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Select LA/SF Dealers: 2021 Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car + $15k Fuel Card Expired

$23,100
$52,408.00
after Tax Credits & Incentives (Select Locations)
+296 Deal Score
464,201 Views
Select Eligible Toyota Dealers [Dealer Locator] located in Los Angeles / San Francisco, California are offering to Qualifying Customers: 2021 Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car + $15,000 in Complimentary Fuel for 2yrs with 0% APR for 72-Months for as low as $23,108 after Incentives and Tax Credits. Pricing and availability may vary depending on your location, consult your local eligible dealership for more information.
  • Note: Offer is valid at select participating Los Angeles / San Francisco, California locations only. Refer to the forum thread for additional deal details and discussion.
Thank to community member ExtremeOak for and reddit user XIIXOO for finding this deal.

Deal Details:
  1. Visit your local eligible Toyota Norcal Dealer [Dealer Locator]
  2. Shop for a eligible 2021 Toyota Mirai model that qualifies for the TFS Cash offer and Fuel Card offer mentioned on the page here
    • Note: Qualified buyers can finance a new 2021 Mirai at 0% APR for 72 Months.
  3. Apply for and purchase a qualifying model with prices starting from ~$50,408 (may vary by location)
  4. Toyota Cash Discount will deduct $20,000 from your total
  5. You will receive a $4,500 CA Tax Credit (more info)
  6. You will receive a $8,000 Federal Tax Credit (more info)
  7. You will also receive a Complimentary Fuel Card valid for up to 2 years or $15,000 of fuel (more info)
  8. Your total after incentives and tax credits will be as low as $23,108 and will vary depending on your location and model selection.
Additional Details:

Original Post

Written by
Edited March 20, 2021 at 12:06 AM by
Let me start by saying Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles are not for everybody. Being that H2 fueling stations are limited, it's really only feasible in the LA / SF area.

YMMV but see below for the breakdown and explanation transcribed from u/acetech09 on Reddit


I bought one of those dirt cheap Toyota Mirais - still waiting for the catch

I have a 70 mile round-trip commute, and have been casually e-shopping for an electric or hybrid commuter car. But I never found something that that was a) well-priced, b) a worthwhile quality-of-life improvement over my current daily, and 3) charging an EV where I live is possible, but annoying.

My current daily is a 2020 MB Metris cargo van. And while I love it as a hobby equipment hauler, it's just an okay daily. Somewhat noisy, and base model so zero creature comforts to speak of.

Enter this thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/com...after_tax/
I was intrigued enough to start doing the math and looked into the usability.
8 hours later, I had bought one.
Here's my review of the out-the-door numbers, and a lightweight review of the car from a performance-loving car nerd.
The math with real numbers from my sales agreement:
(edited, changed pricing from monthly to absolute to make it clearer)$50,408.00 (Sale price, $2k under sticker)
+ $5,200 (CA sales tax and registration)
- $20,000 (Cash discount from Toyota corporate)
= $35,608.00 (This is what I financed at 0% APR, 72 months, no fees at all)
- $4,500 (CA tax credit)
- $8,000 (Federal tax credit)
= $23,108.00 Effective post-tax vehicle price
The vehicle price comes out to $23,108. BUT, this goes further because of the complimentary $15,000 fuel card, which is good for about 50,000 miles or 6 years.
So, with that card, it makes sense to compare with other cars by including 50,000 miles of fuel.

Mirai: $23,108 base, free fuel 30mpg gas car: $23,108 base
- $7,500 fuel
= $15,608 out-the-door equivalent 3.4 mi/kwh elec: $23,108 base
- $4,000 fuel
= $19,000 out-the-door equivalent

If you compare it with $15-19k gas/EV equivalent, those vehicles are probably going to be used, with limited warranty remaining. So, there is additional unrealized operating savings with the Mirai as well.

Insurance and registration are about $100/mo for me. This is decently lower than other $50k luxury brands (per my policy at least), but I'm not including it since it's different for everyone.

