New-car shoppers could pick up a real bargain at Toyota dealers if they're quick. Toyota announced worthwhile upgrades for the RAV4 and Yaris in October last year. Both cars were tweaked with additional features for the new model year, but the early shipments of those cars were 2008-plated cars.
Those vehicles that remain in stock were brought into the country before prices rose in January -- and as a bonus, they're currently discounted to fleet levels for private buyers during the company's 'TOYOTATHON' promotion.
The RAV4 for 2009 gains active headrests for the front seats in all variants plus a driver's knee airbag for all variants in the range other than the entry-level RAV4 CV. Other features added to the compact SUV's standard specification include switchable Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control. Automatic variants are upgraded with the standard fitment of Downhill Assist Control.
These upgraded models can be distinguished from the superseded car by a mild facelift and different alloy wheel design, with additional comfort and convenience features fitted (more here).
The difference in retail price between a 2008-built facelifted RAV4 imported before the January 1 price increase and one imported after is $500. Then there's the fleet discount applicable during Toyotathon on top of that.
For the Yaris, the difference in retail price can be as much as $800, with the Toyotathon discount over and above that. Like the RAV4, the Yaris from October of last year has been facelifted and Toyota has upped the specification level across the range (more here /news/2008/small-4x4/toyota/yaris/more-features-for-toyota-yaris-in-09-7245).
As for the RAV4, Yaris buyers will have to be pretty quick on their feet to track down a facelift model with a 2008 build plate.
'TOYOTATHON' runs for the month of March and provides private new-car buyers with fleet discounts on 2008 stock. Dealer delivery charges and retail pricing for accessories still apply.