After cruising around the Web and reading about this car, I wonder if it's really more of a science project than a practical vehicle. It seems incredibly complex and sophisticated beyond what the average driver and mechanic (err... technician) can deal with over the life of the car. I'll bet most Toyota dealerships spend a lot of time on the phone trying to solve some of the knotty issues when one of these comes in with a problem. I know, I know... "there are hundreds of thousands of these cars all over the world..." The oldest one is only six year old (four years old in the USA).
I'm sure the folks who participate on this board are a cut above average, but how about a guy (or gal) who buys one of these things used ten years down the road?
Don't get me wrong... I love the technology and covet (a sin, I know) the shiney high tech new Prius. My '94 Tercel just keeps on going at 94,000 miles, delivering 30+ mpg without so much as a burp. Only maintenance so far, besides semi-annual oil changes, has been a tranny oil change and a new timing belt/water pump replacement at 60,000 miles. It's not as cool as a Prius, but it's not cost effective to replace it yet (damn it
) If the Prius does half as well as my old conventional car in the long run, my hat's off to Mr. Toyota.
I'm not a tree hugger. I just want a reliable, economic to run car that will serve me for a long time. At my advanced age, the next car I buy should be the last one I'll ever buy (now THAT'S a grim thought!).
I'm sure the folks who participate on this board are a cut above average, but how about a guy (or gal) who buys one of these things used ten years down the road?
Don't get me wrong... I love the technology and covet (a sin, I know) the shiney high tech new Prius. My '94 Tercel just keeps on going at 94,000 miles, delivering 30+ mpg without so much as a burp. Only maintenance so far, besides semi-annual oil changes, has been a tranny oil change and a new timing belt/water pump replacement at 60,000 miles. It's not as cool as a Prius, but it's not cost effective to replace it yet (damn it
I'm not a tree hugger. I just want a reliable, economic to run car that will serve me for a long time. At my advanced age, the next car I buy should be the last one I'll ever buy (now THAT'S a grim thought!).