After the fuel card runs out, the Mirai starts to get more expensive again due to the higher cost of H2 fuel over gas. However, I doubt I'm going to keep the car once the fuel card runs out. And, nobody knows what the depreciation will be like, so I'm keeping it out of this calculation.

That's $15k-$19k, acetech09. Not a 'free car' like some people were saying.

Yes, true. But here's the punchline. This car is really freaking nice.

It's not 'dirt-cheap' compared to a used commute econobox, but it's radically cheaper than any other Lexus-like, freeway-autonomous, tech-laden, fully featured and warrantied mid-size sedan.

For the price of this [craigslist.org], you get this [imgur.com].

Sure, it's cheap, but, how is it?
You might be a skeptic like me and think it's a $25k corolla with a $25k water-maker under the hood. But it's not. This is a proper, no-compromise luxury sedan. It almost directly compares with a top-spec, $40-45k Avalon, at least. Reportedly, this car was originally designed to be a Lexus, but brand politics happened.
  • Spacious, comfy, solid, quiet, cruises like a heavy full-size.
  • Radar cruise control, lane following, full autonomy/driver assist package with granular settings. Power everything. Sound isn't audiophile-tier but is about as good as a production car gets.
  • Bird's eye view/360 degree cameras, pretty excellent for checking your parking since the visibility is as poor as every other modern car.
  • Not exciting to drive, but it's still extremely confident and flat in corners. The 0-60 is 'slow', but it's totally sufficient, and the electric instant-torque makes it capable of cutting through whatever commute conditions you need it to even with lower HP numbers.
  • Huge dash screen with android auto/carplay.
  • A really handy wireless phone charging pad in the center console.
  • The digital instrument cluster display was easy enough to configure and interpret - i'm a big analog dial guy but this one took almost no time to get used to, and feels totally normal now.
  • It has a 'pee' button. Seriously. The car auto-dumps the water exhaust when driving, and during shutdown as well - which could dump a lot of water on your garage floor. So you can manually push a button and have the car pee in your driveway before you pull it into your garage.
Any negatives?
Not really. It's not a drivers car of course, but it's a solid premium Toyota and delivers exactly what you expect and want. Really, just minor nitpicks:
  • Wireless android auto would be nice, to synergize with the wireless charge pad.
  • There isn't multi-user seat memory. That's, bafflingly, part of the +$15k premium trim which is otherwise not really worth it.
  • No spare tire, just fix-a-flat and a compressor. Not a huge issue if you're commuting this in the urban areas it's mostly limited to.
  • No volume knob on the infotainment, you have to button spam.
The elephant in the room, Hydrogen stations:

Of course, the 'catch' is that you can only drive this car in the bay area and parts of LA. However, there are a lot of people in both those areas who only use their car for commutes and local city-errands. Within these markets, it's still pretty insane that you can get them that cheap - it's not like I'm the only guy who wants one.

Toyota does also give 21 complimentary gas-car rental days to the purchaser, like electric car sellers do, so people can take road trips if needed. 21 days isn't a *lot* but it's decent value.

At the pumps, it's almost exactly like filling up a normal gas car, sometimes there's a 1-2 car wait but they fill fast and it's not a big deal.

Conclusion:
I check all the boxes: lives and commutes near hydrogen stations, can take advantage of the tax credits, and has another vehicle for trips outside the hydrogen network.

Only time will tell if this thing gives me a bunch of mechanical problems, or hydrogen balloons in price, or some other unknown. But for now, I think it'll work out great.

Is hydrogen the future? Probably not. The only clear benefit of fuel cell vehicles over battery electrics is refuel time, at significant complexity and material costs. But I'm sure hydrogen stations will be around as long as this vehicle lasts. But if I ever replace it, it'll probably be electric.

