Let's be clear here... It's not a safety issue. You'll still be able to keep ahead of big rigs and 35 year old VW Vanagons. It's just that it's going to be very obvious that you're driving an economy car that doesn't pretend to be anything else. The NVH of the car engine and handling will remind you, in case you still have any thoughts of driving an STI. If you buy a Scangauge, you'll see that your RPMs are at 4k up a slight incline just to maintain speed, where other cars will hardly break a sweat. The engine will be booming to such an extent that you can't carry a conversation inside. I think I've read another forum member describe the Prius pretty well... It's a 19k car with a 5k hybrid power train, along with options on top of that. Although I had a Prius Five, it was painfully obvious that the driving experience and the Tech toys did not mask the true nature of the car (in other words, a Prius Two would have offered the exact same feeling, with better fuel economy and ride because of the 15 inch rims). Toyota went all out for MPGs in the Prius. Nexus 7 ? 4
On a side note I use to visit the gas station twice a week. Now I fill up once a week. 600+ miles per tank on the Prius.
Well I still think about the Sti a lot and had a hard time falling asleep the first night. But the 55mpg after 265 miles is pretty motivating. Has done ok on steep grade but requires a lot of pedal movement.
Unless your STI was paid off AND you traded it even-steven for the Prius, taking on no additional debt, I don't think you're saving much money, especially since you already have a slow car that gets good gas mileage. When you take on debt to spend less on gas, you have to practically double your gas mileage to even begin to make back the difference, and it takes years. In the meantime, you'll miss that STI every day. The other Subaru owners wrote: "Only thing that makes me happy is going 600 miles on the first full tank and cost of a full tank being $35. No boost no fun." "I had to come to terms with the fact that I am willing to give up all semblance of driving pleasure for MPGs." I've been here before, made the same choice you made, and regretted it every day for years (not my Prius; different car). Had I been honest with myself and resisted the pressure from external forces and even my own "practical" side, I'd never have gone through that hell. Drive the Del Sol into the ground and then buy another cheap used car with good gas mileage. Keep the STI as the family vehicle; heck, it'll hold a baby seat! You work hard, you meet your obligations, you provide for your family, you serve our country... For goodness' sake, keep the STI and drive what you love. You deserve it!
This thread is a little depressing. You will miss your sti. Once you go boost you don't go back. I'm fortunate to have 400hp 300zxTT as a toy. It's been two days since I got my Prius and I'm more conscious of the mpg readings and drive like a granny. It does get a little noisy when pushed hard but I'm not in a rush to anywhere. But once I get in my Z my attitude changes.
You won't miss the STI when you eventually have to replace the valve cover gaskets for dealer cost of about $2600. Like several other Subi's have...(Google it) Almost like clockwork, 70-80K and bam, they start leaking. (and its not the turbo). The dealers are lovin it. Funny, never heard of a Prius having that problem.
I just traded in my 2005 STI with 100k miles. Not a single issue other them normal maintenance. I would have kept the if I didn't drive 2500 miles a month for work.
Funny to see all of the old STi owners in here. I had a couple a few years back as well. Got the Prius about a week ago and I love it so far.
