Sure you don't wanna try one of the European Toyota models that we don't get here? Like the Avensis? I checked to see if the Prius+ is there (the 7-seat version of the Prius v but I don't know if you need the 3rd row...) but it's not on the German Toyota website yet and it's going to be pricier than the v here because of the Li-Ion battery (vs. NiMH in ours). I would try the v. The panoramic roof is kinda nice and maybe your kids might like it. It also has more space to carry stuff if you need to travel. I think Toyota has a military discount as well (for the month of March??) but double check toyota.com and see if it's still on.
Finally someone who knows how to spell the v right. It's not the Roman numeral V (as in Five), people!
When I went for the test drive today they appraised my Pilot above what we owe on it, so that won't be an issue. As for the v, is it just me or are there none out there? I've found 1 in my 45 minute range. Are they selling like hotcakes? i just want to be able to test one out!
Do tell us, tell the brainiac at Toyota who's responsible for the all time stooopidiest naming convention ever!
DO it I traded a 2008 range rover sport for a new 2011 prius 4 with solar roof and don't regret at all. It is so nice to get $35 to $40 regular gas ever 10 to 12 days vs $50 of premium every 3 days. the size is similar you just sit lower. If you get a higher level 4 or 5 you wont be missing anything.
Why not just get the Prius & when you do need more room for that trip every so often you could aways rent something roomier? For all your shorter drives you will all fit in the Prius just fine. My kids are 19, 17 & 15 & they all fit okay for shorter drives.
Where in NC. I just bought our Prius at Stevenson Toyota in Jacksonville NC. The have a lifetime Powertrain warrenty on their Toyotas. I would without fail buy another Prius in the future from them. They humored me with all my tape measurements going from vehicle to vehicle checking out the interior & trunk dimensions. I have 1 child & 6 dogs but I was just looking to travel with 2 of them & all my show gear. Toyota Corolla has a wider trunk than the Camry. Toyota Matrix, Nissan Cube, Camry, Scion all failed my measurments on their lot. After many trips in & finally deciding between the Corolla & Prius I dragged my DH in who is 6'6" to get in the seats to see if he would fit. Not so in the Corolla- definite Sardine but fit nicely into the Prius. Didn't bother to check out the V (five) since way out of my price range & needs BUT they did have a few on the lot since the smaller Prius 11 were selling like hotcakes. Eric & Pat were my very patient salesmen. So if you are anywhere near Jacksonville, NC go to Stevenson & tell them the "dog lady" sent you. It is what eveyone there knew me as. Freddie was the guy who took care of the financing.
Cars are more expensive in EU countries for the same model in the US.. As one poster suggested is to buy a used 4 cylinder Mazda 5 and ship it to Germany.
Trade in no, Sold our Excursion on Craigs List then bought the Prius. I miss her so much, But not the Diesel Fuel bill!!!
I have both an 09 Corolla & 10 Prius that I added an Extendmyseat.com product to both cars that gave me a lot more leg room in both cars. I'm only 6'2" but I highly recommend them if you are tall & want more room.
I have three kids, ages 10, 10 and 12, and they are comfortable in the back of a Prius. You might want the V model for the dog. It's a good idea to bring them to the dealer so they all "buy in" to it. Personally, I like the fact that I drive a car which reduces the chances of you going to war. Gas is expensive in Germany. Prius really does get 50 MPG.
I am 6'4, and I feel I have plenty of leg room in the prius with no mods. But I have also never tried extensions in any car - Maybe I am just used to it the way it is but like them if they were installed.
Here is my SUV history: Honda CRV to Mercedes ML320 to Honda Pilot to BMW X3 to Prius. Of all the SUV, the Pilot is the best value and the one I missed the most. The Pilot has three rows of seats, seating of 8, use regular grade gasoline, V6 intelligent AWD and large trunk space. I switched to Prius because my kids are all grown up and I only need 2 seats 80% of the time now. Gasoline consumption ain't that bad when comparing to all the others that I had. The Pilot actually is very frugal in highway driving. My experience tells me that the Pilot should be your choice. However, I know that diesel is a more popular choice in European countries. If you plan to sell the vehicle when you leave, you have to consider the resell value of the car as well. I vote for you to keep the Pilot, also buy a new Prius when you get there. This way, you will keep all the Prius fans happy too.
I am 5'9" my DH 6'6" & we both fit into the Prius 11 very well. The tilt wheel helps a great deal & the wrap around cockpit is nice to rest long legs against. Highly recomend for tall drivers, although a little more leg would be nice
