Used Toyta Prius Prices Like New

Toyota Prius is the most popular hybrid car of America. With recent hikes
in oil price, the demand for the gas-electric hybrid Prius turned out to be
so great that some used Priuses are selling for more than the list price for
a new one. Buyers who want to avoid the typical two-month waiting period
for the hot Toyota model are willing to pay the premium, according a study
conducted by Kelly Blue Book and Harris Interactive.

Waits at some dealerships can be considerably longer. The market for the
used Prius is so strong that some owners are trying to sell them for more
than they paid for them. The survey said that 8 percent of the consumers
considered hybrid vehicles in March, twice as much as 4% in February.
It also said if gas prices reach $3 per gallon 77 percent of car shoppers
will seriously consider a more fuel efficient vehicle.

The Prius, which uses an electric motor in addition to a gasoline engine, is
estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency to get 51 miles per
gallon on the highway and 60 mpg in the city. (Because of its hybrid
drivetrain, the Prius gets better mileage in stop-and-go city driving than
on the highway.) The 2005 Prius also had the highest owner satisfaction of
any 2005 model, according to an owner survey by Consumer Reports
magazine. The new car lists for $20,975 to $26,640, Toyota says.