Especially those that are 5 years old or less?
2006-11-22 02:46:04 · 14 answers · asked by Tonya in TX - Duck 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Toyota
The Prius is a miserable car to drive. Yes, they are great on gas, but the interior ergonomics get old quickly, the ride is unpleasant, the low friction tires are unnerving, and the car is just not that much fun.
I had a friends with an Honda Insight - he ended up selling it for a BMW Z3 because he got tired of the blandness of the car.
I'd say the novelty wore off.
2006-11-22 05:13:20 · answer #1 · answered by Say 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Once the new tax credits came out, they realized that they could upgrade to a brand new hybrid with more standard equipment for no money out of pocket. Most people who buy hybrids don't change back to wasteful Internal-Combustion only cars on a whim. Some have a change in lifestyle and require a bigger car, or truck. Others just want to have the newest technology available. I know some hybrid owners who have upgraded their vehicles several times in the past few years as new models have come out. Especially when the 2nd generation Prius debuted, many satisfied 1st generation owners clamored to get the new model which they could drive for the next ten years if they so wished. Cars wear out, hybrids are no exception, but they do not wear out as fast as gas-only cars because of less stress on the gas engine.
2006-11-25 19:41:37 · answer #2 · answered by insightful 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lets assume that you drive 200 miles a week, and you own a brand new hybrid, it'll take you over 20 years to break even. That is between the cost of the car and gas.
From an emissions standpoint, they are cleaner, but not worth the money in my opinion. Also the government gives you a maximum tax incentive of $3000 for having a hybrid, but it's a one time thing.
2006-11-22 19:57:00 · answer #3 · answered by JDM_BA4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they can afford a new one. Or maybe they have marital problems. How many times have you seen, 'divorce forces sale'? Seriously though, if you had the money, wouldn't you buy a new car every 5 years? Some folks like a new one every 3.
2006-11-22 12:25:28 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. They can afford a new one
2. They figured out about Toyotas new problems
3. Decline is gas prices
4. One of the least safe vehicles, and especially with all the new Tahoes and Suburbans
2006-11-22 21:35:21 · answer #5 · answered by American Idle 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure, but I know that hybrid cars are new enough that no one is really sure how long they are going to last. If I had to guess I'd say that people are getting rid of them after a few years because they're afraid they won't last for much longer. Only time will tell...
2006-11-22 10:49:30 · answer #6 · answered by Rae 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Probably that they were extremely BORED with the lackluster performance and odd styling!
That would be MY reason for ditching a Prius!!
2006-11-26 10:48:33 · answer #7 · answered by David 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know friends who are mechanics at a Toyota dealership and they say it's ridiculously expensive to repair hybrids.
I also agree, they are bland looking cars (interior).
2006-11-22 13:17:57 · answer #8 · answered by diamond_joe1979 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was wrenching for toyota for awhile and we had nothing but problems with these cars and they are out of sight to repair. a very uncomfortable car to ride in or drive.
2006-11-22 15:55:38 · answer #9 · answered by quick8stang29 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wanted something with a bit more power.
2006-11-24 02:39:13 · answer #10 · answered by Jay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