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Prius prices come back to earth. (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060912/FREE/60911020/1041)

Automotive News - Sept. 12, 2006

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2006_Toyota_Prius.jpg
2006 Toyota Prius II – Supply meets demand.

Judging by new-car sales numbers and softening eBay prices, the Toyota Prius has lost some of its sizzle.

Through August, Prius sales were down 3.3 percent to 70,447, vs. 72,849 in the first eight months of 2005.

Prices for low-mileage used Priuses are down, too. And fewer eBay shoppers seem willing to pay crazy money for the swoopy hatchback. A check last week found 46 of the hybrids being offered on the popular Internet auction site. But few were fetching more than sticker price - a big change from a year ago.

Looking at the completed eBay auctions, most 2004- and 2005-model Priuses sold for $15,000 to $20,000. For example, a 2004 Prius with 43,000 miles in hybrid-happy California sold for $15,300. Most first-generation 2000-03 Priuses were topping out at under $10,000.

And the used-hybrid marketplace soon will shed some light on a key question of long-term hybrid economics, since some of the older cars with 100,000 miles or more could be facing a battery pack replacement. Toyota says it hasn't had to do any so far but estimates the tab could run about $4,000.

Since the Prius went on sale in July 2000, Toyota has sold 298,199 units in the United States.

Hi all,

Now who would have every thought we would be reading this about a Hybrid? Especially the Toyota Prius II as Popular as it has been. Man you just never can tell can you what the American Public will do.

Terry (tiger)

BTW, I now wonder what a (Friend) of mine will purchase after reading this. Xcel ;)

Way I see it, people like Wayne will get a better deal on hybrids into at least 2007. The pump prices will evenually go back up and those that got deals with hybirds now will feel good about the break later :)

It's simply that the demand for Hybrids is proportional to gas prices.

Gas prices go down, the need for a Hyrbrid goes down.

As I think about it, now might be the time to buy one. Gas prices are certainly unpredictable, but I think we may have hit a low-plateau for a short while.

I had to bring this up -- I travel extensively for my job, and I'm in Tulsa right now (oil country). As I watch the local news or TV in general, every car commercial from a local dealer goes,
"Great deals on our Pickups and SUVs!"

They just can't sell them :) They even have a actor putting her child in the back of a 4-door pickup, "I just love the room and how easy it is to haul the kids". I'm just waiting for "I love the V-8 power..."

RH77