Comments on: Prius-driving among the Republicans at the Reagan Library

By: david foster

david foster — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:36:18 +0000

Larry J…that’s really interesting…I assume this isn’t a more general observation about Piper vs Cessna pilots?

Any theories as to the reason why obnoxious people would pick this particular plane?

Any Commanche pilots out there who would like to differ?

By: Larry J

Larry J — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:34:37 +0000

When I worked on a flightline fueling private planes many years ago, I noticed that certain personality types tended to fly certain types of planes. For example, I encountered a disproportionate number of assholes who flew Piper Commanches. Now, Commanches are good planes and the pilot population at large are generally good people, but for some reason just about every time I services a Commanche, the pilot was an asshole.

I’ve noticed the same thing about people who drive the Prius. “South Park” got it right in their “Smug” episode a few years ago. The attitude of the Prius owners I’ve encountered is enough to turn me off on the car. The next time I’m looking to buy a vehicle, it may well be a hybrid but I doubt it’ll be a Prius.

By: Randy Brandt

Randy Brandt — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:41:50 +0000

Roger,

Kudo’s on the 57 mpg – less money for the mullahs – but could you do something about the cloud of ’smug’ your leaving?

By: Peg C.

Peg C. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:04:13 +0000

We just traded in an ‘07 Infiniti G35X that used premium and averaged 19 mpg for a new ‘08 Accord V6 that uses regular and gets 30 or a hair under. This is all the compromising we’re willing to do (I already gave up my beloved Lexus SUV). That G35X was my dream car but the mileage was so dreadful we couldn’t enjoy driving it. The Accord (esp. the V6) is not vastly different and it’s beautifully made and styled. Sound is very important to us so we always add an amp/sub to every car. We’d be fighting over who gets to drive it except I work from home (also a huge help cost-wise!). I automatically get it on my days off.

Priuses (Priui?) seem nice but I don’t like what driving one would say about me…unless I put a “Peace Through Superior Firepower” sticker on it! Heh. I have a Fred sticker on my VW GTI. I just love to rub libs the wrong way.

By: David WL

David WL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Mr. Simon:

As a fellow Prius owner, who shared in the discussion on your first Prius thread, just let me say:

They do not want to hear it.

Nonetheless, some quick corrections to misinformation by some of the posters:

1. There is no evidence that “batteries will give out in 8 years.” Given that the batteries have been out for 8 years now, if this claim was accurate, we should see reports of widespread failures in the first model year or two. I have heard none.

2. “the hybrids advantage all but evaporates if you don’t do lots of stop-and-go driving.”
Nonsense. I get higher gas mileage on 15-20 miles of continuous driving than I get on stop-and-go. In general, my stop-and-go driving puts my MPG down, not up. (Note: most of my stop-and-go is on hills, where it is difficult to get into a consistent all-electric mode at low speeds.) But in any case, it is my long-distance driving that allows me to achieve average efficiencies of 50 to 55 mpg, not the other way around. (On very long distance under ideal conditions, I can approach 60 mpg.)

3. Amortization: The Prius holds its resale value much better than the average car. One can get close to new-car price on a car that’s one or two years old. This reason, along with the high gas mileage over the life of the car, and its reliability, means that the Prius, in spite of its relatively high initial cost, is as almost as inexpensive to own as the most economical of small cars.

Once again, I continue to be amazed at the willingness of people to pronounce opinions and assert alleged facts when they clearly do not have personal experience with or evidence for the matter.

By: BJS

BJS — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:27:28 +0000

I just noticed, I haven’t been here in a while, your photo. Nice hat.

Malheuresement, you look, nose and eyes-wise, much like me. You need a motorcycle and a full face helmet, to save gas, save the earth, be cool, accelerate very, very quickly and enjoy life. I suggest an SV-650.

I never understand how a man living in California can not own a bike.

By: BJS

BJS — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:22:16 +0000

Whenever I read about Greeniness and technology and a Priapic Prius or two I fail to see much mention of motorcycles or scooters or mopeds or nuthin’.

How can this be?

Are all mallards poseurs? I fear so and I fear that the Hell’s Angels, and I, are greener than thee.

By: Webutante

Webutante — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:49:25 +0000

Victor is right about the hidden and never publicized energy cost of building a car like the Prius. Probably never will be a net energy saving if those real energy costs are factored in…but it’s still a fun car to drive and a great conversation piece…..since we’re bragging, I wanna say my new little four cyclinder Ford Escape with standard transmission is doing it’s job as it hops, skips and jumps across the USA. Great gas mileage, plenty of pickup even in the higher elevations not to mention lots of room inside.

By: Roger L Simon

Roger L Simon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:35:20 +0000

Dave, I’m not in competition with you. I’m not even in competition with myself (on this). I’m just having fun and experimenting with new technology. Relax.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:42:08 +0000

I drive a honking big old four wheel drive 3/4 ton Chevrolet crew cab. It is paid for. At the end of ten years, you fully amortize your cost and I will fully amortize mine. On a per mile basis, care to make a small wager who will come out ahead?