How to Speak to a Prius Owner

August 2nd, 2009

“Does it Come With its Own Wall Wart?”

I blogged Mike’s visit to Miami, but I don’t know if I mentioned his car. He drove a Prius down from DC. This is his SECOND Prius, so he can’t claim it was a first offense.

I will admit that it seems like a practical, comfortable car. However, I came up with a number of useful things you may wish to use if you ever converse with a Prius owner.

1. “Where do you add the detergent?”

2. “I prefer a top-loader.”

3. When they tell you how long it took to drive somewhere, say, “And that was on SPIN CYCLE.”

4. “Your car just made a noise. I think the toast is done.”

You can also refer to the car as “the Maytag” and pretend to look for the agitator.

Hope this is helpful.

13 Responses to “How to Speak to a Prius Owner”

  1. andy-in-japan Says:

    I ask my Japanese acquaintances with a Prius:
    .
    – Where do you store the wind-up key?
    .
    – How often do you replace the rubber-band?
    .
    – Where do you purchase replacement hamsters?
    .
    – How often do you pedal?
    .
    – I forget, was this made by Toyota or Mattel?
    .

  2. km Says:

    If you are into economy/practicality – with no sense of performance or soul in a car – a Prius is a sensible choice.
    .
    I, on the other hand, just picked up a Mini Cooper Clubman S.

  3. Moxie Says:

    Good that you don’t have hills in Miami — I was a passenger in a Prius once, there were 4 people in the car. We were literally rolling backwards down a road in the Hollywood Hills.

    I asked, “Is the 20 bucks you save on gas per month going to be worth it when we all die in this POS?”

  4. BigWyo Says:

    Nothing about a ‘kick-starter’ or better yet a ‘pull-starter-?

  5. wormathan Says:

    My favorite reference to a prius since the bumper sticker that read “My Suburban ate your Prius”

  6. John Says:

    Isn’t the agitator the face peering back from the mirror?

  7. og Says:

    YOU, Steve, are the agitator.

    As is correct.

    Me, I’m in for actual fuel economy, so I drive a 98 Explorer. The tools and equipment I haul weigh enough that I’d have to make three trips in a Priapus, so the fuel economy would suffer just a bit. Plus it would suck the life out of my day. And I don’t have a half a ton of useless unrecyclable lithium ion batteries to try to dispose of every five years. The Explorer is demonstrably better for the environment in every conceivable way, but so is a volkswagon diesel.

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=718900859924733158

  8. Mike Onett Says:

    You have officially crossed the line! BTW I love the earth and 45mpg!

  9. Mike Onett Says:

    Now stop that Mox!!! AND it has no issues with hills..It has climbed Mt Washington and then charged the eveready on the way down….I like to go fast ask my ole’ porsche, benz and 71′ Z28…

  10. ErikZ Says:

    What the heck happened to his first Prius?

  11. Steve H. Says:

    The tub rusted out.

  12. andy-in-japan Says:

    I miss my ’81 diesel jetta: 50mpg diesel.
    .
    Too bad the hippies won’t let us import the Brits’ 65mpg diesel:
    .
    http://finance.yahoo.com/loans/article/105735/The-65-mpg-Ford-the-U.S.-Can't-Have
    .

  13. Pam Says:

    The Summer The Kid began driving, gas cost over $4/gallon and seemed to be rising. I ALMOST bought a “Smart Car” for her. Thankfully, my insurance agent mentioned the safety rating.