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 I was going to buy a Prius in 2004. Why? I felt it was and remains the greenest vehicle around. It has been said that the Toyota Prius is greener due to its newer technology. I say its greener because this little wonder can get you about 60 mpg., which is still a lot more than most vehicles on the road today.
The debate continues to rage as to the Prius’ value on the green scale. I’ve heard complaints as to how much energy it takes for this vehicle to be manufactured. I’ve heard comments as to other cars getting equal if not more gas mileage than the Prius. However, I’ve not seen many other cars that can compete with the gas mileage this little baby gets. (except maybe the VW Jetta from a decade or two ago) (my ‘76 Chevette was getting close to 40mpg, too) You can purchase an electric GEM-Global Electric Motorcar, but after having looked at one, I think I will pass. Potholes here happen to be larger than the vehicle itself.
Supposedly the Mini Cooper D and the Toyota Yaris beat out the Prius on the green scale. In what, I am not sure. Gas mileage? toyota.comtells us that the Yaris gets 36 mpg. How is this beating the Prius? The Yaris, (not to mention the Mini Cooper D), make you feel like you are dragging your derriere on the highway. I barely had enough headroom to fit into the Yaris and I couldn’t fit my family of 5 in there either without the use of vegetable oil. (you know, packed in like sardines)
Although my TALL family did not fit into the Prius, (hence the reason for a 36 mpg SCION XB-lots of head room), I would have definitely bought one if I had kids under 6 ft tall. Price being a determining factor as well, I got the 36 mpg Scion for about $7K less.
I’ve heard that the Prius gets about 50-60mpg….that surely says green travel to me. The less fuel that is consumed, the better.The less emissions from said car, the better. Car makers need to hear the cries of those who are buying their cars. We need something that gives us the gas mileage in a relatively comfortable automobile that is safe. The technology is there, they have to have the fortitude to step out of their oil reserves to reach for it. C’mon guys, how about a hybrid with 80 mpg?? Let’s go for a Scion hybrid next time around!
And again, if any auto maker needs their prototype tested in ‘real driving condtions’, please feel free to send one my way!
3 Comments
I’m 6′ 3″ and fit into my Yaris fine with no problem. My 6′ 3″ 15st son fits in the back with no problems. And I’m averaging 48mpg including start-up/warm-up and 30% town driving. So the Yaris is fine with me if you have to use a car.
We felt quite uncomfortable in the Yaris. 48mpg…that is GREAT! The website tells me it is less than that, but if you can get 48 go for it!
We live 20 miles from ANYwhere, so a car and sometimes a truck,unfortunately is necessary here. (arghs….)
Good luck with that Yaris!
Plug in hybrids are the future. You want a hybrid that gets 80+ mpg? Well for a few grand you can retrofit your prius to go 100-150 miles per day. Check it out: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/05/commercial_retr.html
Unfortunately, I have heard there is an extensive backorder to have this done (anywhee from 4-8 months).