April 20, 2005

A quiet day

Still on vacation. This morning I closed the deal on the new car: I decided to go with the Subaru Legacy GT after all. Reasons? I spent a few days observing my driving style (with as little observer-induced change as possible), read the latest Wired magazine (all about hybrids), chatted to a few Prius owners, and decided that I really didn't have the right driving style/temperament for the Prius. Plus I remembered the advantages of AWD on our icy driveway in the winter. And finally our local Subaru dealer cut me a really nice sub-invoice deal. So I'm picking up the car first thing on Friday. (Not tomorrow, because I'll be in Cambridge all day.)

I spent this (unseasonably warm) afternoon at Tufts, working in the library and then going to class. The end of the semester looms, along with the due date for the term paper and the final examination. Lots to think about. Later. For now, I'm relaxing at the end of the day, watching Newcastle vs. Manchester United, sipping a finger of single malt, and ripping the Claude Challe Nirvana Lounge 03 double CD into iTunes.

Posted by geoff2 at April 20, 2005 11:43 PM
Comments

Just out of curiosity, what kind of driving style/temperament does one need for a Prius?

Posted by: Susan in St. Paul at April 20, 2005 11:56 PM

Plenty of anticipation; avoiding sudden acceleration; the ability to find that sweet spot in cruise where the electric motor is doing the bulk of the work. According to one reviewer, dedicated Prius owners drive barefoot, the better to commune with the system.

Given that I'm replacing both a Miata and a Cougar, its not surprising that I'd look for something a little sporty.

Posted by: Geoff Arnold at April 21, 2005 12:23 AM

Congratulations. I hope you enjoy it very much.
Tell us about the cars you're getting rid of (model year/major options).

Posted by: carpundit at April 21, 2005 08:30 AM

The Legacy GT will replace a 1995 Mazda Miata (summer fun) and a 1999 Mercury Cougar (primary transport). Both will be going to charity - Blue Book is low on both, I prefer not to hassle with trade-ins, and I don't like selling privately.

Posted by: Geoff Arnold at April 21, 2005 10:58 PM