Prius Owner Survey: Motivation

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curious @ Oct 10 2007, 10:43 AM) [snapback]523575[/snapback]</div>

1a. Less Foriegn oil
1b. Less money to American hating terrorists
1c. Less money to American hating South American Dictators
1d. Toyotas last and are quality built

2a. Bought 4-07

3a. Gas Mileage/half the cost or better in gasoline
3b. Carries 4 adults in comfort
3c. Hatchback and load capability Smart Key and MFD are cool

4. Just retired and needed a economic car to travel America in that is easy to drive Global warming B/S was never considered
4b. Yes

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

Better Fuel Economy
Lower Environmental Impact
Less Foreign Oil Consumption

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?

3 weeks, '05 model

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)

Averaging over 50mpg
Its surprisingly fun to drive
Meets all my needs, no sacrifices required to get great mileage


4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?

An unexpected benefit is my change in driving style. I've always been an aggressive sports car driver. With the feedback from the on-screen display, I know I could pass someone or beat them off the line but usually don't because I don't want to burn the extra fuel. I've gotten a lot more relaxed about driving, probably reducing my chances of a heart attack or auto accident. B)

Rob Smith
Phoenix, AZ

 

Nice first post, Curious.

Why did I buy one?
I could not convince my wife we'd all be happy on bicycles, even with me doing the grocery shopping.
We wanted to travel across the country, and the train was about a third the price of a new Prius.
The payments were about the same as the monthly repairs on the Subaru.

When did I buy one?
August 2004, so a little over 3 years ago.

What do I like best?
Small on the outside, big on the inside.
Cool AND practical AND reliable.
It's soooo quiet.

How has it changed me?
I got to join Priuschat and be a cheeky monkey in a much bigger forest.

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

1. needed a car
2. gas mileage
3. ability to say "screw you" to the gas companies screwing us

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?
Bought ours 7/6/07.

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)
1. gas mileage
2. it's cute!
3. it's as close to a plug in as I can get right now

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?

Yes. I wanted an electric car when they came out but could not afford it. This is my personal bit of saving the planet.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curious @ Oct 10 2007, 10:43 AM) [snapback]523575[/snapback]</div>

Why do I feel this is GM cheezy market research
Anyway:
1) Price ~ save gas ~ old car (Ford Exploader, and a Range Rover) weren't nearly as reliable, especially nearing 100K miles

2) Since December of '04

3) Best? See 1)

4) Yes. Yes.

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)
a. New Technology... love technology
b. Fuel MPG
c. Because for 'Green' reasons
d. Negotiated a deal.. dealer pleading to sell

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?
a. 4/2006 and no mine is not the first model

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)
a. Fuel economy
b. Low maintenance
c. Toyota reliability
d. Low emissions

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?
a. Yes better MPG...dislike oil companies with a passion.
b. Yes back in the 1999-2000 a person I knew purchased one and bragged about it. At at time I thought he was crazy.

 

What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

low emissions, fuel efficient, roomy car

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?

5 months, NO

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)

Lux features-(nav, bluetooth, smart key), smaller carbon footprint, feeling like a rock star walking up to my car-priceless!

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?[/indent][/color]

Sense of community, I've never been in a car club before my Prius. It was most unexpected.

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

Fuel consumption.
More reliable than the car it replaced (12 year old Subaru Legacy).
Added features.

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?

Since 09-13-07

My borther-in-law owns an original Prius.

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)

Fuel consumption
Color
Bells and whistles

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?

Nope.

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

i) Technology (including eCVT, emissions system, fuel economy)
ii) Space (Prius replaced a Camry station wagon, and we really use the cargo space)
iii) Style (I hate to say it, but the Insight was too ugly for me to buy one!)

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?

i) 1 year, 2 months.
ii) no.

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)

i) Luxury features (SKS, Touch screen w/ integrated Navigation computer, Bluetooth, etc.)
ii) Fuel economy (both for national/global security reasons, and for fewer trips to the gas station)
iii) The amount of support the Prius community is willing to give each other, as exemplified on PriusChat. I guess that's because we're all a bunch of hippies at heart, eh? I don't imagine most other new cars come with such a community attached. (Not to mention the fact that it's not a stretch to call Prius owners a "community" because of that same spirit).

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?

