How Do You Baby Your Car?

Yes, this Subaru is in our driveway.
Photo: Erika JN Fish

We have two vehicles and a one-and-one-half-car garage. I've always wondered about the size of our garage; it's wider than a one-car, but not wide enough for two. Our house was built in the 1960s when cars were long and wide. So maybe this was considered a one-car garage back then. Now it's just a weird size. I refer to it as our one-car-and-a-moped garage because that's all that will fit once we hang up our bikes and all those reusable Trader Joe's bags. 

Car News: Week of November 12, 2012

This week while reading or watching the news, the phrase I kept repeating to myself was, "Is everyone here bananas?"  

Photo from The Onion

I'm going to comb through all the crazy and find a few news stories related to automobiles, and anything else that I find worth sharing, and share with you here. I was hoping that life would return to a more "normal" state next week, but then I remembered that we're heading into the holiday season. I think the only way to survive is to read The Onion. This is how The Onion can help: Pistons Lose to Elementary School Girls Team After Big Night From 4'9" Center

2012 Prius v: Trust Me, It's "vee," As In "Wagon"

The new Prius v is the wagon alternative to the original Prius hatchback, and it's a very good alternative if you need the space a wagon offers. It's also a Prius with great city and highway mileage and the quirky alien-hand shifter.

2011 Toyota Prius: Even This Car Snob Gets It

I still feel a bit like George Jetson when I take off down the street in our new 2011 Prius. It's quiet and has a little high-pitched hum. If only I had a robot maid at home to keep things running smoothly while I'm out silently driving around town... 

Highlights:

• Combined Mileage of 50 MPG with 47 MPG in town and 52 MPG on the highway (my real-world numbers from real-world driving)
• Easy-to-Understand Options Packages (but those are pricey)
• Fits in Small Parking Spaces
• Great Turning Radius
• Takes 87 Octane in it's 11.9 Gallon Tank
• Useful Cargo-area Underfloor Storage
• Push-button Start & Smart Key
• 60/40 Rear Seat

July Road Trip Report

Last July six families (and their cars) descended on Lake Tahoe for a little family reunion. You discover a lot about how some people travel when you watch them unpack their minivan.