Love My 2006 Toyota Prius, You Will Too!

Ok, so I am more eco-aware than a lot of people, but I never really thought of myself as one of 'those' people. You know, the type to do something drastic, like driving a hybrid. Somehow, though, my feelings changed when I realized I could use the carpool lane in my state if I got a hybrid that met certain requirements.

So, after giving it much thought, and continually filling up my little sports car with the required 'PREMIUM FUEL ONLY,' I decided to at least do a test drive.

I found the car very roomy on the inside, much moreso than I expected. It had a nice sized trunk and lots of room for backseat passengers, too. It was more practical than my little sportster, and would be good for the environment, too.

I decided to jump in with both feet, especially when I got the price I wanted at Toyota of Riverside. I reluctantly sold my sporty, zippy little car soon after, and had to give up all that horsepower, but other than that, I really don't miss my old car.

My Prius has excellent gas mileage and because I bought the maintenance package and full warranty, I'll basically just pay for fill ups until I've owned the car for 4 years. Not bad at all! I also got a $2000 tax credit and my beloved carpool sticker.

The car drives well in town or on roadtrips. It's comfy and everyone seems impressed by the high-tech display that shows my current MPG at all times. It really is a nice little car, despite my initial misgivings.

My average in-town MPG: about 40-42
Average fill-ups per month: 3 or less
Tank size: about 10.5 gallons
Fill up cost: under $30, regular unleaded

Do the math - I spend less than $90/mo on gas!
And, I go over 400 miles per tank, just in town!
I can go well over 1200 miles for $90 in gas!
** Mileage is even better on the highway **

I had a friend recently ask me if I thought she should buy a hybrid. My answer to her was what I truly believe EVERYONE should do.... As long as your car is driving well now and you don't have any good reason to replace it, then keep driving it, FOR NOW. However, when you're getting ready to buy your NEXT car, make it a hybrid, at the very least. Or, if available, consider going full-on electric.

Do the right thing for yourself, for the environment, for our future... because in our lifetime, I believe we will run out of oil. It just makes sense to conserve what little we have left for things we truly need it for... it's so obvious it's not necessary for cars anymore. So, make the wise choice with your next car purchase.

Go hybrid, go electric, but forget the gas guzzlers... it's the right thing to do and it's just a matter of making the smart choice with your next car. Everyone can do that much, right? :)