Any Prius Owners Here?

but only until end of June next year. I think it should be a permanent exemption based on principle (helping environment), but that's just my $.02.

 

Here's some more info on the Prius III. It looks like the next model will be bigger but more efficient. It sure does seem like Toyota is doing quite a bit to make sure it does not lose momentum with this little phenom...

http://www.leftlanenews.com/next-toyota-prius-to-grow-in-every-dimension.html

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/next-gen-prius-coming-in-january-with-more-power-efficiency/

 

What geek factor are you referring to? The joy stick as the gear shift? My Prius has all the upgrades and believe me it's still bare bones compared to other vehicles. What am I missing?

Another great thing about the Prius...it has a cult following similar to the VW bug decades ago - once you drive one you'll never go back. Also. if they keep the body the same shape you'll never have to upgrade to a newer model because it never goes out of style!

 

anyone has Toyota Highlander here? The latest model which is slightly bigger than previous models......

After reading this whole thread, I am slowly moving from new highlander to 2006/2007 corolla....

This thread is awesome with full of information.....Thanks.

 

I went through the AAA Autobuying website to see what their price was for the Prius, but apparently you have to talk to someone at the dealership to get that. I wasn't sure I was ready for the onslaught of calls/emails from them but actually only had one of each, asking what kind of upgrade packages I was interested in. AAA uses Toyota of Arlington as our closest dealership using their program. I haven't talked to the dealership yet so I don't know what the price will be or how pleasant the buying experience might be.

I'm glad to have asked here and received some great feedback about different car options. Although the Prius costs more than some other small cars and hybrids, it scores better with emissions, MPG, oil used, and so on. So we'll probably go with that as an overall better deal, even if it costs more to own than, say, the Corolla. The environmental impact is part of why we want a hybrid and the Prius seems to be number one in that regard.

 

I hear you! I've been wanting to get a Prius for some time as my daily commuter car, but the changes on the horizon and the new model changes have had me sitting tight. The most frustrating thing about cars, in my opinion, is that they always take longer to get on the market that I want. At this point, I think I will hold out for a lithium-ion Lexus-version Prius (whatever it is called). That will likely be 2010. Of course, by then, SAAB may have a BioPower 9-3 in the US (Europe already has it). Choices, choices!

 

Did you know that with the options package #2 (which is pretty much the minimum available in our area) the Prius has a backup camera? I wasn't expecting that but it's a cool feature.

 

I read somewhere that the prices are going up, too. And since the new model doesn't seem to come out until 2009 we figured we'd just do it now.
Our first choice was the "magnetic gray" but they didn't have that one coming in anytime soon so we chose the "Spectra Blue Mica" with grey interior. We have a small child so a darker color is probably best! The new shipment is expected to arrive the weekend of May 16th so we'll get it around then.

I don't have the pricing for the Prius with Package #5, but Edmunds appeared to offer the same information as the CR report did (why I paid $14 for it from CR, I don't know - if I'd known Edmunds had the same info for free I'd have done that!). If you use the Edmunds website the numbers should be pretty accurate as far as invoice pricing, options, etc.

Package #2 includes the Smart Key, backup camera, and vehicle stability control, which was plenty for us. Leather seats would have made the car feel more luxurious, but you have to get the most expensive options package (#6) to get them and we didn't think it was worth it to us. The fabric seats aren't particularly impressive, but I'm sure they'll be just fine. We don't need the JBL 6 CD changer or HID headlamps, voice activated DVD navigation system, or leather trimmed (note "trimmed" - they're not all leather) seats offered with #6. Package #5 gives you all that except the leather trimmed seats. #4 gives you all that except the leather trimmed seats and the navigation system.

I liked the backup camera - it was pretty cool to see a wide-angle lens view. It automatically comes on when you put the car in reverse. I only drove it for a short time on the test drive, but when I backed up I used the camera, probably because it was new and cool. In regular driving I'm not sure what I'll do - we'll have to wait and see!

The split rear window wasn't a problem for me. It isn't any different than the old Honda Civic hatchbacks, which used to have those. What will take getting used to is that the speedometer info is further away from the driver, located where the dash meets the windshield. Kind of hard to get used to optically, but should be fine once you get used to it.

I also was surprised at amount of trunk space available. It was pretty large and had an additional storage compartment underneath.

We're excited about the car, can you tell?

 

Exposed: 2009 Toyota Prius

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/563/exposed-2009-toyota-prius/;_ylc=X3oDMTE2NWliMTN0BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawMyMDA5LXByaXVz


Looks like 2009 model is more powerful, roomy but good in fuel economy and costs little cheaper........

What else one can expect...

Three models : base, luxury and eco

 

You're going to make Mr. Linux's decision much harder!

 

Mr. Linux - Kudos to you for doing that! More people should do that. Both our cars are paid for, I hate car payments especially since the minute you drive that new car off the lot - it depreciates. I'm at the age where I don't NEED a new car, both our cars are '01 models, of course both my husband and I have 5 mile commutes. I think the next time we replace a car - we'll go for a certified late model rather than new. I'd rather save money for my retirement so I can travel and live comfortably, that's more important to me.

 

Bike to work like me! =)

I'm holding out potentially for the Jetta Sportswagen TDI which gets ~60mpg highway... but there are lots of people on the waiting list, so we'll see Wish there were hybrid minivans which got 40+mpg.

What I really don't get is stuff like the GMC Yukon Hybrid... it gets 21/22mpg and the regular gas version gets 16/22 ...... Not worth it to me! Time to downsize your cars, people =)

 

Don't forget about the "feel good" factor. Surely that's worth something!

 

Thanks for sharing that. I've done a similar thing when changing jobs. If I get a pay raise over what I was making, I just direct deposit the additional money into savings. I've done the same thing for raises and bonuses over the years. It's surprising how much it can help you save and how little you miss it (since you still have the same amount coming to you every month).

I hate it when I catch the "car bug." I feel like a little kid in a toy store and want one of everything! I think I will hold off on the Prius until the Prius 3.0 rolls out, though the updated 2009 is looking pretty nice.

 

Mr. Linux, I'm always on the lookout for new training partners!

 

Get the oxygen tank and heart rate monitor ready for him.

 

So...yesterday, I'm driving behind a black Prius with one of those white turtle stickers on it. the windows are down and a woman is driving. I'm thinking about what has been written here and about the green-ness of the vehicle, less harm to the environment, and all that jazz...WHEN SHE THROWS HER CIG BUTT OUT THE WINDOW!!! Hrmmmm...is she really all that concerned after all?