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How has the Prius improved your quality of life?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Brett., Apr 12, 2012.

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  1. Brett.

    Brett. Junior Member

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    [​IMG]

    I bought my Prius about a month ago. It was a big change for me to go from all stick cars with RWD, AWD, turbochargers, mega hp or my 200 mph motorcycle, to driving a vehicle that feels like it couldn't chip the tires if it were coming off a patch of ice going wide open throttle.

    I wasn't sure if I would be able to really appreciate the Prius or all that it has to offer, even in the very basic II form. Ah, but as life would have it, some wonderful people posted techniques, and youtube videos of how to use the hybrid system to maximize fuel economy, and how to read the HSI display. My first tank got me a calculated 56.8 mpg and my second 47.8. (display read higher by 2mpg both times.)

    Whoa, whats the difference? The first tank I was going for high mpg. The second tank, I was driving like 99% of the other cars on the road and comparing the difference. Clearly, a 9mpg difference is a huge sacrifice to make.

    Do you see what has happened to me? I have gone from 0-60 faster than this car can respond to you depressing the accelerator pedal in eco mode, to being upset when I don't get over 55mpg per tank. Some how, this car has become a challenge which I happily accepted, and continue to try and improve upon.

    I hit some unexpected stop n go traffic which took us 2 hours to get 3 miles the other day. In my previous car I would have a very sore left leg, steam coming from my ears, fire from my nose, and bloodshot eyes from the stress and aggravation of this incident. Thanks to the Prius, I was using 0 gas, sitting in a climate controlled environment, playing music on my stereo which I upgraded entirely, enjoying myself. I never knew how funny it was to watch the drivers of the vehicles around me get so angry, and think to myself; "I remember those days." Those days, I will never miss.

    Just when I joined, I forget who it was but somebody had said I'd get used to it, it's like a real life arcade game and in a way, this is so true.

    With all the good comes the bad though, I've hit 2 deer in 1 month. Incidentally, I've also taken up a new hobby and become quite an avid deer hunter because of this. :cool: Just kidding. haha.

    Last but not least, every person I have taken in this car, or let drive it.. has said they will most likely buy one as their next vehicle. I'd estimate that I'm the direct reason for at least 3 solid Prius sales in 2012, most likely more by 2013 so Toyota, I would like my commission check, thanks. :D

    So that's what Prius ownership is like for me. I've been through all the colorful emotions of changing my habits and experiencing the fury of mother nature, and come out on top.

    The money I save on gas, has enabled me to purchase extra things for my daughter. Everybody wins in this situation.

    How has the Prius improved your quality of life?
     
    #1 Brett., Apr 12, 2012
    3 people like this.
  2. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    It hasn't. It's just a car. Although I spend a lot of time on this site. So I probably would be more productive if I didn't have a Prius.
     
    #2 macmaster05, Apr 12, 2012
    1 person likes this.
  3. fjpod

    fjpod Member

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    1. I find parking spaces on the street in NYC much more easily.
    2. I spend less time (and money) at the gas station. For me it's not about the money.
    3. Fewer of my dollars go to unfriendly oil producing countries.
     
    #3 fjpod, Apr 12, 2012
  4. p00kienrayray

    p00kienrayray Active Member

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    1. It's given me more confidence to meet new people and become more sociable.
    2. It repaired the broken relationship I have with my parents.
    3. It's improved my jumpshot.

    All jokes aside, the only thing that it's really done for me is save gas and teach me to be a more safe and patient driver.
     
    #4 p00kienrayray, Apr 12, 2012
  5. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    I'm less stressed in traffic jams when I note the ICE shutting down.

    Less aggravated when looking over my bank statements at the end of the month by not seeing my once weekly (or more) gas purchases from my previous daily driver.
     
    #5 ny_rob, Apr 12, 2012
  6. surfdog5

    surfdog5 Junior Member

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    The last time I filled up my tank (cost me 40 bucks) was three, count them 1...2..3, weeks ago! My last car had to be filled up every week and it cost me 60-70 bucks a fill up.

    Also, my f@rts smell better. (Tip of my hat to the South Park Boys)
     
    #6 surfdog5, Apr 12, 2012
    1 person likes this.
  7. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    I'm with Mac on this one :D

    .... it is a very good car and worth the money i paid for it.
     
