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Should I get rid of my Prius? Help!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by desertrider2215, May 28, 2009.

  1. desertrider2215

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    Looking for something that is MUCH more fun. Sorry to all Prius owners who think their car is actually fun to drive, I just think it's boring as HELL! Don't get me wrong, I love the MPG, but the fun factor is next to nothing so i'm starting to wonder which I should have considered...fun? or good fuel economy. I'm looking at a new Mini Cooper S loaded, and boy it is FAST and corners like an actual go kart....but I will miss my car. Any convincing reasons as to why or why not I should make the switch? THANKS!

    :rolleyes:
     
  2. yardman 49

    yardman 49 Active Member

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    Seems like you're already convinced.

    Go have fun!
     
  3. Sandy

    Sandy Hippi Chick

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    Having had 2 minis last year, Its fun, and too small, and it cost about the same as my BMW to service, I bought a 08 fully loaded and after 3 months, traded it :(
     
  4. desertrider2215

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    what type of problems did you have with the mini? and what were the service costs..? Thanks!
     
  5. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    This site and this community is mostly populated by people who have and love their Prius.

    Having said that, we have on occasion steered people away from purchasing a Prius based on their driving habits, conditions, or whatever. We never hesitate to say, quite frankly, this car's not for you.

    It sounds to me that you have thought this through and have come to a rational, logical conclusion. No hard feelings. As yardman said, "go have fun."

    But stop by from time to time if you want. You're always welcome.
     
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Go run through a couple fast cars for awhile and I'll cross my fingers you don't die during that time. Then come back to the Gen VI Prius (in the future) and you'll see what the rest of us see in this car. :)

    When I was 20 I might not have enjoyed the car like I do now, even after having a plethora of fast cars.

    Be well!
     
  7. desertrider2215

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    I do LOVE my prius...that is why I am on here posting this to see what other people's opinions are..I go back and forth 100 times deciding on which one I keep. BUT after hearing about the post above of her mini's maintenance costs and trading it in, and just returning from the gas station paying 2.71 [and rising] looks like i'll be keeping my car, because its my third car in just under 2 years. NO MORE! :)
     
  8. Sandy

    Sandy Hippi Chick

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    Brakes and rotors 1250.00, and they are having issues with the scoop melting and heat so bad that you cant put your foot down in the wheel well.. costs are crazy to maintain after 50K miles:)I am happy you are keeping it its never greener on the other side, they cost so much to get fixed, and the wait is sometimes long for parts.
     
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    How old are you? Did you just turn 40?

    Tom
     
  10. Tammy7287

    Tammy7287 Junior Member

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    I personally love my Prius and will never get another car. I'm even considering getting the G3 pretty soon....but then again...I've only had my G2 since May 08.
     
  11. desertrider2215

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    Gahhhh, you don't want to know. I haven't graduated college yet, ahhhh! This is sick
     
  12. desertrider2215

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  13. hybridtwins

    hybridtwins Member

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    I myself have a soft spot for the Mini. I loved them as a kid, so it was one of those cars that I Always Wanted. So this is a matter to which I've given serious thought over the years.

    I've tried out a co-worker's Cooper S, and there's no question that its one fun pocket rocket.

    But for me, there's more than one kind of fun. The Prius is just as much fun, if in a more Zen kind of way. I love the way the car just seems to glide forward, never having to shift gears to get up to speed. This kind of acceleration is unique, and even after almost 7 1/2 years, it hasn't gotten old.

    And of course the technology that makes this possible is so much more elegant than anything the Mini has to offer; and as has been stated elsewhere in this thread, the Mini is a relatively high- maintenance vehicle.

    In conclusion, there are only 2 choices for me: what i already have, or the 2010 Prius :)
     
  14. alevinemi

    alevinemi Junior Member

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    First, if you don't like your prius, go ahead and sell it. I understand what you say, it's quiet, smooth, and, well... not fun to drive.

    The mini is nice for what it is, but expensive to buy and maintain - especially for a subcompact. You may want to consider other small sportscars like the Mazda Miata that may have more affordable costs of ownership and better reliability. I owned a Honda Del Sol and loved it (unfortunately, it's gone now...). The cooper has bad predicted reliability, and breakdowns are NOT fun.

    This assumes, of course, that you are NOT loaded with cash and just plan on keeping your car while it is warranted, then trade for a new model. In such a case, buy what you want and don't worry about reliability and repair costs.

    Also - get a convertible - it's the theory of relativity. Driving fast is like standing still if the air around you is going the same speed you are.

    -->Adam
     
  15. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    If money is no problem, go for it.
     
  16. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Have you seen the mini diesel?
    Better fuel consumption than the Prius according to australian test standards.
     
  17. PriusSport

    PriusSport senior member

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    Well... here's another way to look at it. The Prius is so smooth and quiet--effortless with the CVT--that it is very RELAXING. You want to go SLOW. leave the radio off and enjoy.
    It is perhaps the biggest surprise in owing a Prius. It makes you realize how stressful driving an ICE car is--particularly one with a stick shift, like my previous car. I don't miss all that shifting, and the engine noise.
     
  18. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    Pat,

    The US doesn't get the Mini diesel or any other BMW diesel except the 335d that goes 0-60 in 6 seconds.


    To the OP,

    I understand what you are saying. I like my Prius because it goes A to B reliably and gets good gas mileage. However, it isn't even remotely fun to drive. However, I've found that all cars are pretty boring once you have ridden a motorcycle.

    So I have the solution for you. With the money that you would lose trading the Prius in on the Mini buy a Kawasaki Ninja 250. Plan on taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) to learn how to ride and budget another $1000 for quality riding gear.

    MSRP = $4,099
    0-60 = 5.75 seconds
    1/4 mile = 14.6 seconds @ 88 mph

    [​IMG]
     
    1 person likes this.
  19. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    A 4-door hatchback corner carver would be a Mazda 3 5 door. Top of its class.

    ... and they just came out with a redesigned 2010.

    You'lll probably average 25 MPG with that one, so big change.
     
  20. fredthepostman

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    I've owned a Mazda Miata and currently own a Mini conv. Both fun to drive. I don't drive the Mini too hard and I have had no major problems with the car. To me the worst thing about the Mini is the trunk or cargo space. I thought I could just use the back seats but even with the seats folded down, there wasn't much space. If all you want is fun, then the Mini is a great car.