Seeking CT200h input from fellow Prius owners

Where is the noise coming from? If it is from the rear hatch area, try this simple test. It worked amazingly well for my Gen2.

Put a piece of cardboard on the rubber stopper for the hatch. This eliminates the movement of the hatch and it still closes fine.

Keep in mind, my Prius is 5 years old so the rubber stopper may have shrunk. It is an easy test so you should give it a shot.

 

so far CT200h is very different and quiet compared to Prius with regards to squeaks and rattles... almost nothing reported in past months by owners, while Prius forums were filled with complaints....

 

I'm kind of waiting for the CT300h.

 

My $.02:

I don't want to rain on your parade, but you do realize that EVERY car will rattle at some point?

My 2000 Lexus GS400 rattled, my prius rattles, my 1995 Acura Legend rattles....EVERY car will rattle when driven over bumpy roads, it's just a fact of life....

I guarantee that the CT200h will rattle within a year of ownership (the timeframe will accelerate or decelerate dependent upon the road conditions in your neck of the woods)

 

its obviously location/terrain based....my mint condition 1995 Acura Legend with 160k has rattles, but isn't a rattle box....It's whole life has been spent in NYC. I replaced every single suspension component with brand new OEM parts. I still have rattles (the dash and associated parts will loosen up overtime)

My point is, eventually every car will rattle (especially newer cars than older ones).

 

dear fickle,
it's a shame really. my 08 gen II with 25,000 miles is solid as a rock. and my daughters 04 with 85,000 really just needs struts and tires etc. no body/interior noises, vibrations rattles or what have you. only thing i can say about the ct200h is, it's quieter, smaller and there's no way you're gonna get 50 mpg out of it. more likely 40-45 if you're getting 55-60 now.

 

Does the CT200H need premium gas? It wasn't clear on Lexus website, but compression ratio was 13:1

 

I test drove a CT200h but opted for a 2011 Prius IV. Price was about the same BUT Prius included leather for the price. The Prius has more space when seats are folded. Lexus performed about the same, mode selector on Lexus was a dial as opposed to buttons on Prius. I liked the Prius touch screen NAV better than the CT200H joystick. Rattle: I have one where the console meets the armrest. Have removed all personal items and cup-holder insert. Determined it is in the console where it meets the arm rest. No other rattles or noise and I am fussy. CT200H dash is not as hight-tech, analog speedo. Didn't spend enough time in the Lexus to determine real-life mpg. Am getting 48-49 in combo driving without A/C. [not sure it matters in a Prius as it does in a traditional layout].

 

RE: Does Lexus require premium fuel: No, it is the same hybrid system and engine as the Gen III Prius. I think the axle or transmission ratio may be lower for a little swifter acceleration but I couldn't tell any difference. Advantage: Prius.

 

Honestly what I would do is take it to the dealer and tell them that you just paid x amount of dollars for a car that shouldn't be making any noises for at least another 60k miles (our 04 has 105k on it and hardly rattles). A few years back we bought a honda new that made some squeaking and rattling noises in the front. Took it in and they took care of it....I don't think toyota will turn you away, afterall the 5 isn't a cheap car.

Good luck, otherwise go for a BMW for solid

 

while BMW's are solid, they are not impervious to rattles....my current 2009 X5 4.8 company vehicle is no exception to the rule (as a matter of fact, not only does it rattle, the "paint" on the steering wheel is flaking off-not the leather).

I guess anything can rattle when driven in NY. but there is NO replacement for the prius gas mileage

 

Do not want to call you out on that but Honda is the most notorious for squeaks and rattles. Check out every review on a Honda for past 20+ years. Anyway the Lexus will creak less than Prius because there are better Plastics implemented but in time it and all vehicles that use plastics will rattle no exceptions.

 

+1 word....