Prius hybrid availability increasing

There are some signs that the hybrid car market is heating even hotter.

Now that the Honda Accord hybrid will hit the market in less than a month, Prius hybrid availability appears to be increasing.

For example, some dealers I've called in California have Prius wait times of less than a month, some less than a couple of weeks. Some actually have a Prius in stock.

For example, Symes Toyota in Pasadena has a couple of Prius available for immediate sale. Typically, these cars move fast, but average wait time in California is now usually less than a month - far less than the six months common just a few months ago.

The point is, if you are seeking a hybrid in an urban area and you are willing to do some legwork, you can probably decrease your wait time. Additionally, many dealers are no longer requiring downpayments.

One other notable update: A few Honda dealers told me they expect to have the new Accord hybrid before the end of November.

Anyway, I have an appointment to take my second Prius test drive.