Journalism Student Inquiry on Hybrids

Why not just post the questions on the board? This has been done before, and you'll get plenty of responses.

 

Re: Jouranlism Student Inquiry on Hybrids

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

Can't remember. Probably on television. I'm sure also on the internet. I was interested in the high mileage and low emissions but wasn't ready to replace my car at the time. I really didn't pay much attention to the first gen. Prius because they were just....ugly. And small. I wasn't interested in a compact car. I wanted a car comparable to the Saturn coupe it was replacing...only I wanted an automatic this time. When I started car shopping I actually test drove a Saturn Ion back in November as that was the closest model they had to the Coupe. I wasn't impressed. I started looking at Hybrids on the internet in March. That's when I started looking at the comparisons. I took the Insight out of the running as it's small and a two-seater. Likewise one of the Honda's I also disqualified as it was only available in a manual. That left the Prius and the Civic. The Civic was more expensive. So I went to test drive the Prius first. And that was it. High mileage, low emissions, good size, good power, fair price, available, love the hatchback, good styling, great technology.

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

Once I decided on a Prius, I used cars.com and another site and put in requests to the dealerships over the internet. Two dealerships actually allowed me to search their inventory online. I had five replies within an hour with several colors and option packages available. I wanted black package 1 with gray interior. I ended up with black #1 ivory interior. I could have had gray had I waited or wanted a more expensive package but it wasn't that important to me. So...plenty readily availble if you're not fussy.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

I read up on the internet. Don't remember where.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

April 6, 2005

5 What were you driving previously

1996 Saturn SC2 Coupe Ltd Ed. Anniversary, black with tan leather interior, manual trans.

and why did you decide to replace it?

It was 9 years old. Less than 50,000 miles. I'd eventually have to replace it or start paying for repairs. The longer I waited the less it would be worth.

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

Price of gas increasing mostly. But I also am very attracted to the low emissions.

I decided on the Prius because:

Automatic Transmission
Clean emissions.
Best mileage for size
Good size, equal to or greater than my previous car.
Hatchback
MSRP reasonable, price comperable to my 1996 Saturn.
Test drove and intrigued by technology.
By 2005 I figure most of the bugs are ironed out and improvements made.

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

Mostly city. But a few times a year I do make a long trip of over 100 miles one way.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

No. This is the second generation of Prius in this country, the third for the Toyota corporation. I figured if they didn't have the technology ironed out by now they wouldn't still be selling the cars. And I would have heard something on the news. Also, this Prius is in the second year of this design, so any bugs from the 2004 were taken care of with improvements to the 2005. I also feel that since Toyota is placing so much faith in this technology, they are going to make sure nothing goes wrong. I expect it to outperform beyond warranty. I also think Toyota will stand behind their car. They can't afford any negative publicity.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

No.

10. What sort of maintenance is required?

Occasional oil change and tire rotation. Even more infrequent filter changes.

Is it any different from your former vehicle?

Yes.

More or less expensive?

Should be less since I won't have to have maintenance done as often.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle?

Well, the hybrid part is guaranteed for 8 years/100,000 miles.

Warranty on parts?

They are pretty standard to other cars. I did buy an extended warranty for 7 years, 75,000 miles.

I expect to have the car about 10 years and then replace it. I buy a new car about once every 10 years. I do expect this car to hold it's value more than an average car, even after 10 years. And I don't put much mileage on so it will probably have about 50,000 miles on it when I decide to sell. The only reason I might consider replacing it earlier is if the next generation of Prius has some great improvements. But....it will have to still have the hatchback. Otherwise I'm keeping this one as long as possible.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations?

Yes.

MPG claims?

Depends on who's making the claims. The EPA numbers for ALL cars are inaccurate to real life driving. And they'll vary from driver to driver as well as part of the country you live in. But I am getting consistently over 45mpg and up which is what Toyota says the car will do. My best was 56 mpg. So I am very pleased with the mpg. It's twice what my old car was getting. And its better than most of the cars on the freeway AND it's cleaner at the same time.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

Not so far. But my friends and family are pretty conservative. I'm known for being a bit avant garde. But I also make some pretty good, logical decisions. When gas goes to $5 a gallon, suddenly I'll be smart instead of weird.

 

Re: Jouranlism Student Inquiry on Hybrids

As a graduate of CSUN, I am happy to answer your questions.

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

I first found out about the new Prius the first day any information was released on them. There was a small add on my.yahoo I believe. It showed the car and talked about it. I was hooked from day one.

