Can't Imagine I Will Ever Go Back...

A co-worker had a 1st generation (in the US) Prius. When the II came out in 2004, I shopped around and considered several other cars before I bought one and was absolutely thrilled with it.

When the 2010s came out and it was time to retire the 2004, it was a no-brainer decision. No other car was even on my radar as I started reading about the 2010. My only choice was "which model?". Sun roof was attractive, but the Advanced Tech package on the Prius V is what made up my mind. And now, after having put several thousand miles on the buggy, I remain thrilled with this car.

The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, alone, is worth the premium I paid for it. Once you drive with it and the Lane Keeper Assist, you realize that you've been permanently spoiled. Driving my SO's car with a conventional cruise control leaves me swearing at its basic functionality.

Barring something revolutionary, I will be happy to predict that my next car will be a Prius, also.

Stu

 

Now that the Big 3 have been 'neutered', perhaps there won't be so much resistance and peer pressure against building sports cars that are powerful AND fuel-efficient.

 

I, personally, won't ever go pure gasoline again. I just LOVE my Prius!! The problem is I need to get a car for my teenage daughter to drive, and we can't afford another Prius. SO, we'll have to get her a conventional car...sad thing is, we're also trying to get something with good FE. Not an easy task on a limited budget.

 

May I recommend a first gen insight? Excellent mileage for an affordable price.

 

I appreciate that. My car makes around 500rwhp, and with it's drag suspension, stiff clutch and semi-slick tires, it's downright dangerous to drive regularly on the street (wet roads mean I can't keep the rear tires from spinning). Many accidents would be avoided if people just left their high horsepower toys in the garage until it's time to take them to a SAFE and regulated track.

 

Have you looked at a used first gen Prius?
I my opinion it was a better car than gen II,
verdict is still out for the Gen III.

Our first Generation was the best car we ever owned.
You can pick them up for under 10K with reasonable miles.
but they are hard to find and don't stay on the the lot long.

 

I rented a 2008 Prius the last time I was Stateside and was converted over the two week period that I drove it. I was already planning to buy one, but I was extremely surprised by how much I loved it, especially by things as simple as the engine shutting off at stops. I took to giggling maniacally as I sat in my silent car surrounded by tailpipes belching pollution for no apparent reason, or when I put a pip back on the battery coming to a stop. It hurt to give it back.

I just ordered my 2010 V w/AT yesterday. It should be ready when I return to the U.S. for good in a few months. I plan to keep it either until the wheels fall off or until pure electric becomes the standard, whichever comes first. Fossil fuel is dead. The faster we can switch to an electric, renewable infrastructure, the better. In the meantime, I'll take an immense amount of pleasure driving what is in many ways the best thing on the road.

And no, I don't plan to go back to a pure ICE vehicle ever.

 

I have checked out the first Gen. Still above her range. She's got to pay half of it, and we're looking at less than $5000.

I'll check out the first Gen Insight, thanks for the tip!

 

The base Matrix starts at $16,290 versus $22,000 for the Prius, though the actual base price may depend on the area you're in.

 

I just received my online survey from Toyota. They had questions on environmental concerns, if this was my first Prius, thoughts on technology. Very different product survey.

I hated driving my old SportTrac even briefly after purchasing my 2005 Prius. After enjoying easy steering, no brake jobs, no smog and all the new techie things on my 2010 I just cannot imagine ever driving another car.