According to a recent article (CNN.com - Mad market for used fuel-sippers - May 18, 2006), used Toyota Priuses have had no (or negative) depreciation for the first year or two after purchase.
I haven't done the math yet, but I would be that this alone would more than make up for the current hybrid price premium (of course, used car prices are more volatile than new car prices and are currently high for hybrid vehicles because of constrained supply and consumer hyper-reaction to gas prices).
It will be interesting to see not only how long this lasts, but also what prices the used market will eventually settle on.
That's quite impressive to have no price depreciation at all over 2 years. I assume that's after the initial depreciation after driving off the lot.
No, that's none at all.
You could have purchased a Prius 2 years ago, driven it 20,000 miles and sold it for what you originally purchased it for (or more).
Slightly related: I talked to your Dad about a tC on Monday. I'm looking at about a 60 day timeline to buy. I have to decide if I am going to sell my Escape or not.
The tC is a really nice car, I think you'll be very happy with it if you buy one (my Dad drives one around).
Also, if you buy it, consider also getting the swaybar (it's a great upgrade, makes the car feel much more nimble and doesn't change driving comfort or noise levels).