Not in the strictest sense of the word "need." Since before I could drive (and yes, since long before hybrids were commercially available) I've had a strong motivation to reduce my impact in the world, and not just in terms of carbon emissions. Hybrids are a small step in the right direction.

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?

1)
a. Was in the market for a 40k$ luxury car, and realized that at that price I could get a fully loaded Prius, gave it a test drive. Canceled the appointment with Audi & Lexus.
b. Love At First Drive, hard to explain. Test drive at around 7pm, my wife was with me, we weren't expecting much. We ordered ours on the spot, and we hardly slept that night.
c. The future possibilities that open up, once the car is paid for / out of warranty. Like full-electric with a bigger battery pack and plug-in capability.
d. Using the car as a big mobile UPS system for my office / home. It's easy to convert the HV battery to 120VAC using off-the-shelf cheap parts. This becomes more efficient that a 5,000$ generator and 1000$ power conditioner for electronic computer use.

2)
a. Bought a Prius 2006 model in September 2006, just as the 2007 models were coming out, but that did not offer anything new to justify paying extra $$ for the 2007 model.
b. Just a few hours before the test drive, found this site, PriusChat.com, and that got the excitement going.

3)
a. Works as-is, no-brainer, no need to pulse & glide or change driving habits to get better than 45 Mpg.
b. The Prius is fast on the highway and still efficient.
c. The Prius versus the Civic Hybrid or Camry Hybrid is a hatchback. Hatchback better for moving stuff around, the rear seats fold down (the Civic 2006 did not have folding seats 40-60).
d. Future upgrades, like plug-in & full EV mode, without sacrificing the ICE.

4)
a. The Prius replaced my mini-van Toyota Sienna, that I no longer had use/need for a 7 passenger vehicle 24/7. Was 95% of the time alone in it.
Should my needs require a larger vehicle, I can easily rent.
I now see in dense traffic a large number of SUV's with a single driver, all owned. The rentals (from the license plates) are always regular cars.
It should be the opposite, when you go camping 2 or 3 times a year, get an SUV or 4x4. No need for them in cities, but that's where they are used the most.

My initial needs where getting from point A to B in comfort & style. The Prius Hybrid, and people's reaction to it (80% negative, 20% positive), has shown me just good the car is, and how uneducated the general public is towards cars in general.
I now take pleasure in pointing out the shortcomings and problems with the Prius, then, ask them about their own car/SUV's shortcomings & problems.
My answer is usually, "Well, at least I won't suffer from a catastrophic roll-over, transmission failure or complete engine overhaul at 120,000KM's like you will. Of course rust will make that thing so ugly in five years that you'll go out and buy a new one. Pay forever. A Vancouver taxi w/2001 Prius Gen-1 hit 500,000km with just oil changes and tire rotation. I'm good for at least 15 years."
"So ya, I'll endure non-heating car seats, plastic rattle at high speeds. You check out the Camry Hybrid."


I VOTE FOR A STICKY !!! Or at least link it in another one, this thread has *classic* and *love* all over it.

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)
a. My car was 9 years old and giving my back problems. So I decided to buy a new car.
b. I decided to price the car the same as my old car. ($20,000).
c. It had to be an automatic.
d. It had to get good gas mileage.

The Prius go the best mileage of all of the hybrids, was an automatic, had the most passenger and cargo room and the lowest emissions. And for about the same as the car I bought in 1996. Slam dunk.

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?

April 2005. Gen II.

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)
a. The transimission. It is by far the smoothest ride I've ever driven.
b. Cargo area. I had two hatchbacks and then a trunk. The trunk sucked. The Prius hatchback is the best design of all of the hatchbacks I've owned. the back window lifts completely up and the cargo area is flush to the bumper. No back area to have to lift anything over. Plus there is more storage underneath and on the side. And 60/40 rear seats that both fold down.

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet?

Not particularly. I do like the fact it gets better mileage and has lower emissions than regular ICE cars.

Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?

Uh....no. How could I be aware of hybrids higher gas mileage and lower emissions before hybrids came on the market?

