Ordered an 2010 last week

Maplewood Toyota in Maplewood Minnesota is taking a $500 deposit to get your name on the list for the 2010 model. They took my order over the phone and it sounds like they'll be charging my card right away. My sales guy says that details like colors and packages are not officially released and he'll call me to convert the $500 to a sales order when Toyota releases the order codes. He supported the rumor (fact??) that the first units available in April 2009 (he said spring) are going to fleet orders and I probably won't see a 2010 until "summer".

As an interesting aside, he stated that there will be a plug-in version based on the 2010 chassis but that it won't be out for "quite awhile" due to continued development in the batteries. He seemed to imply that he would have information on the plug-in Prius in the same time frame as when the 2010 packages are known. I'm not interested in a plug-in but it was interesting because he brought it up first.

PS: there is now a six-month waiting list in the Twin Cities for the Prius. My sales person said that they'll be delivering 2009 models very soon.

 

To late. I got my $500 deposit for 2010 Prius 8 month ago in the #1 Toyota dealer in the country. I was told I'm number one on the list and will be the first in New Englang to get one. At the time there was no packages or price available, they will contact me as soon any info will become available to workout all package details. I'm driving my 2008 Yellow Toyota FJ cruiser now and I'm loving it. I'm very confident in Toyota products and I'm sure the 2010 will be no different.