While the Prius does have some zip to it, it's design is not for that pedal to the medal need for speed kind of thing.

Yeah, I'm not really a sporty/aggressive driver, but I do enjoy driving and listening to music, the sensation of cruising down the road and whatnot.

For me, I picked the Prius because of it's super ultra low emissions and excellent gas mileage.

One of the main strikes against the 6 is that it doesn't get very good gas mileage. I know the Prius is a good choice. Ach, this is hard.

One of the Mazda dealers just e-mailed and said he would sell the car for invoice plus fees. That's...good, right? That seems really desperate. Intriguing. He even has it in Black Cherry.

Happy Birthday, -t!

The blue and black ones also look nice, though is a black car bad? Because it's hard to see in the dark? And is red too flashy and likely to get stolen?

I'd avoid black cars while living in NC, because they turn into giant solar collectors in the summer and get way too hot. I read somewhere that red cars are more likely to get pulled by the police, but that may be an urban myth.

Sounds to me like you are wanting the Mazda. When in doubt, flip a coin for 5 times. The coin toss doesn't decide what you get, but what you find your hoping the coin decides is. (if that makes any sense). Or, you could do it the rational way of a list for both cars with pro's & con's. Blah. Boring. (yes, I do that all the time).

Or else make the cars fight! Get two friends to take a Prius and the Mazda on test drives, and have a little demolition derby....

One thing to consider is the price of gas may go back up in the near future (which would also raise the resale value of the Prius). It all depends on the economy, though....

What omnis is trying to say:

when you are called upon to make up your mind/and are hampered by not having any/the simplest way to solve the dilemma you'll find/is by simply spinning a penny.

No not so that chance will decide the affair/while you're passively standing there moping/but the moment the penny is up in the air/you'll suddenly know what you're hoping.

Sounds to me like you are wanting the Mazda.

I can't shake it. I keep feeling like I'm making a mistake. I mean, the first thing on the list of CR's Car-Buying Tips is not to fall in love with a car! Don't get emotional! Be rational! Except this is how I seem to do everything. It's how I found my apartment. I looked at almost a dozen places, and it was the first place I felt really really good about and I got it the next morning. I've paid more rent on the place than it costs to buy a car, and I've been happy with it.

I'd avoid black cars while living in NC, because they turn into giant solar collectors in the summer and get way too hot.

Ah, good point.

I read somewhere that red cars are more likely to get pulled by the police, but that may be an urban myth.

I think I heard somewhere that you pay higher insurance on a red car because you're perceived to be, well, a sportier and more dangerous driver.

I just realized the catch in "invoice plus fees." He didn't mention the going rebates. Well, it's an interesting starting point, at least.

And a San Jose dealer (also with Black Cherry) gave me a better offer than the Oakland dealer in red. Man, I like that guy, but Black Cherry is a cooler color. It's different.

One thing to consider is the price of gas may go back up in the near future (which would also raise the resale value of the Prius).

Hrm. The other thing is that I hear there's a new redesign coming for the Prius. So that would make the 2009 Prius old news.

Cars have always been totally emotional decisions for me. I gotta love my car.

Happy Birthday to -t!

My main criteria for a car seems to be, "Is it weird? Will it confuse people?"

In high school, I was driving to visit a friend for the first time and passed a 1975 VW Beetle in beautiful shape, with a black soft-top, in construction barrel orange. I couldn't afford the $4700.

I still have moments when I'm really sad that I wasn't able to buy that car.

Sparky, what song/poem is that? LOVE IT!

One of the Mazda dealers just e-mailed and said he would sell the car for invoice plus fees. That's...good, right? That seems really desperate. Intriguing. He even has it in Black Cherry.

You need the Black Cherry! And that's a great deal.

Trust Scrappy's DH. He's test driven more cars than you'll ever be in during the course of your lifetime.