If you are going to replace your existing car anyway I'd work the best deal you can and go from there.

Last January my '94 Dodge spirit (17MPG) was overdue. I looked at several small "nicer" cars that would curb my fuel consuption so obviously I went HCH.

I waited until the gas prices were stable, and even coming down a bit as demand would be lowest on the Hybrid. (Just like now...at least in Atlanta) I also managed below MSRP and a few great dealership toss-ins (Free tires, oil changes etc)
A couple of weeks later in February the gas crunch hit again, spilling over $2.00/Gallon.

About a month ago I was in the same dealership and now there are no deals to be had with them (or anywhere in this area) on HCH and none in stock.

Gas prices typically stabilize for a while then up, up, up until complaints grow and continue that cycle.
Since crude is hovering around its all time high per barrel I suspect a dramatic sharp increase in fuel prices around December and the 1st of the year.

That's my $02

Efficient drivers do it better.
1003 miles a tank personal record. 74MPG calculated. HCH1 CVT