Not pre-ordering the Prius led to tremendous waits for most. While those of us on the list before the car was released got cars early. I'm number 4 on my dealers waiting list for a HiHy and got on the list with a deposit, signed contract guaranteeing MSRP, etc. back in January. Even so they told me not to expect a car until as late as October since they will only be getting 1-2/month.

The dealers that screwed people are pretty well known now. Post here, any Yahoo Prius group, Priuschat, whereever people go who had to wait and deal with folks and see what their experience was then use one of the honest dealers that delt fairly.

Finally, ordering for the HiHy will be completely different than for the Prius. The dealers will submit, via computer, a specific order for you for the exact features you want and that order will stay with your car until it is delivered to your dealer and ultimately to YOU!

I've seen no official announcement, but it should even be possible to track the progress of your specific vehicle from assembly to transport ship, to truck in the US, to your dealer's lot. I know there will be such a system for the 400h.

Evan E. Fusco, MD
'04 Prius/BC moded to the T
'06 Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD w/NAV