I read reviews online. I borrowed the April Consumer Report from a friend and started doing test drives. I was interested in something cheap (under $15,000 tax and trade included)...to get me through until the college years were over. I wanted excellent fuel economy, a roof rack and a satellite radio. I drove a 4 cylinder Hyundai Elantra Touring and liked the mileage 25/31 but not the ride. The price was low, it's a European model but no roof rack was available through the dealer or after market. I tried the 4-cyl. FWD Hyundai Tucson...nothing special. I drove a 2010 Pontiac Vibe (1.8L FWD) many times and liked it but didn't love it. Ian wanted me to buy it but I think he just wanted me to stop dragging him to dealers to sit in the back seat of cars.
I have always wanted a Prius. The Prius usurped the Volvo Cross Country as my dream car many years ago (probably the same year as Hurricane Katrina.) I couldn't afford the Prius although I spent hours looking at them online. Dealers were asking $20,000 - $25,000 for low mileage (1,000 - 40,000 miles) on 07 -09 cars. One day on a whim I drove to Nye Automotive in Oneida to see a 2008 Prius with 30,000 miles that they had on the lot for under 20,000 (not much under 20) but I thought it couldn't hurt to try to make a good deal on my trade in.
It was love at first sight. I have never felt this way about a car before...love everything about it. And I still do...three days later.
And I only went a little over my target price. I hope to make it up in gas savings. Ian loves the Fuel Consumption graphics that illustrate whether the gas or electric is being used to drive the wheels or charge the battery. We make a game out of trying to drive as far as possible using only the battery. 
And yes....my farts do stink!
It was love at first sight. I have never felt this way about a car before...love everything about it. And I still do...three days later.
And I only went a little over my target price. I hope to make it up in gas savings. Ian loves the Fuel Consumption graphics that illustrate whether the gas or electric is being used to drive the wheels or charge the battery. We make a game out of trying to drive as far as possible using only the battery. 
And yes....my farts do stink!
NICE!!! I think you made a great choice- but I can't imagine you "casually looking" at new cars! Your next comments about your research activities gave you away!!
ReplyDeleteDidn't the Forester qualify for Obama's Cash for Clunkers program??
Uh- where's the roof rack?
ReplyDeleteCash for Clunkers cars had to have less than 18 mpg average. The Forester actually had an average of around 23 mpg. I know, because I recorded it in a notebook at every fill up.
ReplyDeleteI will order a roof rack from Yakima for 299.00 that will hold a cargo box. We always need to borrow Jack's cargo box for week long trips to the Cape or taking Ian to college (in 17 days!)
How much rice do you have to put in it at every fill up? So much for "American" made! Thanks for helping out them furriners.
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous. I wanted one a few years ago when I bought my accord. The prius was slightly above my budget and there were no used ones to be found (right when gas prices spiked). I really like it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I am "green" with envy.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to domestic vs. foreign, things are getting pretty confusing. On Cars.com, there are two Toyotas and one Honda listed in the "What Are the Top 10 American-Made Cars?" list, due to their high percentage of American made parts and manufacturing. Many "American" cars were ineligible for the list because they have a very high percentage of foreign parts or are manufactured in other countries (e.g."Chevy HHR and soon-to-be-discontinued Chrysler PT Cruiser, are built in Mexico. The pint-sized Chevy Aveo is built in South Korea."). Go figure.