I'm dying to get a hybrid now with these insane gas prices, but have decided to wait for the 2006 tax credit. I have a 25 mile commute in a mini-van that gets 20 MPG.
So I want to get my Hybrid ASAP and be rewarded for my patience with the $2-3K tax credit.

I'm looking at the 06 civic hybrid and the Prius and am split 50/50. Both are great.

My goal is to order one so it will arrive on in early 2006 allowing me to capitalize on the nice gift from the US Government.

Has anybody been able to work with a dealer to lock in a delivery date?

I have talked to my local Toyota dealership about the Prius, and he indicated I would have to go on a waiting list which is OK. The way they described the deal, would be any time a new Prius came in which could be any package or color, I would have a choice to pass it up or take it. If I passed, the guy on the list behind me would take it. I want the Package #2 and would like two or three of the colors.
My problem is, who knows when the care I liked would come in, and I wouldn't want to wait to long to avoid being the 60001st guy to by a Toyota Hybrid.

Also I have to add the two car salesman at the Toyota dealership have not even heard about the new tax credit and were tying to tell me that you only get a $500 tax dedution on 2006.

Haven't talked to the Honda dealer yet, but that 06 Civic Hybrid is looking very tempting. Has anybody been able to order one yet? I saw on Autobytel review that they will be available for sale on October 5. Does that mean I can't order one until October 5th?