Survey results not a surprise

Let me be the first to say that, even if the Prius got typical mid-size car mileage *and* was only ULEV, I'd still say it was the best car I've ever owned (including my Corvette, Camaro, and Previa, though perhaps not including my wife's Acura TSX).

I *do* congratulate myself on being environmentally sound (actually, I'm more of a "independence from foreign oil" type, but whatever). But that's not the main thing I like about the car.

I like it because it's a really great car. I don't feel Toyota compromised anything in order to get good mileage, which leaves me with a borderline luxury car at nearly an economy car price. Woohoo!!!

 

I found the piece (pun intended) quite amusing. First, he calls some people stupid, yet a point that is central to his thesis is that safe is bad because it's boring. Here's the quote:

Consumer Reports' evaluators don't particularly like cars, they sure don't seem to like driving them and, were auto design up to them, we'd all be driving Toyota Avalons, governed for 110 kilometres an hour and completely devoid of any motoring pleasure.

"Hello pot? This is the kettle. You're black!"

He goes on to indicate that driving and laughing are somehow analogous. He should've taken a logic course while he was getting that engineering degree. And about that degree he mentions twice in connection with high school level math... why? He doesn't attack the car or Toyota's engineering, just the owners. He's really just boasting. The only engineering point he touches on is his assertion (disguised as a hypothetical) that the PSD will fail after eight years. Of all the cutting edge technology that is employed by this car he chooses a simple planetary gear-set to attack. Maybe he should write to the school he received his degree from, and ask for his money back.

Getting back to logic...

But nothing, absolutely nothing will convince me...

To admit that your mind cannot be changed (especially regarding a hunch) is to admit to being irrational.

And...

...the thing that mystifies me is why those other 98 (there's that engineering degree again) Prius owners didn't make it unanimous.

He seems to be refuting his own point. Now who exactly is stupid again?

Aside from merely filling column space with type, the only reason for this piece is to let the public know that the author is smarter than those who have purchased (and have indicated their satisfaction with said purchase) a car that he uses the following statement to describe, "...I'm pretty impressed with its technology, performance and general creature comforts". Umm... yeah, I guess you'd have to be pretty stupid to like that car! Odd that he alone is impressed with the technology, and everbody else is too busy patting themselves on the back. It's kind of ironic that he doesn't seem to realize that he's trying to out-smug those who he attacks for their smugness.

Finally, why did we have to read about his "couple of ex-wives and many ex-girlfriends", his "Editrix" and his "engineering degree"? (that last one should be in double quotes) Because when you are a small-minded, frightened little man, you can't even walk across the street without a little chest beating perhaps?

When I finish laughing at this guy, I might just pity him.

 

I think the long wait has to have something to due with the satisfaction factor...for two reasons. First, being made to wait assures that the driver really wants the car and has put a lot of thought into it. It's not a car that one can buy impulsively, like when the previous one dies. Second, it's truly painful waiting for the car (I've been waiting a month), so when it finally arrives, the relief and joy is multiplied.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rflagg\";p=\"73628)</div>

M-

Judging from the *strongly* negative comments his article have garnered around Winnipeg, I highly doubt that. Maybe he wanted to go out with a Bang.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer\";p=\"73653)</div>

Tony:

It's different because Booth gets paid a great deal of money - admittedly in Canadian funds though - to fawn over cars far more expensive than the average Canadian home.

If Toyota stooped so low as to kiss his a** I'm sure he would fawn over the Prius too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wilco\";p=\"73667)</div>

He makes that point because he is a boob.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman\";p=\"73737)</div>

He makes that point because he is a boob.
[/b][/quote]

I completely agree with your assesment, jayman -- but the silver lining to this is that I finally read a Canadian boob in print.

I thought we had all the loudmouth media jackasses down here. (Talk about trade defecit. :lol

 

Ah... Nothing like the dumbing-down of "journalism"... Just goes to show that anyone can find a place to get their shlock published these days...

Sadly, the uneducated masses lap this stuff up - and are the first to welcome faux news to Canada...

Dave

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman\";p=\"73616)</div>

Oh OOOh,

[Ricky Ricardo voice:ON]

jkash -- you\'ve got some \'splainin\' to do.

