What to do!?!?!

[Jeannie]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Jul 12 2006, 05:00 PM) [snapback]285178[/snapback]</div>

Well,

I would pay cash for it I think at this point. I am not as concerned about the 2007 as I am with the 2008 (the new body style). I am wondering what new technology they will have, what bugs they have fixed, how much mpg it will get, etc. There is no doubt I will be getting a Prius, the question is what year. The unknown is killing me!
[/b]

Have you thought about getting a 2006 before October 1 to maximize your tax credit? Then you could trade it in a 'newer' model after they come out and you do enough research to be certain it's time to get it.

[hobbit]

The 2004 rocked quite a bit more by comparison to the '01-03 Prius,
but people still love their Classics. Get what suits your needs.
If that means waiting for the Estima to finally be marketed in this
country, then that's what you want to do. If you want to start
enjoying the Prius lifestyle now, then do it. If finances are an
issue, you may be able to save a little [but only a little] on a
gently-used '04 or '05 by now.
.
_H*

[tyrael]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(withersea @ Jul 12 2006, 05:01 PM) [snapback]285180[/snapback]</div>

I don't know anything about the new Prius, but I just picked up my 06 last Wednesday and let me tell you- the Prius already rocks! It by far the "smartest" car I've ever driven and the most fun to boot. I look for excuses to drive it. My wife thinks I'm nuts. When she asked what I wanted to do last night, I jokingly replied "wanna go out and sit the the Prius?"
[/b]

I like the enthusiasm!!! I just picked mine up too and I love it! Why wait? It's just like waiting to buy the best of the best, when the ultimate best is just around the corner. Just fix the one up now and make it yours!!!

[fjef]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ Jul 13 2006, 08:21 AM) [snapback]285277[/snapback]</div>

The 2004 rocked quite a bit more by comparison to the '01-03 Prius,
but people still love their Classics. Get what suits your needs.
If that means waiting for the Estima to finally be marketed in this
country, then that's what you want to do. If you want to start
enjoying the Prius lifestyle now, then do it. If finances are an
issue, you may be able to save a little [but only a little] on a
gently-used '04 or '05 by now.
.
_H*
[/b]

I still have a 2001 model (second generation in Japan) and although I know the newer models get better mpg and are a 'nicer' car, I have no problems driving the 'older' model - it is still way more technically advanced than everything else on the road.

We have 130,000 kms on the 2001 and its the best car I have ever owned. We are averaging about 20 kms/litre which is about US 46 mpg and with gas prices here in Japan, we are saving a bundle. The 2001 to 3003 'classic' models are shooting up in value in the used market here in Japan as more people are wanting to buy a Prius across all price ranges. Even with the Classic model, the smugness factor is still full on.

The used prices on 2nd hand Estima Hybrids are just starting to drop here as the 2006 model has a new hybrid system - I may trade up and end up with the same mpg as my current Prius but having an 8 passenger, 4 wheel drive van. I wish these decisions weren't so difficult!