Is Toyota taking a step backwards? I think so.

Not being in the USA or having a Gen III I can only say, I thought I saw a thread that said Toyota was now recommending 10,000 mile oil change intervals when synthetic oil was used, but i could be mistaken.

 

Not for the 2010 in the USA.

 

Oh, for cripes sake. I was comparing the Gen II to the Gen III, not complaining. Get over yourself already!

 

Granted, it is not explicit but it is implied by such statements as, "WHAT IS NOT COVERED: Lack of or improper maintenance....."

It's certainly an individual decision but I think you are misrepresenting the facts to lead people to believe it is acceptable to change the oil at 10K intervals when the manufacturer recommends otherwise.

 

Synthetic oil can last longer than conventional oil, it's a scientific fact. You can do more damage at 5000 miles with dino oil than 10K on synthetic oil.

Toyota has to show that your extended drain interval led to whatever damage it might have caused your engine if they want to void your warranty. The manufacture has to prove it, not the consumer. I won a case against Nissan a few years back on this....

 

I gave my Gen II to my daughter and got me a Gen III. I think the interior on the 2010 is much improved over the Gen II. The energy monitor screen, while kind of cool to look at, could prove to be distracting at night. I much prefer where it is now. I also like the "1 min consumption" screen" and the ability to keep a running tab of mpg per tank and mpg for longer term. I like the placement of the rear seat cupholders. My kid was 11 when I bought my Gen II and the number of times the kids would knock the back panel of the console off because the cupholders were folded down was aggravating. Finally...the "Welcome to Prius" is kind of cool when you start the car...at least passengers always notice it.

Now..having driven a Gen II for 5 years, there are some differences in the 2010 that I am still getting used to. I can't call them complaints...just having a tough time readjusting. Here's my list of differences I'm coping with

1. The Power button on the 2010 is pretty much where "Park" was on the Gen II. I end up putting it in park by powering it off about as often as I "get it right".

2. I REALLY liked the temp controls on the left side of the steering wheel. I constantly find myself trying to bump up the heat a little and end up changing the radio station

3. I miss the defroster controls on the steering wheel.

4. I miss the small storage space under the radio in the Gen II.

5. I miss the "information screen" for the radio station (what song was playing, etc) that I had on my Gen II.

 

If you read the warranty it says there is nothing in the warranty that is implied.

 

I think Toyota is going forwards.

 

Ditto!

 

Late to the thread ... For me, what is 100x better on the Gen 3 is the display is always on -- and you can see climate and audio or NAV information at all times too. I really didn't like how on the Gen 2 is was just one of those things at a time, especially the climate control.

 

Absolutely!!! I also like the holographic wheels that appear around the speedometer when you press the small dials on the steering wheel. Very impressive!

 

Seriously? Disliking some of the cosmetic changes hardly means that the vehicle is a step backwards!

In fact, as has been posted already, it is many steps forward in technology and performance. And looks too imho.

I'm so glad I didn't buy the 2009 a year ago when I had planned to. Got on a super busy job and didn't get around to it, then I figured I'd snag a 2009 at a really good price when the 2010s came out, but I like the 2010 a lot better. And the packages worked better for me. the Pkg 3 (model, whatever) is perfect for me but on the 2009 I was going to have to compromise. Can't wait til mine gets off the boat and around my body!

 

To the OP -

I rented a 2010 Prius III Monday, drove it 120 miles. This car is an undeniable upgrade from the 04-09 Prius. It looks better, feels better, drives better, turns better, goes and stops better than the 04 - 09, and in 2 rental times with the 2010, I averaged 58 MPG the first time and over 63 MPG's the second.

And the petty little qualms about the floating bridge console ... pffffffft. No problems with that here.

The 2010 Prius is one of, if not the best small-mid size cars on the market in terms of space, fuel efficiency, performance and comfort, and it's sure to be very reliable.

Case dismissed.

 

No, quite the opposite.

Being able to pull over out of harm's way is safety.

Being able to continue driving for miles after you were warned of the oncoming problem is intentionally putting others at risk.
.

 

LOL.

Lets see...the GenIII is a bigger car (interior). Has better gas mileage. It's more power and faster...and you think this is a "step backwards".

You should delete this thread, because it has zero merit. Really.

 

The 2010 is a better car of course, but this thread certainly has merit.

You must remember that while the technology and engineering of the 2010 has improved, Toyota will always be looking to save their money, cut costs, and jack the price up for the customers. This means that the 2010 packages are much more different than each other; you get far fewer gadgets in the base model, and a plethora of gadgets in the Package V. Now, Toyota will make you pay even more for what you actually want.

The 2004-09 model may have been relatively more appealing and eye-catching than the 2010 when both were first introduced. From a value standpoint, a guy buying the base model had almost the exact same car as a guy with the highest package.

Complaining about the "cosmetic" differences is definitely justified if you've already had the previous model for some time, and are accustomed to certain features, especially if you are considering trading up.

It's everybody's own opinion and nobody needs to get worked up.