Hi! I’m Kyle, a senior Mass Communications major at Virginia Commonwealth University. This semester my Advertising Campaigns class is working on ads for the Prius targeting the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics (they aren’t acutally for Toyota, but a company rep will be critiquing our work at the end). We’ve done a lot of research on the statistical end of things, but we’d really like some input from Prius owners themselves. So, if you have time, we’d rlove it if you’d answer some of our questions. What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Family size Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports?
why would you own a vehicle that does nothing but generate heat when you apply the brakes? that game is for idiots.
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? old car was worn out Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? yes. HCH, Volvo, VW, BMW Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? utility of hatchback What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? nothing Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? too soon to tell About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? less gas for sure Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? no Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? yes Family size extra medium Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? no
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius?........Pzev with the Bluetooth option and the touring option. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which?.........Mazda3,Civic Hybrid,Civic EX Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids?......power of Hybrid system, and looks What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person?......I care more than others Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars?......probably not,but,I will be polluting less though. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.?......well my payment doubled from my last car, so at least $300 a month. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners?......yes, I think its $1000 Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area?......Urban Family size...2 People, One cat and One Dog. Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports?......Swimming,Diving.
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Set of options: ABS, DSC, Xenon, airbags, hatchback convenience, cool technology Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? BMW, Volvo, Lexus Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? No What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Nothing really Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? Didn't spend a dime on repairs so far About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? 2x less than average car on gas. Same maintenance cost for an oil change as a regular car. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? Yes Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Suburban Family size Three Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? I don't watch TV.
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Getting off of the oil train. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Subaru, VW, Honda, Chevrolet Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? No What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Nothing. Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? Cannot tell right now. Owned for 3 months so far. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? WAY LESS ON FUEL, None on Mtce. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? Yes. Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Urban / suburban Family size Four. Do you watch the Summer Olympics? about 40% If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? Both
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? * Nice car, nice price, and a "hi tech feeling" Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? * Yes, Volvo, Audi, Citroen etc. Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? * No, but a few, E85 and bio-gas What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? * That I do not want to pay toll in central stockholm when that restarts this summer Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? * To soon to tell, but a Toyota, with good fuel economy seems OK About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? * Compared to my last car (Audi A6) a lot less.... Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? * Yes, lower car tax every year, no toll in central stockholm, and free parking in som cities (same rules for cars running on E85 and biogas) Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? * Just outside Stockholm, so I'd say something like suburaban Family size * One kid Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? * Yes, probably not the opening and closing, but some sports. /Per, Sweden
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? The combination of fuel efficiency, reliability, and practicality (especially the roominess) Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Mainly the Civic hybrid. Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? I preferred the Prius' hybrid system design over the Civic's, more rear seat leg room for my tall teenagers, and the hatchback. What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Never really pondered it. I didn't buy it to make a statement. Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? I wouldn't make such a statement about hybrids in general without researching all of them. For some, I suspect not. For the Prius, I believe that will be true for me over the long term. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? That's a pretty vague question. Compared to what? I can say I'm spending less than half on fuel than what I spent with my previous vehicle. Maintenance and repair costs are lower, though I can't quantify that without researching my records. But that's not a fair comparison; my previous vehicle was an 8 year Honda CRV. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? It did for the tax year in which I bought it (2005). Don't know about 2006. But you may have the answer; I'm in Virginia. Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Suburban. (Chesterfield County near Brandermill to be exact.) Family size Also a vague question. I'll assume immediate family. I'm divorced, so this is not the same as household size. I have three children, one of which is grown and the other two are teenagers. They live with their mother. Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? Yes, though I mostly skip the opening and closing ceremonies. I don't have any particular favorites; I just like to see great competition with (pardon what has become a cliché) "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Fuel and Power Efficiency. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? No, Prius was THE CAR to get. Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? The Hybrid Synergy Drive that defies conventional wisdom / thinking. Prius just make sense. The engine turns off if not needed. It recovers braking energy. Driving slower gives you better MPG (city > highway). What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? I do not follow. I support new technology and for automobiles, it is way long over due! Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? I do not perceive. I crunched the number and buying Prius cost me less than keeping my old car in the period of 5 years after $3,150 Federal tax credit. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? It really depends on the future gas price and resale value of Prius. I used $2.50 for gas and half value of my 06' in 2011. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? I thought we had NY state tax credit but it expired on 2004. We do have HOV Clean Pass. Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Urban. Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? Yes. I like to watch most sports. I do wish US cover more sports.
