My order experience

This is my first post to this group. I have been reading along for
a few weeks now and I think you all are a great source of knowledge
and information. I want to get your advice on how to continue my
ordering process.

A brief history: I placed an order with a buying service which
works with my credit union on May 3, 2004. I want a Super White
Prius with package #9. I live in Southern California. I made the
assumption that this would be the best way to go because I thought
the buying service would have a relationship with several dealers.
The buying service is going to charge me $1000 over MSRP for their
services. This gouging did not seem right, but I had hoped that it
would gain me some advantage as far as waiting time. I put down a
$250 deposit which is fully refundable. I was told that I should
expect to get my car in late October, early November. I received
my HSD keychain about a month ago. Yesterday, I called the one
dealer with whom the order was placed and I was told that "you are
way down the list". I mentioned the late October date and she
laughed and said "we are just getting to the orders from December
2003" and "there is no way you will be getting a car in 2004". This
particular dealer receives 1-4 new prii a month. I am very
dissapointed to say the least.

I decided to place a call to one of the largest Toyota dealers in So
Cal, Longo Toyota, to get an idea of their order practices. I spoke
with a helpful salesman who told me that they would definitly have a
car for me within 7 months. That would put my delivery in January-
February 2005. I will have to put down a $500 fully refundable
deposit.

My questions are, should I place an order with Longo? Should I
cancel the order with the buying service? Should I continue with
both orders?

I value the opinions of this group and look forward to any advice
that you wish to share with me. TIA

Pete Damski
Simi Valley, CA