I decided to go ahead and buy the 2002 Prius. Does anyone know how much of a deposit I am supposed to give? $50...$100?

To the best of my knowledge, deposits are optional and up to the dealer. In other words, some dealers ask for a deposit and others don't. (Mine didn't ask for a deposit back in 7/00; I don't know what their policy is now -- Hilltop Toyota in Richmond, CA.)<br><br>If there's more than one dealer in your area, I'd recommend looking for one that doesn't require a deposit.<br><br>- Peter<br>(Luv'n that Super White Prius Thang since 9/00.)

Taking a quick glance at the poll on deposits over at the toyota-prius group and from posts that I have read....it seems that a large number of people have paid $500 deposits. (I believe I saw a post that mentioned that this is the amount Toyota recommends.) However, in second place on the poll is no deposit paid.<br><br>The deposit amount is pretty much up to the dealer and I've seen posts with amounts from $0 to $1000. Many have said that they were originally told a $1000 deposit was required but had it reduced to $500 when they mentioned to the dealer that Toyota was recommending a $500 deposit.<br><br>Personally, I "paid" a $100 deposit (via debit card) which has not been deposited yet. I probably could have gotten away without any deposit, but the dealer had provided excellent service and I figured a $100 deposit was a very reasonable show of faith at that point.<br><br>--Jeremy

Others addressed the amount. However, remember that you can't order the 2002 model yet. The only one on this group that knows anything other than speculation about how the order system will work, how much it will cost, what options will be available and how much it will cost is Priusman, and he is only talking generalities. (I'd bet the decisions have not all been made yet).<br><br>Burns<br>Also waiting for 2002 and hoping for side air

We put down $500. It seemed reasonable to us.

Same here, although they did "run" my card--many on Eric's group posted that dealerships took from $0.00 to $1,000.00 deposits--some without cashing check or billing credit card.<br><br>As with any purchase, Caveat Emptor.<br><br>Jeff (I rate my experience with Muller Toyota, Clinton, NJ, USA "Very Good")