I have put a deposit down for a HCH to be delivered after January 1, 2006. I emailed six dealers with three responding.

One wanted a $1,000 non-refundable deposit and would not guarantee they would sell at list. Little hard to commit to someone with no guarantee they won't gouge me in the end. So no go on them.

Another wanted me to take a 2005. After explaining the 2006 tax credit and not being able to take dellivery till 1/1/2006 - he still didn't understand said I would have to take delivery now on a 2005. So no go on them.

The one I'm buying from took a $200 refundable deposit and I'm allegedly on the top of the list. He hadn't heard of this tax credit for 2006 but had no problem waiting. My only requirement is dark interior with Navi. They will sell at MSRP with no bs fees.

I currently have an Acura MDX and get 20 - 21 mpg. I'm gonna keep it b/c a move to a small car is a bit scary and I do have small kids. So I figure if the Civic isn't for me, I can sell it near break even after consideration of the tax break.