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They've stolen my dream!

Backstory: I always swore I'd never get a car. Between the gas prices, the insurance, the smog, I figured stick with public transit. Problem is here in Toronto the bus system's just getting worse and worse over the years.. even as their fares went up. So I figured I'd compromise. The only kind of car I'd ever want would be a [url=http://www.toyota.com/prius/]Toyota Prius[/url], the gas-electric hybrid. At a $30 grand US pricetag, I filed that one under the Not-Anytime-Soon dept.

Anyway, little while ago my parentals were planning on giving our old corolla to my brother and buying a new car. I happened to mention my secret car dream to them. Well they looked into it, got excited about it, and before I even had time to do my own research, guess-what-rolls-up-to-my-driveway.

***jaw drops***

It was my dream car, now they've beaten me to it... Oh what the hell, at least I'll be able to drive it when they're not.

In another strange example of the universe and it's twisted sense of humor, the same day they got the Prius was the day I suffered a smog-induced allergy attack. Go figure.
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Comments

  • FreejackFreejack Jake the Not-so-Wise
    Don't worry, you can always pick up a Rabbit Diesel...

    Jake
  • SpiritOneSpiritOne Magneto ABQ NM
    thats kind of funny, it sounds a little bit like what my dad does.

    I bought a new car about 3 years ago, nothing spectacular just a Dodge Intrepid. So they go out and replace the year old car they had with something bigger.

    I bought a new truck about 2 years ago, its really just a service vehicle that the company pays for, a Dakota. Next time I see him, hes got a 3500 Ram with a turbo Diesel.

    This year, I bought my boat, a 19' Crownline ski boat.

    You should see his sail boat.

    I dont know why they do that. It actually kind of pisses me off too, because I know, they cant really afford it. I make more than they do, but god forbid I have something that they dont.

    By the way, with rising gas prices, I want to buy a time machine so I can back two years and buy a Prius instead of a Dakota. A Service vehicle that gets 17mpg isnt really feasable anymore.
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    Re: They've stolen my dream!

    [QUOTE][i]
    In another strange example of the universe and it's twisted sense of humor, the same day they got the Prius was the day I suffered a smog-induced allergy attack. Go figure. [/B][/QUOTE]


    Well you can feel better about the fact that they will have to drive that car for 10 years of average driving to ever see a dime in savings.

    there was a great article in i believe the wallstreet journal about how you dont really see any savings because it costs so much more than a comperable gas car.
  • shadow boxershadow boxer The Finger Painter & Master Ranter
    depends of what kind of costs and savings are of value to you........................
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    The problem with hybrids is *still* not really focused by anyone yet: Battery Disposal. Some folks mention it, but each time, someone always chimes in with the statement that these batteries will last the life of the car, blah blah blah. The problem is still potentially millions of cars, each running dozens of these sealed batteries, which at some point has to go back to the place from whence they came. Also consider that the Prius is now one of the very few hybrid cars actually focusing on economy. Most every other model out there, toyota/lexus or otherwise, has the focus on performance. "Be as fast as a V6/V8 without the extra two cylinders" and such.
  • [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sanfam [/i]
    [B] "Be as fast as a V6/V8 without the extra two cylinders" and such. [/B][/QUOTE]

    Bah. Everyone on the road thinks they're rejects from the Indy 500. What good is extra speed, when you're just gonna have to grind to a halt at the next red light?? The Prius is no slouch on the highway either, just takes a few extra seconds to get that extra burst of speed.

    SpiritOne: Sounds like your dad has the dreaded one-up syndrome? But if he can't afford the stuff, that is pretty stupid. Since my parentals were planning on getting a new car anyway, and they get a $1000 tax rebate from the government for buying a Prius, guess I don't have that much to complain about.
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    Speaking as someone whose collection of working cars top out with a 0-60 score of 10.4 seconds...I have to say that it's more than adequate. Nobody ever remembers that even in an automatic, they have the power to force the car down a gear or two. When I need to merge onto a highway, such as the Northern State (LI folks will know this one) I just shove it into "first" and floor it. It usually gives me enough power to get on safely, even with a full load of people. With my stick shift cars, it's even easier. I only have 106 usable horses but it's damned well enough to get me around at a slightly more than brisk pace. (I am a tad quicker than most of the local traffic. I typically push 10-15 over the limits, but try to keep it safe where possible)

    Of course, I wouldn't object to more power. In fact, I've tried to pull as much as I can out of my little I4... (but I'd *really* like a V8...)
  • Data CrystalData Crystal Pencil Artist
    A US Gallon of Gas costs US 5.86 here in Finland... :p

