Greetings to you gentlemen. Yes, Thailand has changed a lot, particularly in the last decade or so. You probably won't recognise it much today as it is a bustling city with tall skyscrapers and unfortunately, quite grid locked traffic. That's why a Prius is the obvious choice
Unless you have driven a Prius, you will always be skeptical about its technology. Personally, I love gadgets and technology and until today, I am still amazed by the smooth transition between the electric motor and the ICE. Anyway, what's most important is how you feel about the Prius. If you love driving it and enjoy the savings it brings you, then whatever people say about the Prius becomes irrelevant. After all, the millions of people who have bought the Prius so far, cannot be mistaken.
I agree with you totally. Unfotunaterly most people gather their information from friends or next door neighbors and then their opinion is formed, and that's it, nothing can change it, except an open mind. Case in point, my neighbor, told me 7 years ago that the problem with the Prius is the Battery. He is still buying trucks and SUVs ( a retiree ) like myself, that's crazy, but slowly people will change. As you say, what people say is irrelevant, they speak from ignorance. :cheer2:
As a matter of curiosity, I would just like to know what kind of warranty the authorized dealer offers for the hybrid battery in the different countries. In Thailand, we are pretty lucky as the authorized dealer offers full warranty for the first 5 years. For the subsequent 5 years, the authorized dealer offers free replacement subject to payment of labour charges of about USD40. In Malaysia, if I am not wrong, the authorized dealer offers full warranty for the first 3 years. Anyway, with more Prii being sold, the price of hybrid battery should come down due to the economies of scale.
On my 2005 the warranty on the HV Battery 10 years / 150,000miles . There are about 8-10 other states providing this warranty. They are all referred to as the California emission standard states. I presume Gen III has the same warranty. Yes HV Batteries are getting cheaper I think they are something like 2500-4000 new (do not quote me) From salvage yards they can be obtained even cheaper $400.00 and on line too.
