Does anyone have any insight into what the car manufacturers are planning to do in August to closeout their 06' models? I'm pretty close to buying a new HAH hybrid and I wonder if I should wait. Of course if the hybrids are truly in demand like eveyone is stating it probably doesn't matter.

Hi,
You might start by monitoring the Ebay listings, particularly the "Completed" ones to look for actual sale prices. It is the most current and accurate information about hybrid prices. One of our members, Doug, has been collecting Prius sale prices and I used his data to generate this chart after I bought my 03 Prius:

I bought my 03 in October, 2005, so it wasn't a model year change.

Let us know how it turns out. A company called "CNW Marketing" claims some of the Toyota dealers are no longer marking up new Prius over the MSRP. However, details like "which dealer" remain curiously unknown. Folks have, in the past, managed to walk in the dealer and find Prius at MSRP and gotten good deals but many others have had to face the markup. Hopefully, you'll find one and let us know.

BTW, don't knock the Honda Civic hybrid and the others. They are fine cars and some driving patterns really work well with the Hondas. In our case, we needed a car that sat a little higher and the Prius met that requirement.

GOOD LUCK!

Bob Wilson

ps. Moderators, should this thread go to the "Market place?"

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Hybrids get snatched up fast, tons are ordered. I waited 6+ months for mine. My 2 friends have Prius'es and they waited 2 months for theirs. I doubt any sit around long enough to be close outs. The only deal you will find is a used one. And those, especially the Prius, Insight, and Civic go like hot cakes.

Best of luck.

Also remember to factor in the tax credit into your purchase price.

Closeouts are to clear the 2006 models in preparation for the 2007s. I'm not sure what model you're looking for. We looked at the Prius and Camry and they were all sold before arriving at the dealership, so there's no need for a manufacturer to clearance them. On the other hand I think I saw a promotion on the Highlander. Also, you may get some on the Escape or Mariner.

I'm looking at the HAH. The deals I've received have been pretty good. I'm just wondering if any special financing offers may be coming up in August. I'd hate to sign off on a 60-mo. loan at 5.9% and then have Honda offer 2.9% in August.