and hobbled Thailand part suppliers that would otherwise be shipping product throughout Toyota's worldwide supply chain. The shortages are now starting to ripple to Japanese plants that would export new cars for sale to the United States, as well as limiting valuable overtime in US factories that Toyota was counting on to close the production gap brought around from the first supply shortage.
The Prius, Toyota's signature hybrid, is already highly sought after given its affordable price and mileage that easily out paces other 40 mpg cars. Its popularity is such that finding an affordable used Toyota Prius Nashville listing is a daunting task at the best of times, and promises to get no less difficult anytime soon.
It was hoped that new releases, such as the Prius V wagon, would facilitate more turn ins on older models and help reduce used Prius prices. Instead part shortages will trickle down to a smaller 2011 Prius new car inventory. Fewer new cars for sale results in fewer turn ins limiting used Toyota Prius inventory in Nashville. In the end supply and demand bites everyone in the rear.
And while the Prius is far from the only model affected from this recent shortage, with multiple Lexus and Toyota models affected, it is among the most popular. Many other 40 mpg cars either still cannot match the Prius' price or total mileage, making simply buying a competing model a difficult choice. But its one people may have to consider making especially in the current seller friendly used car market.