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

Only the Prius and the Insight were available when I decided to buy the Prius.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

I had already decided the buy the Prius months before it was available, but I did read everything I could on it. I read the Yahoo boards, and started with PriusChat the day it was begun.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

I bought my car on February 26, 2004.

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

1995 Honda Civic VX. I wanted a larger car with more room, and the AC in the car was horrible. I live in the San Fernando Valley. It gets quite hot in the summer. I didn't think I could spend one more summer sweating all the way home.

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

Environment, mileage, hatchback, features - keyless entry, side air bags, smoothness of ride, etc.

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

My daily driving is all on city streets, 12 miles on way to school. We take my car anytime we go any place, so about 1/3 of my mileage is on L.A. freeways.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

Sort of, but I did buy the extended warranty which seems to make sense given the newness of the technology.
9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

I had to have the multi-display replaced, other than that, not a thing.

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

Maintenance is less. Oil changes every 5,000 instead of 3,000, tune-ups next to never (I think it is 110,000 miles), no timing belt, breaks should last longer as well.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

I don't know specifics, but I plan on keeping the car for at least ten years.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

Yes and yes. I waited six months to get the car. It was not fun. Considering the painful wait, expectations were high. The car has exceeded every one. As for mileage, I knew not to expect the 60 mpg. I had the Honda Civic VX as I said earlier. It was listed as 44 in the city and 51 on the highway. I averaged 40 mpg for the life of the car. I am very happy to be averaging 52 mpg so far in the year and three months I have had the Prius.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

One member of our staff at school is on the waiting list for the Prius, and our principal just bought a Ford Escape Hybrid. I know I was in part responsible for both.


Jeff Kash
West Hills

 

Name: Matthew O'Leary
Previous Car: 2000 Dodge Neon
Current Car: 2004 Toyota Prius (BC package, purchased Feb 28, 2004)

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?
It's a tough question to answer, because my memory does fade on the subject. However, around early 2003 was when I first learned of the Honda Civic Hybrid, and even test drove one. At the time, I couldn't afford to buy one right then, I knew it'd be at least another year before I could really look into purchasing a new car to replace the Neon. I loved everything about the Honda Civic Hybrid and couldn't wait to own one. Then that summer, I heard about the new Prius coming out, and started really researching it in late 2003 - mostly through john1701a.com's site, and also finding this site. I read as much as I could about the car online, and I saw it was truly going to be the car of my dreams.


2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

At first, there was just the Insight and the Civic that I knew of - of course, there was also the first generation Prius, but I was unaware of it until they announced plans for the second-gen prius. Supply was somewhat available for the HCH, and the Insight I didn't look into because it was too small for my personal needs. Supply was very limited when I looked into the 2004 Prius, and was expected to wait somewhere between 6 and 8 months.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

john1701a.com, priuschat.com, car and driver, edmunds, owners of 1st generation Prius, loads and loads of car sites previewing the Prius. I was truly obsessed with the car for about 4 or 5 months before I finally got one.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

9:00pm, Feb 28th, 2004. (Just 1 mile showing on the Odometer!)

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

I didn't get rid of my 2000 Neon, but it certainly isn't doing well. The brakes are going bad, the auto-window mechanism has died for the driver side door, pieces breaking, and all after only 3 years of ownership (I bought it new). I knew it would never last the full 5 years especially with long commutes as being my main mode of transportation. I still have it and my partner uses it as he needs for work, errands, or whatever while I'm at work.


6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

Very simple - savings. Sure, saving your cost of gasoline is great, and that was a major factor for me - my Neon got, at best, 25mpgs. Doubling my mileage meant halving the cost of gas for me, so that was definately something I was happy about. But more importantly, I was looking to help save our environment, even if it's a small step in the big picture. Being at the forefront of technology was also a major factor. I think another reason is that it truly seems to be an intelligent car designed for intelligent people (mostly, anyways).

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

My daily commute consists of maybe 30-40% highway, and 60-70% city. I drive 30 miles one way into work around the DC area. Without daily traffic the commute would take me 30 minutes - but with daily traffic it's usually an hour plus.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

Not really. My partner and I love technology, and while occasionally there are problems with brand new items on the market, it's been worth the 'risk' more or less. Since we're talking about a major car company, I knew there would be very few concerns on my part - because if they messed up on this car, it would be the end of their company - or at least put a very large warning out about them. Toyota has been known for it's quality, and I was hopeful since all I've owned in my life has been mostly Dodge vehicles which break down quite quickly.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

No more than when I got my new 2000 Dodge - I'd say equal amount of 'recalls' and patches applied to this car as there was with my Neon - though my neon recalls were for more serious issues than with the Prius. I did get a cracked windshield recently, but that was from a thrown stone from a truck tire, and it was repaired and no cost for me through my insurance, but that's the most serious problem I've encountered.

