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Emergency/parking brake disengages transmission
Brake pedal disengages transmission - and are mechanical even without a boost
Neutral disengages transmission
Turning the freaking key off disengages transmission
If the computer freaks out and thinks you've gone full throttle, I count at least four ways to stop. It's only 71hp; I bet the brakes are stronger than the engine.
I didn't see it as hostile toward Prius owners. I saw it more as an expose of "Why isn't Toyota addressing this problem." It's apparent from the number of stories, and their similarity, that something's going on. I'd be upset if my smart were randomly accelerating and no breaking. I'd be more upset if the dealership said it was because of floor mats or driver error, when me and dozens of folks here were having the same issue. I don't think this is targeting the owners, but rather a flaw in the car.
I wasn't referring to the article as being hostile toward Prius owners, I was referring to the OP, who introduced the article with this comment: "Take that Prius snobs."
As for the article itself, it gives no idea of the frequency of these reports. As a Prius owner, I'd certainly like to know if this is something should be prepared to deal with or if it's an extreme rarity.
If you make some calculations based on 12,000 miles driven each year, the cost of gas for each is about $475/year for the Prius and $663/year for the Smart.
The Prius costs about $8,000 more than the Smart so to make up that $8,000 cost difference just based on gas cost - the Prius owner would have to drive the car for an average of 12,000 miles each year for about 42 years. Yes, I said 42 years to make up for the $8,000 difference in purchase cost.
If you make some calculations based on 12,000 miles driven each year, the cost of gas for each is about $475/year for the Prius and $663/year for the Smart.
The Prius costs about $8,000 more than the Smart so to make up that $8,000 cost difference just based on gas cost - the Prius owner would have to drive the car for an average of 12,000 miles each year for about 42 years. Yes, I said 42 years to make up for the $8,000 difference in purchase cost.
Not to mention how many multi-thousand dollar batteries would you have to replace in 42 years.
If you make some calculations based on 12,000 miles driven each year, the cost of gas for each is about $475/year for the Prius and $663/year for the Smart.
The Prius costs about $8,000 more than the Smart so to make up that $8,000 cost difference just based on gas cost - the Prius owner would have to drive the car for an average of 12,000 miles each year for about 42 years. Yes, I said 42 years to make up for the $8,000 difference in purchase cost.
You need the right tool for the right job. I own both a Prius & a smart. Each has their appropriate use. Let's not pretend that a smart can simply substitute for a Prius or any other mid-size car.
You need the right tool for the right job. I own both a Prius & a smart. Each has their appropriate use. Let's not pretend that a smart can simply substitute for a Prius or any other mid-size car.
I agree. Not everyone wants and/or needs the same things. The Smart fits my needs and wants while the Prius will fit the needs and wants of some one else. I think variety is the spice of life.
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