Curbside Classic Outtake: Hybrid Love

by Paul Niedermeyer

Published: August 23rd, 2010

Well, the Canadians might not be too big on hybrids, but (surprise, surprise) Eugene has embraced them fully. But when I first ran across this sign, even I was a wee bit surprised. What’s next? Hybrid Massage? Hybrid Organic Market? or will it jump to Plug-In Acupuncture? To get a better picture of what I mean, take the (full) hybrid jump:

I missed a great photo op one day when a gen1, gen2, and gen 3 Prius were lined up at a light. And I also missed a Prius sitting in front of a house with a Hybrid Realty sign.

And just like old W123 Diesel Mercedes, old Prii are coming to Eugene to live out their latter years. The green one with Oregon plates lives at this house; the Georgia plated-one came to visit, or is it moving here too?

Paul Niedermeyer

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Joeveto3 on Aug 23, 2010

Beyond reliability, I'd like to know how an aged Prius (or any hybrid -- but mostly the Prius as it is the standard) feels after 150-200K miles. Does it feel like a used up golf cart, with herky-jerky driveline engagement? Or maybe it smooths out? A few years ago I was seriously considering a Prius for my next company car purchase. But because I drive so much, I was concerned the car would be annoying to drive with rough transitions from electric to gas power, and odd-feeling regenerative braking. I'm all for technology, but I want it to (for the most part) feel normal. If it feels odd when new, what does it feel like after many years and miles? So I passed. I know no car will feel new after the years and miles are piled on. But there is a difference between used and bizarre. Any feedback from Prius owners?

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Andy D on Aug 23, 2010

My nephew bought a Prius about the time gas was heading for 4$ a gallon. I see an awful lot of Prii around Boston. I guess I havent been paying attention. What does a 14 yr old Prius go for? That would make a good story, road testing 10 yr old cars and comparing them to their new counterparts.

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