Persuasion

[siouxnami]

Persuasion: I need it...

So the dealer just called and told me that they will have the very same 08 Magnetic Grey (package 5) that I was interested in on the lot shortly. I struggle with buying new vehicles because the cost money and I am cheap. I am currently driving a beat up 96 Dodge Dakota which has 70,000 miles and cost $2k a year ago. I also live near where I work and bike sometimes (not to work, I'd stink) so it's not all bad.

I do want a Prius, but taking the plunge is hard. I am a staunch environmentalist, so much so that I will run for office next year, so the "hypocrite" factor comes into play. I also find the technology to be really cool, I used to be an Electrical Engineer and have a Master's degree in that. I am not buying the vehicle to pay for itself, just to quit wasting energy and polluting the air more than necessary.

I tend to be a facts person so some of the crap that gets spewed out there isn't bothering me. I guess what I need to push me over the edge is some folks telling me its time. I would love to here some comments from the users here, particularly if you live on top of big hills in cold weather climates.

What do you think?

[Tideland Prius]

Hi and welcome to PriusChat!

Nice play of words btw (your screenname)


Two words: It's time hehe.

Well you could always buy a used Prius if you wish. A 2004 model should be quite affordable compared to a new 2008.

Otherwise just know that by switching to the Prius you'll be:

- driving a vehicle with less emissions (a lot less than the Dakota actually)
- driving a vehicle that has great fuel efficiency
- paying less for insurance (since it's a car, not a truck. Plus if you don't drive every day, you can play around with the insurance and lower the cost. Also an engine immobilizer in the Prius also counts for a discount)
- driving a high tech car
- making a statement (if that's what you want)
- lessening the stress on the roads (the car is lighter)
- able to drive around in EV mode

Yeah I'm running out of things to say. I know car payments suck after not having any for years but I'm sure this is one vehicle you wouldn't mind paying a little more for.

[FL_Prius_Driver]

What is really cool is filling up for half the cost, half as often as everyone else. Once you past that point, you're not returning.

[JimboK]

Go for it! Assuming you can afford it, that is.

I tend to be a bit cheap too, but the overall value of the Prius, the hybrid technology, and my previous vehicle having 156K on it are what moved me. Being a bit conservative financially, I sometimes suffer buyer's remorse after big ticket purchases. None whatsoever with this car.

[mcbrunnhilde]

I was originally going to keep my '91 Camry until it dropped, and THEN buy a new car with cash I had saved. Well, the Prius was so fantastic for my mom and me that we sold the Camry at 235,000 miles to my brother-in-law, and went into debt to buy the Prius. Fabulous decision. I hadn't had a car payment in over 10 years, and it took 3 years of really scrimping and saving to pay off the Prius, but I don't regret a single dollar of the cost!! BTW I bet I can out-cheap anyone here, but I know a good deal when I see one.

[lefat1]

Previous EE myself and after owning several Toyotas, have made the plunge 3 weeks ago for the Prius. Sold my Harley and Rav4 so I could keep my payments down. I love the tech crap about the car, its almost fun to drive again, like when I was 18. And of course the environmental issues are of concern. My plate I obtained 3 months before getting car says, "LESS OIL" a common one throughout the states, always gets a thumbs up from other drivers.

We're not cheap, the proper word is "thrifty" as is the Prius. And surprisingly peppy. I could go on, but, you'll see from others on PC,,,, "it's time"

[siouxnami]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(lefat1 @ Nov 27 2007, 07:40 PM) [snapback]544980[/snapback]</div>

Previous EE myself and after owning several Toyotas, have made the plunge 3 weeks ago for the Prius. Sold my Harley and Rav4 so I could keep my payments down. I love the tech crap about the car, its almost fun to drive again, like when I was 18. And of course the environmental issues are of concern. My plate I obtained 3 months before getting car says, "LESS OIL" a common one throughout the states, always gets a thumbs up from other drivers.

We're not cheap, the proper word is "thrifty" as is the Prius. And surprisingly peppy. I could go on, but, you'll see from others on PC,,,, "it's time"
[/b]

I'm going to stick with cheap for myself... I really have no reason not to, just hate to drop the $. What is the resale on these things after 4-5 years? (My price new will be ~$25700) Last time I looked the resale was high enough to discourage getting the used.

[judymcfarland]

"Fiona" is one year old tomorrow, and I don't regret a minute (except for the two nails in her tires, but that wasn't her fault). I plan to keep her a long time, driving is a blast, and the Milwaukee Hybrid Group has been a great resource to learn about my car & meet fun people. See you next summer at Hybridfest in Madison driving your new Prius!

[usbseawolf2000]

If not now, then when?

The gas prices are record high. The value of low emission vechicles are being acknowledged. Be part of the solution and not the polution!

Hey, you are missing out on the smoothness and quietness of the electric drive that HSD you could have. Go test drive it. That will push you over and realize that that money is better spent utilizing a Prius. Prius defies a lot of conventional thinking... USD may become weak but not the value of Prius.

[subarutoo]

You mean you haven't bought it yet? Get out there. Write the check and enjoy life. You won't be sorry. 96 dakota vs. New Prius, are you kidding?