Square pegs and round holes

I would say ultimately this discussion is almost uselesss.

Seems to me you only have a limited amount of scenarios.

1. Bought Prius-Happy
2. Bought Prius-Unhappy
3. Did Not Buy Prius-Ignorant of Hybrids (Never Really Considered Seriously_)
4. Did Not Buy Prius-Happy
5. Did Not Buy Prius-Unhappy

Plug yourself into any one of these outcomes, whichever one fits. But the reasons one would find themselves in any one of these scenarios are going to be diverse.

I know there are stereotypes about Prius Owners...and outside of kidding around, I try not to apply them....and the reality is I've discovered through attachment to sites such as this one that the "reasons" for ownership are individual and diverse...none of the stereotypes are appliable as a blanket truth.

So why would I think that reasons for Non-Ownership aren't just as diverse? Personal preference, Ergonomics...Economics...Fear of the "unknown"? Whatever...

But I'd say trying to determine a blanket reason for non-ownership is ultimately as invalid as trying to apply a blanket reason for ownership.

In any given case a stereotype may or may not be valid...but the reasons are going to be diverse and individual.

I can only speak for me. It wasn't "fear" that the product wouldn't meet my needs. It was very specific to my individual situation. As already explained.

I remember posts from Indyking...and say what you will, but he sincerely and honestly seemed to dislike his Prius almost from the moment he purchased it, ultimately being honest enough and dissatisfied enough to take a loss and "switch" back to the world of the conventional ICE.

I don't like to speak for others but it seemed to me he was more dissatisfied with his perception of the quality of the entire vehicle, than of any specific fear, or mistrust of hybrids or Prius. But this is my personal application of what I perceived from his posts. I could be totally wrong.

Related but somewhat off-topic I would add that I don't regret waiting on my Hybrid or Prius purchase....situationally..as long as I'm able purchase in one form or another is always possible. Since I had "qualms" about jumping onboard with my first Hybrid and a first Hybrid that would of been a 1st model year, and with a new engine, and a 90%+ redesigned (untested in the real world) hybrid powertrain, extending my wait and see period allows me to see what products get released not only by Toyota but competitors...and it's an exciting time from the standpoint that I think the next 5 years are going to bring an influx of options. In the meantime, I get some long-term feedback about this latest generation Prius. I've already "benefited" by not having to be part of a braking software update. The release has gone well, the reported problems seem relatively minor. The Brake "feel" issue being the biggest one, mostly reported by 1st time owners. But in anycase....shakedown of a first model year is something I don't mind NOT being part of....

If I have a regret it's not so much passing on buying the Gen 3, it's the reality that before the release of Gen 3, I had a deal for a NEW 2009 Gen 2, and out of curiousity about the as of yet to be released Insight and Gen 3 Prius I passed on purchasing one of the last remaining New Gen 2's. If I could go back today...knowing what I do, I think I'd make that purchase. I had a good deal on the table...and the Gen 2 is a well tested version of The Prius...

But curiousity killed the cat. And my Gen 2 Prius deal.

I had driven a used Honda Accord for over 6 years...and REALLY felt I wanted to buy new. So I also never really considered used....and perhaps that was a mistake as well....

But in anycase, my reasons for Non-Prius purchase are personal and personally diverse. I'd imagine those reasons as applied to everyone else in the world...would also be as diverse and undefinable from a easily applied blanket P.O.V. .

For now, I'd put myself in my own category 4, but without any negativity about Hybrids or Prius in general. For me the timing wasn't right. Two years earlier? I think I would of purchased a Gen 2...Two years from now? A field tested Gen 3, baring any massive revelation of flaw..would also be a great purchase.

In the meantime, I can continue to make the crowd at Prius Chat nervous. I can watch for feedback and of course enjoy what I think is a dynamic time for alternative automobiles in general. With Pure EV's and Plug in Prius on the horizon, outside of only getting 30ish miles per gallon instead of 40-50ish...I'm enjoying a vehicle that is still considered economical and efficient by conventional ICE standards and nothing is written in stone.

The truth is I hope I'm driving a dinosaur...I'm hoping the next 2-5 years reveals options and change that make driving a 30+ MPG Fit seem economically and enviromentally as outdated as driving a 70's muscle car as a daily driver today would be...

I think what I REALLY want is the Lexus CT 200H on the front page......but I'd have to sell one of my kidneys on the black market...and I like my kidneys....

 

Well put.:thumb:

 

+1 :d

 

I sense sarcasm.
What can I say?
I like to write. I like to communicate.

Sure I'm long winded...but even the longest post takes what? A minute to read?

IMO we've become too fond of brevity of communication. We only accepted metered text messages, messages left after the beep or 8 sentences or less with a dancing smilie attached....

I'm not convinced future generations will be able to communicate in any format that doesn't involve thumb dexterity and a 4.5 inch LCD screen. And of course...lots of dancing graphics....

 

Since these posts are typed, would it be correct to say that you are long fingered?

Tom

 

You may well be right, but the whole point of my post on this topic is that I think the Gen III is the first Prius that will attract people who may not really factor environmental impact into their purchase decision.

You could tell me they clubbed baby seals for my pseudo-suede seats and i wouldnt love my car any less.... well.... okay thats a bit much

Enviornmental impact is just very low on my reasons for buying a particular car. If gas was still 91c a gallon like it was when i started driving, I probably would have bought a mustang. But seeing as thats not EVER going to be the case again, I love passing Mustangs in my Prius!

 

you can buy 2watt led bulbs on ebay for $2.50 /w free ship from china

 

deleted...msg sent in error

 

Have been and will continue to do my research... thanks Bob

 

There are many reasons people buy Prius (especially now when it's more main-steam): frugality, technophilia, environmental concerns, geopolitical concerns, tree-hugging, snobism, peer pressure, making a personal statement, etc. It would be difficult to pigeonhole Prius owner.
Gen 1 was different, one had to be an early adopter. I test drove it and did not like it.

Full disclosure: the first 4 apply to me.