As part of my job for the Department of Buildings, the City gave me a number of items to assist me in my duties. Among those items is a City vehicle that I get to drive to and from work at no expense. And just like any perk – they don’t last forever – but rather until last Thursday – when I had to give the car back. And the funny thing is, I am not upset about losing my mode of transportation – but rather the vehicle itself.

The reason I miss the vehicle is because it was a 2001 Toyota Prius, which is a gasoline/electric hybrid. Equipped with both an electric and a conventional motor – the car switches back and forth from each mode so silently that it is unbeknownst to the driver – and a real money saver on gas. I think that I filled that car up with gas five times in the three months that I had it – because thanks to it’s dual power sources – the car gets almost twice as many miles to the gallon as a regular car.

Although it was painted white and was marked as a DOB vehicle – there were many occasions where people would compliment me on the car and wonder if it was purchase worthy – my answer? Yes.

Sticker priced at twenty thousand dollars, the car is worth every penny and then some. It has great handling, excellent pickup, a uniquely amazing interior – and such a silent motor that I have often wondered if the car stalled while I was driving it. And the interior is just as awesome as the car. Sitting in the driver’s seat always gave me the feeling of being in a Star Trek shuttle. And besides the feeling sitting in the car gives you – the interior is quite spacious for a small car and very welcoming to both the driver and anyone who enjoys a ride.

In addition to the fact that it both handles great and looks great – it is also quite friendly to the environment. With an electric motor sharing the responsibility of keeping the car on motion – the amount of the car’s emissions are cut in half – and the damage to the environment is reduced by at least a little bit.

So while I am sure that I will once again get a new vehicle once I get back to work – I will really miss that Prius and long for it no matter what they give me. If the day ever comes where I can buy my own car – I would buy a Toyota Prius – and I suggest that you do too.