Even though I don't personally have a Prius my grandparents have had 2 and one of their friends has over 200k on theirs. Both are 2nd gen's. The first one was a 07 and the current is a 09 and the one with 200k a 08. Never had a single issue mention on here.. and with my grandma if there was a problem everyone would know! Ok they did have one problem the stock Goodyears are junk.. one had a bad belt and it did make some noise. She didn't complain about that since she's perhaps noisier than the tires! Nothing like our Escape with the BFG's. Can't wait for the Prius V's to become affordable that'll be our next car.
To Prius or to not....
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The funniest thing about this thread that the most negative opinions are from people who don't own one and the most positive are from the the people who own one (the above post being the noble exception).
Sure, there is some ownership bias but still makes you think.
Sure, there is some ownership bias but still makes you think.
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
Originally Posted By: TallPaul
Sorry, have to go to a recent Focus, like a 2012, gets around 40 highway with a stick.
Better yet:
2003 VW Beetle/Jetta/Golf turbo diesel rates at 42 city 49 hwy with a stick according to Consumer Guide 2003 edition.
Focus 2012 FWD manual city/average/hwy 26/30/36 MPG: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSear...amp;srchtyp=ymm
Jetta 2003 diesel manual city/average/hwy 35/38/44 MPG: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSear...amp;srchtyp=ymm
Different sources provide different mpg ratings.
A friend has a Prius and has driven it 30,000 miles and is quite happy with it. He has about a 50-mile commute one way. Says it saves him beer money. I don't even like automatic transmissions, so would have a very hard time getting used to a Prius. Besides, it would not pay off for me with my 15-mile commute one way.
Originally Posted By: TallPaul
Sorry, have to go to a recent Focus, like a 2012, gets around 40 highway with a stick.
Better yet:
2003 VW Beetle/Jetta/Golf turbo diesel rates at 42 city 49 hwy with a stick according to Consumer Guide 2003 edition.
Focus 2012 FWD manual city/average/hwy 26/30/36 MPG: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSear...amp;srchtyp=ymm
Jetta 2003 diesel manual city/average/hwy 35/38/44 MPG: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSear...amp;srchtyp=ymm
Different sources provide different mpg ratings.
A friend has a Prius and has driven it 30,000 miles and is quite happy with it. He has about a 50-mile commute one way. Says it saves him beer money. I don't even like automatic transmissions, so would have a very hard time getting used to a Prius. Besides, it would not pay off for me with my 15-mile commute one way.
By the time you need a new battery, the used ones will no longer be a viable solution due to age/mileage, so new will be the only option. Rebuilds are also iffy at best, due to the issue of overhandled cells and the scarcity of good cells for harvesting as the generation grows older. Plan to spend $2500 on a new battery from Toyota at some point around 200k.
The Prius is a decent car, but do keep in mind that it is very basic transportation and the interior quality, driving dynamics and NVH reflect that. It is also fairly dependent on having the proper LRR tires for maximum fuel economy; mpg losses nearing 10% are not uncommon for those who switch to non-LRR tires. Lastly, the fuel economy can vary significantly, especially in cold weather - I've seen as much as a 15% difference in fuel economy on a given route depending on the time of the year.
I may sound a little biased but I personally think for the price that the Gen II Prii are selling for, there are "nicer" cars that I would rather buy. Of course, each person's priorities are different, and there is no disagreement that the Prius is arguably the best high-mpg vehicle for the money.
The Prius is a decent car, but do keep in mind that it is very basic transportation and the interior quality, driving dynamics and NVH reflect that. It is also fairly dependent on having the proper LRR tires for maximum fuel economy; mpg losses nearing 10% are not uncommon for those who switch to non-LRR tires. Lastly, the fuel economy can vary significantly, especially in cold weather - I've seen as much as a 15% difference in fuel economy on a given route depending on the time of the year.
I may sound a little biased but I personally think for the price that the Gen II Prii are selling for, there are "nicer" cars that I would rather buy. Of course, each person's priorities are different, and there is no disagreement that the Prius is arguably the best high-mpg vehicle for the money.
If you want to stay with GM, the manual transmission Cruze Eco puts up pretty good real-life MPG numbers. I'm averaging 44 mpg with mine in mostly rural 55 mph highway driving with stops/starts for tractors, signs/lights, and the occasional overtake of a 45 mph in a 55 mph driver. It's not Prius MPG. It is pretty fair for a mid-size (it's not "compact", it's the same size as a mid-00's Accord!) family sedan, though.
Originally Posted By: [email protected]
Well today was the day I was buying the car. On the way to the bank, I got cold feet
Called and rescheduled until tomorrow so I can mull this potential purchase over some more.
Story of my life....
