Why did you buy a prius?

Yo EpicDewd: Does your hair grow right down to your eyebrows? AHA! I thought so. Go back into your cave, troll. There's nothing for you here.

 

I bought a Prius so I can listen to NPR while driving to Whole Foods.

 

Two reasons:

1) What it looks like

2) The gas mileage

 

I came from a fully-loaded 2007 BMW 328xi which did 150mph (though I only had it up to 130). The car was beautiful but only gave me 14mpg on my commute and was too expensive for parts - try $90 for a set of wipers and $400 per tire.

When I bought the Prius I was looking for several things:

• Good MPG (I'm seeing 42mpg on my commute - three times better than the bimmer).
• Heated leather seats with lumbar support (you get used to these things right).
• Bluetooth hands free phone - don't like the earbud things and you see so many idiots talking on the phone driving that have no idea that they are driving like penguins™. It's also one of those things I got used to in the BMW and it becomes law here next month.
• Reasonable acceleration - sure I won't be racing it but 0-60 in less than 10 seconds is good enough for any everyday situation.
• Looks good - my black V is very nice looking IMO.
• Reliability - Toyota is renowned for it's reliability despite the events of the last year.

 

Don't forget that it has a place to hold your Starbucks while you are driving to Whole Foods.

 

Economy, styling, cool factor, tech. Did I mention cool?

 

Adding to the above

• The heated leather seats are both butt and back - it's a built-in heating pad for sore backs
• Looks good - my blizzard pearl V is very nice looking IMO.
• Radar cruise control and radar collision avoidance
• Fully keyless entry and operation
• Robust, maintenance-free, ultra-smooth continuously variable transmission
• Ultra long life low beam LED headlamps

I could go on and on but those of you with V + ATP know what I'm talkin' 'bout.

 

Oh and one more thing RE: Hummer vs Prius ... guess which one is still being manufactured?


http://priuschat.com/forums/ev-elec...ny-operates-out-former-hummer-dealership.html

 

I only drive my HD 2500 PU when I am about to have a serious head-on accident. All other times I opt for thecomfort and economy of my Prius.

 

I think the technology is really relevant and addresses lots of shortcomings that cars with only an ICE have, the HSD has smoothness even the most expensive luxury car can't match, and it's awesome to wait for someone at the train station or airport with the car in the 'on' position and HVAC working while the engine cycles on and off.

That last feature makes it a great camper too, just leave it on all night. Even in the coldest climates you'll wake up comfy in the morning (but remember not to hit your head on the dome light).

[sigh] I just wish the steering wasn't so numb and there wasn't quite as much of a lag in the power delivery, it sort of kills driving excitement (which, I know, the car wasn't designed for in the first place).

 

Hi Pinto Girl,

I know your last Prius was a Gen II. Have you driven a Gen III? I believe you would find it better with respect to your last point.

 

Math is the reason I am driving a Prius.

My wife works for a Toyota dealer and we just bought a Toyota Certified 2007 (#5 package) for a good price. Based on the economy and the likely continued rising of fuel prices, and our need for a trustworthy vehicle we can both drive it made sense. She has a Camry hybrid as a dealer demo but I'm not allowed to drive it (obviously) and any driving out of state is highly discouraged.

I do have a Camaro that gets 30mpg on the highway it is not road worthy in the winter due to the high horsepower, plus my wife finds the six point roll bar and 5-point harness less than comfortable. I also have a 1998 Escort Wagon I use as a beater to haul stuff around but I wouldn't want to go more than 30-40 miles out of town in it...

The Prius (and her "deal") was an obvious, economical, and practical decision based on our needs.

 

I've ridden in a Gen III but have yet to drive one. The reviews I've read, especially when it's equipped with the 17" wheels (and the tighter ratio steering rack) are remarkably positive, which also bodes well.

I'm on the fence, thinking about the plug in version and also feeling like I should wait another year or two to let it mature a bit more. My car was the '06, in '07 they came out with the Touring and also addressed the traction control issues which really were issues for me. It left me feeling like, darn, I wish I'd waited.

Then again, I wonder if the plug in version will be available with the 17" wheels...it goes on and on. In any case, I'll probably be waiting 'till 2012 to decide.

 

Awww, I think the troll got ripped on until he died....

 

For me, the Gen III has too few improvements over the Gen II to justify trading in my 2004. Like Natalie, I have ridden in, but not driven, a Gen III. If I needed a new gas car now, it would be a Gen III Prius. But my 2004 has many more miles left in it and is still as reliable as ever.

 

No disagreement from me. I drive my cars into the ground. My last new car was purchased 15 years ago. I expect (hope) my new GenIII to last at least that long. (now if I can just last that long )

 

I bought my 2010 IV because after I purchased my last car, an 08 Accord V6, I decided when I was ready, my next car was going to be a hybrid. With the Fusion and Pruis, plus Camry and Altima, I knew hybrid technology was advanced enough now that few if any sacrifices were required to drive a well made and roomy economical vehicle. What GM was thinking when they did the hybrid Tahoes and Yukons - I don't have a clue. Wow - you get to save 4 mpg and pay over $50k? What a deal!