Choose 2012 Prius Five or 2012 Elantra Limited?

That's my guess too. I just couldn't see myself paying the premium for it and the associated mileage hit.

 

Especially not when you can just buy a set of aftermarket wheels/tires for much cheaper.

 

They'll look a lot better too, if you pick the right ones.

REV

 

How much of a mileage hit? 2 mpg? How much is that in the grand scheme of 1 year? Especially at how much this guy drives...which is way less than 12k miles/year. In other words, there is NO significant mileage hit at all! Do your own calculations or look up an old post by me...the mileage hit at 50 mpg is insignificant. Basically, if you order water instead of a soda once a month at McDonalds, you would make up the cost!

 

LED headlights. Quieter ride than Prius II-IV due to better rear wheel insulation. Unique suspension, sportier steering rack/ratio, etc..

But, you already knew that, right?

 

Found my old post:

Let's say you drive 12,000 miles a year.

Prius V gets 48 mpg..............Prius II gets 52 mpg (hypothetical numbers to show 4 mpg difference)


After 12,000 miles, Prius V uses 250 gallons of gas.


After 12,000 miles, Prius II uses 230.7 gallons of gas


Difference = 19.3 gallons


Prices for regular gasoline = $3.90 per gallon (picking a random dollar value to be in between today's gas prices and next few months')


So, after 12,000 miles, the driver of Prius II saves $75.27 vs. Prius V driver. Now, this is after 12,000 miles, which is a year's driving for most people. If you drive less, then the savings will be much less.
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The OP drives around 2000-3000 miles per YEAR...so, in other words, the fuel savings in buying a Prius II-IV is really non-significant!! Oh yeah, this is why "MPG" is such a bad fuel useage indicator.

 

Back on topic, I know you mentioned the Elantra and the V, but as revhigh mentioned, you should REALLY consider the Sonata Line and specifically the limited. Larger than the Elantra, interior is now rated at top of class, probably higher resale than Elantra, sportier feel and there's a 2.0T (turbo) option that is a solid blend of power and mpg. I was in a similar buying situation, though my main variable was opposite, a 120 mile round trip daily commute, so I went clean, used Prius. I rented the Sonata GLS on several occasions for work and was VERY impressed. I also test drove an Elantra and while solid in its class, it does not compare to a Sonata for marginally more expense. If you can, rent a Sonata limited and open it up if for nothing else other than a weekend or test drive it and the 2.0T to get a flavor for same but with some punch. I have no afiiliations with Hyundai, just went down similar road until I decided used vs. new. I hope this helps.

 

FYI: Hyundai Sonata Experience

 

I agree with you, Rich. A couple of my friends bought the new body style Sonata and I was very impressed. I could have easily mistook it for a Lexus when I first sat in it. It would easily be my car of choice if it were not for all the great hybrid options and my need to haul work equipment.. The hybrid version should be killer!

 

I don't think you can compare the two. I researched them both, and the Elantra is a better deal by far - unless you want a hybrid and are willing to make trade offs.

The trade off's being the Prius has less performance, cheap utilitarian, interior, higher price, better mileage.
The Elantra has all the bells and whistles, adequate mileage, and a certain plushness all at 21K and change.

It's a matter of what is most important to you. I don't consider them to be comparable.

 

I'm having trouble seeing either as a fun summer only car.

 

Hi WE0H I went to the Hyundai dealer near my house months ago to test drive for fun the 2011 elantra I was impressed with the design and specs of the new car so I wanted too see it in person!.I couldn't believe how much I was getting for my money they were offering me the 2011 full loaded limited edition with navi for $21500 + tax, the sound of the engine the 6 speed automatic transmission was nice!

If I was on the market for a new car I believe is the best bang for your buck and with that warranty you can't go wrong!

I love the size of the car and style but some people like the bigger sonata one which could be an option too if you don't mind the extra gas it burns and the size!

Good luck!

 

Mikey, surprised you don't like the style lines on the Sonata but do like the Elantra. The squatter(shorter wheelbase) of the Elantra had the effect for me of exaggerating the effect of the side body lines, where the Sonata's longer frame had a more graceful flow. A few reviewers mirrored that, but you are the only one that matters here. I also like the Sonata's grill on the limited, nice person ugly grill on the Sonata Hybrid which by the way is still just unibody molded plastic. I was surprised at this when I test drove it. Now that I keep hearing 'Summer Fun' and openness to sacrificing a few MPG given lower miles driven, it may behoove you to drive the 2.0T limited, but alas to each his own. I understand if the $ diff. is a key motivating factor betwix the two. Best of luck and keep us posted!

 

I thought the sunroof was non-negotiable as far as your wife was concerned. I also don't understand why HER parameters determine what car YOU get since you don't drive each other's cars, and you obviously have other cool cars you can drive at any time.

Not being rude, but I guess I'm just confused.

REV

 

Prius Five. I didn't even read the rest of the post or the replies. Just Prius Five.

:yo:

 

The Prius is like the iPhone, any others are just any other cars/phones.

Why not just get the Five and install an aftermarket sunroof or the SR and replace with factory 17"?

 

Is this thread for real?
If I were thinking of buying a Hyundai Elantra limited, I would not look into a Prius Five since it may cost $10,000 more than the Elantra. I would take a look at this:

2011 Honda Fit Sport