[voice:OFF]

So which is it?

Liberal Government pogue?
or
Canadian banker?

So what DO you drive? BMW, MB, Audi, Porsche, Jag, Bentley, or Cadillac?

Care to defend your honor? :wink:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jkash\";p=\"73819)</div>

Oh OOOh,

[Ricky Ricardo voice:ON]

jkash -- you\'ve got some \'splainin\' to do.

[voice:OFF]

So which is it?

Liberal Government pogue?
or
Canadian banker?

So what DO you drive? BMW, MB, Audi, Porsche, Jag, Bentley, or Cadillac?

Care to defend your honor? :wink:
[/b][/quote]

I don't know if this is really addressed to me or another case of "you," but I just posted the article. I made no comment.
[/b][/quote]
implication by association!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy\";p=\"73803)</div>

Patrick:

I think Booth is both: he tends to defend the Canadian Liberal Gov and also the Financial sector here in Canada. I suppose it's a living, he gets to drive - free of charge - very expensive iron to "compensate" for his obvious problems.

Maybe that's why he has all those relationship problems?? He's compensating for a "short coming" of some sort. Anyhoo, nobody has taken him seriously anyway, how can you when he fawns over car's that costs more than the average Canadian home?

He's a boob, let's not waste any more effort on him.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bookrats\";p=\"73780)</div>

Jeff:

Don't worry, we have plenty of them up here too. It must be some sort of hidden requirement to publish newspaper columns or drivel on television.

Remember that thanks to decades of the flickering box - television - the masses have been reduced to expecting 30 second soundbites from talking heads. Anything longer or beyond a Grade 5 level causes the ADHD to kick in and they start chewing their cud.

What was that song from 1980? "Video killed the radio star" or something like that.

 

i look at the 94% figure just like the "trident gum" adds... there will never be a 100% no matter what. i also wonder what CR does to verify what vehicle the respondent actually drove. i cant help but feel that there might have been some ballot stuffing by some opposing parties... GM maybe... gotta be the reason why they garnered so much approval for their models (not enough to rank high mind you...but i dont believe that half of GM owners are that satisfied.)

but in the real world i actually know a person (and there are a few here also) that actually felt the Prius was a mistake simply because they couldnt afford it. one guy who could have gotten a hyndadai or something for 12,000. but he is the cow fawning over the grass on the other side of the road.

i think if he actually makes the switch he would regret it in short order. i will say one thing though, it looks as if it will stay in the family as his parents maybe taking over the car. now that would be tough... seeing your old Prius on a regular basis while you drive something that is several steps down...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon\";p=\"73844)</div>

Oh, God, we really have returned to the 50s. :wink:

I know this was said in jest, but for the newcomers around here, Jeff posts a large percentage of the Prius News articles.

God knows how he find them all -- I have Google News alerts set for the Prius, but 9 times out of 10, Jeff already has the good ones posted to the PriusChat news board.

Thanks Jeff!

 

DaveinOlyWA:
"i also wonder what CR does to verify what vehicle the respondent actually drove."

Good question. In my case, nothing. I used to live in Bellingham, and I used to have a subscription to CR. At the magazine's request (I don't know if they contact all subscribers or just some at random) I participated in several of their surveys (cars, computers, etc), and did not have to provide proof of use or ownership of anything. I suppose they just subscribe to the 'most people have no reason to lie, so they won't' theory.

 

wilco;

just as i thought. well GM is a large and very powerful corporation that will use any means available to make a buck. this i am willing to bet, is not below them.

 

"this i am willing to bet, is not below them."

I agree.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bookrats\";p=\"73857)</div>

Oh, God, we really have returned to the 50s. :wink:

I know this was said in jest, but for the newcomers around here, Jeff posts a large percentage of the Prius News articles.

God knows how he find them all -- I have Google News alerts set for the Prius, but 9 times out of 10, Jeff already has the good ones posted to the PriusChat news board.

Thanks Jeff!
[/b][/quote]
Sorry Jeff I guess I should have put a smiley on that post.

 

De nada, Frank -- I knew you were kidding. Just wasn't sure everyone else would.

When it comes to pointing out the obvious (and then beating whatever dead equines I can find), I am the King.