hello!

First, the technology is well tested, since it's basically the same model since 2004. Second, the next model isn't coming out until late 2009 at best, no reason to wait for that. Third, it runs on gasoline. If that becomes obsolete, we're all in trouble. Fourth, there's over 800,000 Prius sold worldwide at this point. Over 180,000 in the U.S. last year - that puts it above total sales of Volvo and about equal to all Subarus sold in the U.S. in 2007. If they're supplying aftermarket parts for Volvos or Subarus, they will also service the Prius.

Finally - the Prius IS the "better thing". All cars that keep their engines running at stop lights are old technology, best relegated to the scrap heap of history along with black and white televisions, 5-gallon toilets and houses without insulation. Any non-hybrid, non-EV is obsolete. Also mention gas prices are predicted to approach $4/gal this year, and will certainly permanently pass $5/gal in the lifetime of the car.

If your typical drive is more than 8 miles, you will get somewhere around 50 mpg in the summer, depending on driving style and inflating the tires above the minimum 35/33 psi.

Good luck!

 

It's not too new. Point your mom at Consumer Reports and other articles that show the Prius is the most cost effective and reliable car you can buy. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Tom

 

I would have been happy with any car my Mom would have bought me. My first car had 2 wheels and 21 speeds! Just take her for a test drive and she will be sold. Good luck!

 

You can also point out the exceptionally high resale value and reliability and owner's satisfaction. Definitely get the current version of Consumer Reports, with their annual full car report. Gas prices are not going down, every year you will be more and more appreciative of the Prius. I know you can fit 8' 2x10's in the Prius, so I bet you could fill it up with a lot of stuff, I'm not sure if you're living away at campus, but I'm sure you'll at least have friends who'll appreciate help moving.

My first car, as a sophomore in college, was a 10-year-old Chevy (once I was driving along and a big screw fell on my foot - that's comforting!), then a couple years later I 'upgraded' to an 8-year-old low-end Mazda, so I kind of agree with Norcal, but if you're getting a new car, it's hard to argue against a Prius, some old fuddy-duddy's at C&D aside (probably took them awhile to accept ABS as well, and still prefer stick shifts, and still expecting $2/gal for gas to come back). Otherwise one of the new small cars, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, etc. would be good for college.

 

I bought my son a $500 Celica we are fixing up and I thought that was generous.
I have never owned a new car, is you mum interested in adopting a 46 year old?

 

Show her these articles:

ConsumerReports.org - Top Picks 2008

2008 Toyota Prius - Overview

 

How far is "to and from school"? I only drive 4 miles to and from work each day, and I'm seeing plenty of gas mileage benefits.

You might want to mention the safety features, like traction control and all the airbags.

And of course you want to start helping the environment now so her future grandchildren will have cleaner air to breathe.

 

I agree - take her for a test drive. It will do all the work for you.

You can also tell her the Prius has been #1 in consumer satisfaction 3 years in a row? It may even be 4 years now. I tried to find a used one in my area and it was quite difficult. When I went to the Toyota dealership to get put on some kind of used Prius list (so that they would call me if any came in), I was told, "The list is very looong. People just don't tend to trade these cars in. They love them and hold on to them." Because it's a Toyota, it will last - good value.

Also, tell her about the gas money you will be saving. It costs less to fill up and you get more for your money. I've had mine for only a week and I'm getting 48 mpg (my trade-in got 24, so I've already skipped a $50 visit to the gas station). That made up for the difference in my car payment, in the first week of the month!

Good luck!

 

I agree with everyone here...

the gas mileage for me is outstanding compared to my '98 Toyota Camry.

... I like hearing the gas engine SHUT off.
... I like the rear-view camera (Package #3)
... I like the other features I didn't get (NAV, Phone, etc...), though that might be for a later date.

... I hate the fact I got 51.0 mpg on my 4th fill up and I can't reach that high anymore....


I was torn between picking up a used 2007 Super White Prius or a 2008 Magnetic Gray Prius at the dealership down the street from work [they had the new magnetic gray only and the used one on the lot, hard to keep them on the lot they said...] ($19,700 versus $23,900) I ended up with new 2008 and I couldn't be more happy since I started pining for a Prius over 4 years ago...(when the new body style came out...)