Just posting to announce myself.
I was originally after the Prius but after getting numerous quotes, doing who knows how many comparisons and 'sleeping on it' for many nights, I have finally leaned to the 06 HCH.
Dealers around here just aren't budging far from MSRP on the Prius.. they are pulling in some serious profits on this car. Margins are far higher percentage wise than the HCH. They are a -little- more flexible with the HCH on price, but it takes some haggling and searching to find a deal.
In any case, after reviewing the budget, the cost, and features. I came to a decision. I am not financing this thing so a $4K difference in vehicle price is quite noticable. I'm not padding the extra cost into a longer term loan, so the initial hit to the wallet is more noticable.
My wife and I however decided that our next car would be a Prius or whatever equivalent there is then. Probably in 3 years or so. By then I hope the Prius3 will be out.
Well enough of the boring numbers analysis
I'm looking forward to being a Hybrid owner.
Current Primary Car:
2000 Subaru Forester. ~115k miles. I expect i'm getting just less than 20mpg right now on highway, though I haven't determined it exactly. Tons of cargo room, have had very minimal quirks with it up until now.. though the transmission is starting to slip and act skiddish sometimes. The AWD needs some care. If you have one be sure you get those trans flushes. Took a hard rear end collision once. The person hitting me completely totalled their car (very old Honda Civic as I recall). The Forester suffered minor bumper damage.
Other Car:
1988 Subaru DL. Only ~75k miles. Yes thats right, that mileage is crazy. My grandfathers old chariot
We're replacing this sucker. Its going to charity. Small engine, hardly any power. It still runs quite well, though occasionally tough to start. I suspect the fuel pump is quirky.
-Gary.
From MA - dealing to get an 06 HCH soon.
Re: From MA - dealing to get an 06 HCH soon.
