2005 or 2006? help!

It's really up to you. If it were back in July I'd say get it now, but it's so close to 2006 you probably could wait. There are add ons (like the Tom Tom NAV system) that have BT so you don't have to worry about that (or leather seats either). As for the MP3, that's a good thing to have. I use a cassette adapter for mine and that's OK, but if you mainly listen to MP3 it might be good to wait.

Just think about why you want a Prius and what's important to you.

 

Well the MP3 is OK but it just the music and you have to fuss with the iPod while driving. Think about the VIAS unit that gives you info on the MFD and steering wheel control.

 

IMO, the best thing to do is wait and get a 2006 model in the first quarter of 2006. (2006 production will start in November.) The Tax Credit you get from taking delivery after 01/01/2006 will offset the price difference between the two packages. (Tax Credit Est. at $3100.) Talk to your taxman and if he doesn't know then find a better taxman. The only reason to buy a 2005 is if you can get the dealer to eat ~$3000 off the MSRP. This may be possible the closer we get to 2006 but then you take the chance of not getting a car in the first two quarters of 2006.

Negotiations are non-existant. The only discounted prices I've heard about are on colors/option packages that are slow sellers and will likely disappear on the 2006. Find a dealer that will sell at MSRP, give them a deposit (if requested) and get a quarantee you will take delivery after 01/01/2006 and before 07/01/2006. The Prius is the same in all states so where you buy is up to you. Note: Southeast and Gulf States regions have theri own add ons. Use the build your own calculator on the Toyota website to find out what MSRP is. (Not available yet for 2006 car.) You can shange your Zipcode to see the difference in SE/Gulf pricing & packages.

Don't get stampeeded into the Extended Warranty through the dealer unless it is at the price you can find discussed on priuschat and is from Toyota Financial Services.

 

Lots of good information on these topics in the new Prius FAQ.
Sounds like you could use the 2005 Model Year Prius Calculator
to run some numbers for comparison.

 

dont let an mp3 player or a tom tom influence you to buy or not, you can get either of them on ANY car. its all marketing. look at mechanical differences and upgrades. new problems in a newer model. or a better newer design in the newer model year.