Intimidating Drivers

[aczlan]

You just proved my point, you wouldn't go that route, means to me you wouldn't buy one.

Only because MY driving route is mostly rural/interstate. If I had a suburban commute, I would look very hard at one.
Buying a $4k used car vs a $15k+ used car leaves a LOT of money to buy gas though...

Aaron Z

 

[MossRoad]

Scott, over 2 million people disagreed with you by 2010.
Worldwide Toyota Prius sales crack 2-million mark,10-year anniversary celebration planned - Autoblog

Even more sold since then.....
Toyota Prius: Now in Top Three in Sales Worldwide | TIME.com

Toyota Prius - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Listen. I don't care for the Prius. Its unattractive, uncomfortable for me to sit in and not F U N to drive. But as I dump $100.00 worth of gas in my Suburban and my guage only hits 3/4 full and I have to run another credit card cycle through the pump and spend another $50.00 to top it off and I see some dude drive by in a Prius and he hasn't been to the pumps for a month, I cannot possibly fathom how you can claim "The idea that any one whom is driving one is saving gas is a laugh. It's not true." and not be expected to be laughed at and ridiculed in a public forum. I have friends that own them. I have friends that own other brands of hybrids. They are all spending significantly less on gasoline each year than I do. Gasoline has exceeded our grocery bill each week. Unfortunately, I need my Suburban to haul with. And I need a large 5 passenger car that I can fit in for car pooling and vacations. And I need a car that has ZOOM when I step on it for health reasons (my mental health). But really, the Prius is a modern marvel and marketing success that really does use less gasoline than most other cars. No matter how hard you say it doesn't it really does. Time to stop making yourself look foolish and admit it.

 

[Midniteoyl]

And I need a car that has ZOOM when I step on it for health reasons

:thumbsup:

 

[troutsqueezer]

Don't underestimate the acceleration of the Prius. The electric motor has high torque and it kicks in when you put the pedal to the metal and has no problems passing on a hill or on the freeway. The inside room of the Prius is the same as the Camry. It just looks smaller, so it can fit 5 no prob. It is classified as a mid-size sedan, not a compact car (except for the Prius C).

 

[dave1949]

The models and varieties of electric cars is a bit limited for my use. I still would like to have one, if and when they make the car I need. It would need the capabilities of 4X4 or AWD, and have a good heater/defroster that doesn't kill the range.

Our 40 mpg Honda Civic sits much of the winter because it is not good in a snow storm, light weight and narrow wheelbase in heavy slush, etc. Replacing that with most of the EV's currently available doesn't make usability or personal economic sense.

It's good to keep the technology aspects separated from the marketing choices. The technology is capable of serving my needs if it were packaged the way I need it to be.

I've replaced 300 gal per year of propane with sunshine, I would do the same with vehicle gasoline in a heartbeat.

 

[aczlan]

The models and varieties of electric cars is a bit limited for my use. I still would like to have one, if and when they make the car I need. It would need the capabilities of 4X4 or AWD, and have a good heater/defroster that doesn't kill the range.

Escape hybrid? Ford Escape - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aaron Z

 

[Midniteoyl]

The models and varieties of electric cars is a bit limited for my use. I still would like to have one, if and when they make the car I need. It would need the capabilities of 4X4 or AWD, and have a good heater/defroster that doesn't kill the range.

Our 40 mpg Honda Civic sits much of the winter because it is not good in a snow storm, light weight and narrow wheelbase in heavy slush, etc. Replacing that with most of the EV's currently available doesn't make usability or personal economic sense.

It's good to keep the technology aspects separated from the marketing choices. The technology is capable of serving my needs if it were packaged the way I need it to be.

I've replaced 300 gal per year of propane with sunshine, I would do the same with vehicle gasoline in a heartbeat.

Remember that Dodge Ram hybrid? Was something I hoped would pan out even though it was only an 'electric assist' and not a full hybrid... But now...:

 

[QRTRHRS]

When I drive the wife's CTS, I notice people pushing me. Not sure if they think I am a rich B88888 or what? Hardly since we bought the CTS used for 15k. Regardless, if someone gets to close for comfort, I back off a bit at a time until they either pass or get the message. Should the worst happen, I have always told my wife (and mind you, I hate dime store lawyers) the key word is neck pain. Also, I do not pull out in front of people and I run the speed limit or maybe five over.

This thread reminds me about a time in the mid seventies when I had a Toyota pickup and lived where such a vehicle was still a "no no". I guess this other driver took a bit of delight in running me off the road on pretty much a daily basis while on my way to work. Well, long story short, one day I met him when I was in my work truck, a tri-axle. Guess who got run off the road that day. And I do mean off the road.

Of course these days such an encounter would likely lead to gunfire.

 

[dave1949]

The Escape hybrid and the RAM PU are cool, but for a run around vehicle to do errands and shopping, all electric with a 75 mile range would be ideal for me. Paired with a regular gasser or diesel, for long hauls and trips, would cover our vehicle needs. I would guess that very few rural folks could have just one vehicle that covers all their needs while minimizing their energy use--like MossRoad's situation.

 

[troutsqueezer]

Most of us on here with tractors probably also have/need a truck. I couldn't live without mine but I don't want to drive it into town unless I need it.