    Trying to get by as much as possible without using the car. :D
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sanfam [/i]
    [B]Speaking as someone whose collection of working cars top out with a 0-60 score of 10.4 seconds...I have to say that it's more than adequate. Nobody ever remembers that even in an automatic, they have the power to force the car down a gear or two. When I need to merge onto a highway, such as the Northern State (LI folks will know this one) I just shove it into "first" and floor it. It usually gives me enough power to get on safely, even with a full load of people. With my stick shift cars, it's even easier. I only have 106 usable horses but it's damned well enough to get me around at a slightly more than brisk pace. (I am a tad quicker than most of the local traffic. I typically push 10-15 over the limits, but try to keep it safe where possible)

    Of course, I wouldn't object to more power. In fact, I've tried to pull as much as I can out of my little I4... (but I'd *really* like a V8...) [/B][/QUOTE]

    Ahh i miss my stickshift, when i went to get a car i wanted another stick, but alas, the only one they had on the lot in my pricerage was a ford escort 2door, and i needed something 4 door.

    oh and btw, i wasn't knocking the prius, one of my friends had one of the first prius models, and my only complaint with it was that i kept thinking it had stalled at traffic lights..

    as for the used batteries, FIRE THEM INTO THE SUN! yeah yeah thats the ticket!
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    The only problem with manuals is when the clutch wears out, or when the cable brakes and you end up powershifting it home on a 25 mile trip and find that you've probably killed your synchros :P
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sanfam [/i]
    [B]The only problem with manuals is when the clutch wears out, or when the cable brakes and you end up powershifting it home on a 25 mile trip and find that you've probably killed your synchros :P [/B][/QUOTE]

    been there, done that... lol

    my clutch died, so i had a "new" one installed, drove 300 miles to a concert, and the "new" clutch died too, i got to spend 3 days stuck in a hotel in providence R.I.
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    I was pretty much stuck for a while. The fun thing about driving with no clutch pedal is that you need the starter (or someone with a pushbar/evenly high bumpers) to get you rolling, both of which were put to use there.
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sanfam [/i]
    [B]I was pretty much stuck for a while. The fun thing about driving with no clutch pedal is that you need the starter (or someone with a pushbar/evenly high bumpers) to get you rolling, both of which were put to use there. [/B][/QUOTE]


    can you still popstart a stick? or do new current cars not let you do that, i haven't had a stick in a while, i used to like go to parties and totally forget my lights, and the battery would be dead, with an auto, yer screwed, with a stick, just roll her down the hill, put her in 1st, pop the clutch and vroom vroom.


    not too good for the transmission, but hell who cares when yer 15, lol
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    It's not so bad, actually. Pretty much the same as starting in first going up a hill. As for the lights, that's one thing I love about my car. It has a relay tied into the ignition, so once you remove the key, they go off. Of course, you can still turn them on manually, but you have to set them to off and then on again. :D And who said anything about my cars being new? :D
    [url=http://sanfam.dyndns.org:3003/gallery/745](see photos)[/url]
    As for starting it in a new car...I assume it'd be possible. Neutral safety things usually stop you from using stage III (starter motor) while in gear.

    Edit: Oh, and the best part about mass-production dream cars? They almost always get cheaper as the years go on :D Take, for example, the [url=http://sanfam.dyndns.org:3003/gallery/markviii]Lincoln Mark Viii[/url]. I'd die to have a 1996 Mark Viii LSC in navy/royal blue with a tan interior, and because it's a Lincoln, it's value is falling faster than if it were dropped from orbit. The only thing keeping me from buying one right now is the insurance. a rwd luxury sports coupe with a v8 is *UNHOLY*
  • Re: They've stolen my dream!

    [QUOTE][i]
    Anyway, little while ago my parentals were planning on giving our old corolla to my brother and buying a new car. I happened to mention my secret car dream to them. Well they looked into it, got excited about it, and before I even had time to do my own research, guess-what-rolls-up-to-my-driveway.

    [/I][/QUOTE]

    Well theres always one consolation, wait about 5 years and your parents may pass the Toyota Prius onto you when they decide to get a new car again!

    (/me tries to keep your dreams alive) ;)

    ------------------------

    Hello to you all btw, long time no see.
    Has been along time since i last frequented this little hub of the net. well alot of water has flowed under the bridge since then, i'l fill you all in some time.
    in the meantime. it's nice to be home again :)
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sanfam [/i]
    [B]It's not so bad, actually. Pretty much the same as starting in first going up a hill. As for the lights, that's one thing I love about my car. It has a relay tied into the ignition, so once you remove the key, they go off. Of course, you can still turn them on manually, but you have to set them to off and then on again. :D [/B][/QUOTE]


    My subaru's had that feature, i loved it


    SInce we are now on our car pet peeves, WTF is the point of having the new Mustangs, and Thunderbirds, an hvaing them be Automatics, COme on, an automatic? that aint right.
  • The Cabl3 GuyThe Cabl3 Guy Elite Ranger
    totally agree but theres a thing called women drivers & girly men.
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    Which (women drivers), by the way, make up the majority of Mustang buyers (V6 automatics, which is both amusing and sad)

    Also, pet peeves...