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

Less oil changes, less spark plug changes, less brake changes, less everything on this car. I have no concerns about comfortably driving this car for well over 100,000 miles, where as my Neon is still sitting at 86,000 and has the problems previously mentioned.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

I've got the basic bumper-to-bumper warranty (3yrs/36k), plus I added the 7yr-100k warranty, and I believe the hybrid is warrantied for 8yr-100k or something like that. Certainly I have no worries about the car outlasting this warranty.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

It has greatly surpassed my expectations. I love demo-ing it off to people, and often it's hard for my partner and I to remember all the cool features that we can show off to everyone. I've let more people than I can count drive it, and have only heard one complaint about it (some teenage girl thought it was ugly - then I told her all the cool features, and she finished with 'I want one!'). My mileage is starting to exceed my expectations as well. The past year I've averaged 52mpgs total - usually getting around 54-55 in the summer, and 47-50 in the winter. However, I believe I've encountered another 'break in' at around 25-26,000 miles because the car is currently getting 56+mpg, and my last tank I was able to go for 670+ miles at 59.4MPG!

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

Not friends, but people I've met either test driving the Prius, or wanting to know more about it. My first encounter with another Prius at a gas station happened just a few months ago, and they were actually test driving it, so I let them know my mileage and how I liked the car, and they seemed pretty convinced on it to get that one that evening. But I can't claim full responsibility for that one, afterall, they had already test-driven the car.

Let me know if you need any more info, sorry for the long answers!

-m.

 

My Daughter graduated from CSUN Last year.

1. Started to actively research about 6 mos ago. Attracted to Prius by generally excellent reports/comments Also the technology/mileage and a new car I wanted for just over 20K.

2. I was able to get exactly what I wanted at Oxnard Toyota in 3 days. #1 pkg/white

3. Yes. Mainly internet reasearch through sites like Edmunds etc. When I thought it was a good idea I rented a Prius for 4 days. That clinched it.

4. March 18, 2005

5 Lexus LS400-- Still have them both. Am trying (kinda) to sell the 1990 that I've had since new

6. Technology, price, put "money where mouth is" re. enviornment.

7. About 2/3 highway 1/3 city

8. No.

9.None so far.

10 Oil/filter every 5k or warranty is void. Other is much less than other cars. Ie. No Belts etc.

11. For vehicle-none that I no about--really open ended. Emmission parts 10 yr/ 150K miles. Rest standard, but can purchase extended warranty at additional cost.

12. Actually exceeded expectations. Mileage about as expected 45-49 so far.

13. Yes Several friends are checking them out--No purchases as yet

You may quote me.

Carl Straub
[email protected]

 

Re: Jouranlism Student Inquiry on Hybrids

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

First yeard about them a couple years ago, I guess. I was interested because of the low emissions, and high gas mileage (especially low emissions).

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

I'd decided on a Prius when I first started looking. Yes, the supply was limited. It took a couple of months to get one.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

Yes, I looked all over the internet. Spent a lot of time here on Priuschat, Priusonline, and also John's website (john1701a.com). I also read some reviews though I don't remember which ones. I didn't talk to anyone though (unless you count posting questions here).

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

Bought it on April 2, 2005.

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

I had a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The mileage was getting up there, also it was a standard transmission and my commute is through heavy traffic and I was tired of shifting.

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

Low emissions.

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

I spend a lot of time in heavy traffic on the freeway (twenty mile commute each way).

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

Yes, it worried me, and I'm a naturally cautious person. That's why I did as much research as I did before buying one.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

No, no problems yet (*fingers crossed*).

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

I haven't had any done yet (only 1500 miles on it so far).

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

I have an extended warranty 8-years, 75,000 miles. I've heard of taxi services with Priuses which last several hundred thousand miles. I expect to have traded it in for the next generation Prius (whenever it comes out) before I reach that many miles.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

Yes, it's been good. Power is more than adequate. My mileage has been better (52 mpg) than expected. My research told me to expect mid to high forties.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

Not yet. But one has expressed an interest.

