Finally Got Another Prius

A little over a year ago, in order to help out a disabled family member, we traded our 6-year-old Toyota Prius for a Toyota Sienna van. Talk about a reality check! After getting approximately 50 MPG for six years, we suddenly were only getting about 18 MPG while having to drive more! A few days ago, we were able to make the move, and trade the van for a new 2013 Prius! Sea Glass Pearl color with 16 miles on the odometer. It is so good to have a Prius again. While gas mileage is not the only reason we enjoy having one, we are going on a trip in a few weeks and will save almost $300 on gas. Ahhhhhhhh

Is Toyota Launching a Hybrid Mini-Van?

In Japan, the Nikkei business daily recently reported that Toyota may be introducing a hybrid Prius mini-van in 2011.

Not a bad idea from a lot of angles.

For one thing, the competition among the automobile manufacturers worldwide are making the hybrid vehicle a more common commodity, and introducing a hybrid into another segment of the market is a smart move. Especially NOT a bad move for Toyota if the report is true.

At the moment, people with the need for a larger than normal sedan vehicle have to jump straight up to the hybrid SUV. Introducing a Prius Minivan would give many a new option...both in the sense of getting a vehicle more suited to their needs and perhaps their budget...all while making at least some small contribution to the environment.
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Hybrids Don't Have any Power and Are Uncomfortable, Right?

I was listening to a guy talking about cars the other day on some television show. He repeated what I had heard many other times from people who do not own, and, apparently, do NOT want to own a hybrid car.

In essence, he stated that hybrid cars did not have any speed or power and were tiny, uncomforable "teardrops".

Well, I HAVE owned a Toyota Prius since 2006, and I'll have to give him the "teardrop" thing.

However, I have driven my car for over 115,000 miles, including on a three-week trip from Texas to California and back, several Dallas to Atlanta shots, and several trips down to the coast. I have driven it over all kinds of environments and in all sorts of traffic situations. I have passed sports cars and semi's (which I used to drive and teach people to drive).

I have cruised for miles at 75 miles an hour, climbed mountains, and used acceleration to zip out of harm's way.

Over the years, several people have stopped my wife and myself in parking lots to talk to us about our Toyota Prius. We often let them sit in the car, and they are generally amazed to learn, despite the "teardrop" appearance, and small outer dimensions of the car, how much room there is inside.

Not only roomy, but one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned.

Take that, talk show guy!
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Best Deals on High MPG Hybrids, Diesel, and Gas Cars

A recent report by TrueCar.com ranks the top ten models, in terms of fuel economy this way:

Chevrolet Aveo 30 MPG
Hyundai Accent Blue 31 MPG
Kia Rio 31 MPG
Honda Fit 31 MPG
Toyota Yaris 32 MPG
MINI Cooper 32 MPG
Nissan Altima 34 MPG
smart fortwo coupe 37 MPG
Honda Insight 41 MPG
Toyota Prius 50 MPG

However, they also went one step further and ranked those cars based on average cost per mile to operate. Things changed.

Hyundai Accent Blue 31 MPG BUT $0.20 per mile
Kia Rio 31 MPG BUT $0.22 per mile
Chevrolet Aveo 30 MPG BUT $0.22 per mile
smart fortwo coupe 37 MPG BUT $0.22 per mile
Toyota Yaris 32 MPG BUT $0.23 per mile
Honda Fit 31 MPG BUT $0.27 per mile
Honda Insight 41 MPG BUT $0.28 per mile
MINI Cooper 32 MPG BUT $0.30 per mile
Toyota Prius 50 MPG BUT $0.31 per mile
Nissan Altima 34 MPG BUT $0.32 per mile

Click here to read the entire report.
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Update - 2006 Hybrid Prius Mileage

Just thought I would take a moment to post an update of the miles per gallon I am still getting on my 2006 Toyota Prius...which, by the way, has NEVER HAD ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEM, including sticking gas pedals, invasive floor mats, or fleas.

Okay, fleas are NOT a mechanical problem, but we haven't had them anyway.

To continue in a serious vein:

I bought my 2006 Toyota Prius new in April 2006 from Texas Toyota of Grapevine. It now has over 115,000 miles, is in perfect mechanical condition and appearance, and still gets slightly over 50 MPG.

By the way, I have heard a few people on TV speak disparagingly about speed and comfort in relation to hybrids in general, so, just let me say that I weigh 230 lbs, and my wife is a large woman. One of the reasons we bought our Toyota Prius is because of the comfort and roomy interior.