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Fuel economy. Crash safety. Ability to fit child safety seats. Hatchback for transporting materials. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Mini, Mazada3, Honda Civic Hybrid, Yaris, Scion Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? Prius and HCV both rated well; focused on Prius as possible choice because it was available at dealerships with other potential choices (Yaris, Scion). What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? Don't know yet. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? Pay less than half what I used to pay for gas. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? No. Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Urban. Family size Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? No. Stopped watching the Olympics when it changed from telecast of events to annoying mini-soap-opera-biopics about the athletes.
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Lower Costs. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? No What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? I don't care Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? Yes About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? £19 per tank fillup Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? The UK has lower road tax. Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Urban Family size 2 Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? Some
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Being able to drive in the HOV lane (I live in the L.A. area). Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Honda Civic Hybrid, other PNG cars/trucks Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? It's easier to find and access oil-based gas stations. Natural gas stations are more difficult and the procedures are different. What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Prius people are more environmentally conscious and willing to show it. They also seem to be more highly educated than the general population. Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? Absolutely. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? I drive about 24K miles per year - so I'm saving $2000 on gas and oil changes per year when I drive the Prius vs. my previous Mustang. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? Not sure, but there was a federal tax incentive. Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Suburban Family size 2 Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? I enjoy all the sports and thoroughly enjoy watching the opening and closing ceremonies.
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius?... Curiosity Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which?... No Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids?... N/A What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person?... I trust Toyota products Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars?... Probably not About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.?... It will probably all equal out in the end Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners?... No Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area?... All of the above, at varying times Family size... Two Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports?... Sports do not interest me.
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? It was time to get a hybrid my fears about potential battery issues were resolved and I wanted to do something about the oil situation. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Yes the Honda Civic hybrid Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? I was only looking at hybrids. The Insite was too small. The Honda at the time had a less efficient system for my uses, city driving, interior size was a issue. What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Early on it may have said something about conservation I am not sure. Where I live I see tens of them every day and it appears to be a main stream car. Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? Yes in my case moving from a SUV it is saving about 2K a year in gas. Maintenance is less than any car I have owned. I have 40 K on the car and the breaks are less than 20% used. I suspect I will trade the car in before I replace the pads. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? I am spending 2K less in gas alone and 1/2 what I did with my previous Ford for maintenance. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? No Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? suburban to rural Family size 2 + large dog, when everyone is in town 4 + large dog. Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? I watch the sports and opening and closing ceremonies
My first post! I just purchased my blue 2007 Package 2 TODAY (2/19)/ *proud new owner* What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Fuel Economy, fun & safe features, LOVE Toyota Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Yes, Corolla (I had one already and was condsidering the same), Matrix, Civic Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids?[/b] Yes, sort of considered Civic Hybrid, but it gets lower fuel economy, lower power, back seats cannot fold down. Civic doesn't have automatic headlights, while Prius does What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Environmentally and fuel economy concious. Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? Depends on which kind of hybrid, but yes for Prius About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? Only had it 1 day Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? Washington doesn't have income tax But we'll get a federal tax credit next year Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Rural Family size 2 Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? Just the opening and closing ceremonies
