Toyota Prius

[mistermcgoo]

My wife uses a 2008 Prius on her mail route; can't get much more punishing than that. It now has 111k on it; one front wheel bearing failed, that's it. For winter it is not well suited in deep snow of course, but the traction control works well for snow and ice conditions. For deep snow and terrible ice she uses the Dakota quad cab V6; great truck.

She averages about 38 with the Prius on the route, 10-12 with the truck. Having worked for USPS for over 20 years, we've learned a thing or two about which vehicles work and don't in harsh driving conditions. Factor in tires and brakes costs, and the Prius wins hands down. She had a Honda CR-V; great vehicle. Unfortunately, the American 4 cylinder vehicles she tried did not hold up.

Batteries last a long time in Toyota hybrids. I never would have given one the time of day until running across a thread at Prius chat and found out there are many carriers using them. My stereotypical views went out the window after owning one. Our teenage son however hasn't warmed up to it.

 

[powerpace]

I gave up trying to explain to individuals in this thread months ago. The facts presented to them and references provided don't penetrate the bias and prejudices.
I'm on my second Prius. The savings in fuel costs nearly paid for the second Prius bought. 200,000 Miles on the '08. Gave it to the kids and it still gets 45-47 mpg., loaded. The wife drives 150 miles round trip three or more times per week for work. Plus other trips.

 

[houstonscott]

I gave up too, trying to explain hauling batteries is not a good idea. You don't have to sacrifice the driving experience to get good mileage. I own a BMW 335d and routinely exceed 42mpg of diesel, in a real car with real handling, that if I hit a dog I don't loose, plus think sub 6 seconds to 60mph. Diesel always trumps gas in CO2 emissions, just the chemical process of burning each fuel, so if CO2 is your thing high pressure diesel is the answer. I guess I'm for anyone being able to buy what ever they want. But I don't think ripping up Africa by Chinese companies for the rare earth minerals to make those batteries and building a highway through the Seringeti National Park to bring them to market is not a good idea either. Hauling weight is looser. Without the US government buying them they would go away, US government buys 1 in 4 of them. Prius in not green, what ever that means today.

HS

 

[troutsqueezer]

My wife has a 2009 Hybrid Camry which I believe has the same drive system as the Prius. She has 82k miles on it and has been virtually trouble free. We looked at the Prius, my wife didn't like the giant dash, and I didn't like the overall size, it was too compact for my likes. She is getting 36-38 mpg which was a huge improvement over her 2001 Chrysler 300M that got 19 mpg.

Oddly enough, the Prius and the Camry have about the same interior space. You'd never guess it. Prius can fit larger items thru the hatchback and has tie downs as well. I am a big fan of the Camry however, having owned a couple.

 

[troutsqueezer]

You don't have to sacrifice the driving experience to get good mileage.

HS

My driving experience consists solely of going from point A to point B. The Prius handles and accelerates well enough, faster than my new Corolla in fact. Any handling beyond that, I lost interest when I hit my late twenties.

 

[houstonscott]

My driving experience consists solely of going from point A to point B. The Prius handles and accelerates well enough, faster than my new Corolla in fact. Any handling beyond that, I lost interest when I hit my late twenties.

Well, then Prius is for you!

HS

 

[powerpace]

I gave up too, trying to explain hauling batteries is not a good idea. You don't have to sacrifice the driving experience to get good mileage. I own a BMW 335d and routinely exceed 42mpg of diesel, in a real car with real handling, that if I hit a dog I don't loose, plus think sub 6 seconds to 60mph. Diesel always trumps gas in CO2 emissions, just the chemical process of burning each fuel, so if CO2 is your thing high pressure diesel is the answer. I guess I'm for anyone being able to buy what ever they want. But I don't think ripping up Africa by Chinese companies for the rare earth minerals to make those batteries and building a highway through the Seringeti National Park to bring them to market is not a good idea either. Hauling weight is looser. Without the US government buying them they would go away, US government buys 1 in 4 of them. Prius in not green, what ever that means today.

HS

"Like I said". No explaining to those already made up minds. Research what Hybrid model was the #1 seller in the U.S. Not everyone needs or wants a vehicle that gets off the line faster than everyone else. When I travel I see more Prius than anyother Hybrid or specific model of any conventional vehicle. The battery in the Prius is about the same size as a large truck battery, only flatter.

http://www.hybridcars.com/decision/top-10-hybrid-myths.html

 

[salopez]

plus the prius is the least stolen car in america....

 

[IslandTractor]

I gave up too, trying to explain hauling batteries is not a good idea. You don't have to sacrifice the driving experience to get good mileage. I own a BMW 335d and routinely exceed 42mpg of diesel, in a real car with real handling, that if I hit a dog I don't loose, plus think sub 6 seconds to 60mph. Diesel always trumps gas in CO2 emissions, just the chemical process of burning each fuel, so if CO2 is your thing high pressure diesel is the answer. I guess I'm for anyone being able to buy what ever they want. But I don't think ripping up Africa by Chinese companies for the rare earth minerals to make those batteries and building a highway through the Seringeti National Park to bring them to market is not a good idea either. Hauling weight is looser. Without the US government buying them they would go away, US government buys 1 in 4 of them. Prius in not green, what ever that means today.

HS

I like your taste in cars but comparing a $50,000 BMW to a $25,000 Pious ain't exactly apples to apples. Still, I wish there was a diesel electric hybrid sold in the USA.

I'm surprised you are concerned about digging up Africa for minerals or building a road to transport them. I presume you have no problem digging up Canada for shale oil or building a pipeline through the US to carry same.

 

[salopez]

I thought reasearch found that diesel electric hybrids don't fair better in fuel economy due to diesel having alot of low end tq? that and america hates diesel. i think we would be better off with a small compact diesel pickup with tall gears....35 mpgs would be nice.

we averaged 25 with 32 highway mpg with my wifes diesel liberty. i would take that over a prius anyday.

oh and an awesome fact...prius' burn more fuel every year than all ferraris ever have.....