Tried to order a 2010 Prius and my dealer said "NO"?

Can't imagine him not "placing" an order. I can see where they may tell you there would be a wait though.

 

Most dealers are not taking true orders. Instead, they try their best to match their incoming allocations to their clients needs. Especially at this time, (7 months away from 2010), some specific models are seemingly harder to get than others. I too, am seeking a Prius V, with AT package, but as of the April order, the 5 state Chicago region had only 1 unit matching this, and only 6 more on their May order.

As such, they really cannot 'order' it for me, so mush as let me know that they are trying to get that car in. (the problem is that many other dealers are also trying to get some of these very limited early releases, which makes it even harder to confirm to a potential buyer).

 

I'd love to have your business, but will you drive to Madison, WI?

Your dealer is a slack-jaw no doubt.
The orders that dealers take ( in the Chicago Region ) are indeed submitted to the Chicago Region via our manager and a quick email. He tries to match my orders with the cars that the Chicago region imports for dealer distribution. We as dealers do the same when the car is allocated to us: we match the cars with the orders.

I suspect your local dealer doesn't want to "take you order" as he has a car or two allocated that doesn't meet an actual order. further he assumes that the '10s will sell the way the 2G sold....customers will take what ever they can get.

Certainly get another dealer or contract with me and I'll get a car for you by August.