Station map for your area (California only):
https://cafcp.org/stationmap

For Carpool Sticker information:
https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/car...arpool.htm

California Clean Vehicle Rebate $4500 for Mirai
https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/en...e-vehicles
Note: Income cap does not apply for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles! Source [cleanvehiclerebate.org]

Federal Tax credit $8,000 info
https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/350
Note: this is a tax credit, applied when filling out tax return for 2021)

Source:
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/com...ta_mirais/
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Deal
Score
+296
464,201 Views
$23,100
$52,408.00

Community Wiki

Last Edited by jnads March 24, 2021 at 02:42 PM

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Featured Comments

I went to Hamer Toyota and they had balls to mark those up 3k plus 1k gps add-on. Came to $56.5k with no negotiation because stimulus money is here and dealers wants it all. Sad state
Hydrogen Fuel cell is exempt from CA rebate income limits.

"The income cap applies for all eligible vehicle types except fuel-cell electric vehicles."

Source: cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng/requirements/1470
Slow car, 0-60 is 9.3 sec

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berkeflea
03-18-2021 at 10:29 PM.
03-18-2021 at 10:29 PM.
I wouldn't buy a FCV car. At best a lease. Drive it for 3 years and make it someone else's problem after that. It's looking like FCVs will die out. Seems unlikely they'll build too many more fuel stations. If they did, might be targeted towards trucks. Who knows if it'll be accessible for cars.

Even the investing community sees little future for FCV cars. They do see a possible future for trucks, ships, planes, trains, etc..., but not cars. Just that battery EVs solve that problem pretty well.
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/09/j...rogen.html




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varuswamy
03-18-2021 at 10:47 PM.
03-18-2021 at 10:47 PM.
Found useful information from zonelease on Leasehackr.

https://forum.leasehackr.com/t/20.../341508/39

Got booked for the 2021 Mirai from BayArea dealership and waiting for the car to be delivered next week. We have finance option and are planning to keep it for next 5-6 years.

Feel free to PM if you need a referral for lease/purchase.

https://www.toyota.com/mirai/referral/
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deusofhearts
03-18-2021 at 10:56 PM.
03-18-2021 at 10:56 PM.
My family and I purchased three Mirai's from a dealer in the past two days. We math'ed out the actual cost of ownership after federal credit, rebates and HOV access and figured we couldn't pass up the deal. We all live about 5-10 minutes from an H2 pump and commute a predictable distance weekly.

I negotiated 33k OTD financed at 0%/72 months for the XLE + tech package and pre-installed accessories. This is before the rebates and credits that we all qualify for. I thought I got a stellar deal but my family members were able to do even better! YMMV depending on sales tax zip code, dealer doc fees, etc. We figured that as long as the H2 pumps are around for the next 6 years (or life of the fuel card), the car can be worth $0 at the end of the 72 month 0% interest finance, and it would have served it's purpose.

Initial impressions: Luxurious and comfortable ride at the cost of interior space. This is strictly a work commuter vehicle for me so space is not a concern. I've been commuting 40 miles round trip in a Stinger GT2 so it's my only comparison. For the standard 5 days a week commuting in Socal traffic, I realize I prefer the signature plain Jane Toyota/Lexus sedan experience over a high horsepower, sporty sedan. I also prefer the silence of the fuel cell motor over the exaggerated combustion engine sounds of the GT2, especially in "Sport mode" the piped engine noises become somewhat obnoxious (to me at least).

Tech wise, the Mirai XLE has about the same bells and whistles as the GT2. Some differences here and there but about equal all things considered. The GT2 sound system is significantly better than the Mirai to my ears and probably the one thing I'll notice when swapping between the two cars. I haven't played around with the Mirai audio settings, but it lacks the soundstage and warmth that I'm used to with the GT2.

Build wise, the Mirai feels very well assembled given that it's one of the few Toyotas assembled in Japan. I realize this could be my personal perception of Japanese manufacturing though. Perhaps it's a new car thing, but the Mirai chassis feels taut behind the wheel compared to the GT2. Some parts of the Mirai feel very budget conscious while other parts have a high end feel. For example, the trunk and glove box in the Mirai feel like they're imported from a no frills Corolla, but all 4 doors feel premium as you would expect from a Lexus sedan.