We have also taken several trips in it and have no complaints about its ability to cruise at highway speeds, climb mountains, or pass other vehicles. We have taken a 3-week trip from Dallas, Texas through Las Vegas, Nevada, Reno, Sacramento, California, down the coast to Monterey, on to Los Angeles, back to Phoenix and home to Dallas. The car was perfect for all the different types of terrain and traffic.

We even went to Rachel, Nevada, and visited the Little A'Le'Inn where we had breakfast and my wife got to purchase an "Extraterrestrial Highway - Area 51" T-shirt.

We have been back and forth between Dallas and Atlanta several times and have taken several trips from Dallas and Atlanta down to the coast. We have also taken a couple of trips from Dallas to Phoenix.

Not only have we enjoyed the fuel economy of our 2006 Toyota Prius, but we have traveled in comfort and easily kept up with the other drivers on the road.
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A Recent Trip in my Toyota Prius

By Donovan Baldwin

My wife and I recently traveled from Dallas to Phoenix and back in our 2006 Toyota Prius.

Even with over 85,000 miles on the odometer, we still averaged 48.5 MPG.

Gas prices are down right now from what they were a few months ago, but we still saved nearly $100.00 on fuel for the trip.

People often by hybrid cars in hopes of saving a significant amount of money on fuel to offset the cost of the car. In most cases, however, the savings will not be large enough to make the economic aspect of the purchase strong enough to win the argument.

Usually, the ultimate reason for the purchase of a hybrid car will be to do something for the environment.

Also, however, do not forget the potentially higher resale value of a hybrid when it comes time to move on to the next vehicle. One hidden point you may want to point out to a prospective buyer is, that since a hybrid shuts off the engine when it is not needed (which is pretty often), the wear on the engine is probably not at a level equivalent to a standard vehicle with the same number of miles on the odometer.

Hybrid Cars and AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil

Hybrid Cars - The Incentives

Want a Hybrid? Don't Forget the Incentives!
By Matthew Keegan

The lowest gas prices in five years has taken the sting out of filling up, but very few people believe that current price levels will be sustained. In all likelihood as we move closer to summer, demand will increase and prices with it as supply is cut back to meet current consumption. Add in that our current political leadership is eager to raise taxes on gasoline to encourage you to drive more economical cars and you could end up with gas priced above three dollars a gallon.

One way that consumers are battling the high cost of a fill up is to choose a hybrid vehicle. Powered by a combination of a battery and a gas engine, most hybrids deliver exceptional fuel economy while reducing the amount of exhaust fumes down to a minimum. Many of the hybrid models on the market in 2009 deliver fuel economy above forty miles to the gallon, well higher than what most gasoline powered cars offer.

But there is a huge drawback to most hybrid vehicles which makes this type of purchase an unprofitable one for most buyers: they carry a price premium that may never be fully recovered. True, if you drive twenty thousand miles or more annually, plan on keeping your car for at least ten years, and gas prices return to higher levels, you may recoup your costs. But, that five to ten thousand dollar price premium can be a bit hard to swallow, a problem for cash strapped consumers.

There is one way that consumers can still buy a hybrid vehicle without busting their budget: federal tax credits. It is a convoluted system where buyers can get a credit of as much as $3400 per vehicle provided that the manufacturer hasn't sold its allotment of 60,000 hybrids. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), beginning on January 1, 2006, has allowed buyers of select hybrid and lean-burn engine vehicles to obtain a credit, but that credit is phased out as manufacturers draw closer to their 60,000 vehicle limit. Once the limit has been reached, then no credit is available.

Thus, if you are planning to buy a 2009 Toyota Prius, your credit is now $0 because Toyota has far surpassed that threshold. On the other hand, if you plan to purchase a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (available Spring 2009) you'll be eligible for the full $3400 because it is an all new model for Ford. Oh, by the way, that $3400 figure is for the most fuel efficient hybrids; some vehicles have a lower credit - for example the 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid credit is $1550 - because it isn't as fuel efficient as the Ford.

Some states and municipalities offer credits too. If you reside in an area where relief is offered, you can usually take that additional credit to help you save more money. Log on to your state's website and do a search for "alternative fuel vehicle" to see if a program is currently available and what requirements are in place in order to receive a tax credit or rebate.

Oh, by the way, it is IRS Form 8910 - Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit - which will help you determine if your vehicle is eligible and at what cost. A good tax program will walk you through filling out the form.