That is a good thing. Many times the first time someone sees the car they only see the positives because of the excitement. That is why all dealers will try to pressure you into buying a car right there and then. Usually only on the second or third time the car is seen that the flaws become apparent.
Take your time and drive it some more to make sure you like it. If you like the way it drives and feels then better gas mileage will be just icing on the cake. However if you're only considering this car for great MPG and you don't like how it drives and feels, you will get tired of it pretty quickly and may even hate its guts every time you sit in it. This is true for every car purchase out there.
Well today was the day I was buying the car. On the way to the bank, I got cold feet
Called and rescheduled until tomorrow so I can mull this potential purchase over some more.
Story of my life....
That is a good thing. Many times the first time someone sees the car they only see the positives because of the excitement. That is why all dealers will try to pressure you into buying a car right there and then. Usually only on the second or third time the car is seen that the flaws become apparent.
Take your time and drive it some more to make sure you like it. If you like the way it drives and feels then better gas mileage will be just icing on the cake. However if you're only considering this car for great MPG and you don't like how it drives and feels, you will get tired of it pretty quickly and may even hate its guts every time you sit in it. This is true for every car purchase out there.
Originally Posted By: The Critic
...there is no disagreement that the Prius is arguably...
...there is no disagreement that the Prius is arguably...
I like 'em. But, in particular I like the newer generation more with the high end interior and entertainment Sys.
They are not sporty cars and don't have a "fun to drive" nature. But they do have a "fun" geek factor, changing driving styles to achieve better mpgs and so on.
They hold value fairly well and are generally inexpensive to operate.
They are not sporty cars and don't have a "fun to drive" nature. But they do have a "fun" geek factor, changing driving styles to achieve better mpgs and so on.
They hold value fairly well and are generally inexpensive to operate.
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
I thought the same when I test drove the first generation Prius.
Fast forward to Generation 3, It's a delight to drive one in city and OK, but not great for high speed hwy driving. I'm hearing Porsche is better for that.
What Prius do you talk about?
I think they are 05 or 06's. Not the latest generation but the one before that. Still would never buy one though. Hybrids really don't get better fuel economy and than other econoboxes and increase the complexity tremendously.
I thought the same when I test drove the first generation Prius.
Fast forward to Generation 3, It's a delight to drive one in city and OK, but not great for high speed hwy driving. I'm hearing Porsche is better for that.
What Prius do you talk about?
I think they are 05 or 06's. Not the latest generation but the one before that. Still would never buy one though. Hybrids really don't get better fuel economy and than other econoboxes and increase the complexity tremendously.
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
The funniest thing about this thread that the most negative opinions are from people who don't own one and the most positive are from the the people who own one (the above post being the noble exception).
Sure, there is some ownership bias but still makes you think.
I find that somebody that drives a vehicle, but doesn't own it, usually gives the most honest feedback.
The funniest thing about this thread that the most negative opinions are from people who don't own one and the most positive are from the the people who own one (the above post being the noble exception).
Sure, there is some ownership bias but still makes you think.
I find that somebody that drives a vehicle, but doesn't own it, usually gives the most honest feedback.
Originally Posted By: itguy08
Hybrids really don't get better fuel economy and than other econoboxes and increase the complexity tremendously.
That is very far from true. Please find me a car (available in USA) that beats Prius in overall MPG.
As for complexity, yes there is battery, 2 electric motors and inverter, but you lose mechanical gears or clutches in transmission and all belts, so it's neutral in terms of reliability, drivetrain mass, etc.
Hybrids really don't get better fuel economy and than other econoboxes and increase the complexity tremendously.
That is very far from true. Please find me a car (available in USA) that beats Prius in overall MPG.
As for complexity, yes there is battery, 2 electric motors and inverter, but you lose mechanical gears or clutches in transmission and all belts, so it's neutral in terms of reliability, drivetrain mass, etc.
Originally Posted By: itguy08
Hybrids really don't get better fuel economy and than other econoboxes and increase the complexity tremendously.
The Prius at least is the highest MPG car sold in the US right now. Gas-only cars don't come anywhere near a Prius in terms of outright fuel economy. Even my Cruze, which is a darned efficient gas-only car, still won't hold a candle to a Prius for MPG. 33 combined vs 50 combined. The disparity in the mid-00's was even greater when 35 mpg highway was thought to be great fuel economy for a compact car.
And, today's high-efficiency cars have DI/turbo/VVT/HPFP's/DPF/dual-clutch transmissions/CVT's to worry about. They are equally if not more complex than a Prius, and have a poorer track record for reliability. VW TDI's are grenading their fuel pumps, direct injection is debatable on long-term reliability, there's plenty enough to go wrong with a turbo engine, and dual-clutch gearboxes are proving to be an awful choice for $20-25k cars.
