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So, the 2010 Toyota Prius, based on the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive, is just weeks from hitting dealer showrooms. A couple of months ago, expectations for this new Prius included a significant bump in sticker prices. However, rumors have leaked out of Japan that indicate the new Prius might be priced much cheaper than originally anticipated.

Moreover, we also know that the current generation Prius will continue to be sold as an even cheaper package. How cheap? That isn’t completely clear.

So, what about buying a Prius today?

For the next few weeks I’m going to be out hybrid shopping, looking for deals and bargains. This weekend, I learned that many Toyota dealers don’t feel too desperate to unload their Prius hybrids yet. Certainly, there are incentives on the current Prius, about $1,000, but dealers don’t seem willing to bargain too much below that price, unless fully loaded.

Pricing on used Prius hybrids, however, is more flexible. Prices have already been reduced at a dealership near my house, and my salesperson indicated he would instantly knock another $1,000 of that reduced price. That would have put a 2007 Prius with 33,000 miles at about $18.5. A similarly packaged 2009 was priced just shy of $25000.