Houston Hybrids. - GreenHybrid

Dan · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 03:50 PM

I think I did this all backwards, started posting, then inroduced myself.

Anyway, I'm in the northwest houston suburbs. I'm getting on the '06 Prius lists as soon as the price is announced.

I'd like to get a Houston Hybrid meeting started in the spring. I've replied to a few stale Texas meeting threads, but will try to remember to send out a new one once I get the ride.

Cheers, and thanks to all for the feedback I've gotten so far.

ericbecky · #2 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 04:31 PM

Dan,
It's o.k. to post before doing the "official" introduction. Don't worry about it.

I hope your Houston Hybrid group takes off. I know I enjoy our Madison Hybrid Group meetings here in Wisconsin.

Will your meeting be open to all hybrids?

Dan · #3 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 05:14 PM

I would think so. I'm actually more interested in FE than specifically hybrids.

I'm working on squeezing the most out of my mazda. It's working cause I haven't added gas to it all month. I'm getting impatient to add my car to the "compare" list.

Didn't do to well with the wife's minivan this round though. We idle a lot when the kids are asleep and we just want a quiet momement to eat lunch.

Looks like we'll have to wait for the Estima here in the states. Hope they hurry up.

texashchman · #4 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 07:40 PM

Hi Dan I live in League City, between Houston and Galveston. Have you found a dealer yet for the Prius?Kevin

Dan · #5 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 08:35 PM

I have family in College Station, and I'm talking with the dealer there (Atkinson Toyota). Anyway a friend of mine has purchased 2 pair of Prii from the guy (2 '01 and 2 '05). Thought he must be doing something right if he's kept such a consistent customer base.

I have a few dealers that have offered MSRP, really the only difference is location, and dealer fees. I'd still really like for someone to throw in a third fob (retail $300+), but it's looking unlikely.

So far I've gotten good quotes from Fred Haas (Spring, TX), and Sterling McCall (Fort Bend, TX). My problem with both is that both Fred Haas and Sterling McCall have other dealerships that have been blacklisted (either by me or someone I know) for shaddy dealings. Doesn't mean they are still bad, just makes me question everything they say (more so than I usually do for dealers that is).

I'll probably put my name on all three lists and whoever makes the deal they promise me they will make, gets my business.

I've also been fortunate to find a dealer that only sells off the lot (no pre-orders). He does this so he can auction them off and sell them for WAYYY over sticker. What's good about this is that he calls me everytime a new one comes in. I get to test drive them and check out the various options and accessories. It really has been pretty useful. I'd love to give the guy the buisness, but I've told him that I won't pay over MSRP and I won't close till '06. Still calls every month.