Energy Bill Conference Report

Hello from a newbie ... Given this increased tax break -- a savings of more than $2,000 for those of us in my bracket -- it would seem that I'd be crazy to buy a Prius in November or December, as I was planning to do.

Anyone else out there going to wait until January? Do you all think that will affect the wait time/cost for those of us trying to get in on the new tax laws in early January? Should I get on a waitlist in November or December in hopes of taking delivery at the beginning of January? Is there any reason not to wait now?

IMO, Prius demand will rise considerably in early '06, after the hybrid tax credit gets more publicity.

 

I'm really burned up that even though we've only owned our car for 4 months, we only get a $300something tax break, as opposed to someone who buys their car later getting more than 9 times that amount.

Wish we could have waited till January. Stupid old car dying early... grr.

 

Thanks. Oh well. It's been a rough year and what I wouldn't have done for some help above and beyond that measly $300... I also missed out on the checks that W sent out during his first term. Sigh. I always miss out.

AnOldHouse, I think if you're buying a new car you really should be able to get it in the color you like. It's a shame they're not making Tideland next year. But there is a financial factor involved in addition to the desire factor, with the new energy bill and possible price change. I'm assuming you're not some young grad student, with spouse still investing in necessities for their career, type person like I am since my type is rather uncommon in general. I know "real" people have financial worries too. If you can afford the desire factor, go for it.

From a purely financial standpoint, weigh your options. Calculate out how much you'd be spending on gas and see if it's worth waiting another 5 months. See if the credit for 2006 balances out that number and any possible price increase. I'm sure it will be signed, W has been supporting it.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

 

Well, looks like my purchase just got bumped to Jan 02, 2006. From what my dealer was saying they are hearing the 06 MY MSRP will only go up about $200 over the MSRP for the 05 after the $300 Aug 1st bump up. So a net increase of only about $500 over what the majority of 05 purchasers paid. Don't know what his sources are but hope he is correct. I am on the list for an 05 but he told me it would be about two months wait for the package I am looking at and that I could switch to the 06 no problem. They did not have any specs on the 06 including no ideas on colors so once Aug 16th rolls around I am going to call him up and lock all that in. Is it best to just stay on the list and decline cars as they come in till after January 1 or should I tell him I want an early January car? Any suggestions?

 

Looks like the main toyota website is not showing the price update yet. I just checked and it still shows the old price. When I went into buyatoyota.com it does show the new MSRP. A basic prius with no options is now showing up at $21,815 up from the old $21,515 so at least they stuck with only the $300 up in price. I could have grabbed a 2005 #6 tideland that was still at the old MSRP sitting in port but couldn't justify the extra $3000 or so that the Nav system added onto the price over the #5. I guess you do get the HID lights and fogs but still a bit of a jump for extras I didn't know if I would use.

 

I wonder how Toyota will play this crappy hand which it was dealt.

If I were the “King†of Toyota, to prevent buyers from waiting until January to purchase in order to receive the tax benefit, I think I would announce, upon arrival of the 2006 model Prius, that anyone on the waiting list who takes delivery in 2005 will receive a discount equal to what they would receive if they waited until January to purchase.

Toyota could advertise this in many ways . . . “The US Federal Government will show you its extra appreciation for you purchasing a Prius in 2006 . . .come tax time on April 15, 2007! We at Toyota, on the other hand, can’t wait that long to show you OUR appreciation. That is why we are giving our customers who purchase a Prius prior to January 1, 2006 a tax savings equivalent discount now!â€

The PR would be worth the cost. The Prius waiting lists would swell to record numbers as those who aren’t lucky enough to take delivery in 2005 will be the first in line to receive a Prius in 2006 . . . one which qualifies for the new tax break.

 

President Bush will sign the Energy Bill on 8-8-2005 in New Mexico. This is basically a done deal.

I will be waiting to early next year for my Prius. I also heard the deliver for '06 is about 2 month if ordered today. I think I will put in the deposit around the end of September and hopefully receive my Prius January sometime.

AZEmission

 

Well, correction. The first day you can order a 06 is 8-14 and dealers should have the new specs of 06 by now.(starting 8-1-2005)

 

Of course, that also depends on the cooperation of the dealers. Many won't cooperate with Toyota's MSRP. Sure, you may get a rebate direct from Toyota, but the dealer may inflate accordingly.