3 Things Toyota Prius Owners Love To Talk About
As a 15 time Toyota Prius owner myself, I have grown accustomed to all the jargon and topics discussed. This, in turn, got me thinking, if I were new to the scene, what would I talk about to other Prius owners?
I came up with three topics that people always talk about and why. They may also help you see into the lens of why owning a Prius is cool.
Topic One: Fuel Economy
Search in the Toyota Prius Owners Club on Facebook, and you will learn a few things quickly. Prius owners love talking about their MPG.
I am guilty, too, when it comes down to it. I love the fact that my 12-year-old car still gets 50 miles per gallon. I am not the only one. Many people jump at the opportunity to share theirs too.
Fuel economy is often discussed with Prius owners because it is one of the primary reasons people buy the car. Prius owners are also hyper-aware of the slightest decrease in fuel economy.
If you want to join the club, be ready to show your stats. We all like to know what you are getting for MPG.
Topic 2: Battery Reconditioning Vs Battery Replacement
If this topic has not been beaten to death, I do not know what has. Battery topics are always going on due to aging cars and failing HV batteries.
The other reason it is always on the top of the list is the cost of repair. Typically, a battery replacement ranges from $500 (replace a module whack-a-mole style) up to $3000 for a dealer replacement.
Battery failure is still misunderstood, and most people do not realize what it takes to recondition a battery. Most hear the price and try to find the cheapest option.
While that can temporarily fix your issue, it is not a long-lasting solution. Trust me; I have been down this rabbit hole with people for years. If you want to know more about hybrid batteries, let me know, and we can talk.
Topic 3: Highest Mileage
Aside from who gets the best MPG is who has the most amount of miles on the vehicle. The highest mileage Prius that I have owned was 230,000 miles. It was my first Prius, the one where I learned most of what I know now.
Other owners have reported around 500,000 miles. I am confident there is some Prius owner out there with close to a million miles, though I have yet to see it.
Mileage is always a good topic and can come with some bragging rights. It is good to see what Prius owners can do in these cars. They are well-built machines meant to save fuel, and it shows.
Conclusion
Prius may not be a household name where you live, but to many, it is. Prius has given the freedom to drivers everywhere. It is a robust and very versatile vehicle that fits many lifestyles.
If you are considering getting a Prius, make sure you have an origin story to go with it, and welcome to the club.
Thank you all for reading. I look forward to seeing you in the following article.
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Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in depth Prius coverage from our reporters.