So this jerk-off says...

[Mystery Squid]

...because if I wanted to save money, I should have bought an Echo, for it's a few thousand less, for to make up for that difference in gas savings, would take a long time.

True, when you pivot the Prius around an Echo (which, as we all know, isn't even in the same class, econo-malarkey box vs. mid. sized (barely, but mid. sized nonetheless)). Might as well compare it to a scooter for that matter.

However, in a true MEANINGFUL comparison to my situation, replacing a huge gas guzzling F150, I "come out ahead" REAL QUICK.

On top of that, even if we go "outside" my situation, it should be compared to other SIMILAR vehicles, not something in a smaller class. Some people are just IDIOTS.

:cussing:

Sorry, just HAD to rant...

[HTMLSpinnr]

It is true that based on *cost* alone, an Echo is a better deal. However, based on other factors such as geek factor, comfort, features, and emissions, the Prius comes out way ahead. We've all chosen to pay for those features (intentionally or otherwise). Some people just don't think outside the financial box though.

However it is on the same token that we do have to remind many that if their *only* intention on buying a Prius is to save money on gas, there are cheaper options of that's the bottom line. Now if gas prices rise even higher, that could easily change.

[Schmika]

Squid,

A lot of people think this way. I call it "one-dimensional" thinking. It is really a lack of critical thinking. I replaced a car that got 25 mpg as my daily driver. With my now 50+mpg, effectively I can drive twice as far for the same money, OR, gas could go up to $4.40 a gallon and my cost stays the same.

But I didn't just buy the Prius because of the gas mileage in the sense of cost. Every gallon I save is one more gallon of burning fuel I don't spew pollutants from into the air.

The VSC will make this car a little safer to drive.

My NAV system will help me not get lost and waste MORE gas.

This one dimensional thinking is usually harmless until it spills over into politics and religion. Everyone wants simple answers to massively complex problems (i.e. foreign policy) and, conversely, complex answers to the simplest problems (i.e.- why do terrorists want us dead)

Karl

[Jayhawkguy]

I've been told that before & I have three answers:
A: It's not just about MPG, it's about emissions
B: The gas mileage IS great... I'm relying less on oil imports
C: The price is comparable to equivalent cars I was considering. The only way the cost will be contained is if people buy them. Sorry for being socially responsible, you can thank me in a few years.

[Marlin]

How come I can't find any information on the Echo on Toyota's website? If I do a google search, I can find lots of information and reviews about the 2005 Toyota Echo, but I can't find it on the Toyota site, either through their "Model Selector" or through the drop down list of the Vehicles menu.

[kam]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin\";p=\"106924)</div>

How come I can't find any information on the Echo on Toyota's website?  If I do a google search, I can find lots of information and reviews about the 2005 Toyota Echo, but I can't find it on the Toyota site, either through their \"Model Selector\" or through the drop down list of the Vehicles menu.[/b]

I was under the impression that the Echo was no longer sold in the US now that the Scion division exists. If you go to the canadian website, www.toyota.ca, you'll see it listed there. We have tons of them here, especially the hatchback version.

[priusham]

Settle down Beevis. Nobody with a brain buys a brand new car in order to, "save money."

[efusco]

The thing is that I actually enjoy those situations. I have a clear advantage...extensive knowledge about the Prius. The commenter has read or heard a little bit on the news, made a snap judgement (in most cases) and knows very little about the actual features, how it works, how big it is, how fast it is, etc.

I find that just a simple opening line like: "Yea, I've heard things like that from a lot of people. The thing is, the Prius is a cool car to drive. It has some amazing features like (BT, VSC, NAV, etc) that are usually only found on high end cars. Also, I'm getting XX mpg and feel better about myself and that I'm doing some small part for the world by reducing emissions. Then I give my comment about how a Sports Car doesn't make sense nor an SUV for the majority of owners if you look at it in a pure dollars and cents point of view.

I give a comment about how much I save over my Expedition...the vehicle I most like would have gotten if I hadn't gotten the Prius.

Most people are interested, appreciate the education and leave much more knowledgable and open minded. And I don't come off as a snobbish tree-hugging ass.

[canuckican]

Agree with everyone above...

I usually (almost always) point out what Toyota repeatedly says: the Prius was designed and built first and foremost as an ultra-low emission vehicle. The great mileage is just a perk to the prime mission of not polluting the atmosphere.

No other serious hybrid can compare or answer to that. Shutting down half of your cylinders at stop lights (Civic or Excape) still produces some pollutants - not none like ours!

[Tideland Prius]

Think about it. A lot of PriusChatters have moved UP from lower mpg vehicles. True, someone who is considering an Echo (not because they want to but because of financial reasons or what not) will obviously not consider a Prius. Even for me, I would not have considered the Echo even though the hatchback is damn cheeky. Why? I wanted (at minimum) power windows/locks/mirrors, A/C, cruise and a power moonroof. It has to be economical and spacious enough for me to commute to school. While the Prius doesn't have a moonroof option, the coolness and mpg and emission factors all make up for it.

Sorry, I digress. Many will skew results and comparisons to make their statement seem believeable. If all they think is mpg, a bike is better. If they're thinking purely on cost, a used car or a basic Echo/Accent/Rio/Aveo/Swift+ will work for them. Ask them how they like to crank their own windows and run around in 30°C+ weather without A/C.