Well, the issue is not just "why drave A hybrid" for me its rather why buy a Prius, and that is a much simpler question.

I got my car 3 or 4 weeks ago now, I ordered it in January, the only reason I didn't order it sooner was because I was out of work. I had been following the Prius II for like II years during its development, I knew I wanted one.

I test drove a Prius I in mid 2003 just becuase I couldn't wait anymore on the Prius II I wanted a little bit of a preview, but I knew I was waiting for the II.

Prior to my Prius I had a 93 RX-7, which I loved, that got about 15 MPG, and did 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds (it was modified) and I raced it regularly.

I also had a 4X4 truck, which I still have.

I totaled my RX-7 and my 4X4 has 160K miles on it and just is not good for city driving.

I needed a new car.

What car would I possibly get that would be a better car for the money than a Prius right now anyway? I can honestly say that buying any non-hybrid simply makes no sense to me unless you have a specific need, such as needing a truck, van, or want a sports car, etc.

If you are just going to buy a car, then why would you possibly buy something like an average Accord or Maxima or Focus, or whatever?

My only other option was to buy a used car, which I could have done and saved money, something like a 93-95 Honda, Acura, Toyota, or something.

But, the thing is that the Prius just has so many advantages aside from its gas mileage.

Its a perfect car for city driving, which is my sitution. The car was designed for Tokyo afterall! So what justifies buying this car over others?

> Great fuel economy
> Fun to drive in a new way that isn't dangerous and actually benefits society in virtually every way
> Looks cool IMO
> Has a smooth ride that makes city driving more endurable
> Quiet
> Lower maintance (electric motors are far more reliable than ICEs, oil changes only needed every 5K miles instead of 3, less load on the engine, etc Due to uniqueness the cost will still proabably be more expensive though)
> Comfortable ride and nice interior
> Very functional car with the hatchback, IMO its extremely utlitarian
> Very tight turning radius, again making it great for city driving, this is a feature high on my list BTW
> Much lower emissions, always important, though I don't consider this a reason for "ME" to buy it because I know that they will sell out this year so the same number of these cars will be on the raod if I am driving one or not, but it makes me feel good that I am at least not "the one" stinking the place up.
> One of the lowest end cars that has the Navigation system available (though I didn't get it)
> I love the Smart Start and Entry, IMO everyone should at least get this feature, I'm sure it will be common on cars within 5 years
> The car is an overall technology showcase from Toyota and is really the closest thing to a concept car that is on the road right now.
> The car is extremely easy to operate overall, by far, IMO the simplest car to use on the road today.

So really, overall, for anyone looking to buy a new car in the $20K to $26K price range I can't really think of any reason to buy any other car.

The idea of buying something simply makes no sense to me, I wouldn't have gotten anything else.

Strangely, I'm having gas station withdrawl. I feel strange not going to the station more, I used to have to go once a week. I just drove about 280 miles round trip last weekend to visit my family, and have driven all week and I still have 1/3 of a tank left! In my truck I had to fill up to go, and then fill up again on the way back, and then fill up again at the beginning of the work week if I made that trip!