Over Presidents’ Day weekend after flying back from Costa Rica, Ryan and I headed across the Golden Gate for a Toyota Ride and Drive event. It was a gorgeous day for driving around.
We arrived at the The Village at Corte Madera and signed ourselves up at the tent. We put on wrist bands that were scanned to keep track of which cars we’d be test driving. Archie Rodriguez led us through the event and gave us all the Toyota and car knowledge we could ask for.
During the event, we looked at the Highlander and test drove the Prius V, regular Prius, and Camry Hybrid. Two other vehicles that I really wanted to check out but weren’t on site: the Rav 4, Prius C, Prius Plug-in [coming out in March]. We didn’t get to test out the Highlander because the one on site was used purely for entertainment purposes – a video game waiting area.
For our first test drive, we took the Prius V for a spin. It drove very much like the smaller Prius, but it’s about five inches longer. I had originally set my mind on one of these, but considering the parking situation in San Francisco, it’s a little large for my taste. I still love the shape though as it reminds me of the Matrix I used to drive!
Archie was kind enough to give us extra time with the car for photos and questions.
The second car that I took out for a spin was the regular Prius, which is essentially the same body as the Prius Plug-in. I have the second generation Prius, and it was much fancier in comparison. A more detailed touch screen, more options available, and it’s a higher horsepower [1.8 liter instead of 1.5].
The final car that I took out was the Camry Hybrid. What a smooth ride! If I wasn’t such a fan of hatchbacks, I might consider making a switch.
As part of the Toyota Women’s Influencer Network [or "TWIN"], I got to spend more time with the cars than one would normally sign up for on the spot. With all the driving and question asking, we were probably at the Ride and Drive event for two hours. Archie and all the staff were incredibly patient, and I left wishing that I would be in the market for a new car because there are a lot of cool cars coming out.
I might have mentioned this before, but I hate car shopping. I’m not a fan of going to the dealership because there is the pressure to pick out a car, even if you’re just going for a test run. That’s why these Ride and Drive events are a good way to educate yourself on what’s out there without someone pushing the sales onto you.
There are a bunch of Plug-in Ride and Drive events coming up! Check out the Toyota Event Page or Prius Event Page to find one in your area. You’ll get to check out the new Prius Plug-in!
Have you been to an event similar to this one? Let me know your thoughts on car shopping!
Disclosure: I am a member of the Toyota Women’s Influencer Network (TWIN), but I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
