[Pc_Support] Toyota Prius ...

[Bryan J. Smith]

On Tue, 2005-04-19 at 08:47 -0400, Aaron Morrison wrote:
> Have you done a cost analysis on the hybrid v. non-hybrid version?

There is _no_ non-hybrid version.  Unlike countless other "hybrids" that
don't offer much, this was designed _as_ a hybrid -- right down to
regenerative braking, etc...

Forgetting the fact that it's a hybrid, most people like them period.
They are extremely roomy, 4-5 adults fit very nicely, well designed
overall.  Small enough to consider a "compact," but formally filed as a
"mid-size" because of the sheer internal space and comfort.

> You can buy a _lot_ of gasoline (even at todays prices) for $5K.

I'm thinking of far more than just the gasoline or the environment.
Most people love them, forgetting they are a Hybrid.
They really are a nicely designed car, very aerodynamic (0.26 drag-co).
The roominess is not something you'd figure from the outside view.

> That is, of course, if you don't mind being an early adopter.

This isn't an "early adoption," it's a 2nd generation _dedicated_
design.  The 1st generation (1997-2003 Japan, 2000-2003 US) left a _lot_
to be desired.  The 2nd gen took Motor Trend's 2004 "Car of the Year"
award not because it was a Hybrid.

Consumer Reports has tracked the 1st generation's reliability through 4
years of use, and the parts have been outstanding.  The first year of
the 2nd gen seems to be on the same track.  Surprising because you'd
figure there'd be more with regenerative braking, etc...

But in reality, because there is that added "stress," the parts are
designed for it.  Not "tacked on" to some non-hybrid base.

I'm looking for an 8 year, 120,000 mile car.  I'll trade it when the
hybrid components (drive, engine, batteries, etc...) aren't covered
anymore and they start to go -- which will be at least 100,000 miles
because of the standard warranty.


-- 
Bryan J. Smith                                  b.j.smith at ieee.org 
------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Community software is all about choice, choice of technology.
Unfortunately, too many Linux advocates port over the so-called
"choice" from the commercial software world, brand name marketing.
The result is false assumptions, failure to focus on the real
technical similarities and loyalty to blind vendor alignments.