Former Happy Lexus Owner- Now a Very Happy Prius Owner!

I have had my used, nearly new 2006 Magnetic Gray #8 for 3 weeks now. I gave up my Lexus GS300 which I still take occassional longing glances at...while it sits in my driveway...under the car cover...with the For Sale sign on the window..while it's listed on Craigslist. My GS was the best car I have ever owned. Not a problem in 7+ years, comfortable, safe, heavy. Oh, and did I mention it got 19 mpg? I have loved that car like a family member but like someone else said, it get's harder and harder to justify sinking $4/gal of premium fuel in her belly just for a trip up the freeway every day.

Although I miss her, I have never had more fun driving a car (except when I had my 85 Mazda RX-7. Oh, and my 79 convertible bug) than I have had with my Prius. This car is really and truly a technological marvel. And I expect it to be every bit as reliable as my GS. I love watching the consumption and energy gauges. I love waiving to my [former Dodge] mechanic on the way to work. I love passing by my gas station each week where I used to load up weekly. I love my bluetooth phone, my Aux MP3 player, 6 disc changer, leather seats, nearly instant heat on the heater in the cold 40 deg mornings, and the fun navigation system.

I feel like the ultimate nerd but I get up in the morning and can't wait to get in the car and go to work...that is, until I get to work...and then I can't wait to get back in the car to drive home. Now, I drive slower so I have less stress so I can get better mileage and so I can prolong my time inside my new girlfriend. (Oops, I didn't mean that to sound the way it reads--after all, I'm happily married with 3 kids.) But I almost feel like a school kid and kind of wonder when this giddines will wear off. Geez, I'm afraid I'm going to get into an accident playing around with all these cool gadgets, buttons, and displays!

I've already installed mud flaps, turned off the backup beep, reprogrammed the doors so they all open at the same time, purchased side moulding but haven't installed yet because it's still too cold out, uploaded my phone numbers, bought the MP3 Aux cable for my player, and purchased the black rear bumper guard. I honestly haven't had this much fun with a car since my very first one. Does it ever get old??

Thanks to all the PC members who have helped educate me to this wonderful car and all its amazing features. I look forward to being back on this site many times.

....Now for just one more peek under the car cover skirt of my Lexus in the driveway...still no offers...[sigh]