Mark McGlone

 

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?
Many years ago when research started. I was aware there was a gas electric hybrid at the turn of the century. After looking into the initial offerings I realized that the Prius appeared to be the best system but I waited until some long term battery data became available. I have a tendency to be a early adopter and have gotten burned and my wife has not let me forget about it, so with a 28 K purchase I wanted some reassurence.

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?
Honda and Toyota. Yes supply was very limited last year. I had decided that Toyota was the better system. My son found me a car in 800 miles away in Helena MT. I got my car in about 3 months rather that 6-7.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?
I had friends with a Prius and the Honda Civic. I did extensive internet and library research over 4-6 months before ordering.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?
August 13 2004

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?
A Ford Explorer with 110K on it. I still have it for towing, off road (I am a fisherman) and getting to some streams takes you to logging roads and even fording a small stream, and haling stuff that won't fit in the Prius.
6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?
Economy, Emissions and gadgets in that order

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway) I call it rural/suburban. I start my commute in a rural area and end up going through suburban small city driving. Get on the highway only going out of town.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?
Some but I think I did my homework. I see this as the bridge to the future. Hybrids for the next 10-15 years till we get to something better.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive? Less maintenance less expensive. That is the amazing thing.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts? I would say based on data 200K to 300K that is twice as long as my previous 3 cars

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims? Yes very much so. I had a good understanding of real world MPG claims and the proper use of the EPA figures. I have not yet gone over 60 m.p.g. but I have one tank at 59.7 and my life time average for just under 15K miles is 50.8 m.p.g.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?
I am a Doc and 2 of my nurses drive Prii and one partner are now driving Prii, I am working on the rest. I think that I have my employer half convinced to offer a bonus and parking for hybrid drivers. I work with a large staff model HMO and they are at least discussing it. We presently give a yearly bonus to bikers, walkers and car pools. Not huge but a very nice ataboy.

 

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?
My husband works for a Toyota dealer and gets to work with them daily. He really liked them, so he showed me one. I liked it too.

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?
I immediately went with the Prius. Waiting list- total time about 4 months. All options were available to me but they said the top packages were being produced more quickly. I ordered a package 5.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?
Well aside from the Prius Techs at my husband's workplace I searched various forums such as PriusChat and PriusOnline. John1701a.com was a very good resource.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?
March 17 2005

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?
1990 Buick Century. Car was falling apart.

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?
Gas mileage, environmental benefits, nice options, just looked neat.

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)
Mostly city, short stretches of highway

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?
Nope. Even if I did, the warranty on the hybrid system would have convinced me. Toyota is a very reliable name and I had no doubts after hearing how well they took care of their customers where my husband works.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?
None whatsoever.

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?
My Prius: Less maintenance, longer oil change intervals than my Buick. We do most of the basic stuff at home for cheap.

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?
3yr /36K basic warranty, 8yr /100K warranty on hybrid system parts. I plan to put around 150K on the car and don't expect too many problems.

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?
Expectations, yes. MPG, I didn't expect the EPA mileage anyway since almost all cars don't live up to these numbers. I am very happy with MPG nonetheless.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?
I know a number of people who, if they could afford one, would go and buy one tomorrow because they love mine. I get asked all the time about it. And everyone wants me to drive when I participate in a carpool because my car is the favorite.

Nicky Moore
Black 05 Prius package 5

 

Re: Jouranlism Student Inquiry on Hybrids

I've been following hybrid tech since the Insight was announced. A co-worker shortly thereafter bought a 2001 Prius, and tossed a frend of mine and I the keys to take it for a drive during lunch. I was hooked then, but felt that I needed something bigger as my folks visit alot, and my mother has alot of difficulty getting into low slung cars. At that point I ended up buying a Saturn VUE instead.

The Honda Civic Hybrid, Insight, and Prius. I also cross shopped the VW Jetta wagon TDI. The other two were on the lots then, but I had decided by this time that the IMA system wasn't up to the par of THS. Volkswagen's recent resurgance of serious vehicle problems, plus being just a tad too small in the back seat area disqualified that car as well.

Primarily as I was interested in the tech. I read all of the car rags, and would occasionally find info online. My primary source was the aforementioned co-worker.

Late November 2003

I had the aforementioned Saturn VUE, complimented by a Daewoo Lanos SX that I had bought on Ebay for next to nothing, as well as an old Eurospec Mercedes 240D. The Saturn VUE ended up being a lemon, and the other two cars were sold to help recover some of the negative equity on the note on the VUE.

I drive approximately 40K miles per year, and was concerned about the constant news of impending fuel price increases.

