From what I understand, the 2009 will have a minor mid-cycle freshening with slightly different headlamps, etc. However, isn't a partial tax credit still available now? For the $525 or whatever the credit is now, take the 2008 unless you really care about having the absolute latest, greatest thing. I could see a desire to wait if you're talking about the current vs. next-gen Prius, but there's no major changes to the HCH-II.