Well, finally this winter, the beast will be able to slumber in the garage out of the elements only popping out for those cold-dry days of dense air and joyous boost.

I've been scootin around in a '93 Caddy STS as my "beater" car, but between some recent mechanical issues creeping in and the 14mpg-93octane fuel habbit it also had, I decided to sport something new.

In my never ending quest for tax deductions I picked up this puppy:

2005 Toyota Prius (BC Options)

* Hyrbid 60/51 city/hwy MPG
* Voice navigation
* Smart Key system
* HID headlights
* Bluetooth phone integration

Its no acceleration machine, lol, but its got enough lights and buttons to keep me happy while I'm getting up to speed.





Full gallery click here

I had test driven the Ford Escape hybrid and I was impressed by it as well but Ford always-always seems to chince on interiors and options. There are almost no options available for the Hybrid Escape this year, so maybe I'll look into trading up for it in 2 years.

Other thing that surprised me...The service at this Toyota dealership was amazing compared to anything I've ever received at a Ford dealership. They picked me up and dropped my off at my house when I needed, they've called numerous times to follow up and make sure I was happy with my purchase...unbelievable post-sales support.

I also got a 7yr/100k warranty and 4yr/55k "all-inclusive vehicle maintenance" plan that covers all oil changes and everything in my purchase.

Oh, and this is the first time in 9 years I've been able to by 87-octane gas! To fill this puppy up costs me about $13-14 and then I get almost 600 miles on that tank! Nice!

--Dan

 

Dan,

That is just too cool! Gotta love that 87 Octane and 600 miles to the tank full is incredible. Good luck, I'll be watching, keep us updated on how you like it. Sounds like something I would buy.

Tim@Chikenears

 

HAHA from one extreme to another....


Congrats and ...Good luck!

 

WOW! Lots of technology went into that little reide.

 

glad you got a good beater.... the following is just my opinion,

edit

if I cant something nice, say nothing at all

Be sure to tell us how well this hybrid concept works out for you

 

Hey Pawn, be sure to claim that on your taxes this year. You get a credit for buying a hybrid vehicle. I forget what the max credit is per year....but ask your tax accountant about it. Ill gladly offer my services if you like

 

yeah a coworker of mine just bought a prius. its so quiet at idle i couldnt tell it was on! i like the options as well, and an 8 speaker system (dvd player is hidden above the passenger glove box).. and of course the fantastic mpg. only thing i dont like is the body style.. but thats just my opinion. nice car!

 

How much over sticker did you have to pay?

 

Thanks...

I paid $2k over sticker, but the dealership threw in the warranty & maintenance for free, so that kind of cancels it out in my mind, lol. :) I bought it on the spot though, no 9-month wait like most orders. Person who ordered it canceled and I happen to walk into the dealership the day the car was delivered to them.

The JBL system in this one has 9 speakers...

It is kind of funny to describe my two cars to people now though... I have one of the highest rated MPG vehicles and one that gets almost single digit MPG, lol. :)

I'm going to add the "electric vehicle" mode mod to it so I can drive around on battery only in stealth mode when needed. ;)

E-luzion : that's one of the reasons I picked it up. :) I'll definitely be claming it. Are you a certified tax-prep guy? I may be in the market soon, mine are getting more complicated with my investment activity.

--Dan

 

Ok...I'm thinking about getting one but have a hard time paying over sticker on anything...

 

Check out www.PriusOnline.com ... in the car forum there are lists of dealers who are selling at MSRP.

I didn't want to wait, so I live with paying over. Same thing happened to me with my truck...lol.

--Dan

 

Ok....thanks Dan..

 

i love those little hybrids. you think ford will come out with a hybrid truck?

 

Nice car but someone answer me this. In 1985 i had a honda crx and it got 61-65 miles to the gallon on the highway and about 50 in the city. That was like 15 years agao so why the hell these hybrids don't get over 100 miles to a gallon bugs the crap out of me. There was no advanced nothing and just a normal GAS engine no electric nothing... You would think thay would ahve been way further along.... My brain itches from this.... I think i will try to find one of these again and drive it.....

 

I get a little over 600 miles per tank out of my Cavalier with over 180K on the clock ( it has a 15.6 gal tank). When it hits 200K this year, I'll treat myself to a new beater.