I beg to differ with your statement, sir!
Hybrids really don't get better fuel economy and than other econoboxes and increase the complexity tremendously.
The Prius at least is the highest MPG car sold in the US right now. Gas-only cars don't come anywhere near a Prius in terms of outright fuel economy. Even my Cruze, which is a darned efficient gas-only car, still won't hold a candle to a Prius for MPG. 33 combined vs 50 combined. The disparity in the mid-00's was even greater when 35 mpg highway was thought to be great fuel economy for a compact car.
And, today's high-efficiency cars have DI/turbo/VVT/HPFP's/DPF/dual-clutch transmissions/CVT's to worry about. They are equally if not more complex than a Prius, and have a poorer track record for reliability. VW TDI's are grenading their fuel pumps, direct injection is debatable on long-term reliability, there's plenty enough to go wrong with a turbo engine, and dual-clutch gearboxes are proving to be an awful choice for $20-25k cars.
I beg to differ with your statement, sir!
I dated a girl for 9 months and she owned an 07 prius in that weird puke green color. I drove 95% of the time when we'd take trips together. The only fun I had driving the Prius was trying to fill the battery up to all solid green bars as indicated by the lcd in the center dash. If you don't care about the joy of driving, it's the right sort of car for you.
Originally Posted By: sciphi
Originally Posted By: itguy08
Hybrids really don't get better fuel economy and than other econoboxes and increase the complexity tremendously.
The Prius at least is the highest MPG car sold in the US right now. Gas-only cars don't come anywhere near a Prius in terms of outright fuel economy. Even my Cruze, which is a darned efficient gas-only car, still won't hold a candle to a Prius for MPG. 33 combined vs 50 combined. The disparity in the mid-00's was even greater when 35 mpg highway was thought to be great fuel economy for a compact car.
And, today's high-efficiency cars have DI/turbo/VVT/HPFP's/DPF/dual-clutch transmissions/CVT's to worry about. They are equally if not more complex than a Prius, and have a poorer track record for reliability. VW TDI's are grenading their fuel pumps, direct injection is debatable on long-term reliability, there's plenty enough to go wrong with a turbo engine, and dual-clutch gearboxes are proving to be an awful choice for $20-25k cars.
I beg to differ with your statement, sir!
Yep, the dual clutch gearbox thing really perplexes me. They belong in a Ferrari or Porsche, not a $20k VW.
Cause when they break the $20k VW owner gets a taste of Porsche ownership when they get the bill! LOl, my buddy's GF has a Jetta and they had to replace the DSG under warranty, it was over $4k. You can put a battery in a Prius for less than that.
People are going to be junking those cars in a few years when they are out of warranty and have some miles on them. Who is going to put a pricey gear box in a 10 year old 140k mile VW Jetta?
Originally Posted By: itguy08
Hybrids really don't get better fuel economy and than other econoboxes and increase the complexity tremendously.
The Prius at least is the highest MPG car sold in the US right now. Gas-only cars don't come anywhere near a Prius in terms of outright fuel economy. Even my Cruze, which is a darned efficient gas-only car, still won't hold a candle to a Prius for MPG. 33 combined vs 50 combined. The disparity in the mid-00's was even greater when 35 mpg highway was thought to be great fuel economy for a compact car.
And, today's high-efficiency cars have DI/turbo/VVT/HPFP's/DPF/dual-clutch transmissions/CVT's to worry about. They are equally if not more complex than a Prius, and have a poorer track record for reliability. VW TDI's are grenading their fuel pumps, direct injection is debatable on long-term reliability, there's plenty enough to go wrong with a turbo engine, and dual-clutch gearboxes are proving to be an awful choice for $20-25k cars.
I beg to differ with your statement, sir!
Yep, the dual clutch gearbox thing really perplexes me. They belong in a Ferrari or Porsche, not a $20k VW.
Cause when they break the $20k VW owner gets a taste of Porsche ownership when they get the bill! LOl, my buddy's GF has a Jetta and they had to replace the DSG under warranty, it was over $4k. You can put a battery in a Prius for less than that.
People are going to be junking those cars in a few years when they are out of warranty and have some miles on them. Who is going to put a pricey gear box in a 10 year old 140k mile VW Jetta?
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VW enthuasists would. But we're (they?) are a small bunch.
I'd agree. VW tries to be too upscale for their own good. A solid automatic that doesn't grenaded after 100k, or a solid clutch that does likewise, would do wonders. Likewise on all the electrical bits that VW's are known for eating. And then perhaps we can live with some of their oddball mechanical designs (engine mounts through the TB, limited space, etc). I do think their diesel injection problems are more related to being on the cutting edge. I'm hoping diesel tech will get all the bugs worked out, and soon...
