Toyota Prius

[Richard]

The local jet center's crew car is a Prius. I got to drive it several hours on two trips yesterday. Wow! What a neat car.

On my first start-up, even after having scanned through the manual, I went through the start procedure because the gas engine automatically shut off. I mistook the silence for a shut-downed engine rather than the sound of a silent elec engine waiting for me to smash the accelerator pedal.

I was pushed back in my super comfortable seat by the acceleration when passing all those grey haired wimmin drivers.

For $26K I might be looking to buy a Prius. Maybe....

 

[ScottM]

The local jet center's crew car is a Prius. I got to drive it several hours on two trips yesterday. Wow! What a neat car.

On my first start-up, even after having scanned through the manual, I went through the start procedure because the gas engine automatically shut off. I mistook the silence for a shut-downed engine rather than the sound of a silent elec engine waiting for me to smash the accelerator pedal.

I was pushed back in my super comfortable seat by the acceleration when passing all those grey haired wimmin drivers.

For $26K I might be looking to buy a Prius. Maybe....

Seriously if you want something fuel efficient and green the SmartCar is something that is much more economical. They have been driving these things for a few years in Europe and they are great. They go on sale next year here and I am seriously considering driving one. For the most Americans we drive about 60 miles a day and this would be a perfect second car for commuting.

the Smarts will list for $14k

 

[tonycondon]

scott,

will they tow a glider trailer?

 

[Richard]

I don't really care if it's "green". I was wowed by the panel and the performance, ie, acceleration. I was getting up to 100 gph at some times. That's what it was telling me.

It actually reminded me of the Jonny cabs in Total Recall. Next thing to go will be the steering wheel. I think for most drivers it's just something to hold on to so why not just get rid of it?

 

[ScottM]

scott,

will they tow a glider trailer?

I don't know.

 

[KennyFlys]

There is a "Green Courier Company" in Atlanta whose couriers drive the Prius. Some how, I'm betting that car won't hold up to 300+ miles a day.

 

[Pilawt]

And who knew they could go 100 mph??

 

[SCCutler]

Makes a nice statement, I guess... but for the money, it's a joke.

Give me a Jetta TDi and a raft of cash back. Or (for that matter) a Mazda 3 or any of a number of other, better cars. Take the difference. Invest, spend, whatever.

Avoid battery disposal issues.

The only time the Prius has been a rational economic play was when tax credits were factored into the equation- then, you have someone else paying for you to drive it.

BTW, none of that takes away from the fact that the Prius, like many other hybrid cars, is an interesting and laudable engineering exercise.

 

[Skip Miller]

I was getting up to 100 gph at some times.

Jeez, the IO-540 I used to fly behind wouldn't even do that on the takeoff run!!!

How big is the fuel tank? I don't think you can keep up the blistering consumption like that very long!!!

-Skip

 

[Richard]

Jeez, the IO-540 I used to fly behind wouldn't even do that on the takeoff run!!!

How big is the fuel tank? I don't think you can keep up the blistering consumption like that very long!!!

-Skip

Great catch my man.

mpg for y'all who are still wondering....