I'm not GP, but generally speaking rudeness need not be intended (though certainly may have in this case). I love the idea of a Prius and almost bought one (the deciding factor was purchase $ not the car itself). Society at large though definitely reads a lot into you when you own a Prius. That is is illogical and often inaccurate is beside the broader point that society (or car companies or whoever) has done a great job tying identity to type of car.

To be clear, "how rude" is intended as a humorous way to indicate that I own one.

Societal wealth indicator trends are stupid in many ways, and what car you own is just the latest stupidity. I'll happily laugh my way past the gas pumps in my pariahmobile.

I've never seen a prius in the UK that wasn't a taxi, it's interesting how some car stereotypes (like BMW owners failing to indicate) seem pretty universal but others don't cross borders.

They make pretty fantastic taxis, I have to imagine. Right behind an EV. Small footprint, decent power, great mileage, reasonably sized back seat and storage.

I heard Alexi Sayle (minor celeb in the UK) saying the other day that he had a friend who drove a Prius but got rid of it because he was fed up of people randomly getting in because they assumed it was a taxi.

I have always said, however, that if you're looking a for a good value reliable car you should always take note of what cars taxi drivers buy.

Wow I haven't heard that name since 'The Young Ones' (I'm in the US)

He currently has a feature on Radio 4 where he interviews random train passengers. Possibly not the radical outcome he originally envisaged?

I had a complete stranger suddenly get into the passenger sear of my Prius when I was dropping off a friend at the metro station. We had locked eyes as my friend was getting out, and I waved out of politeness. I guess he misunderstood and assumed I was driving a cab/uber/whatever. My friend later said he got the impression the guy thought I was selling drugs.

I'll think twice the next time I feel the need to wave out of politeness in future.