    #7 cycledrum, Apr 12, 2012
  8. sooperedd

    sooperedd Junior Member

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    It has made me a more patient, aware driver; no longer concerned with the "rats" racing here and there to get their cheese. LOL

    Funny but it has carried over to my other car too.
     
    #8 sooperedd, Apr 12, 2012
  9. Denny Z

    Denny Z New Member

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    I bought my Prius about a month ago. It was a big change for me to go from all stick cars with RWD, AWD, turbochargers, mega hp or my 200 mph motorcycle, to driving a vehicle that feels like it couldn't chip the tires if it were coming off a patch of ice going wide open throttle...


    Hi Brett,

    You sound like you also appreciate a firm and responsive drive.
    I have rented Prius in CA when visiting. It was an OK car to drive while darting all over the CA roads built for down pours.

    As I have been doing my reading about a Prius Five, I came across a Performance Package which is with lower springs resulting in 1.5 lowering of the Prius and a rear sway bar. I imagine with the 17" wheel and tires it wold be a fun car to drive while receiving the higher mpg.
    Have you heard about this package or know any who have installed it?

    Thanks,

    Denny Z
     
    #9 Denny Z, Apr 12, 2012
  10. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    My wife hated driving a stickshift, I don't hear about it any more.
    She fussed at me driving 30,000 miles a year at 24 MPG, at 46 MPG she fusses way less.
    I get to annoy an entire new website of folks, I am sure the nice folks at Ars Technica appreciate this.

    Other than that, it is a nice car. I only visit gas stations three times every two weeks.
     
    #10 JimboPalmer, Apr 12, 2012
  11. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    The heated seat keeps my arse warm.
     
    #11 mad-dog-one, Apr 12, 2012
  12. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    I no longer havr to crawl under, over or around the car to find out what's broken, leaking or fallen off like I had to do with the VWs.
     
    #12 El Dobro, Apr 12, 2012
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I back into the garage so the Prius allows me to back into the garage without filling it with exhaust fumes. With a narrow alley, I'd rather drive out to the alley than back out into it.

    It also keeps me in check, knowing I worked hard to keep the mileage high and I'm not gonna let some lunatic ruin my mileage.
     
    #13 Tideland Prius, Apr 13, 2012
  14. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    I can tell you about the Plus Performance package in a couple or so weeks when my car comes in. I'm an old school autocrosser. I've always had a summer car that had a firm tight handling suspension.

    Mike
     
    #14 WE0H, Apr 13, 2012
  15. massparanoia

    massparanoia Active Member

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    It gave me a net $3400 a year pay raise.
     
    #15 massparanoia, Apr 13, 2012
    2 people like this.
  16. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    :rockon: I know the feeling!.....
     
    #16 Tande, Apr 13, 2012
  17. JStrenk

    JStrenk Active Member

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    My monthly Credit card payment went from 80% spent on gas to 20% spent on gas.
     
    #17 JStrenk, Apr 13, 2012
  18. Brett.

    Brett. Junior Member

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    Sounds like everyone is reaping the benefits of saving money! Having less stress at home, less stress when paying bills, less stress from a significant other that didn't like your previous car, less stress because this vehicle is reliable, less stress due to comfort and convenience.

    The bottom line is, if one is going to make a car purchase, or have a car payment.. might as well make it one that does you a favor for once. These cars seem to make just about every owner happy about something, and reading this post is very encouraging.

    Denny Z, As for me, I hadn't previously heard of any performance package but I will keep the Prius bone stock and just milk it for all it's worth in terms of gas savings.

    Oh, another one for the savings list my auto insurance went down, slightly.
     
    #18 Brett., Apr 13, 2012
  19. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    +1 to Brett
     
    #19 GrumpyCabbie, Apr 13, 2012
  20. roamerr

    roamerr Member

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    I save big money driving my Prius and have the fun of a mpg arcade game. It really is a fascinating car. My family dies get tired of me pointing out other Prius on the road. They don't understand that I like to identify smart folks!
     
    #20 roamerr, Apr 13, 2012
    1 person likes this.
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