Ever "showed off" your Hybrid to someone? - GreenHybrid

Hot_Georgia_2004 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-29-2004, 06:22 PM

I've had a few fun experiences related to my Hybrid car and thought it might be fun to start a new tread as such.

Here are two of my experiences:
My father is 68 years old and been studying the evolution of the auto and read many hybrid articles.
I can't describe the look on his face and his "controlled" excitement when he first saw my HCH. He looked carefully under the hood, commenting "Oh! they did this THAT way...and look, they did that THIS way!" (etc) He even commented on the large diameter exhaust pipe!
Then I handed him my keys. His eyes sort of sparkled in an exitement. I think he expected to ride, not drive. He really enjoyed himself that day.

Another more recent chance I had was at a restaurant with my wife & her friend.
The waitress wanted to know what MPG my wife's friend's new Jeep got
because her old jeep only got 8MPG. She was so very worried about the growing gas prices!
What a tempting conversation to jump into !!!
Oh, the frozen deer look she had when I said my car sometimes gets over 60MPG!
"Whadd' ya drive, a tricycle?" she said.
Well, I think she was looking for a large vehicle but it was fun anyway!

Do you have any fun things to mention?
Steve & family :o

Jason · #2 (**permalink**) 03-29-2004, 07:01 PM

I rarely get a chance to show off the Prius. 90% of people around here couldn't care less. I'll get some stares, but rarely does anyone bother asking. The most interesting conversations are with my friends, who are curious about the Smart Entry & Start. They almost always ask something like, "Isn't the Prius one of those electric cars or something?" No one really has a clue. That's alright. They will in a year or so

The first time I brought it to a car wash, the guy was all excited and brought some co-workers over to see the car. The second time, the staff couldn't care less and practically rolled his eyes when I handed him the valet directions.

Hot_Georgia_2004 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-29-2004, 09:46 PM

With few exceptions almost everyone I talk to thinks I have to plug it in.
I'm happy to explain it to them.
Then they still can't really understand how a car can get so good mileage without
plugging in the batteries.
(As they climb into thier 8MPG Jeep!)
This Emoticon is perfect: :blink:
Steve

ericbecky · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2004, 09:22 AM

I agree that the most common misconcetion about hybrids is that you have to plug them in.

I've never really had an opportunity to present a full demo of the Insight. I always think that when I go to get gas, that perhaps someone might ask, but it hasn't happend yet.

I've mostly shown mine off to friends and neighbors including giving them the opportunity to drive it. They are often suprised by the amount of power it has, especially in first and second gears!

I am always certain to explain unique features like Auto-Stop and lean burn. I also point out that it does have amenities like a 6 cd changer, a/c, cruise, power windows and power locks. People assume that since it is small it must be a stripped down model.

I point out the gas mileage and discuss how the aluminum construction and aerodynamics contibute to its efficiency.

I explain that there are other options like the HCH and the Prius as well, if a two seater does not fit their needs.

For me, I would love to see people choose any hybrid for their next purchase, not just the Insight.

texashchman · #5 (**permalink**) 04-13-2004, 11:10 AM

If vanity plates didn't cost so much I was thinking of gettting "NO PLUG" on them, as this is the first question I'm always asked. Kevin

04 silverblue 5sp. man.

Hot_Georgia_2004 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2004, 06:06 PM

"NO PLUG" license plate....what a great idea!
Perhaps a picture of a red-circled crossed out plug could be added too.

Some of the area flea markets offer custom air-brushed plates, I'm gonna have
to check on that.

This morning 2 guys were installing a chain link fence in our back yard and asked "How does your hybird car work?" After the explanation I mentioned 58-63MPG.
Completely shocked he looked somewhat dissappointed because his commuter car is a new '04 Ford F150 and stays at 13MPG!

Last week my family took a trip to Charleston, SC.
While in a big traffic jam a Civic EX rode along side while the passenger quite obviously was looking, scanning over my dashboard. My wife commented "What do you suppose she's looking at?" "I dunno" I said.
I realized later that I was driving a very special car (It's easy to forget) and they were probably just checking it out!

Jason · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2004, 07:45 PM

Offtopic split to http://greenhybrid.com/discuss/index...topic=505&st=0