Very seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on an '08 Prius #5

[Ventura]

Thanks Canesfan. Good story.

Here's something I notice about Prius owners: every one I talk to LOVES the car. I'm not talking, Yeah, it's decent, I sort of like it stuff, I'm talking, Dude, best car I've ever owned, and I've had (BMWs, Benz, Vettes, etc.).

A friend of mine even talked to a patent attorney who hauls down about $300K a year. He drives a Prius and loves it, even though he came off a BMW 5-series. The only thing about it that pisses him a little is the wait list here in MI is so long that he can't buy his wife one right away.

[Dipena]

I left the lease on my Honda Pilot SUV two months early to buy a Prius (about 1 month ago). We were about 12K miles overmileage on the SUV, and for the last 4-6 weeks, I let it sit in my driveway and used it to go to the dump every Sat. I just couldn't see continuing to drive it, only to put more miles on it and sink so much money into gas. I decided I could NOT face the prospect of summer gas prices.

We owe two payments on the Pilot plus about $1200 for the overmileage. I considered buying a car from the dealer I was leasing from to see if they'd cut me a deal, but after looking at the Nissan and Honda hybrid and other offerings, I decide to check out the Prius. What a difference! An elegantly designed car with much more passenger and cargo room than you would think from looking at the outside, no econobox feel, and a very pleasant driving experience. And better FE than Honda and Nissan's hybrid offerings. Toyota clearly has learned what works/what doesn't in a hybrid car and it is reflected in the Prius.

I got package #6 in order to get leather seats, and it was well worth it. The minute I test drove that car, I knew what I wanted. I feel like I am not sacrificing anything in order to get fuel economy.

[1972chevelle454]

My last two cars before the Prius were a 1972 chevelle 454 and a 1998 camaro z28. I'm loving the prius. Don't really miss the power of the other cars. You will be happy if you get rid of the dodge, they are shit.

[rkskeet]

Ventura: Simple process - Go For It and Don't Look Back!!! Have had an 08 pkg 6 for 8 weeks. Really loving the car!!! Good Luck!!

[Ventura]

So yeah.

I plunked down a $100 deposit yesterday with Dunning Toyota in Ann Arbor. Doug Gallian, the sales manager there, was great. I 'ordered' a Mag Gray #5, and it should be in somewhere within the 4-8 week range.

Still need to drive one, though. My bro-in-law is telling me to ditch the Prius and just get something used and bang the hell out of it until it dies. He says that's the best way to be economical, but frankly, that's not me. I really would rather not deal with the trials and problems of a used car and whatever 3rd party warranty that goes along with it.

I also have a fairly safe 'out': a friend of mine drives a Honda CRV, and her lease is up in October of 2009. She tells me that if I hate the Prius, she will buy it from me no questions asked. She would buy a Prius now if she could get out of her lease.

So, one step closer. Thanks again for all your comments.

Here's a question: have you heard of anyone who got the Prius and DIDN'T like it or regretted the decision in any way?

[lefat1]

dump the guzzler, if u are lucky enuff to get a prius, get it now, the dealer will not hold it for $100, if u want fun and speed, get a harley

[lefat1]

btw,,,here's what i gave up for my prius...loved it but getting too old and needed a new car

[ForTheGlory]

Originally Posted by Ventura

My bro-in-law is telling me to ditch the Prius and just get something used and bang the hell out of it until it dies. He says that's the best way to be economical, but frankly, that's not me.

Your brother-in-law's advice is great and perfectly logical if you never take long trips. For just driving around town, that probably is the cheapest way to go. Otherwise, would you really want to drive even three hours away from home in a car that you don't trust?

[Ventura]

Originally Posted by lefat1

dump the guzzler, if u are lucky enuff to get a prius, get it now, the dealer will not hold it for $100, if u want fun and speed, get a harley

Actually, they will hold it for $100. He told me so yesterday. I put the deposit down, basically just to secure my place in line.

[richard schumacher]

Originally Posted by Ventura

Here's a question: have you heard of anyone who got the Prius and DIDN'T like it or regretted the decision in any way?

Recalling reports on this site:

One guy said he couldn't tolerate the driver's seat and sold the Prius rather than replace the seat.

bjhorton2005 said he sold a 2004 for "another premium car" but then bought a 2006.

Someone in London sold his but didn't say why.

A few people get outraged if they don't equal or better the EPA fuel economy figures at all times.