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Wow, I'm driving a hybrid and . . .

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by jmp, Dec 31, 2009.

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  1. sunday_driver

    sunday_driver Junior Member

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    ...my stress level & driving style have completely changed for the better.

    Hello all, this is my first post. I purchased a III in metallic blue ribbon in December and found this site shortly thereafter. I was browsing as a guest and found some great tips and insight to the hybrid adventure. I purchased some accessories and even re-negotiated my warranty with the dealer after hearing about the dealer "Troy" who had such great pricing... :focus:

    I used to own a 2008 Highlander and I do a lot of highway driving (about 65-70 miles a day). Since owning the Prius I have dramatically changed my driving style and have found that when I arrive at work I'm a much calmer individual. Thanks Prius and thanks to the forum for the enlightening posts. :mod:

    Mike
     
    #21 sunday_driver, Jan 7, 2010
  2. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

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    Did you have all the side glass tinted? If so, what level of tint did you do? It looks nice.
     
    #22 Codyroo, Jan 7, 2010
  3. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    I think it's 78 miles per UK gallon whereas the UK Prius figures are 72 mpg. Our gallons are bigger than US gallon so we can go further on one. The VW you refer to is a VW Polo TDI Blue Motion. It's a smaller hatchback than the VW Golf - maybe the size of a Toyota Yaris. It might have good fuel economy but is small compared to the Prius and is also much slower with 0-60 of 14 seconds. It is also a 5 speed manual box instead of an auto. It's pretty much as good as it gets with a conventional non hybrid engine.
     
    #23 GrumpyCabbie, Jan 7, 2010
  4. boppo

    boppo Active Member

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    :welcome: sharp ride.
     
    #24 boppo, Jan 7, 2010
  5. ks1102

    ks1102 New Member

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    Fair enough. Either way there are other technologies out there as well. I like the idea of hydrogen power, only problem is how to get the hydrogen from a gas state into liquid. Extraction takes energy and at this point it is not effective. Hydrogen power if perfected will TRULY be green.
     
    #25 ks1102, Jan 7, 2010
  6. ks1102

    ks1102 New Member

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    VW should make a hybrid diesel. A gollon a diesel yields much more energy that a gallon af gas. I would not be suprized to see a car like that getting 100+ MPG.
     
    #26 ks1102, Jan 7, 2010
  7. timo27

    timo27 Member

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    Point taken, I know the type, and I respect people for making the choices they do--I always figure they know their needs/priorities, I know mine, let's just respect eachother and get along. That said, I hafta say it cuts both ways--I can be driving with the flow of traffic and someone in a <insert whatever type of vehicle here> just *has* to teach me a lesson--that his is faster than mine (no *DUH*, dude, it's a Pious ;))--and passes on the right just to cut me off, and gives me a haughty sneer. There are jerks all over, driving anything out there I guess. Fortunately, my experience in general is that there are far more nice guys (I'm using the gender-neutral term here, btw) than jerks. But yeah, I know the type you're talking about, and they give us all a bad name.

    Peace right back atcha, and happy new year!
    T
     
    #27 timo27, Jan 7, 2010
  8. jmp

    jmp New Member

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    Thanks. Yes all windows tinted except windshield at 30%. I'll post new pics later so you can see the tint more clearly.
     
    #28 jmp, Jan 7, 2010
  9. jmp

    jmp New Member

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    My initial concern was the manufacture and disposal of nickel metal hydride batteries. I found out that the battery, w/c is guaranteed for 15 yrs or 150K miles, can be recycled. In fact, the guarantee for recycling is rather high since nickel is a valuable metal. Toyota even offers a bounty to help ensure their recovery.
     
    #29 jmp, Jan 7, 2010
  10. jmp

    jmp New Member

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    Ks1102, would they have shown you the same attitude if they were driving their Merceds Benz or Lexus? People can be judgmental ragardless of what car they drive. I know some people who buy a Prius because they want to make a statement, whatever their agendas may be. It's their choice and I respect that. Best way is to ignore the haters, move on and enjoy your ride. I thought of a VW Golf TDI but not all gas stations carry ultra low sulfur diesel and it's not mandated that they carry it. A concern when you're doing road trips.

    I'm enjoying my car and will never pass judgement on people because of their ride - even if I live in a mansion!

    To everyone else thanks for the nice welcome!
     
    #30 jmp, Jan 7, 2010
  11. jmp

    jmp New Member

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    Originally posted by Sunday_driver

    " Since owning the Prius I have dramatically changed my driving style and have found that when I arrive at work I'm a much calmer individual".

    My other ride is a BMW 528i and I know what you mean. For some reason in the BMW I'm always in a rush to get somewhere. In the Prius I'll get there when I get there.

    Welcome and enjoy your ride!

    Joseph
     
    #31 jmp, Jan 7, 2010
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Congrats and :welcome: to PriusChat!


    ks1102, best to just ignore them. Just as there are ***holes who drive F-250s, there are the same that drive Priuses.

    The reason why gasoline was chosen to be hybridized was because gas engines work best at high rpm so the elec. motors and battery can take care of the low rpm for torque and the gas engine can take care of hp.

    With a diesel, it works well at low rpms because it provides gobs of torque. The problem is, so does an elec. motor so where's the hp gonna come from?
     
    #32 Tideland Prius, Jan 8, 2010
  13. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Enjoy the Prius effect that only the HSD and other similar full hybrid (Ford) can provide.
     
    #33 usbseawolf2000, Jan 8, 2010
  14. ks1102

    ks1102 New Member

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    Yes I guess the attitude can go both ways. From my perspective I only see it "as a pick up truck owner" I will calm down....it is not worth getting all bent out of shape about. I still think that if you live in a mansion and drive a prius (or any other energy eff. car) it is kinda funny....don't you think? come on now......It is like a person on a diet eating a 10,000 calorie lunch and washing it down with a diet coke!
    Just dont make a whole lot of sense. Any I hope you all love your cars. I really have nothing against them. Toyota has always (last 30 years) made well made cars and I am sure the prius in not the exception.
    Peace
     
    #34 ks1102, Jan 9, 2010
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