Primary reason for buying a Prius

I have always considered cars to be at best a bad idea.

Expensive, unreliable, noisy, dirty, and dangerous. Electricity was a four letter word. One of the things I liked most about my Honda Civic was it's lack of power devices, and I had high hopes of driving it 20 years.

But the Prius arrived on the scene in 2001, and I was enthralled by the technology, and it's environmental progress. The initial packaging ala Echo was just not to my liking at all, so I kept tabs on Toyota's doings. I still remember the day that Toyota unveiled the 2004 design. First time in my life I have *wanted* a car. I knew without any doubt that would be our next car.

Unlike any other car, Prius has also prompted me to learn a fair amount about her, and widened my environmental perspective. It was always very important to me, but in an ignorant way. I know vastly more today about global warming, national energy policies, car emissions, battery technology ... than before Prius. The car has been a wonderful catalyst to get me more involved in what I hold dear.

So from the guy who up to age 30 swore he would never own a car, to the guy who swore he would never spend more than $10K on a car, I have to say the $25K was money well spent.

 

great post

 

I forget where I first read about the Prius, but as I read more and more about it, it incorporated many of the features I always thought a car should have, like a Touchscreen which controls all functions. In addition there was Fly-By-Wire, the split power device(shiftless), hybrid propulsion, GPS system, comfortable, roomy,kick nice person styling and well thought out electronics. I've always had a knack for picking cars that become more desirable as the years go on and I am convinced that the '04 Prius will be a very sought after car in 10 or 20 years.

 

I bought it because it's a completely different car, and quite rare, too!

 

I know what you mean -- I had a similar feeling about the car before I bought it. I knew Toyota was putting a lot into the car to "break into" the US market; and I feel like this is going to be one of those cars that just last -- and become a sought-after car for that.

Hope we got a good vintage!

 

I think it is simply "the responsable thing to do"

but besides that, it is a really cool gizmo.

 

Initially it was for the fuel economy. Now that we've driven her for a bit I'm thinking that the technology is more interesting and why we'd never ever part with SAGE....... The hybrid system and the fuel economy are very important but not the primary reason we would keep her around or buy another Prius.

And, like jmann says: "I think it is simply 'the responsable thing to do' "

 

Cost: high mpg a hedge against rising oil prces; cost (with tax breaks) equivalent or better to any similar quality and sized car (Comparison: Camry).

Doesn't fit any category so didn't vote.

Many of the other items held lesser degrees of importance to me, but tte need for high mpg and reasonably priced car from a reputable manufacturer was paramount. I have long felt Toyota is best for the buck, long lived, and obviously reliable. I was delighted to discover they make the best hybrid and in the Prius size.

Of coure there will be some disadvantages - biggest worry - the seat.

C

 

There should be an "all the above"


although i didn't care about tax refunds and etc. at the time.

It started out with a good buy. I wanted a reliable car. I wanted a smaller car than the current car i had ( 87 Lincoln Mark VII ) The car i would buy had to have clearly visible turn signals, air bags, and traction control. That ruled out a lot of cars. I was browsing BMWs and Mercedes, along with other Luxury brands. When i found the Prius ( good gas mileage, reliable enough so when i do start a family it will be around and practicle, Safe, Visible lights, Sturdy, etc..etc.. etc.) The car being a green car didn't phase me at first. As i started to learn about the car, i turned into an enviromentallist. I asked myself the question " why doesn't every company have a great car like th is?" and.. everything else about the car was perfect. I soon learned about the track record of Toyota.. then i started to be a Toyota fan. My parents now drive a 400h. they were Ford fans.