Primary driving conditions are heavily tilted towards highway driving, with about 20% being city.

No. The cars had been on the market long enough by the time I bought mine, that I felt that any serious issues would have presented themselves.

No.

Most maintenance is the same. The only "extra" item to look at under the hood is the secondary cooling system for the inverter. As for cost, I have a hard time making a comparison as I used to perform all of my own maintenance on my vehicles. Add to this, the fact that the model year Prius I drive, had it's first four services covered by the manufacturer, which for me, worked out to the first 30K miles of ownership. This is the first car that I've decided to let the dealer maintain, as I've gotten less desiring of crawling around under cars over the last few years.

The model that I have, already has reports coming in of exceeding 200,000 miles. It's my intention to see if I can go 300,000 miles before retiring the car.

So far, the car has actually exceeded both. I routinely exceed the city fuel economy ratings while driving a very highway biased commute. It has also been a blessing, not having to take the car into the shop to not have any warranty work done, that would have resulted in some serious repair bills, had they been out of my pocket. The car has also been comfortable enough to take on very lenghty cross country trips, where it has performed flawlessly.

So far, no. The previously mentioned co-worker that went with me on the test drive, has wanted one for a long time, but had just purchased a newer car. Now he is looking at buying a Highlander Hybrid when they are released. Other people have mentioned that they like my car, but still continue to drive what they currently own.

 

1. When did you first hear about hybrids and what first attracted you to them?

A Toyota program to select a few drivers in various states to test drive a Japan (right hand drive) version Prius for about a week. I applied but did not get selected.

2. What choices were available when you began looking for a hybrid? Was the supply limited?

The supply was limited. I even placed an order for one before get a chance to test drive one. My wait was one day short of 3 months.

3. Did you do any research prior to purchasing a hybrid and if so, what did this research include? Where did you look, who did you talk to?

I had looked at the "classic" Prius when I was having my car serviced, But to me, it was too little car for too much. After seeing the 2004 version at an auto show, I became much more interested and checked out PriusChat on Prius Online for information.

4. When did you actually make the purchase?

Ordered mid-March 2004 and took delivery mid-June 2004.

5 What were you driving previously and what made you decide to get rid of it?

A 2000 Camry, which we kept and my wife now drives. We had noticed oil under her 1980 Corona (discontinued and replace by the Camry in the Toyota line). I decided to be a bit pro-active and get a replacement befor the Corona need expensive repairs.

6. What factors made you decide on a hybrid as a replacement?

The technology, efficiency, and cleaness.

7. What types of driving conditions do you experience most often? (city vs. highway)

Mosty city.

8. Did you have any concerns about spending money on such new technology?

No, but I did feel a bit like a pioneer. But for it to have any chance in the marketplace there needs to be those willing to step out with new technology.

9. Have you had any problems with the vehicle?

I have had one time where the engine failed to start, Toyota had already documented to problem and it was quickly fixed with a software update.

10. What sort of maintenance is required? Is it any different from your former vehicle? More or less expensive?

11. Is there a determined life expectancy for the vehicle? Warranty on parts?

I expect that car to last as long as the other Toyotas I have owned. (Maybe not 20+ years like the Corona, But it only has about 85,000 miles.)

12. Overall, has the car lived up to your expectations? MPG claims?

In some respects it has exceeded my expectations. I do fall far short of the EPA MPG figures. However, from the information gathered from online resources, I realized that my short (3-4 mile commute) would limit my overall gas mileage. I had made a mental guess that I would get "very" poor mileage for the first half of the trip and then much better on the last part and expect about 45 MPG. I am getting a bit better than that.

13. Have any of your friends been influenced by your purchase?

After the hurricanes that hit Florida last year, my brother hydro-locked the engine in his RX-7. At that point he started looking for a used Prius and bought one.

 

1. I first read about hybrid vehicles in fall of 2002 when doing research on global transportation. The appeal was higher gas millage and hopefully lower cost to run.

2. When I started looking about a year ago, Honda had two models available and Toyota had the prius. I believe at the time Honda's were readily available but there was a waiting list for the Prius.

3. I looked at the Toyota website and did a google search and read as many articles on the prius as I could. I found Priuschat as well as a few other websites on the prius. Mainly I was looking for reliability and maintenance costs as well as MPG. Most of the articles I read seemed to favor the Prius over the Honda. I didn't know anyone who owned the prius but I talked to some people that owned the Honda who seemed to be very happy with them.

