Something To Consider For Those Planning To Purchase Toyota Prius or Any Hybrid Car For That Matter

I found an article which I think is worth sharing around. This article is aimed at those who are planning to change their normal, conventional, petrol car to a hybrid car.

Toyota Prius. Worth The Fuel Savings?

By: Kerry Plowright

With today's petrol prices not appearing to be heading south any time soon, it is little wonder that more and more hybrid cars are coming onto the market. These cars use a combination of petrol and electrical power so that you save at the service station. And if you have a social conscience, they'll also help save the planet through reduced emissions. While Honda was first to introduce a hybrid into the Australian market, it was the Toyota Prius that made hybrid motoring a real option for fuel conscious motorists.

 

The Toyota Prius has a small petrol motor and a small electrical motor that work in unison to propel the car along. To the driver, there probably isn't much difference between driving the Prius or any other smallish car. The engine switches from the petrol to electrical motor without any need for the driver to do anything, so in that respect, it's business as usual for the driver. The electrical motor recharges its batteries during deceleration. All these actions are performed automatically thanks to the on board computer under the bonnet of the Prius.

If you enjoy a little power under the bonnet, then the Prius is obviously not for you. The small motors push the car along respectably but the acceleration is not what you would describe as being exhilarating.

The Toyota Prius comes with power mirrors and windows, a CD player and remote central locking as standard equipment. It also comes with dual front air bags and anti-lock brakes.

So, how much fuel will you save by driving a Toyota Prius? Well, you can expect to go through five or six litres for every 100 kilometres you drive. This figure is pretty much the same regardless of whether you are driving about town or on the freeway. As the Prius is not a particularly cheap car, you'd need to be spending quite a bit on fuel around town before it really became economical for you. If your driving is mainly on the freeway or in the bush, then it's probably not going to be such a viable option.

One important aspect to check if you are in the market for a used Prius is to check the log books for regular servicing. As these engines are rather complicated, you'll be best avoiding any car serviced by anyone other than a Toyota dealer. Also remember that the batteries, when they do need replacing, will not be cheap. So make sure you check the condition of the batteries first in earlier models.

If you're worried about the spiraling prices of fuel at the petrol pump, and if most of your driving is about town, then a Toyota Prius may be right for you. But remember, if you're only buying one in order to save money on fuel, do some calculations first. With the higher price of the Prius compared with other comparable non-hybrid cars, it may take a long time before you start saving any real money.

(Article Source: www.ArticlesBase.com)

Toyota Prius Hybrid Car - My Next Aim ?

The recent announcement of Budget 2012 has seen the Government extending the examption on the import duties and excise duty to a whopping 100% and will remain until 31 Dec 2013. The previous year was also 100% examption on import duties and 100% on excise duties. And the price for the Toyota Prius was lowered from RM175K to RM135K, slightly higher than in Langkawi due to the 10% sales tax.

I thought previous year was only 50% examption, and this year was total 100% examption and I should be expecting the Prius to drop to around RM100K. Looks like I mislead myself this time. Huhuhu, no new car for me, I guess. RM135K is too much of a sum to pay....

Bye bye Prius...  :(

Car Broke Down !

Just imagine on jam-packed Sunday afternoon, cars are basically bumper-to-bumper scenario, your car's cluth suddenly failed you and you are stuck, right in the middle of the 3 lanes !

Scary ?

Yup, that was what happened to me last Sunday ! The clutch suddenly gave some scary sound, and poops, it went dead. I was unable to engage into any gear at all, thus had to leave the car's hazard lights on immediately. I was thankful that no car came and honk me, or worse, bang me from behind as it was very jam that day.

Having 4 ladies in the car makes it even more difficult to move the car away to the emergency lane though I know that should be the thing to do while awaiting for two truck to arrive. Unless I was not pregnant, I could probably do that. But since I am pregnant, I decided to sit in the car (in the middle lane) while awaiting for some kind hearted stranger to assists us.

God was kind to us, He gave us 2 angels to help us pushed the car to the emergency lane. God bless these to Malay samaritans. Finally, we are out of danger. So, we waited patiently for the truck to come Meanwhile, made some changes to the plan whereby asked my mum and sis to take a cab to Mid Valley and later we (me and syg) will come and pick them up at Mid Valley.

So, now everything went according to plan B. Truck came and mum took a cab, me followed back to service centre, and there, upon seeing the familiar Kembara parked by the road side, and my syg waiting for me, you got to imagine the amount of relief that I felt at that time. Syg came immediately from church meeting (which I escaped coz need to bring Mum to Mid Valley to get new pinafore for my youngest sis). I was so thankful to God for keeping all of us safe from any harm.

Talked to Mr Teoh about the incident and was rather sad that should the worse case scenario happen (have to change the entire clutch pad), the cost will be around RM500. And that was excluding the towing service, which amounted to RM150. Well, things happened and nothing much can be done about it. After all, there is a need to spend this money - is for our safety after all.

Then , I made a prayer - I actually did. I asked God to have mercy on us, coz money is certainly very tight for us now. Whats more with the baby coming and the purchase of the house. God does listen to our prayers. A thorough check on the car revealed that only the clutch cable and some minor repairs need to be done. So, all in all, I spent RM185 for it.

Thank you God - for listening to our prayer, for keeping us safe from harm.

I love you, Jesus !