Hybrid News

I havn’t been on here for awhile, but I was one of the many patiently awaiting my MMH that I ordered in June 2008. Originally, I had paid for all the vehicle, but after having to return my leased truck with no other driving options I purchased a 2003 2WD Ford Explorer. It was a Ford Test vehicle to monitor emissions. It only had 4900 miles on it. It is completely loaded, Leather, 3rd seat, reverse sensors so fourth. I purchased it for 15,900, the dealer said they would help me out when my hybrid came in and return it. I knew I would lose some money. Here is what they have came back with and I want to get everyones opionon on what to do.

The tax return is 3k, and being a single guy that pays max. in taxes, I will be able to take advantage of the full credit. Also, starting next year our sales tax is raising by 2%. I also know that the Hybrids prices was raised almost 1k between when I ordered and now. So if I back out now, and wait till a 2009 comes out, I will likely only get the 2200 tax credit, pay 620 extra in sales tax, and the vehicle base price is about 1000 more. So I will pay at least 800+620+1000 = 2420 more.

Anyways,

This is the first offer: they said I could try to sell the vehicle for them and bring a buyer along…they will run it through there books, thus I get the sales tax back on it.
Here are the I bring along a buyer numbers:

$29,182.58 Mariner
$14,900.00 Trade(Bring along buyer)
$14,282.58 Difference
$856.95 Sales Tax
$15,139.53 Total

If I just return the Explorer this is there offer:

$31,000.00 Mariner
$14,540.00 Trade
$16,460.00 Difference
$987.60 Sales Tax
$17,447.60 Total

If I just buy the MMH, then this is the scenerio:

$29,182.58 Mariner
$1,750.95 Sales Tax
$30,933.53 Total

The Mariner is FWD/Silver/every option.

I owe 16,300 on the Ford Explorer, but will save about 800 on sales tax if I trade it in. Retail Kelly blue book says its worth 18k.

I have asked a ton of people if they are interested and everyone seems to want a 4WD.

Any advice is appreciated, I have to make a decision by Monday sometime.