Driving a gas-electric hybrid is a desirable option for some drivers. Find out what assistance is available to you may be able to shave thousands of dollars off of the cost of owning one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Mitsubishi Evolution camshafts and Ford F250 roll pans.

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Hybrid Cars

Save Gas - New Site

Wow! Aren't gas prices out of sight! I solved part of my gas price problem when I bought my Toyota Prius, which is still getting 50 MPG after two years, but not everybody can run out and do that.

In fact, I hear that it is hard to get your hands on a Prius...or many other hybrid cars as well.

However, there are things you CAN do to save gas, or save money on gas. Check out this new site http://web-home.ws/save_gas/

The Advantages of A Hybrid Car

With the cost of fuel the way it is and the damage that pollution from cars brings to our environment, hybrid cars are presently considered as very beneficial to the health preservation of the environment. The reason behind this is that hybrid cars do not depend mainly on fossil fuel for power. They also make use of self-generated electricity. This results in a smaller amount of fuel consumption and less pollution being emitted into the air.

A hybrid car combines an electric motor and gasoline engine to provide sufficient power to the vehicle with less fuel usage and fewer emissions than a normal internal combustion engine powered car. They are therefore far more fuel efficient than purely gas powered cars, and far more practical for everyday use than purely electric powered cars. Combining the two sources of power, hence the name "hybrid", a vehicle is then created that is relatively much less polluting and will lead to less fuel consumption. The gasoline engine means it possesses enough power to have freeway speeds that does not need too much fuel, but is also great for stop and go driving in heavy traffic areas because of the electric motor.

The hybrid car was created due to the result of a public and political demand to clean up the environment from pollutions and for the need to rely less on fossil fuel. Plugging the hybrid into an electric outlet is not necessary to recharge the batter.They charge themselves by means of power usually lost during coasting and braking (regenerative braking - done by reversing the electric motor, thus making it into a generator whose torque provides electricity back to the battery) and can also be charged by the car’s gasoline engine.

It can offer more benefits than the usual regular gasoline engine type cars. Here is a list of the many advantages hybrid cars offers.

1. Less Pollution

It is a fact that the continuous damage to our ozone layer is due to the greenhouse effect, and one of the factors that contributes to its damage is pollution in the air, in which dangerous chemicals are transferred to the air, such as carbon dioxide which is emitted by vehicles. The measure of carbon dioxide emitted by the hybrid vehicle is principally relative to the quantity of fuel it consumes; thus hybrid cars can absolutely be a contributing factor in lessening the advancement of global warming since they use half or less fuel than a conventional car.

With the use of hybrid cars, less fuel is consumed because hybrid cars do not totally use gas in order to operate, but also make use of electricity from an internal power source that doesn't bring any danger to the environment.

2. More Mileage With Less Fuel Consumption

The most obvious advantage of a hybrid car is that it saves on gas. With the use of hybrid cars, you are able to save money on gas because you don’t need to buy gas after every long trip as a hybrid in general gets twice the gas mileage of an equivalent gasoline powered vehicle.

3. Hybrid Cars Can Help Lower Your Taxes

Tax rebates are given to some hybrid cars buyers at the federal level, and some states also have additional incentives. In California, for example, a hybrid with only one passenger can get a pass to operate in the HOV lane. So if you buy a hybrid car your tax refunds can be withheld from your taxes and will provide you with additional savings or you may get other benefits depending on where you live.

4. Your Money Gains More Value

A hybrid car can return a higher resale value. If you ever want to trade or sell a previously owned hybrid car you can be sure that you will get more of what you paid for it than with a conventional vehicle.

5. Efficiency And Performance Are What Defines Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars generally have smaller engines than the regular gasoline cars since the power is obtained from two sources, so the smaller engines are closer to the normal power necessity of engines that will give an efficient performance, especially at highway speeds. After all, at those speeds only a small engine is needed to maintain the car's speed whereas a heavier engine is needed to get fast starts and provide power in cars designed with less fuel economy in mind.

6. “Hybrid Car Technology” Is The Greatest Currently Available Solution To Today's Air Pollution Problems

Hybrid cars use less fuel and incorporate a groundbreaking technology that helps diminish possible damages to the environment caused by conventional vehicles.

Despite these many advantages, there is one thing to be considered regarding the hybrid car. Its actual price in the market is not yet as affordable to a lot of people as a conventional vehicle, but it is an investment that will pay a hundred fold. Also, as time goes by, more and more companies are manufacturing hybrid cars and this will help eventually to lower the price on some models, and more used hybrids will become available. The hybrid is gaining in popularity. I just passed a house yesterday that had two brand new Toyota Prius Hybrid cars in the driveway.

