>From Terry: > I don't know if everyone keeps up with the market; but, are you aware > that there are four models of Prius available? The latest I have seen > is the Prius C, a smaller version of the Prius 3G with a 53 mpg city > rating. It's available in four trim levels starting at $18,900. > > http://www.toyota.com/byt4/2012/priusc/en/complete_ebro.pdf
It's an attractive entry-level price. Correct me if I'm wrong but I gather none of the Toyota Prius models are true plug-ins. Correct? IMO, the lack of the these hybrid models being true "plug ins" (except as in the form of an expensive post-factory installation kit) is Toyota's greatest marketing Achilles heel. Incidentally, I rode in a Chevy Volt a couple of weeks ago. I think it cost the owner around 30k - he was a bit vague on those figures. It was a good ride. Plenty of pick-up power. The owner was an absolute Volt fanatic. IMO, he had good reason to be a fanatic. For him a round trip to work and back was under 40 miles. He estimates he is getting the equivalent of 150 mpg. I suggested to him, in jest, that he ought to at least take a long trip once a month just so that the gas in his tank doesn't go stale! ;-) For him, the world is his oyster. With Volt mileage like that who wants to futz around with a Prius hybrid that only gets you a paltry 53 mpg in the city. Since the entry-level Prius models are now starting around 18k it sounds to me like it might actually be cost effective to take a brand new showroom model to the shop and get a plug-in kit installed. One might end up saving on the deal in the longer run. Regards Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