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? 1) It is made by Toyota. 2) It gets better gas mileage than our 1991 Camry which was stolen. 3) It is very roomy. 4) It has a hatchback. 5) It isn't an ugly square vehicle like most cars made today. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Me No, My wife - a Mazda Miata. Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? 1) I don't like Hondas so I didn't even consider theirs. 2) While I would like more leg room I didn't need it enough to buy the Camry and it's 10 less mpg. I with the Prius had dual climate zones and intelligent intermittent wipers that could detect moisture on the windshield. (I don't know if the Camry's does or not.) What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? 1) I want to polute less. 2) I think it says more that I bought a Toyota. I would be shocked if this didn't go past 200,000 with more than minor issues. But it does say I went to use less gas. Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? No. But I will be polluting less. I'd be polluting even if the darn gas engine didn't come on so much. Why not have it just be a generator that only charges the batteries instead of propulsion? You could then get another 200+ miles per 10 gallons of gas which equals less polution. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? Probably about the same on everything except gas, which will be less. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? No. Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Live in Suburbs, commute to City. Family size Myself, my wife, our cat who doesn't like riding in cars. So he won't be driving anytime soon. Do you watch the Summer Olympics? Yes If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, The opening and closing ceremonies are the only boring parts of the Olympics. or do you like specific sports? I like pretty much everything. The only thing I purposely stopped watching was the opening and closing ceremonies.
I'm a brand new Prius owner so here's my take on your questions. What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? -When I first stared looking at hybrid cars, it was about gas mileage and function. Once I test drove one, I wanted it because of the technology in it. I was in awe of it. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? -I looked at other hybrids. Prius had the best mpg and function. Honda's Insite was just too small. The other hybrids did not perform as well as the Prius. Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? -See above What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? -I think it says that I want to help reduce our dependence on oil and help reduce harmful emissions. Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? -Yes and no. You pay more up front, but get a better return in the long run. However, I just purchased one so I could be completely off base. That is just my perception. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? -Don't know yet. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? -Don't think so. Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? -Live in suburban. Drive through urban and rural weekly. Family size -Small Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? -I typically don't watch the Olympics unless nothing else is on.
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Concern for the environment Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Civic Hybrid Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? Prius had more high tech styling and options, more room What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? That I'm concerned about the environment and I'm a technology geek Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? In terms of out of pocket costs, I expect it to be a little less expensive; but if you look at the larger costs to our society of emissions and petro consumption, I consider it to be a lot less expensive. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? Don't really know: I get about double the mpg of my previous car. My Prius is still under warranty so my maintenance costs are minimal. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? No Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? Suburban Family size Two, including me Do you watch the Summer Olympics? No
What was the most important factor in your decision to buy a Prius? Financial responsibility (i.e. the least costly car to own) while maintaining the luxury features important to me. These include Automatic HVAC, HID lights, Navigation, keyless start, good power and handling. Were you considering other cars besides the Prius? If so, which? Honda, Nothing American. Did these include hybrids? If so, what was the factor differentiating the Prius from other hybrids? Cargo flexibility (hatchback and fold down seats -- the civic and accord do not have trunk pass-troughs), Automatic HVAC standard. What do you think your Prius ownership says about you as a person? Responsibility. Not necessarily Do you perceive that, in general, hybrids have a lower total cost of ownership than conventional cars? Yes. I calculated it and applied my time value of money to find my true savings. One of the few uses I found for Engineering economics. About how much more or less do you feel you spend, considering fuel, maintenance, etc.? 5 years - around $10000in present value compared to a comparable American car like I was driving before after taking into account the premium cost, tax credit, fuel savings, more favorable deprecation curve, better reliability, and longer MTBF such as breaks lasting around 200,000 miles. Does your state have tax credits or other incentives for hybrid owners? no Do you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? suburban Family size 5 Do you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, is it just the opening/closing ceremonies, or do you like specific sports? Absolutly not. I do sport. By the way, WHO PAYS FOR THE OLIMPICS? I really do not care as long as I am not. Or am I?