OTHER NEWS:

Did you know that using synthetic motor oil can help prolong the life of your car, snowmobile, or RV while helping you save money on gas and maintenance.

How My Toyota Prius Performs

By Donovan Baldwin

Ads for hybrid cars, such as my Toyota Prius hybrid, tout the fuel economy of the vehicle and almost nothing else, it seems.

So what? After all, that's the big issue behind the design of this type of automobile in the first place, right?

It's how a hybrid car works that allows it to be so fuel efficient and that is the selling point in this era of higher gas prices, and in view of such menacing specters as global warming. With all that as the basis for creating hybrid cars in the first place and with all the emphasis on fuel economy, you would think that would be the first thing people ask about.

Welllll. Sometimes.

More often than not, one of the first questions will be about performance. Sometimes it's the first question, but even when the first question is about fuel economy (I hear you get 60 MPG with these things. Is that true?) very often the next is about performance. They are particularly interested in this with my Prius than with a known model that has been put out with a hybrid engine. They tend to assume that if the sedan, truck, or SUV could do something as a standard model, it will still do it as a hybrid.

However, the Toyota Prius was designed as a hybrid and nothing else and has no other history of performance to fall back on. Since it first appears as a small car (more later), and since people have a certain amount of ignorance about hybrid engines, they tend to assume they are looking at something along the line of the modern equivalent of the old Volkswagen beetle.

People want to know if a hybrid, particularly the Prius, can run at highway speeds, keep up with other traffic, run fast when heavily loaded (they're surprised at the storage space too), and maintain speed on hills.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

I have just returned from a trip through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. I put over 4,500 miles on my Prius during this time, and drove in almost every type of terrain and traffic situation you could imagine. From Interstate to back country roads, I climbed mountains (Donner Pass for example), cruised at highway speeds, passed slower moving vehicles, and...yes...sat in traffic jams.

My little Toyota Prius had absolutely no problem keeping up with the big boys. The ride was comfortable and did not at all feel like a small car. Actually, by the way, the Prius has a lot of inside room to seem so small from the outside. In fact, that is one of the things that surprises people most when they get inside one.

So, did I find a drawback to the performance of my Prius?

Well, although it can accelerate and run at high speeds, it doesn't accelerate as quickly as a bigger, more muscular car, so you have to be a bit more careful about picking your spots than in my old Dodge Intrepid, for example.

You also have to remember that the design intentions with the Prius were targeted towards fuel economy. As with any car, if you choose to demand the high speeds found on Western Interstates, your fuel economy will suffer a little. I actually saw a drop of about 5 MPG or more when running at 70 MPH or higher. By the way, for those of you not familiar with driving in the states I mentioned, there ARE some 80 MPH speed limits, and most Interstates out West are set for 70 MPH or above.

If you want to get the fuel economy advertised while you are driving on the highway, you will have to cut back your speed a bit. Also, observing other such fuel savers as paying attention to traffic and making decisions ahead of time, keeping your tires properly inflated, and getting regular oil changes will help keep your fuel consumption lower.

Some people like to use synthetic motor oils in their cars. Although the Toyota dealerships I deal with normally have their own petroleum based motor oils that they recommend and use, the use of synthetic motor oils such as those available off the shelf or through an AMSOIL dealer will not void your warranty. However, you may have to provide your own oil if you want to use a specific synthetic lubricant.

Oh, by the way. I averaged about 47.5 MPG on that trip (my wife likes to go 70 and 75...and 80), and gas was averaging about $3.00 a gallon. When I stopped overnight in Abilene I started talking to a guy just beginning a similar swing through most of the states I had just passed through. His pickup got 16 MPG. I bought about 100 gallons for a total of approximately $300.00. He was looking at a gas bill of about $900.00.

I saw his family and their luggage. They, and the luggage, would have fit comfortably in my Toyota Prius.

Need I say more?

About the Author

Donovan Baldwin is a freelance writer living in Copperas Cove, Texas. He is a University of West Florida alumnus, a member of Mensa and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, nature, health, and fitness. In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, yoga, weightlifting, weight loss, the environment, global warming, happiness, self improvement, life and the arts. He is an AMSOIL dealer and has a site dealing with hybrid cars and other automotive issues at http://lube2005.com. He offers several tips on how to save money on gas at http://lube2005.com/money_saving_tips/save_money_on_gas.html.

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