Is a Prius still *hip*?

S

stilez

New member
I can't believe I'm posting this right now, but anyway...





I got the fleet information for '07 with my company. Currently I'm in a Chrysler 300 rental (nice!), but it's not offered to us for full-time. Basically there are a few choices, but only two that interest me:



-2007 Sebring (http://www.allpar.com/cars/chrysler/sebring.html)

-2007 Prius (http://reviews.cnet.com/2005_Toyota_Prius/4505-10867_7-31352228.html?tag=lst)





Options are minimal and since I'm on the bottom of the totem pole, they are relatively base models (I'll add sat radio and all weather mats, that's about it). I'm not wild about either car, but hey, it's included - gratis :).





I know that Prius' (Prii?) used to be seen as *the* hybrid and pretty much a status symbol for a while. Is that status still there? Not that I can really be superficial about either car, but the Prius has a couple perqs over the Sebring including reduction in personal costs as well as a conversation point with clients (hopeful to find some "Green" docs out there).





So, what are the thoughts out there?
 
Sean, congrats on your new job!



I would pick the one that has the most room, and personally I'd lean toward the Sebring.



About the only green most of the docs you'll talk with will be concerned about have pictures of dead presidents on them ;)



As far as "status" and "hip" I can't help you out much there..... I always pick a Town and Country van as my company car just for the room.
 
Larry David has one. LOL



I like the Prius. Do you pay for gas or do they? I just don't car for the Sebrings, new or old.
 
Pruis at one time was viewed as a status vehicle in terms of fuel economy and green friendly. Presently just another economy car because after factoring the initial investment (takes about 6-7 years to recoup via gas mileage) and the below expected fuel mileage they have become more of joke symbol. ;)



If I had to choose between the 2 it would be the Pruis because Toyota will always beat a Chrysler product for dependability IMHO.
 
ZaneO said:
I think the Sebring is a *much* better looking vehicle.
Click to expand...



Agreed! I dont know if I could deal with driving the Prius around (coming from someone who's daily is a Ford Focus) :D. I just dont like the way that it looks. If it's a company car and it's going to be brand new, I dont see reliability as the number 1 thing to consider.
 
Gas/Maint/Ins/Repairs are all covered. Vehicles are replaced after every 60k (about 2 years). Still up in the air :).
 
Congrats Sean....

I wouldnt choose either one, Schedule a meeting and say your the best at what you do & this may affect your work then hand them the brochure to the 7 series Bmw LOL, will be your reference...J/J

well there was a thread a while back on another forum i visit which talk about which cars are for guys only and which cars are for women for example someone suggested driving a miata is for chics only but you will see guys driving it(no dis- to anyone this was not mentioned by me)and ill say this i think the prius is a chics car so go for the sebring...let us know how it turns out by the way do you get to choose the color? get black since your work speaks for itself...
 
I never knew the Prius was *hip* to begin with :rolleyes:



If they're paying for everything I'd defintely choose the Sebring over the Prius. The Sebring looks way nicer IMO and looks way more roomier. The only reason I'd choose the Prius is if most of your clientele are environmental conscious/greenpeace activists.



btw Congrats on the job, what will you be selling? (Consumer goods, Medical goods, etc.)
 
Get the Sebring... Not that I care for it much anyways, but its definately better than the Prius. Its not the electric or economoy of it that I don't like, its the odd shape they gave it. Why can't they use a regular body style for it. Why some retro Back to the Future type of contraption.
 
Yeah since they pay for everything why get a battery with wheels?? I would go with the sebring even though I dont like them. But to me they look a helluva lot better than the prius.
 
If it were *me*, I would take the Sebring hands down. I'm not saying I like the Sebring, but I would be totally embarrased driving a Prius(no offense to any Prius drivers out there). Plus, the new Sebring isn't that bad looking, it's actually sort of appealing.
 
Thanks for the feedback.





The other choices are a base Impala (not a fan), Chrysler Minivan (surcharge), and Liberty LTD (big surcharge).





I am looking at a Charcoal type colour as I will be putting at least 450 miles a week on it and want it to look good all the time. Interior will be dark as well. Will keep everyone posted :).
 
hmm, Not to mention i have not met a prius owner who has actually gotten the stated gas milage when using Gallons filled, and miles driven math. Most rely on the car it's self to tell them the milage. When they do the math they end up being well. not happy.
 
I don't know if anyone else clicked on the link because of all the "ew Sebring comments" Which is exactly what I thought until I seen the Chrysler site...and wow!! Get the Sebring sedan hands down!



Congrats on your new job...and congrats to Chrysler for making some nice looking cars!



For $23k fully loaded you get a very nice car....

sebring.jpg
 
Update: I will have the Sebring in late November, so until then, I will be in this :):





IMG_6441.jpg






Thanks for all of your help :).
 
Joshua312 said:
I don't know if anyone else clicked on the link because of all the "ew Sebring comments" Which is exactly what I thought until I seen the Chrysler site...and wow!! Get the Sebring sedan hands down!



Congrats on your new job...and congrats to Chrysler for making some nice looking cars!



For $23k fully loaded you get a very nice car....

sebring.jpg
Click to expand...





You right Joshua!!! I change my vote. Definitely the Sebring for looks. American Nissan Maxima. :D
 
Although I wouldn't really want any of the choices presented to you, I believe I would have picked the Sebring too, Sean. Good call. I agree with the person that said driving the Prius would just be embarrassing (no offense owners). Toyota would beat the Chrysler on dependability/reliability, but lacks any decent looks, which the Chrisyler is better, IMO. I never thought of a Prius as hip, either. Wouldn't be caught dead in one!



I don't think you'll be running into very many "green" doctors. I mean, I doubt green is what most of them are thinking, in their Benz' and Bimmers (typically V8s). The vast majority could care less.
 
the prius was/is a status symbol ?. . . hmm, never knew, i usually pass them doing twice their average speed with my 15 MPG truck and dont get to look at the "classy" driver. i know their great on gas, wonderful for people who cant afford high gas prices or more expensive cars . . .



comming from an automitive electronics installer - get the sebring, easier to upgrade system components and add sat radio and being able to return it back to factory . . . my 2 cents
 
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