Sax and Violins

[twicketface]

Best. TFD. EVER! http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/052004/ralph-nader-prayers.gif

So, last night was the Prius test drive you've heard so much about. I arrived at the dealership at 6:30 and was told that "Vic" was running a few minutes late (he was with another customer). "No problem", I said and wandered the showroom floor. About 10 minutes later, Vic introduced himself and said he was just going to be a few more minutes. "That's fine", I said and started to wonder what the point of making an appointment was. He gave me some paperwork on the specs of the Prius (rack-and-peanut steering and everything!) and waddled away.

At 7:00, I was more than annoyed that I still was waiting. Vic was soon turning into Vic the Pric. Another salesperson stopped over and commented that he noticed I was waiting a long time and asked if it was okay that another salesperson took me on the test drive. I agreed and was introduced to Bill. Bill informed me that someone else had the Prius out and should be back any minute. And indeed, they were. We saw them pull into the dealership and proceed to drive to the back of the lot. This left Bill extremely confused.

Finally, at 7:15, through an act of Andrew W.K., Vic and the Prius were both free at the same time. He apologized for being late and I responded with silence, as I don't know an answer other than "that's okay" when it really wasn't. He showed me the outside of the car and security features. He let me drive it out on the highway and through town, telling me about the reliability of Toyotas and such.

The car rode like a dream. Braking, accelerating, turning - everything felt like a traditional car. The display screen could get annoying over time, but hopefully there would be a way to turn it off (akin to a screen saver). The downsides are a) I feel cramped in the front seat. I had at least 4 inches of headroom so maybe I could get used to sitting up very straight to drive, b) there is a 12 month wait for new cars and I doubt the Buick will last that long, and c) we really can't afford a $25,000 new car right now, especially if we're planning on getting pregnant in the next 6 months.

Will still test drive the Honda Civic, although I understand they are smaller and less powerful, so we might be back to square one. I'll end up getting a Toyota no matter what, but probably a non-hybrid for now and maybe upgrade to a hybrid Camry or Avalon when they come out in the next 2 to 3 years. I'm sold on the technology and would love to have a Prius, but now's just not the right time.

Comments

[htothem.livejournal.com]

Have you considered a Honda Insight? Don also can't fit into a lot of cars. He drives a Subaru WRX, which is reliable, safe, practical, and can do 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds. The gas mileage is mediocre though.

[htothem.livejournal.com]

Also, I don't know if you're into performance cars at all, but Toyota (I think) is supposed to make some crazy hybrid that has better specs than anything else soon.

[twicketface.livejournal.com]

Looking for good gas mileage and something I can fit in. Apparently they're 'hybriding' an SUV next and then moving to the Camry after that. They've got some futurastic looking cars on their website that look pretty sweet - but also look a long way off.

[htothem.livejournal.com]

The hybridized SUV will only get normal car gas mileage from what I understand. Also, fyi, the EPA gas mileage test is naturally skewed towards hybrids.

[twicketface.livejournal.com]

I was told that it should get 40 mpg, but that was by Vic the Pric, so I'm not sure if I believe him.

I've also read that the EPA's test isn't very accurate and they show hybrids as more efficient than they really are. Not that 5 or even 10 mpg matters either way (as I'm sold on the concept), but still.

[htothem.livejournal.com]

I'm sold as well. My next car will definitely be a hybrid.

[girlziplocked.livejournal.com]

you have to wait 12 months to get a Prius?

That's insanity. Why is that?

[twicketface.livejournal.com]

Apparently the suppliers can't make the parts fast enough to meet the demand. I'm just surprised that Toyota didn't think there would be a huge demand for these cars.

[girlziplocked.livejournal.com]

I really want one....like insanely bad.

Of course, I can't exactly afford a $20,000+ car right now since I'm kinda...going...to...college...next...year...

But I still want one!

By the time I can get one, the Prius will be cheaper, I'm sure.

[twicketface.livejournal.com]

It was fun to drive and despite some questionable ergonimics (it can be hard to see how the rear window), it was a great ride. Very smooth.

I can only hope the huge demand means the death of Hummers as we know it.

[junebugged.livejournal.com]

I'm leasing a 2004 Toyota Corolla. I love it. No ridiculous insurance rates, reliable, great gas mileage, and it's a perky little thing.

It's a good little car. If you want more info about it, you know where to find me!

[twicketface.livejournal.com]

I'm leaning towards either the Corolla or the Avalon (I think the Avalon is slightly bigger). Good to know and glad you like it so much!

[so-gracefully.livejournal.com]

it's funny, my very first thought from "last night was the Prius test drive" was an expectation of reading something like "not enough leg room!!" not too much later.

[lemur68.livejournal.com]

"Everyone needs to drive an automobile, including the very tall! This was the largest car that I could afford!"

[twicketface.livejournal.com]

"Wave to the people! Blow them kisses!!"

[twicketface.livejournal.com]

I'm an open book!

[dudepower1982.livejournal.com]

Vic the Pric....RAOTFLOL!!!!!!!!!

[htothem.livejournal.com]

click here!

[twicketface.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link - I think it makes a good point; you can't go 80 and expect only rays on sunshine to be coming from your exhaust pipe.