Hybrid car question. Which one should I buy? Anyone own a Prius?

[in_cog_ni_to]

The Toyota Prius is the only hybrid I've actually read anything about. What other hybrids are there? What the best one in YOUR opinion? I will be getting a new car soon and I want a hybrid. Any ideas??? Thanks!

in_cog_ni_to

[Chasing Dreams]

1. I own a Prius, and all I can say is

that you will love it. These are terrific commuter cars, but not quite large enough to take the family on a vacation. I am on my way now to get it washed. :(

[in_cog_ni_to]

2. I haven't even seen one in person.

I've only seen pics online. It wouldn't be used as a vacation car so that really won't matter. I just need enough room for my son and monthly groceries. ;) Is it big enough for that? Anyone else have a different hybrid that you can give me some feedback on??

[maxsolomon]

3. consider vw TDIs

if there is bio-diesel in your area.

even if there isn't, they get insane MPG, and you don't have to drive in a styling-challenged sedan. that, and the fact that you can only get cloth seats in the prius have made this dog owner wary of them.

you can get a TDI beetle, the golf, the jetta, and passat (wagon, too).

edit: if you haven't seen one, you must not live on the west coast.

[Drifter]

4. The question is ...

how long can you wait ?

The Prius has a national 18 month waiting list. They have increased production, but there will still be a considerable wait.

The good news, you can order one without putting any money down (at least at hte dealer I went to). If you decide not to get one, they simply pull your name from the list (or give your car to the next on the list).

I test drove the Honda Civic, and it was very nice. Not as sluggish as I expected.

Cheers
Drifter

[Catchawave]

5. Prius !

My friend has had a Prius since they came out, after many luxury cars, she will never own anything else. She just loves it, the very high mileage is just a bonus!

[Nite Owl]

6. Benburch has one

he was talking about it the other night. I'm thinking about it too. Got it on my list.

[LeftyMom]

7. There's also a hybrid civic available

and a hybrid accord coming out real soon. The ford escape hybrid is out too. I don't think Honda makes the Insight anymore (2 seater hybrid, very cool looking) but you could probably find a used one. Toyota's rumored to be releasing a hybrid Sienna (super-safe minivan) later in '05. Oh, there's a hybrid Lexus SUV out too.

[in_cog_ni_to]

9. A hybrid Lexus SUV???

I wonder what kind of gas mileage it gets? I'll have to go google it! Thanks! Lexus is made by Toyota and I have this "thing" for Toyotas. :eyes: I had a Celica for 10 years and never had one repair done on that car! Then I had a gas guzzler 4-Runner. Very reliable, but the gas mileage was horrific! Now we have this Jaguar that is costing us a bloody fortune in repairs and we need to get rid of it before something else breaks on it! Every friggin' repair job is $1,700, $1950, $1500...it's BEYOND RIDICULOUS! THEN, to have the 80,000 mile check-up it cost $1500! As much as I LOVED (past tense) that car, I now hate it that much more. It's gotta go! I want a RELIABLE and economical car. Toyota makes a good car. Honda too!

[LeftyMom]

13. Oops, it's due out in '05

here's the info for it (not a lot there yet) http://www.lexus.com/models/hybrid/index.html

[in_cog_ni_to]

14. Thanks! n/t

[benddem]

8. my prius

is super comfortable, fun to drive...lots of gadgets..half of which I've not used and I buy gas once a month. If you haven't seen any you might be living in the wrong place. There are 5 Salsa Red Prius in our town. I don't think the waiting list is 18 months, I got mine in 2. But that was cause the person who ordered it...didn't take it. The one I ordered came in the next month...so the 8 -12 months they told me was really 3.
No Toyota dealer though has one in the showroom, unless they just got it. I ordered mine sight unseen.

[in_cog_ni_to]

11. I can honestly say I have never seen a Prius in my town.

There's plenty of SUVs and pick-up trucks though. :( Is your Prius red? The red looked dark on my computer. Is it a dark red? I was leaning toward the black. ;)

[hollywood926]

10. If it's good enough for Olivia Newton-John....

The day before Thanksgiving, I was driving home on the 101 towards Encino when I noticed a white Prius in front of me with a pretty blonde driving. Being a life long ONJ fan, I immediately looked to see if it was her because I read that she recently traded in her SUV for a more environmentally-friendly Prius - and indeed it was her. She was yabbing away on her cell phone, though (bad!).

Anyway, if it's good enough for her... :-)

[Mr.Green93]

12. The Hybrid Acura