Today I went in a prius *yawn*

EddieGTA · #1 (**Post Link**) 25-09-2007

Had to go to our other site in West London today, and as there were three of us we ordered a car.

The company our company uses usually has a fleet of Merc E-Classes and BMW 7 series, so while not my cup of tea you can at least pretend you are more important than you are being chauffered in them

Today though the call comes that there is a black toyota waiting... oh dear I think. But hey, so what was the bloody thing like?

Well as you would expect, it was bolted together well with no rattles and for a jap car it actually had quite a nice interior though still nowhere near as classy looking as an alfa. Loads of room inside though, I mean this thing is like a tardis. Which surprised me, I mean where are the batteries hidden away?

As for the whole hybrid thing, well the bloke claimed it had cut his fuel bill substantially, but as I say they usually use E-class/7 series so no wonder.

What surprised me was how it works, I thought it was supposed to use battery upto 30mph ish. Well this guy wasn't thrashing it and as soon as you pulled away the engine kicked in with the instant mpg showing about 20mpg. I know we were 4 up but none of us were that big. The battery does cut in on the move though and aid the engine.

So to be honest, if I wanted to be more environmentally conscious I would probably but either a 147 JTDm 16v, or a FIAT T-Jet.

EDIT:

And I forgot, i thought i would show interest and asked the driver what it was like. His answer... "it's alright" Ask me that question about the Alfa and I won't shut up

harrythesnotgobbler · #2 (**Post Link**) 25-09-2007

As a bit of useless info on a car that completely pulls the wool over the car buying sheeps eyes theres this as well............prius battery ecological disater

EddieGTA · #3 (**Post Link**) 25-09-2007

Originally Posted by harrythesnotgobbler

As a bit of useless info on a car that completely pulls the wool over the car buying sheeps eyes theres this as well............prius battery ecological disater

I had heard that, but a hummer more ecologically friendly

Maybe Ken should let my GTA into London for free!!!

harrythesnotgobbler · #4 (**Post Link**) 25-09-2007

Vote for me !!!

All Alfas will be free

Bmw's will be banned, the sales reps will have to find public transport.

I would also bring back the stocks for all petty criminals - Ken would be first

Politicians would be charged extra for entering London due to the high concentrations of hot air expelled from their mouths....

...I feel a rant coming on - sorry

Colinjb · #5 (**Post Link**) 25-09-2007

Originally Posted by harrythesnotgobbler

the sales reps will have to find public transport.

Even us Reps with Alfa's?

Gilbertr14 · #6 (**Post Link**) 25-09-2007

Originally Posted by harrythesnotgobbler

As a bit of useless info on a car that completely pulls the wool over the car buying sheeps eyes theres this as well............prius battery ecological disater

Full List

harrythesnotgobbler · #7 (**Post Link**) 26-09-2007

Colinjb - sorry, it was more about the car than the job or at least the stereotype.

Gilbertr14 - nice list, there are some suprises on there, I just cant help feeling that people buy these cars just for their own image.

Ralf S. · #8 (**Post Link**) 26-09-2007

Maserati (3200?) is more environmentally friendly than a Pious!

Ralf S.

BIDET FITZAKAZI · #9 (**Post Link**) 26-09-2007

I have driven a few of these "THINGS", and all i can compare it with is cold grey porridge !
It left me feeling cold and empty afterwards.
At least with an Alfa you feel as if you have eaten a damn good plate of pasta, quaffed red wine and played twister in the nude covered in Extra virgin olive oil with a young Sophia Loren.

Or is that too much information ?

Colinjb · #10 (**Post Link**) 26-09-2007

Originally Posted by quadrafigolio

At least with an Alfa you feel as if you have eaten a damn good plate of pasta, quaffed red wine and played twister in the nude covered in Extra virgin olive oil with a young Sophia Loren.

Now thats made my Glandular fever go away!!!! (Temporarily!!)

BigFoot · #11 (**Post Link**) 26-09-2007

Been driven around in a Prius sometime as local taxi company uses them.

Very uncomfortable actually and all squeeky (Toyota

).

Completely waste of space IMHO.

Fraser · #12 (**Post Link**) 26-09-2007

Originally Posted by harrythesnotgobbler

I just cant help feeling that people buy these cars just for their own image.

Surely not?! (he says in best sarcastic tone

)

EddieGTA · #13 (**Post Link**) 26-09-2007

Well todays treat going back there was a brand new 7 series BMW, only had 50 miles on when the guy picked us up. Not my cup of tea, but as I say for 30 mins I looked more business like... though no suit

Scudetto · #14 (**Post Link**) 26-09-2007

I've not driven a Prius, but I guess that it must be a bit like driving an Avenis. But with batteries.

For me, this is not pressing any buttons I'm afraid.

g

Colinjb · #15 (**Post Link**) 27-09-2007

Originally Posted by Scudetto

I've not driven a Prius, but I guess that it must be a bit like driving an Avenis. But with batteries.

For me, this is not pressing any buttons I'm afraid.

g

A Toyota Avensis is comfortable though, The Prius is definitely not!!!!

Alfamack · #16 (**Post Link**) 21-05-2010

Thread resurrection.

I've got one of these as a test car, no chance of me actualy getting it just fancied trying something different as I'm hoping to find a decent 147 rather than just get whatever company car is cheapest on tax.

Anyway, loads of toys, reasonably comfy on the go, doesn't handle brilliantly going around my usual corners but fine for everyday driving.
Too many gadgets to look at rather than driving, a freakin' HUD! Why?

I think Toyota must be desperate as they've given it to me for 5 days to play with!

Joss · #17 (**Post Link**) 21-05-2010

Originally Posted by BIDET FITZAKAZI

I have driven a few of these "THINGS", and all i can compare it with is cold grey porridge !
It left me feeling cold and empty afterwards.

Its so their gigantic eco warrior smuggness can fit in the car with them

HSTDriver · #18 (**Post Link**) 21-05-2010

One of the cabbies we have at work uses a Prius.

It's alright. Not a lot more you can say about it.

It's infinately better than one of his colleagues, who uses an X5, which has possibly the worst ride quality in any car I've ridden in. Worse than my old stiffened 200SX

keithyboy · #19 (**Post Link**) 21-05-2010

We used to have a couple of Prius' at work before they were ditched (too expensive to run - go figure).

Initially there was some novelty value with them with the touch screen and the pictures and stuff. Once you get over that though, you are left with something which is dynamically remarkably unremarkable.

jay w · #20 (**Post Link**) 23-05-2010

i currently have a 2.3 Avensis Diesel as my taxi but have been looing at the Prius as a possible for a Taxi....

One of the guys in work has one and has had a few issues with it, my concern is we do over 1000 miles a week, i could kill it in less than 18 months

HSTDriver · #21 (**Post Link**) 23-05-2010

Originally Posted by jay w

i currently have a 2.3 Avensis Diesel as my taxi but have been looing at the Prius as a possible for a Taxi....

One of the guys in work has one and has had a few issues with it, my concern is we do over 1000 miles a week, i could kill it in less than 18 months

Few of our cabbies at work use them, with no reported probs.

keithyboy · #22 (**Post Link**) 24-05-2010

Originally Posted by jay w

i currently have a 2.3 Avensis Diesel as my taxi but have been looing at the Prius as a possible for a Taxi....

One of the guys in work has one and has had a few issues with it, my concern is we do over 1000 miles a week, i could kill it in less than 18 months

There's a very good reason why the Avensis is the minicabber's weapon of choice.

Ours at work had some issues and they aren't as economical as you would expect them to be either.