4. April 11, 2005. I had waited about seven months on a waiting list.

5. I was driving a 1993 Toyota Tercel without air conditioning. I had spent about $ 2000 for each of the three previous years on replacing various engine components. The engine failed completely when I was on the waiting list. After replacing the engine, I had decided to keep the car but then my niece needed a car so I sold her the tercel and bought the prius.

6. I don't really care about what my car looks like. I had also looked at the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camary and several SUV's. I wanted a car that would need little maintenance and would have low maintenance costs. I had read an article saying the maintenance costs for the prius would be less than for the other cars. Also I liked the lower fuel costs. Finally my girlfriend said she wouldn't dump me if I got the Prius because many people think its an ugly car.

7. I drive equal amounts of city and highway.

8. I had my doubts but the availability of the warranty and deciding ahead of time that I would only own the car for eight years made the purchase decision easier. Also the car seemed popular enough that the price of batteries would come down and they would have improved technology. I believe that the way the ICE and electric motor work together, the car should be more reliable than a traditional ICE

9 The only real problem I have had is people gathering around and touching it when I park. What ever happened to look but don't touch. I don't mind answering questions but is seems pretty nervy to me to touch someone else's car.

10. I am under the impression that maintenance is pretty much the same as with any other car. It looks like many of the components will last longer so I expect the costs to be less for the eight years I expect to own the car.

11. I would expect the car to last as long as any other car. There is a possibility that a slow deterioration of the batteries could cause the performance of the vehicle to decline or that replacement will not be economical but if battery technology improves, the costs could come down and the performance enhanced. The car is warrantied for 36 months or 36000 miles and I believe the batteries are good for 150,000 miles in california.

12. THe first few days of driving my car, it was just another car. But the more I drove it the more I like it. I get about 46 miles per gallon and I would have liked to get 60. However my old car was rated at 28 city, 33 highway and I got about 18-20 in combined driving. I climb a lot of hills and I drive in totally insane rush hour traffic.

13. My brother and my boss are both looking into buying a prius. I have had conversations with several strangers who wanted to know more about the car.

 

1. In November, 2003 I read a six or eight page add in Popular Mechanics (I think) about the Prius and was immediately interested because it seemed Toyota had a nice sized vehicle that got good gas mileage, was kind to the environment, and drove well. (The add talked about a trip from Palm Springs over the Palms to Pines highway to Beaumont and back.)

2. I was only interested in Prius as it was the only hybrid then that got good mileage and was environmentally kind.

3. I looked at PriusChat.com, and Prius Yahoo groups, learning a lot. I was convinced I wanted the car, but had one worry: Would it climb hills? I went to a local dealer and test drove a Prius up a mountain and back, and immediately placed an order just before Thanksgiving, 3003.

4. February 4, 2004. (Ten days later the Prius was totaled, and on March 17, 2004 I purchased my current Prius that has 21,000 miles on it and has a lifetime mpg of 48.3 based on the total miles divided by the total gallons of gas put into the car.)

5. A 1998 Subaru Forrester which I sill own.

6. The Prius brings together outstanding mileage, low pollution (equivalent to using one gallon of paint every 52 thousand Prius miles according to Toyota), fantastic engineering, great look and comfortable car to drive and ride in.

7 Half city and half highway.

8. None as it was a Toyota and had a good track record, starting in 1997 (only in Japan) and coming to USA in 2000. The earlier models were smaller, but have the same basic hybrid engine. It was not new but was enhanced in 2004 (with a new body).

9. A couple of minor recall issues and replacement of the Multi Function Display. The Prius has faithfully taken me where I want to go at all times. Consumer Reports gives Prius its highest rating for reliability.

10. Prius in USA calls for oil change every 5,000 miles, whereas my Subaru Forrester calls for oil change every 7500 miles. Expense is less for Prius as I do it myself.

11. I expect the Prius to last 150,000 miles or more, but I will purchase a new one before that. In California, the Prius warranty is Basic - 36mo/36,000miles; Hybrid System 96mo/100,000miles; powertrain and retraint system 60mo/60,000miles; Corrosion 60mo/unlimited miles; Hybrid Battery Pack 120mo/150,000miles.

12. Yes, and more. I believe more people would purchase a Prius if they drove one. Its an all around great car, and more fun to drive than any previous car I've owned (due to efforts to get good mileage, navigation system, and cool features such as keyless system.) Its fun to show to others who are interested. As earlier said, my overall mpg is 48.3mpg.

13. Yes, one friend rode in my Prius and purchased one for his family.