Anyhow, isn't 10 years / 150kmiles about average lifespan? Yeah, we drive more, and hold onto longer, so perhaps it should be 10 years / 200kmiles. But I bet the curve is real steep after 10 years, regardless of milage.
I'd agree. VW tries to be too upscale for their own good. A solid automatic that doesn't grenaded after 100k, or a solid clutch that does likewise, would do wonders. Likewise on all the electrical bits that VW's are known for eating. And then perhaps we can live with some of their oddball mechanical designs (engine mounts through the TB, limited space, etc). I do think their diesel injection problems are more related to being on the cutting edge. I'm hoping diesel tech will get all the bugs worked out, and soon...
Anyhow, isn't 10 years / 150kmiles about average lifespan? Yeah, we drive more, and hold onto longer, so perhaps it should be 10 years / 200kmiles. But I bet the curve is real steep after 10 years, regardless of milage.
Originally Posted By: cutter
I dated a girl for 9 months and she owned an 07 prius in that weird puke green color. I drove 95% of the time when we'd take trips together. The only fun I had driving the Prius was trying to fill the battery up to all solid green bars as indicated by the lcd in the center dash. If you don't care about the joy of driving, it's the right sort of car for you.
I don't think there is any doubt the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Prius were underpowered. Can't say that about Gen 3, as it has as much power as any economy car and it even feels more due to a rapid electric start.
Prius is my 9th car that own/owned. In my own evaluation it ranks #1 in my satisfaction (exceeds all expectations), and #3 in comfort of driving when hwy driving is included. I guess it helps I was never spoiled by a luxury car ownership.
I dated a girl for 9 months and she owned an 07 prius in that weird puke green color. I drove 95% of the time when we'd take trips together. The only fun I had driving the Prius was trying to fill the battery up to all solid green bars as indicated by the lcd in the center dash. If you don't care about the joy of driving, it's the right sort of car for you.
I don't think there is any doubt the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Prius were underpowered. Can't say that about Gen 3, as it has as much power as any economy car and it even feels more due to a rapid electric start.
Prius is my 9th car that own/owned. In my own evaluation it ranks #1 in my satisfaction (exceeds all expectations), and #3 in comfort of driving when hwy driving is included. I guess it helps I was never spoiled by a luxury car ownership.
As long as conventional cars are not able to use regenerative braking, they will never approach the mileage of a hybrid car. On city driving, excessive amount of energy is used in accelerating and none of it is recaptured on braking.
I agree, although if you take the city out of it I could say you'll never approach what could be done with conventional stickshift on the highway... jus' saying... I mean, I can coast to a stop for many of my stops, which comes close to regenerative braking.
[Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of the Prius, and if I had a city commute (or at least more of a city commute) I'd probably have one. That or an EV, if I could swing it. Appropriate tool for the job and all.]
[Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of the Prius, and if I had a city commute (or at least more of a city commute) I'd probably have one. That or an EV, if I could swing it. Appropriate tool for the job and all.]
Well I didnt buy the original Prius I was looking at.
It was a 2008 with 55,000 miles. Almost base model (well, level 2). It had a rebuilt title, and the price definitely reflected that. I pulled the service records and all of the maintenance & crash repairs were completed at a Toyota dealer.
HOWEVER, it wasnt perfect - the tires would need replaced before winter for sure. It had a few scratches, the headlight was scratched. I could easily have overlooked these things but....
I found a 2007 Prius with LESS miles, a clean title, MORE options and just $2000 more than the rebuilt one! Plus its for sale by owner and the original owner no less. The sale comes with a new (last winter) set of winter tires/wheels and the current tires were new Spring 2012. It also has navigation & bluetooth with the JBL stereo system. Its a level 5.
Glad I stalled on the original one!! Going to look at the "new" find today after work, wish me luck!
It was a 2008 with 55,000 miles. Almost base model (well, level 2). It had a rebuilt title, and the price definitely reflected that. I pulled the service records and all of the maintenance & crash repairs were completed at a Toyota dealer.
HOWEVER, it wasnt perfect - the tires would need replaced before winter for sure. It had a few scratches, the headlight was scratched. I could easily have overlooked these things but....
I found a 2007 Prius with LESS miles, a clean title, MORE options and just $2000 more than the rebuilt one! Plus its for sale by owner and the original owner no less. The sale comes with a new (last winter) set of winter tires/wheels and the current tires were new Spring 2012. It also has navigation & bluetooth with the JBL stereo system. Its a level 5.
Glad I stalled on the original one!! Going to look at the "new" find today after work, wish me luck!
How much is the asking price if may ask?
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