All told, I intend to keep the GT2 and relegate it to the spirited weekend driver it was meant to be and daily drive the Mirai. Having two vehicles will alleviate the anxiety of H2 pumps going down for extended periods. I most likely would not have purchased this if it were to be my only vehicle. I have read that Toyota has taken great care of Mirai owners by fully covering rentals during weeks/months long H2 shortage for what it's worth.

Regarding insurance, YMMV, I was quoted 800/year through Costco/Ameriprise for 100/300k coverage for my driving habits. Includes $8 premium per 6 months for Costco's version of Gap coverage that replaces the vehicle in the event of a total loss.
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Last edited by deusofhearts March 18, 2021 at 11:00 PM.
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emaij
03-18-2021 at 11:01 PM.
03-18-2021 at 11:01 PM.
Quote from berkeflea :
Hydrogen costs about $17/kg. The Mirai has a capacity of 5.6kg and can drive up to 400 miles, best case. $95/tank. For the same miles in an EV costs about $14.
Supercharger in socal is 35 cents per kwh. I average 316 wh/mi. Or 126400 wh/400miles or 126.4 kwh/400 or $44.24 for 400 miles. Which is about what I was paying for my 50 mpg honda hybrid.
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ToolDeals
03-18-2021 at 11:01 PM.
03-18-2021 at 11:01 PM.
Quote from nigerianscammerhello :
A low-end Toyota is going to feel like a low-end Toyota. This car is built at the Lexus plant in Japan. It's basically a Lexus that got a Toyota badge. https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-...car-report [com.au]
Sounds like it might be a great candidate to switch back to gasoline.... When one cannot obtain hydrogen and it does not appear like electric is going to take a backseat with VW now coming on strong with partners to compete with Tesla that is all in house, what are you going to do with this?

I have no idea the cost per mile driven to produce hydrogen, but electric is relatively cheap... and both still require the so called fossil fuels intended to replace. There are so many wind generators broken and shut down across the country, without further taxpayer funding, they are just part of the landscape. Solar is great, but got to have sun... and none at night when people are charging their cars.
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blueducky
03-18-2021 at 11:47 PM.
03-18-2021 at 11:47 PM.
Quote from wpc :
the catch is hydrogen is not catching on and you can't fill up anywhere. I was waiting and waiting for one of the "planned" hydrogen stations to open near me and eventually gave up this year and bought a plugin hybrid instead.
i got myself a clarity phev 5 months ago hah
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Original Poster
ExtremeOak
03-18-2021 at 11:55 PM.
03-18-2021 at 11:55 PM.
Quote from nigerianscammerhello :
Not true. There's no income cap at all. "The income cap applies for all eligible vehicle types except fuel-cell electric vehicles." https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/en...20vehicles.

I stand corrected!
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marcodiaz04
03-18-2021 at 11:56 PM.
03-18-2021 at 11:56 PM.
Does anyone knows if the Toyota finance works for people on Visa?

I live in bay area and I'm interested in the car, I can put a large down payment (as long as I can take advantage of the 20K for using their finance service)

Seems like a good deal and the car looks really nice

I'm about to finish my 3 year lease on my VW Jetta and if I can get this deal I will just return the car
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ElvisIsNOTAlive
03-18-2021 at 11:57 PM.
03-18-2021 at 11:57 PM.
Hi @ExtremeOak,
Quote from ExtremeOak :
California $4500 is a "rebate" first come first serve (with income restrictions $300k for married filing joint) and Federal $8,000 is a tax credit.
In your OP, I saw the following.
Quote :
Note: Income cap does not apply for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles! Source [cleanvehiclerebate.org]
which is probably referring to
Quote :
Applicants are not eligible for CVRP rebates if their gross annual incomes are above the following thresholds: $150,000 for single filers, $204,000 for head-of-household filers, or $300,000 for joint filers. The income cap applies for all eligible vehicle types except fuel-cell electric vehicles.
from Apply for a rebate | Clean Vehicle Rebate Project https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/en...ments/1470.

