New Owner, First post

First of all, I’d like to thank everyone on this forum for easing my anxiety for the last two weeks as I waited for my new Prius (Silver, “AM†package 4). Between the time that I gave my deposit and the time that I picked up the car, the story hit about the 13 Prii stopping in traffic. This report scared the bejezzus out of me and I nearly cancelled my order. My thanks goes out to the members of this site that reassured me that the problem was only a software error in 2004’s and early 2005 models. I owned a 1995 Solara and never had any problems, so I had first-hand knowledge of Toyota quality. But ultimately, it was the rave reviews and enthusiasm for the car displayed by members of this forum that alleviated my concerns. So here I am, less than 72 hours into my membership in Prius nation and I am in love with this car!

Incidentally, I traded a 2004 Infiniti FX35… and do I miss the power heated leather seats, sunroof, power telescoping steering column, Bose 6 disc in-dash CD changer, 20 inch wheels, AWD, and the attention it got? Not one bit! Between the difference in car payment and the cost of gasoline, I’ll be saving nearly $300 a month. In fact, the cost of gas alone for the FX35 was nearly as much as my new Prius payment. Granted, I won’t be winning any races, but I am already enjoying the feeling of smug satisfaction knowing that I’m smarter and more responsible than any other commuter on the road (fellow Prius owners excepted).