Anyone think that 05 Prius' will linger on lots next month when 06s rol out and people wait until 1/1/6 for delivery with the tax credit in place? Could be a quite a phenomonon at your local Toyota dlr.
I don't think that will be the case. Does the new law state the vehicle has to be a 2006? If you take delivery of an 05 on Jan 1st, you may be able to get the credit. Anyone know??
From what I've read on other strings, as long as the hybrid vehicle is new and purchased in 06, it is eligible for the tax credit - assuming that it is within the first 60,000 sold by that manufacturer etc, etc, etc.
Correct. But there could be some '05 discounting at a very few high-volume dealers. A dealer can't refuse his/her '06 allocation when the trucks pull up. If you've got three '05s next to seven '06s, what will you do?
Most of the '06 cars will be pre-sold. If people don't want to wait in line for X months, they may take the '05.
You guys are making me feel bad...I went down to dealer last told her what I wanted and lo and behold they had the exact 05 model coming in off the boat for delivery on 11/22. I didn't even think about the 06 models coming in December. Not only that I'm paying full MSRP, but at least I'm not paying the $5000 markup I saw at another local dealer for an 05. That model was just sitting on the lot ready for sale. And probably my worst goof was that when I read about the 06 tax break I thought it applied to 05 as well. Live and learn.
Maybe they'll just sell the '05s at MSRP and the '06s with the $5K markup. That's a 'discount' right?
I would need a BIG discount to buy a 2005 over a 2006, given the features. I may not be the Model Customer dealers are looking for...
A good salesperson may be able to convince an un-informed consumer that there isn't much difference between the 2005 and 2006 models.
True. Even if there was no difference between them, the only way to sell the '05 would be a serious discount.
All things equal, better to get the newer model, but I have never heard anyone prior to your post who considered the differences between 05 and 06 to be all that significant?
Rear camera and MP3 are significant features for me. NAV is also improved. In reality, I think the probability of having unsold 06 next to unsold 05 is low.
If those things are important to you, obviously the 06 is the way to go. I decided the uncertainty of the HOV stickers halted at 50,000 was more important. I would have been very annoyed to buy a Prius and miss out on the sticker. I installed an XM module in my Tideland Pearl #6 for the car and use my Ipod for the gym. Also that color will not be offered in 06 and the metallic gray is not out until spring. Bottom line - everyone's tastes are different.
I know when I went and put my name on the list at the begining of October, I let another customer go ahead of me. The person wanted what ever was available as soon as it was in even if it was a late year 05 he just wanted another Prius as soon as it came in. I am sure there are a number of people in this same boat, they want one asap based on their situation. I think enough people are like this that there will not be many if any 05's just sitting around, someone will take them.
I discovered something interesting last night from my dealer. They don't get many cars in the first place. BUT, they have to keep moving the 05's or the Chicago region cuts back on their 06 allocation. (I have more details on this). I don't think you will see any discounts, you may just see the cars held and then delivered on January 1 for the tax credit. Just my $.02
