Interesting article from the Chronicle

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...sn=001&sc=1000

I was going to buy this month but may wait a little longer for negotiation leverage.

 

Things are looking pretty good for buyers around here right now. I walked onto a lot on Monday and saw 25 just sitting there, all different packages and colors. They still claim that they don't discount, mind you, but one should be able to get out of there happy if relentless with the negotiation, or if dealing with a fleet manager directly.

 

They twisted all the facts on that article. They compared the hottest month in sales (August) to November, so of course the sales were down. Hybrid car sales were actually up from last November.

Also, production of the Prius has been freed up with the move to Kentucky of the Camry Hybrid. So each Camry built is no longer taking away a Prius. So, combine more production with lower sales (because of the season, not the gas prices) and you get more cars on the lots.

As for prices going down, who knows. With the tax credits being halved, it may be likely Toyota will cut prices. But given that the Prius and Camry are the two most popular hybrid models out there, you may have to wait until the tax credit gets halved again.

 

Here is another recent article that supports the previous posting:

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006...es_of_hyb.html

In summary, the slow sales are following expected cycles but hybrids are still selling more this year then last.

Maybe I will get my Christmas gift end of December if sales remain low, surplus grows, gas prices remain consistent and the car sales rep keeps calling me saying that my vehicle is still available....

 

Sales of hybrids slowed down enough for me to find a Prius on the lot at the right trim level, so I bought one.

Sure beats having to wait 6 months for one...

Harry

 

Ditto...I signed the papers last night. Didn't have to pay MSRP, either.