Automobile Club Slammin' my beloved Prius

I've read much worse. Funny how the Prius is considered large in Europe, but small here.

 

It looks, from your quote, like they are using the word "small" as a comparative term, rather than as a formal car size category.

On the other hand AAA lobbies hard against the environment. I get my road service coverage as a line item on my regular car insurance, much cheaper than AAA. Or you could consider the Better World Auto Club.

 

Most of AAA's members are Big 3 owners who use their roadside assistance extensively. AAA doesn't make much money off us because of the reliability of our vehicles, so AAA doesn’t have a lot of good things say about Toyotas.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dr Ed @ Sep 5 2007, 08:26 PM) [snapback]507719[/snapback]</div>

Excellent point, one I would not have thought of. I've had Toyotas for 8 years and they have never left me stranded anywhere. Can't say that for any of my other cars.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dr Ed @ Sep 5 2007, 07:26 PM) [snapback]507719[/snapback]</div>

But wait... :blink: they make TONS of money off Toyotas, don't they... the big three actually break down and require services much more often. For us, they take the $$$ and never have to show up. I've never had AAA, so maybe my understanding is wrong, but I thought it was essentially an insurance policy for flats, break-downs, lock-outs, etc. You'd think Toyotas would be their best friend once the roadside assistance runs out (yes, my 2005 came with that and newer ones didn't).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(edselpdx @ Sep 6 2007, 12:25 AM) [snapback]507826[/snapback]</div>

Yeah, but people who drive reliable cars don't buy roadside insurance. Take yourself: You drive Toyotas and you don't have AAA. So they make no money from you.

 

OMG the dealer gave me a loaner car it was a matrix! it is smaller than my baby prius! inside the matrix was cramped i was like i miss my prius its so roomy inside and its look makes it look small on the outside but is big inside. AAA is wrong! i have AAA so i dont have to wait in long lines at DMV and a backup for my roadside from my prius and durango becasue sometimes AAA is quicker to respond

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(abq sfr @ Sep 5 2007, 11:06 PM) [snapback]507759[/snapback]</div>

I have a family plan because of kids driving. The only time one of our Toyotas needed help was when my daughter got a flat alongside the interstate. (I kept meaning to teach her how to change a tire)

Although I would have bet that if she'd waited awhile, being a blonde college student, she could have had a few volunteers for help.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(N_IL_Priusfan @ Sep 6 2007, 09:35 AM) [snapback]507988[/snapback]</div>

On the other hand, maybe it's just as well she could call AAA! Who knows what type of "volunteers" she would encounter.

AAA: Peace of mind for Dad and Mom, that's the ticket!

 

Here's another plug for Better World Club

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Sep 5 2007, 04:39 PM) [snapback]507590[/snapback]</div>

Have you seen cars in Europe? Compared to many, it is big.

 

If you drive a Honda or Toyota, AAA is a waste of money.

Why pay out for something you are very unlikely to ever need?

Harry

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Sep 5 2007, 07:07 PM) [snapback]507705[/snapback]</div>

Crown Vic, Town Car, etc are called "Luxury" - I rented a Town Car two years ago in Vancouver, BC when my wife and I took her parents up to Canada on the train from Seattle. We got in the Town Car and drove down to the ferry to Victoria. I love Town Cars, they are comfortable and quiet and are nice for how big they are. Too bad Ford won't make them anymore.

 

Thanks for the info on BWC. I'll definitely look into switching to them when our current AAA membership epxires.

I really don't care that much for AAA, other than the fact that I get 20% off when I buy paint at Sherwin Williams...

 

BTW, the Prius is a small car on the outside --- it's 3 inches shorter in length than the Corolla. It's the hatchback design that makes the interior more spacious.

But the size of small cars has grown over the years. When the Corolla and Civic first arrived in America in the late sixties, they were around 140 something inches long. Then they grew to 150 something inches (my 1987 Civic was 158 inches), then 160 something inches, then to the now 170 something inches.

 

My wife mostly drives the Prius as her commute vehicle, but she forgot that she used to know how to change a tire We pay Farmers Insurance only $4.40 per 6 months for towing coverage, so you might check with your company. That was well worth it when she last had a flat, about 5 years ago 500 miles from home.