Top 10 reasons for owning a Prius

[faxman]

I will put my top 10 reasons for owning a Prius and others can add their sentiments. Maybe Letterman might do this on his Late Show.

# 10 - doing your part for environmental issues!

# 9 - watching and playing with the MDF while you drive!

# 8 - having to change the oil every 5000 miles vice 3000!

# 7 - no transmission problems like conventional cars to worry about!

# 6 - passing gas sucking SUV's on the highway while still getting 50 MPG plus!

# 5 - trying to beat Al Gore's son 100 MPH in a Prius on the freeway!

# 4 - being a member of Prius Chat and learning lots of valuable information from other members!

# 3 - driving a vehicle now that will be the way of future!

# 2 - all the gadgetry a Prius comes with!

# 1 - only having to gas up once a week or less!

[Swanny1172]

#8 is weak. I only have to change the oil every 10,000 in my Mercedes...

[faxman]

But the Prius holds far less oil than the Mercedes I bet. I know it was a little weak.

[Swanny1172]

Yes, my ML 320 holds 8 1/2 quarts. However, that is not the point. Did you know that the exact same Prius, when sold in Europe, has a recommended oil change interval of 10,000 miles? Same car; same engine; same oil.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Swanny1172 @ Jul 13 2007, 08:35 AM) [snapback]478123[/snapback]</div>

Yes, my ML 320 holds 8 1/2 quarts. However, that is not the point. Did you know that the exact same Prius, when sold in Europe, has a recommended oil change interval of 10,000 miles? Same car; same engine; same oil.
[/b]

yes, yes, no.

We had this discussion a while ago (maybe even a long while ago). We concluded that their oil is better (probably synthetic).

And while it may be twice as long (10,000 vs. 5,000), the cost is probably double so you'll end up paying the same (2 regular oil changes vs. 1 synthetic oil change).

[Swanny1172]

How did you conclude that their oil is better? Do you know for a fact that Toyota is using different oil in different markets?

Also, the synthetic vs. dino oil bit is really a moot point, because most of the new dino oils are capable of running past 5,000 without losing enough of their TBN to warrant changing the oil based on wear alone. Sure, synthetics are capable of longer change intervals, but most any oil made today will sufficiently protect an engine at 10,000 mile change intervals.

[Michgal007]

You forgot the durability of the car. It's a Toyota, a big factor why I chose the Prius.

[slair]

Synthetic oil is just as cheap as regular oil. Aparentally, its been awhile since you've changed your oil, or you just dont look around.

[RobertG]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Michgal007 @ Jul 13 2007, 09:20 AM) [snapback]478162[/snapback]</div>

You forgot the durability of the car. It's a Toyota, a big factor why I chose the Prius.
[/b]

That was a big reason for me as well. My wife and I have had four Toyotas over the past twenty-nine years:

• '78 Corolla wagon
• '85 van
• '97 Tercel
• '06 Prius

(That last color is a poor excuse for Silver Pine Mica, but it's the closest I could get.) The Corolla had well over 200,000 miles when we finally quit driving it in 2002.

[Rae Vynn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Swanny1172 @ Jul 13 2007, 08:59 AM) [snapback]478154[/snapback]</div>

How did you conclude that their oil is better? Do you know for a fact that Toyota is using different oil in different markets?

[/b]

Actually, oil sold in European countries IS better. There standards are much higher than the USA's, the oil lasts longer before breaking down, and there is much, much less sludge factor allowed in oils.

IF everyone used a GOOD synthetic, or a very high-quality dino oil, then, yes, going 10,000 miles between oil changes would be a good standard. However, if you put cheapo discount store oil in your car, you will end up oil that breaks down quickly, or sludges, even though the oil has the "rating" on the bottle.

European Vs. American Oil Standards

BTW, even though I think the above link is to a commercial site, the information there can be found in various other places.