Another "Goodbye Prius" thread...

For the GPS there is a master reset button somewhere under options. I'm sure you can reset the homelink to but I don't know how. I'm sure both are described in the manual.

I'm a little surprised you picked a ford. I don't think the Jaguar keeps up with competition form Lexus, BMW and Mercedes but I haven't looked at prices. To me jaguar lost it's cool when Ford took over. I would rather buy the similar Cadiliac (CTZ?).

Have you considered the hybrids from Lexus? I was close to buying the RX400h. It's a cool car with all the amenities you're looking for and still with reasonable mileage.

 

I'm glad that the s-type has improved. I tested one in maybe 02-03 (?) and it felt cheap. More like a re-badged ford then a near-luxury car.

I have nothing against Ford, I actually like their cars and my wife drives a Ford Focus that has causes little problems. For me it was just that Ford seemed to cheapen the Jaguar brand, something they didn't do (much) for the Volvo's. In general Ford has done much better then GM with car brands they own. I thought the Jaguar was the exception but it seems like the have straightened it out. Compare GM's SAAB abd Ford's Volvo. They used to be similar cars, with SAAB's being the quirky one and Volvo the boring one. Ford made Volvo's image improve, it's now safe and (slightly) fun, while SAAB is just a re-badged Subaru or GM SUV (and an againg 9-5). The only decent car is the 9-3 and it's aging as well.

I haven't personally tried the STS, but I have a friend who drives an old one and had lot of engine trouble so I think you're making a good choice.

You're taking a step up in price for sure! I hope you enjoy the ride and try to not use too much gas.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kross @ Feb 15 2007, 11:39 AM) [snapback]390838[/snapback]</div>

I wouldn't go that far... their engines are still heads and shoulders above anything you'd find in a typical mainstream GM vehicle, and even any Toyota vehicle.. The low pressure turbo offered on the base 9-3 is a jewel, IMO.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Feb 15 2007, 10:41 AM) [snapback]390840[/snapback]</div>

I agree, I loved the low rpm 4 cylinder cars in the SAABs. It's a gem too drive (don't know how reliable they are). Fuel efficient and peppy. I'm surprised the prius doesn't have one (yet).

The problem was SAAB and Volvo where that they where running on aging fleet's while independent and lacking the money to develop a new generation car. They needed money to survive. Without GM we probably wouldn't have any SAABs today. I just wish Ford had bought SAAB instead (looking at it in hindsight). I've always been a SAAB man.

My hope now is that they will badge the GM VOLT as a SAAB car. That would be the perfect quirky environmental conscious car for a SAAB revival. It's shame that neither SAAB nor VOLVO has a hybrid car on the market. Imagine a Volvo V50 or V70 hybrid! A perfect car! Same can said for SAAB 9-3 and 9-5 Wagons.

The reason I care so much is that I'm from Sweden and where raised on these car brands! Until they come up with a hybrid or similar I think I will continue to pass on them

/Robert

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Feb 15 2007, 12:04 PM) [snapback]390860[/snapback]</div>

Having grown up driving SAABs, I understand your love for the brand.

However, the Ecotec based LPT currently offered in the 9-3 is the best engine I've ever driven in a SAAB. I remember the neck snapping turbo lag from older SAABs (I'm pointing at an older, '84 900 that I had a lot of experience with). This engine ranks above the 1.8T that was so common in the VW/Audi lineup for years.. it's just that good.

And I believe the 9-3 pulls in over 30mpg on the highway... and given the way they've geared the transmissions (definitely not for economy, I assure you of that), that's pretty amazing.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kross @ Feb 15 2007, 05:28 AM) [snapback]390771[/snapback]</div>

Oh well, I guess I can understand some people wanting features that just aren't present in the Prius or other cars of its class.

I don't mean to rain on your parade but good luck w/the Jag. Their reliability is pretty poor and every model year that Consumer Reports has reliability data for the S-Type (00 thru 05) shows it has far below average in reliability. I'd be be curious to see how it holds up a year or two from now. Please do report on this.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kross @ Feb 15 2007, 10:51 AM) [snapback]390813[/snapback]</div>

I have a friend that HAD a JAG and it was always being repaired for one thing or another.
There is a reason you are getting the car so cheap. I hope you are luckier than my friend.

Buy the extended warranty if ford has one, it will save you a ton of money in the end.

Thanks for being part of PC

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kross @ Feb 15 2007, 08:28 AM) [snapback]390771[/snapback]</div>

I wonder how much it would raise the price if they added these to the Prius? And I'm wondering how this would effect sales. Would you gain more people because of the luxury options (My parents would want all of these) or would you lose more people because the cost is higher?

 

I have a package 5 prius, and even though it is loaded, it is really a base car. I wish the car had heated seats, multi-power adjustments, an aerodynamic sunroof(it would affect the CD, but it would be the consumers choice), more colors, a black interior option or the amaretto color,better quality carpeting in the car rather than the industrial looking and please do something with the steering wheel! im 6'1 and its like driving a go-kart. Other than that, this car is amazing, and im in love with it. I bought it so i could feel less guilty about my 06 LR3 V8 HSE and ive had it for 2 months and have 6350 miles on it.

About your jaguar, you should be impressed with it, but as with all british cars there are the occasional faulty lights on the dashboard that are lying, and maintnence issues but my land rover has been extremely reliable for the passed 25,000 miles. My friend's 06 jaguar xj's door handle ripped off when she went to open the door? so there may be some quality issues out and about but you'll love the car. I love my rove! haha.

 

My Prius is the first car I ever owned with electronic mirror controlers, cruise control, and power windows, so I can't relate to this thread at all.

 

This is my first car.. period.. and loving it.

 

You'll be back.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kross @ Feb 15 2007, 05:28 AM) [snapback]390771[/snapback]</div>

You're giving the readers of this forum way too much credit with that last statement.

The Prius is not a luxury car, and even with better seats, it would still be far from a luxury car.

A three hour freeway drive in my Prius wears me out and makes me not want to drive any more that day. After driving three hours on the same freeways in my Acura MDX, I feel like I've only been behind the wheel a half hour. It is so much quieter, the seats are so much better, and the ride so much smoother that I could easily drive eight hours straight if I had to. No way would I do that in the Prius. I'm willing to tolerate it for a few hours at a time to use less gasoline though.