    Come on, why is it so hard to engineer a seat control that makes sense? It's a freaking lever and/or button!
    Also...why so many different window switch designs? Why?!
    And of course...WHY does nobody want to buy a car if it's called a wagon? :P It's worse than the old soccer mom minivan thing. I, personally, like the fact that my rides have both a rear wiper and 10x the storage capacity of their sedan siblings.
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sanfam [/i]
    [B]Which (women drivers), by the way, make up the majority of Mustang buyers (V6 automatics, which is both amusing and sad)

    Also, pet peeves...

    Come on, why is it so hard to engineer a seat control that makes sense? It's a freaking lever and/or button!
    Also...why so many different window switch designs? Why?!
    And of course...WHY does nobody want to buy a car if it's called a wagon? :P It's worse than the old soccer mom minivan thing. I, personally, like the fact that my rides have both a rear wiper and 10x the storage capacity of their sedan siblings. [/B][/QUOTE]

    i loved my subaru wagons, i'm currently in a Taraus wagon, an 8 passenger Taurus wagon. (3 in the front, 3 in the back, and its got a fold out 2 passenger kidseat in the wayback.

    what i really want to check out though, is Subaru's new SUV, i'm considering a small SUV for my next car, and the Tribeca looks awfully nice...

    oh and i have a Minivan too, lol, but it needs too much work.
  • MessiahMessiah Failed Experiment
    Hehe, my dad bought [URL=http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/Z4]this[/URL] a couple of weeks ago..

    He was looking into the Prius a while ago, but that one is a lot cooler imo..

    The concept of hybrid cars is a great one though, and I hope a lot of cars come out of it.. :)
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Entil'Zha [/i]
    [B]i loved my subaru wagons, i'm currently in a Taraus wagon, an 8 passenger Taurus wagon. (3 in the front, 3 in the back, and its got a fold out 2 passenger kidseat in the wayback.

    what i really want to check out though, is Subaru's new SUV, i'm considering a small SUV for my next car, and the Tribeca looks awfully nice...

    oh and i have a Minivan too, lol, but it needs too much work. [/B][/QUOTE]

    Bah. I seem to be one of those people subaru angered by releasing the Tribeca. It's just...completely not what appeals to me, visually. Now Cadillac...the SRX is pretty much perfection in that size class.
  • Re: They've stolen my dream!

    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Talon Mistsong [/i]
    [B]The only kind of car I'd ever want would be a [url=http://www.toyota.com/prius/]Toyota Prius[/url], the gas-electric hybrid. At a $30 grand US pricetag, I filed that one under the Not-Anytime-Soon dept.[/B][/QUOTE]

    $30K? You can find them for less than $20K here, so I assume you mean $30K Canadian.
  • ArethusaArethusa Universal Cathode
    The Prius is a joke. Why it occurs to no one that you aren't getting distance for free and are in fact simply trading gas power for electric power— which is, you know, mostly generated by fossil fuels and other less than environmentally friendly stuff— is well beyond me.

    Toss in a price tag that could get you an Eclipse and performance that rivals an AMC Pacer and it's just a ludicrous waste of money.
  • MessiahMessiah Failed Experiment
    The thing with the prius is that it generates electricity for its electrical engine while youre driving with the gaspowered one..

    And its a great car btw, a friend of mine had one. while dricing in cities, it was almost exclusively electric powered, and while parking, wierd not hearing any engine sound while parking..
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sanfam [/i]
    [B]Bah. I seem to be one of those people subaru angered by releasing the Tribeca. It's just...completely not what appeals to me, visually. Now Cadillac...the SRX is pretty much perfection in that size class. [/B][/QUOTE]

    well i've been waiting for a Subaru SUV/7 pass vehicle for quite a while,

    i haven't really looked too much at the tribeca, but its exactly the size i'm looking for, i dont even know what the pricetag is on one, except out of mmy pricerange.
  • The Cabl3 GuyThe Cabl3 Guy Elite Ranger
    actually i'd say all of you are wrong get one of [URL=http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews9180.html]these[/URL]
    even in NY state its never more than $7 dollars for a full tank. :D

    FUCK CARS
  • Entil'ZhaEntil'Zha I see famous people
    [QUOTE][i]Originally posted by The Cabl3 Guy [/i]
    [B]actually i'd say all of you are wrong get one of [URL=http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews9180.html]these[/URL]
    even in NY state its never more than $7 dollars for a full tank. :D

    FUCK CARS [/B][/QUOTE]

    OK, now, i'd like to see you take your wife, 2 kids and $200 in groceries home on that... :)
  • The Cabl3 GuyThe Cabl3 Guy Elite Ranger
    sidecar
  • ShadowDancerShadowDancer When I say, "Why aye, gadgie," in my heart I say, "Och aye, laddie." London, UK
    that is a sweet bike!
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    WOO! My wagon isn't starting today. I blame you, Entilzha! :D (Battery died...not holding a charge)
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