Jeez I hate riced up cars

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Eug

Lifer
Mar 11, 2000
24,175
1,815
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<< Did you consider any of the diesel VW's ( Golf, New Beetle, Jetta) before you decided on the Prius? >>

In fact I did consider a Jetta TDI, but I don't want a diesel car. (I live downtown - most stations don't sell diesel here.) I wanted an automatic as well - gas mileage really drops then. It's also interesting to note that while it has good mileage, it doesn't meet California emission standards. Part of it has to do with the nature of diesel (although this VW doesn't have that diesel smell), and part of it has to do with relatively low grade diesel fuels in North America.


<< I personally like the style, handling and refinement of Lexii. >>

My sister has one. Nice car, but not my first choice.
 

Redneck

Senior member
May 20, 2000
386
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Eug,
Understood, I though about the fuel and shifting issues right after I hit the post button. They have piqued my interest, I wnder if i could fit my 6'++ self into one:D
 

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
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Triumph, it's not that bad. Not bad at all IMO. lupin, what's she got under the hood?
 

Eug

Lifer
Mar 11, 2000
24,175
1,815
126


<< Understood, I though about the fuel and shifting issues right after I hit the post button. They have piqued my interest, I wnder if i could fit my 6'++ self into one:D >>


The Prius is pretty roomy despite its exterior size (but I'm only 5'7&quot;). I think the salesguy is about 6' however, and he had no problems. That's probably why they thing looks so ugly - stubby, to maximize interior room.

The Prius uses a continuous variable transmission which is computer controlled, so there isn't any shifting. It's pretty bizarre with the car on when you're stopped. At low speeds it's 100% electric so there is no engine noise. I kept getting the urge to restart the car. (Actually, even starting the car is strange, since the engine doesn't actually start. All that happens is that the computer screen lights up, like your booting up the computer... errr.. car.) Pickup is quite good from a dead stop (instant electrical torque - 259 foot-pounds from 0 to 400 rpm), but otherwise at higher speeds the oomph is like a compact car (because it's using the tiny gas engine mainly at higher speeds). No drag races with this one. ;)

I haven't driven a Honda insight. They look pretty small though. It only comes in a 5-speed manual. No automatic version.
 

Valhalla1

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
8,678
0
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well, I guess I'm the only person in the world that doesnt like bmw's.

but I like mean fast muscle cars.