How has the Prius improved your quality of life?

I bought my Prius about a month ago. It was a big change for me to go from all stick cars with RWD, AWD, turbochargers, mega hp or my 200 mph motorcycle, to driving a vehicle that feels like it couldn't chip the tires if it were coming off a patch of ice going wide open throttle.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to really appreciate the Prius or all that it has to offer, even in the very basic II form. Ah, but as life would have it, some wonderful people posted techniques, and youtube videos of how to use the hybrid system to maximize fuel economy, and how to read the HSI display. My first tank got me a calculated 56.8 mpg and my second 47.8. (display read higher by 2mpg both times.)

Whoa, whats the difference? The first tank I was going for high mpg. The second tank, I was driving like 99% of the other cars on the road and comparing the difference. Clearly, a 9mpg difference is a huge sacrifice to make.

Do you see what has happened to me? I have gone from 0-60 faster than this car can respond to you depressing the accelerator pedal in eco mode, to being upset when I don't get over 55mpg per tank. Some how, this car has become a challenge which I happily accepted, and continue to try and improve upon.

I hit some unexpected stop n go traffic which took us 2 hours to get 3 miles the other day. In my previous car I would have a very sore left leg, steam coming from my ears, fire from my nose, and bloodshot eyes from the stress and aggravation of this incident. Thanks to the Prius, I was using 0 gas, sitting in a climate controlled environment, playing music on my stereo which I upgraded entirely, enjoying myself. I never knew how funny it was to watch the drivers of the vehicles around me get so angry, and think to myself; "I remember those days." Those days, I will never miss.

Just when I joined, I forget who it was but somebody had said I'd get used to it, it's like a real life arcade game and in a way, this is so true.

With all the good comes the bad though, I've hit 2 deer in 1 month. Incidentally, I've also taken up a new hobby and become quite an avid deer hunter because of this. Just kidding. haha.

Last but not least, every person I have taken in this car, or let drive it.. has said they will most likely buy one as their next vehicle. I'd estimate that I'm the direct reason for at least 3 solid Prius sales in 2012, most likely more by 2013 so Toyota, I would like my commission check, thanks.

So that's what Prius ownership is like for me. I've been through all the colorful emotions of changing my habits and experiencing the fury of mother nature, and come out on top.

The money I save on gas, has enabled me to purchase extra things for my daughter. Everybody wins in this situation.

How has the Prius improved your quality of life?

 

Sounds like everyone is reaping the benefits of saving money! Having less stress at home, less stress when paying bills, less stress from a significant other that didn't like your previous car, less stress because this vehicle is reliable, less stress due to comfort and convenience.

The bottom line is, if one is going to make a car purchase, or have a car payment.. might as well make it one that does you a favor for once. These cars seem to make just about every owner happy about something, and reading this post is very encouraging.

Denny Z, As for me, I hadn't previously heard of any performance package but I will keep the Prius bone stock and just milk it for all it's worth in terms of gas savings.

Oh, another one for the savings list my auto insurance went down, slightly.