Is a Prius still *hip*?

G35stilez · 10-18-06, 10:14

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_...8.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?

ZaneO · 10-18-06, 10:28

I think the Sebring is a *much* better looking vehicle.

Eliot Ness · 10-18-06, 10:33

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.

Danase · 10-18-06, 10:39

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.

blkZ28Conv · 10-18-06, 10:45

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.

Way2SSlow · 10-18-06, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZaneO

I think the Sebring is a *much* better looking vehicle.

Agreed! I dont know if I could deal with driving the Prius around (coming from someone who's daily is a Ford Focus)

. 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.

G35stilez · 10-18-06, 10:59

Gas/Maint/Ins/Repairs are all covered. Vehicles are replaced after every 60k (about 2 years). Still up in the air

.

Djmigs · 10-18-06, 11:06

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...

JohnnyDaJackal · 10-18-06, 11:07

I never knew the Prius was *hip* to begin with

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.)

joyriiide1113 · 10-18-06, 11:11

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.

GregCavi · 10-18-06, 11:12

I would definatly go with the sebring because it looks leaps and bounds better than prius.

Greg

lukeinva · 10-18-06, 11:14

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.