<html><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">I did not compare the Prius to other Hybrids before I purchased so I can't speak to that. What I can say is that I haven't had any issues with carrying space in mine yet. I have a shop tilter that I use in the field from time to time and even that fits inside the little beast by folding the back seat flat. In spite of the small appearance outside there is a surprising amount of room inside.<div><br></div><div>Cost wise - when I purchased the Prius (it's a 2007) I paid $24K and was intending to get a 3-5 year old Subaru AWD and planning on spending about 18-20K for that. My research at the time suggested that while the "payback" time for gas savings between those choices would be longer, the real savings over the Caravan that I had been driving more than makes up for the higher monthly payment. Add to that a higher trade-in value (when I purchased in June 2007 2003 models were trading in for around 16-18K) and the economics made great sense to me.<br><div><br></div><div>As for handling - a friend of mine recently purchased one and reports having avoided an accident that he never would have been able to avoid in any other car he has ever driven. The vehicle stability control, anti lock brakes and other stability related safety features are excellent in my opinion.</div><div><br></div><div>All in all I've been extremely pleased with the car.</div><div><br></div><div>will wickham</div><div><br></div><div>"making the world a better place one piano at a time"<br><div><div><br></div><div>On May 16, 2008, at 10:12 AM, Dan Reed wrote:</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote type="cite">Prius owners,<br><br>I may have missed the discussion on the benefits, other than gas saving, of the Prius, for use as a piano service car. Did you compare the Prius to the Honda Civic Hybrid? <br><br>I guess the back seat folds flat, for actions? How about general handling? I live in the Dallas Texas area, where big pick-up trucks-and SUV's are boss...so, how are the breaking characteristics? The tires look little on that puppy!<br><br>Thanks in advance,<br><br>Dan Reed<br><br><br>On May 16, 2008, at 12:48 AM, Cy Shuster wrote:<br><br> <blockquote type="cite"><span style="font-size: 11pt; ">When I had on on order when they first came out, there was only 4" ground clearance.  I was moving to WV, so I cancelled the order.</span><br> <br><span style="font-size: 11pt; ">Don't know what the current clearance is; check the website.</span><br> <br><span style="font-size: 11pt; ">--Cy--</span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; ">ABQ, NM</span><br> <blockquote type="cite"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; ">----- Original Message -----</span><br><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; ">From:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; "> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgba(0, 0, 254, 1); font-size: 13pt; ">Michelle Smith</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; "> </span><br><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; ">To:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; "> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgba(0, 0, 254, 1); font-size: 13pt; ">'Pianotech List'</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; "> </span><br><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; ">Sent:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; "> Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:35 PM</span><br><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; ">Subject:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; "> RE: Gas I gasped!</span><br><br><span style="color: rgba(30, 72, 124, 1); font-size: 14pt; ">Do any of you Prius owners drive in rural areas or is this mostly in town?  There are some places I have to drive that pretty much require an SUV or truck.  (Deep ruts in dirt roads, etc.)</span></blockquote></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><br><span style="color: rgba(30, 72, 124, 1); font-size: 14pt; "> </span></blockquote></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><br><span style="color: rgba(30, 72, 124, 1); font-size: 14pt; ">Michelle Smith</span></blockquote></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"><br><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14pt; "> </span></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></div><br></div></div></body></html>