“You traded Lola for a Ford Focus? Why did you do that?”
That was the question several people asked when they learned that on December 1st, I traded my 2007 Silver Pine Mica colored Toyota Prius (that I’d named Lola) for a gray metallic 2010 Ford Focus.
In October, I received a letter from Toyota saying that my gas pedal would be fixed after they found that the gas pedal would get caught on the floor mats. Something didn’t seem right. Lola had nearly 75,000 miles on her and I had her for less than 3 years. Between commuting, volunteer work and normal responsibilities, I drive a lot. That’s why I bought Lola in the first place. The lure of 54 miles per gallon (which I actually achieved), the roomy interior for hauling tables to craft shows and the dependability of a Toyota were all factors in my decision to trade my Chrysler.
Now, less than 3 years later, I had a gut feeling that I needed to get rid of Lola. How could I do that after I’d recommended the Prius to several other folks? I even knew someone who bought a 2010. My fears began to escalate as the miles increased on Lola. When I bought Lola, gas prices were soaring and I could fill the tank with 8 or 9 gallons. I still filled the tank twice a week. I was at the dealership every 5,000 miles for an oil change and maintenance . . . roughly every 8 weeks. Every 16 weeks, it seemed that I needed a special service, routine check, filter change or something. Those aren’t cheap and are not covered by the prepaid oil change service package. Add to that the other nagging knowledge that I may have to replace the batteries after 100,000 miles – when the extended warranty was gone; yet another $3000-7000 replacement down the road.
Lola had been a good car. I sang the Prius praises to all who would listen. But there were things I could not explain. . . occasionally, when the car was in park, it would jolt forward, but not actually move. When driving on the dirt road or across bumps, and I hit the brakes, there was a bit of a lag. . . . like the anti-lock brakes were self-engaging. Sometimes, there was a strange sound like a whine.
One of my biggest complaints was trying to make a left turn from a stop sign on a blind hill. Pressing the gas pedal to the floor after having come to a complete stop, the car would ease into the road like a golf cart. The gas-engine did not engage until 3-5 seconds after hitting the gas. This was something that the owner’s manual described as a way of saving gas. . . the electric motor would start the car, then the gas engine would kick in later. It was an uneasy feeling if you saw another car crest the blind hill driving toward you upwards of 35 miles per hour as you crept across the lane of traffic.
I had adjusted my driving habits to maximize Lola’s assets. I learned to ignore the bitter stares from non-Toyota drivers. I looked the other way when people pointed as they quickly passed me and made gestures if I was driving in the inside lanes on the interstate. My desire to save the planet by reducing my carbon footprint turned out to be a pain in my “asset”. For awhile, I enjoyed answering the question at the gas station “So, do you REALLY get 50 miles per gallon?”
Lola had drawbacks . . . . uncomfortable spartan seats, a small diameter steering wheel, an outdated GPS (that would cost $299 for an updated CD), and total cargo weight limits. Due to the weight of the batteries in the Prius and the size of the tires, in the owner’s manual, there is actually a weight restriction. Driving to lunch with coworkers became a mathematical test. . .. “I can drive and take3 people. . but not you and not you. . . ” It was extremely difficult to tell someone who I could not include this person as part of the carpool because of my car’s cargo weight restrictions.
The floormat recall letter was enough to push me over the edge. I started researching cars. The terms negative equity, beacon score and APR once again became part of my nightmares. I recently drove a Hyundai as a rental and liked it a lot. ”Think about the depreciation. . .” I thought about a Honda, a Nissan and never considered a Ford Focus. I enjoyed making fun of the way that some people mispronounced Focus and made it into a 7th grade joke. Then, a coworker, who commuted more than me, bought a Focus. . . 38 mpg. Sync technology, comfy seats…An American Car company that didn’t accept bail-out money from the government. I researched, compared 5 year total costs to own and test-drove a Focus during a lunch break. Charlotte Sun Roof dropped in an aftermarket sunroof and the deal was sealed. I negotiated my own deal, signed my own papers and drove away thinking, “what have I done??”
The trade-in value for a Prius with 75,000 miles is not as great as you’d hope. It seems that car dealers also fear the battery replacement costs. I’m pretty sure that Lola was shipped off to a car auction shortly after I said goodbye.
I haven’t named my gray Focus, but I’m thinking something like “SkatKat” or “Kat” – because she can really go. The sunroof gives the car a roomy feeling. I have plenty of leg room – in fact, I don’t even put the driver’s seat all the way back. Sync technology is great and I have found a few interesting (and disgusting) stations on the Sirius radio. I no longer calculate my passengers’ weight before they get in the car. People don’t stare at me on the interstate as if I’m an enviro-freak. I’m even averaging 38 mpg and filling up once or twice per week on 10 gallons instead of 8. In the wake of the Toyota recalls, I’m glad that I traded. Maybe this is the “fire-storm” that my gut was telling me to avoid. When I get the unexplained feeling that I need to do something, I try to listen… I haven’t always listened. . . but I’m trying.
Janet~
2010 – FakeFortunista.com
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