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Originally Posted by HybridBob
Thanks,
Looking at the user data it seems to be a little low but inline with what I can expect for the temperature. I'm sure driving technique will make a difference. The question is how big.
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The best way to understand the impact of driving technique is to look at the variability or distribution of mileage for the different cars. I've only looked at the Prius I and Prius II but the Prius I has a non-symetrical curve with a longer tail on the high mileage side. This suggests some drivers are able or learn to exploit the Prius I to get better mileage than the others. If you see a symetrical, bell-curve or a very narrow bell-curve, it suggests there is less variability under driver control.
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Originally Posted by HybridBob
I've been thinking some more and this is my current thinking. It will probably take some time before hybrid camrys become available and I'm not sure I want to wait that long for a camry. It's also more then likley that Lexus will come out with a camry cloned hybrid within a couple of years and then there are rumors about a HSDII. So I'm thinking that this might be a great car for a couple of years (3-5) and I might then trade up. My initial feeling was for me too keep this car as long as my Maxima (8+ years).
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That is a reasonable approach but also realize you have the option of going "used" which we didn't have in 2001. Take a look at some of the Ebay listings (especially the completed) and you'll see what I mean. Of course "used' won't give you the tax advantage and warrantee will be partially used up. But then you won't be out so much money either.
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Originally Posted by HybridBob
Anyway. I like the car on many levels yet one always want more!
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The last time I had a car that I actually enjoyed working on was the first car I'd ever bought, a used, 1966 VW microbus. It was the last year for the 6 V. electrical system and thanks to a shop-rag and inattentive relative, I got to rebuild the engine when I came back from Okinawa. But I got all of my money out that car and enjoyed the heck out of it. BTW, it too had a 1500 cc engine but only got ~30-32 MPG. Back then, that was phenominal mileage.
Good luck in whatever decision you make. If you do want to consider going 'used', the rule of thumb:
- buy only from a dealer (ensures inspection and clean title)
- Ebay requires a credit-card record before letting you bid on items costing car range
- know the blue-book value and stay in that range (when mine came up, I pounced on it!)
- auctions are for patient people, "Buy now" is more practical
- good, fast and cheap -- pick two of three
Bob Wilson