Any new car depreciates out the wa-zoo the moment you buy it. If you want to avoid that, don't buy new, get one that someone else took the hit on. No one knows for sure when the next generation Prius will be out, nor what model year it will be designated. But, I guarantee when it does show up the dealers will gouge the price up and you'll be making an even worse mistake if you buy into that.
If new is what you must have, the good deals have never been better since the Prius first came out.
As far as anticipating the tax credit, if you have kids, pretty much forget about it because your child tax credit will most likely off-set the hybrid car credit. But, of course check with your tax professional. Just read about all the folks that are crying that they didn't get the credit they anticipated (and purchased based on) after all.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(9G-man @ Apr 22 2007, 08:18 PM) [snapback]428051[/snapback]</div>

Thanks, but I don't need the tax credit. Everything is paid for and I don't go the long forms any more.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John6012 @ Apr 22 2007, 09:55 PM) [snapback]428079[/snapback]</div>

Well in that case why wait? Right now your going to get the best selection and pricing for your dollar. Better to strike now while they are out there to be had in the color and options of your choice, then regret later as the popularity picks up to meet the current production.

Plutarch said it first: He is a fool who lets slip a bird in the hand for a bird in the bush.

Too many concerns, do nothing, buy nothing, stay home and be concerned, make the decision to make no decision. Be Happy.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fish @ Apr 23 2007, 02:45 AM) [snapback]428224[/snapback]</div>

Yep, not to decide is to decide. Now I gotta get a hich for the 01 Honda to pull my teardrop trailer and I'll go for the Prius or, get the Prius first and then get the hitch. Thanks for all you input!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 22 2007, 08:33 PM) [snapback]428019[/snapback]</div>

I must have been asleep: when did the lithium-ion/80MPG rumors get shot down?...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mikepaul @ Apr 23 2007, 09:35 AM) [snapback]428263[/snapback]</div>

And don't forget the Mr. Fusion Home Energy Source. It's an add-on for the '08s, but I think it will be worth the extra cost.

Tom

Personally, though you might take a hit initially, experience has shown that the hybrids have retained their value above and beyond what a conventional model retained. A friend of mine bought his 2003 Civic Hybrid back in '03 brand new, and managed to buy it for about $16,500 after everything was said and done. A dealership offered to give him $14,500 last year...3 years after he bought it!

I think the best way to go would be to look for a clearance special...if you want to wait that long. With fuel prices on the rise I imagine now to be the best time to buy if you want to replace yours, not later when gas crosses the $3.50/gallon mark (which isn't too far off in the future, I believe).

I am waiting for the next generation with plug in lithium batteries. Why would I buy a car soon to be obsolete?