For the post that I'm replying to, did you mean that the "income restrictions $300k" part does not apply for buying this 2021 Mirai, correct?

How does the availability of the Mirais and different colors from what you've learned?

Thank you.
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ElvisIsNOTAlive
03-19-2021 at 12:01 AM.
03-19-2021 at 12:01 AM.
Hi @marcodiaz04,
Quote from marcodiaz04 :
Does anyone knows if the Toyota finance works for people on Visa?

I live in bay area and I'm interested in the car, I can put a large down payment (as long as I can take advantage of the 20K for using their finance service)

Seems like a good deal and the car looks really nice

I'm about to finish my 3 year lease on my VW Jetta and if I can get this deal I will just return the car
What would be the benefit of putting down a large initial payment if there's 0% APR (and I'm assuming there must be some type of auto-pay mechanism involved so we don't have to remember due dates)?
Quote :
= $35,608.00 (This is what I financed at 0% APR, 72 months, no fees at all)
Thank you.
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Original Poster
ExtremeOak
03-19-2021 at 12:01 AM.
03-19-2021 at 12:01 AM.
Quote from ElvisIsNOTAlive :
Hi @ExtremeOak,

In your OP, I saw the following.

which is probably referring to


from Apply for a rebate | Clean Vehicle Rebate Project https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/en...ments/1470.

For the post that I'm replying to, did you mean that the "income restrictions $300k" part does not apply for buying this 2021 Mirai, correct?

How does the availability of the Mirais and different colors from what you've learned?

Thank you.

Yes. You are correct, there is no income restriction on the Mirai for the California rebate BUT it is first come first serve until the fund runs dry AND there is currently about a 3- 4 month turnaround time on the rebate.

As far as availability, I've seen the larger dealerships have a good selection. I wouldn't worry about availability. The only concern is that the $20k manufacturers rebate ends by the end of the month.
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ElvisIsNOTAlive
03-19-2021 at 12:04 AM.
03-19-2021 at 12:04 AM.
Quote from ExtremeOak :
Yes. You are correct, there is no income restriction on the Mirai for the California rebate BUT it is first come first serve until the fund runs dry AND there is currently about a 3- 4 month turnaround time on the rebate.

As far as availability, I've seen the larger dealerships have a good selection. I wouldn't worry about availability. The only concern is that the $20k manufacturers rebate ends by the end of the month.
Thank you for the quick reply and clarification.

I wonder if the dealerships will still have them a few days before end of month when I'll return to Bay Area. Maybe they'll be even more motivated to sell if that coincides with their month/quarter end.
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Sharka
03-19-2021 at 12:19 AM.
03-19-2021 at 12:19 AM.
One of my friends actually had a 3 year lease on a Mirai that just recently ended. After hearing about what they had to go through to fill up at the hydrogen stations, I'd never buy a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. An especially cringeworthy experience at the pumps was that the pin inside the fuel valve (pump side) froze while they were fueling up on a cold winter night in SoCal, so they had to wait 2 hours for it to defrost before they can disengage and go home.
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TenseVest783
03-19-2021 at 12:19 AM.
03-19-2021 at 12:19 AM.
Quote from wwong627 :
We just bought one and it drives pretty nice. Just an FYI if you are interested that there is a referral incentive for the buyer as well. If you want more info, let me know. I can share my experience if you are interested.
Hi. Can you please share more info about this referral? I'm seriously interested and considering getting one this wknd.
Also, can you share more about the deal you got. How much down and how much per month over how many months? Thx a lot
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Joined Oct 2019
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TenseVest783
03-19-2021 at 12:21 AM.
03-19-2021 at 12:21 AM.
Quote from ExtremeOak :
Hydrogen Fuel cell is exempt from CA rebate income limits.

"The income cap applies for all eligible vehicle types except fuel-cell electric vehicles."

Source: cleanvehiclerebate.org/eng/requirements/1470
The other items I will consider, are the cost of insurance and registration. Both of these items are going to be higher (twice as much) for the Mirai vs the Camry.
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