Toyota Prius??

The Old Bear and I are getting ready to buy a new car - well, newer car. I drive a Dodge Intrepid now - and I drive a LOT - I've put 135,000 miles on my car since I bought it in 2001. My commute is 35 miles each way, but I almost never have to deal with anything other than rain - I live in the desert of Southern Arizona. We have a Chrysler Town & Country for long trips, hauling musical gear, etc., so we don't need a "big" car, although I love my Intrepid. I get 28 mpg with the Intrepid, which is pretty darn good given the size of the car. Because I drive so much I need to be shopping very carefully. I'm looking at a Toyota Prius - the hybrid - because of the amazing gas mileage. I see that the interior is pretty roomy. But at this stage have not gone beyond looking at them in the parking lot. Anyway, I wondered if any of you has a Prius, or any knowledge of that kind of car. Any advice you might have would be welcomed. Thanks - Mom Bear

A neighbor has one and so does a coworker. Both give big on them. If you have specific questions, I can easily ask. BTW, I love the newer color that is like a cranberry red. Pretty! Kathy

A friend has one, she loves it. Of course the quality is excellent, it's a Toyota. One thing, though, if most of your miles are highway miles the gas mileage is closer that of a 'normal' gasoline car. Most of the battery running is done while driving rather slowly or at traffic lights, so on the highway you're mostly in 'charge' mode, thus using gas all the time. My personal opinion about dark car colors and hot climates, don't!! Especially in a hybrid, where the A/C is rather taxing. I agree with Kathy, though, the cranberry color is beautiful. After living with 10 years of a cranberry-colored car in Utah I'm *very* happy to now own a silver car. Cranberry was just too hot. Eileen

I do like the sage green too. Much more "heat" effective, I'd say. LOL!

Sage green is my favorite color for anything. That is beautiful. I'm going to go trade in right now ... E