I did try to buy an EV1 in 1996 but they weren't available for sale, only for lease. I don't lease. So I bought a Saturn SCII coupe instead. That is the car I sold to buy the Prius in 2005

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curious @ Oct 10 2007, 07:43 AM) [snapback]523575[/snapback]</div>

1. Inovative technology, fuel efficiency, "coolness" factor

2. Over 2 years (since July 2005)

3. Cool technology, smooth/quite ride, fuel efficiency

4. I have a need for cutting-edge technology (I'm just geeky that way ), have always been facinated by electric cars (I built one 10 years ago). Hybrid technology looked like the best practical approach to reduce fuel consumption. Closely watched the hybrid technology for 5-6 years before buying one.

 

1) Laziness: I wanted a car I didn't have to fill up every week.
2) 2005 model; wanted to see what issues came up with the earlier models before I bought.
3) I love the On button! The SmartKey! The hatchback design, but distinctive!
4) Being Different: Who needs a fancy sports car when people stare long and hard at your Prius!

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

1) Fuel economy
2) Reduce CO2 output ( I felt guilty commuting back and forth to work in a Jeep Liberty)
3) My belief in the technology (where we need to move to)

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?


Took delivery Dec 29, 2006 (a date which will live in infamy)
No my car model is 2007

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)

1) Seamless, smooth transmission
2) No idling at stop lights etc
3) Great power, quiet engine, less maintenance


4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market


This is the first hybrid I have ever owned, but will NOT be the last. In fact, I will only buy hybrid and/or electric vehicles in the future. I couldn't be more happier with my decision.

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

Support the technology
Reduce emissions
Great mileage

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?

Aug '05, so no.

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)

technology features
low emissions
great mileage

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?

No but it increased my awareness of fuel consumption & emission issues.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curious @ Oct 10 2007, 10:43 AM) [snapback]523575[/snapback]</div>

1 - It's just cool. And I want to do something about this gas problem, and I don't mean from chili!

2 - One month. It's an '08.

3 - I'm using less gas, and it's like a little spaceship, really cool. Plus it's only my third car in 15 years, so the novelty will last for some time.

4 - No "needs" I'm afraid. But the experience of buying a new car for the first time and showing it off to my idiot friends has been great. Plus I've never had a car with a CD player, so I'm stoked about that too.

Good luck with your assignment! Cheers, J Dog

 

1) What were the most compelling reasons for you to buy a hybrid? (1-3 would be nice)

great mpg
really cool technology
it was the most car for the money

2) How long have you owned your hybrid? Did you buy one of the first prius models?

4 months, and no

3) What do you like best about your hybrid (1-3 is enough)

great mpg
amazing technology
interior room

4) Does the hybrid fulfill a particular need in your life that non-hybrids have left unmet? Were you aware of this before hybrids came on the market?

this is a little difficult to explain... my only need was higher mpg, or so I thought. But then, I discovered how much more pleasant driving was when you were just cruising, seeking higher mpg, instead of always rushing... I found this forum, and the awesome Prius community... and the damn car is always smiling at me! It's almost more of a pal than a mere car; it's the first car that I actually named and I say good morning to it every day! This car has made my life better, as I am now calmer while driving, have more buddies, and it's just plain fun to drive. And no, I didn't know this before I purchased my Prius. I didn't even know I had this need that only a good hybrid could fill. And while I never thought about my environmental impact much before, I feel good that I am finally doing something... by golly, I think this car has made me a better person! Zen on wheels!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curious @ Oct 10 2007, 09:43 AM) [snapback]523575[/snapback]</div>

1. Upper-body roominess, non-polluting, gadgets.

2. Bought 2006 model new in May 2006.

3. Upper-body roominess, style, technology. (It get's good mileage, but there are lots of cars with good mileage, even if not as good mileage.)

4. Not really, although I appreciate having cutting-edge technology. (I think the Prius is great, but I also think most hybrid-worshippers are vain and shallow--that South Park episode about the Pious had it exactly right.)

 

1. Minimum emissions, fuel efficiency, aerodynamic body
2. Ordered a 2005 in March 2004. Took delivery October 2004, drove 30,000 mi until car was hit and totaled. Purchased 2007 Touring in November 2006. Just turned 16,000 mi.
3. PZEV hybrid, does not idle, good fuel economy (53 mpg). I now look at drive-through businesses and vehicles that idle as extremely wasteful.
4. Model what I teach. I have been extremely aware of emissions and fuel economy since 1969. I look forward to PHEVs that minimize use of fossil fuels.