Buying a new Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, or Honda Accord Hybrid is likely to involve a wait and maybe a deposit at a dealer. Then you play the game of the dealer calling you when one comes in; but it may not be the color you want. And there are many stories of dealers raising the price at the last minute. With hybrids, if you won't pay the premium, price, probably someone else will.

New Honda Civic Hybrids should be available without a wait. They're great cars.

But what about a used Prius. The Prius has been in production long enough that used models are available without a wait.

The Prius was introduced as a 2001 model. The original style was made through 2003. The current body style was introduced in 2004.

As of January 2005, used 2001-2003 Priuses are running about $15,000 to $17,000 through Carmax or dealers. These should have gone through a comprehensive inspection and come with a warranty.

2004 Priuses are available too. These are virtually the same as current 2005 models, with more power, an improved air conditioner and roughly as good or better mileage as the original model. They don't come cheap: about $22,000 to $25,5000. But, if ya' just gotta have a Prius, and you can't wait...

These cars are too new to have a lot of accurate reliability data. But they ARE Toyotas, and you should be getting a warranty if on a car this new if you are buying it from a dealer.