The shortage of Prius seems to be at the end.

[Tempus]

Just went by the Dealership earlier this week for 70K maintenance. Every other time I've been there they've had at least a half dozen Prius and and equal number of Camry Hybrids.

This time, 0 Prius and on Camry which apparently just came off the truck.

[cycledrum]

I went from 318 on list to 252 at Toyota Sunnyvale in only 2 weeks and 2 days. Bought from Piercey the next day, who has only 1 black #5 available on lot. Big dealer. They have a bunch of used ones.

[robbyr2]

Why? The 2009 is $500 more and is identical to the 2008. If anything, that would make people scram to get left over 2008's.

Traditionally, manufacturers have had to take a big cut from MSRP to move last year's model, because when it comes time to trade that car in, the new model will be worth a lot more. Given the resale value of the Prius, that deep discount may not be necessary, but the future is hard to predict.

I think you may find a few people have read all the plug-in hybrid news and decided to wait. If you have a newer vehicle that already gets decent gas mileage, waiting for the PHEV Prius might be an option (I didn't think I had one replacing a 7-year SUV getting 14 mpg with a fuel pump replacement just barely optional [$850 I'm quoted]).

And Gustav may help clear a few 08 Priuses off the lot too.