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It is often hard to find a hybrid on the lot for a test drive. (http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/breaking_news/15352251.htm?source=rss&channel=bradenton_breaking_news)

Brian Neill – Herald Today – August 24, 2006

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2006_Prius-II_in_woods.jpg
Just like this Prius II hidden in the woods, they are hard to find locally too.

BRADENTON --The bright red "pre-sold" sticker on the windshield of the Prius hybrid in Gettel Toyota's sales lot aptly tells it all.

Those who have been lured to hybrid cars because of soaring gas prices or environmental concerns better be willing to wait in line to get one.

"We have three different hybrid vehicles that Toyota makes and we can't keep any of them in stock," said Rick O'Leary, Internet sales consultant with Gettel Toyota. "The shelf life of a hybrid vehicle is measured in days, not weeks, and certainly not months."

In fact, it's often even hard to find a hybrid on the lot for a test drive, O'Leary said.

"Basically, if someone wants to test drive a vehicle, they have to order one first," O'Leary said. "It's car buying like it's never happened before."

Read about how hybrid vehicle demand is outpacing supply in Friday's edition of The Bradenton Herald.

On the other hand, if you want to test drive one of the myriad models of Hummers and check out all the possile accesories, head on down to WEIL Hummer/Caddy just South of Libertyville where they have hundreds of extra-large vehicles on the lot just waiting for you! :rolleyes:

Actually, one of the things I love about showing my car at car shows, meet-ups and other events is the chance to let people look around and sit in my Prius. Once they can actually get contact with the car it makes a decision on their part a lot easier.

Wayne M

What I regret most about HybridFest is never getting to drive another hybrid. Still had a great time - it was so busy.

Hi Tony:

___Funny you should mention Weil Hummer/Cadillac in Libertyville. I was in Libertyville just 3 days ago heading to the back/bone doc and then visited Libertyville Toyota since it was just down the street to look for the wife’s next car (probably the loaded TCH?). They only had their own demo Prius and TCH on the lot to test drive with nothing on the lot for sale … They did call me two days later and said they had someone back out on a fully loaded beige Prius II but that is not what the wife would like to see in the drive :( Another few doors down however was Weil Hummer/Cadillac and I saw all of those monster H2/H3’s and Escalades sitting right up front so lonely and screaming for attention … I bet none of them have even moved in a month although I am quite sure I am exaggerating a little :D

___Wayne, I hope you get the opportunity to take even more non-hybrids drivers out in your Prius II because the first time they go EV or the ICE shuts off at the light or stop sign, the light bulb goes off in their heads and bingo, you just converted another naysayer who will never look at a hybrid the same ever again … You probably have done this 20 or 30 times already!

___Chuck, next year, we will all have a lot more time to do the cool things we missed at HF2006. HF2007 is going to be a humdinger as you should hear about some of the plans Eric, Linda, Bill, Bradlee, and the rest of the HF planning committee are considering for next years event. It is going to be an event the likes you will never forget and this year’s event was already one I most certainly won’t!

___Good Luck

___Wayne