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Stiff Suspension - Test Drive Reaction

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by JasonPro, Mar 12, 2012.

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  1. JasonPro

    JasonPro Junior Member

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    I got a chance to test drive a Prius C over the past weekend. I liked the car with the exception of the suspension. I found it to be very stiff compared to my 2010 Prius. For example, I took it on a highway near the dealer. The seams in the roadway (which I had never felt before) seemed like little speed bumps. I couldn't imagine going on a road trip with a feeling like that. Just to be sure, I drove along the same stretch of highway in the same lane as I did before with my 2010 Prius and didn't notice the bumps.


    Did anybody else have the same reaction?
     
    #1 JasonPro, Mar 12, 2012
  2. fgp

    fgp Active Member

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    it is much stiffer. i like that better since it handles much better in my opinion. you are right though because i can definitely feel the surface much more.
    fred from nashville
     
    #2 fgp, Mar 12, 2012
  3. outhouse

    outhouse Member

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    most of that is due to its lighter weight, and for a younger crowd, their after a more responsive car with a sporty feel.

    Love it for what I do.


    If your doing a long freeway commute a regular prius will definatly be more comfortable.
     
    #3 outhouse, Mar 12, 2012
  4. fgp

    fgp Active Member

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    im 67 . the heck with the "younger crowd":rockon:
     
    #4 fgp, Mar 12, 2012
    carolD likes this.
  5. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

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    Exactly its my dream come true which is why I went for the C and never wanted to get a Prius before. Jason, if I were you I would go with just the Prius over the C for a nice comfy ride.
     
    #5 priusCpilot, Mar 12, 2012
  6. ewaboy

    ewaboy Active Member

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    +1

    When the Scion XB came out they said "younger crowd" - old farts found the easy in and out appealing and bought them.

    When the Fit came out - same thing - plus the great versatility and maneuverability. (We got one!)

    Now the C comes out - "younger crowd" my foot - I'm on the downhill side of 60 and I've got one on order.:D
     
    #6 ewaboy, Mar 12, 2012
  7. fgp

    fgp Active Member

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    right on brutha!!:mod:
     
    #7 fgp, Mar 12, 2012
  8. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    I think most people prefer stiffer suspension, as it results in better handling, more driver confidence, more control, and more sporty feel.
     
    #8 Gokhan, Mar 13, 2012
  9. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Did you drive c Three or c Four? Four has 16" rims and would give harsher ride.
     
    #9 usbseawolf2000, Mar 13, 2012
  10. justana

    justana Junior Member

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    Oh yeah.....:rockon:
     
    #10 justana, Mar 13, 2012
  11. JasonPro

    JasonPro Junior Member

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    It was a three. I'm sure you're probably right about the four being stiffer though.
     
    #11 JasonPro, Mar 13, 2012
  12. toronado455

    toronado455 Member

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    The Four has 15" alloys with P175/65R15 tires as standard equipment. The 16" alloys with P195/50R16 tires are optional on the Four. So you're not forced to get the 50 series tires if you don't want them.

    Also, the turning radius increases by six feet with the 16" wheels. That seems like a pretty significant increase in turning radius. Especially on a car that is likely to be used in an urban environment. Add to that the harsher ride quality (and likely higher replacement cost) of the 50 series tires and it just doesn't seem worth it to me.

    Also, and this is pure speculation on my part, the narrower P175 tires might help with fuel economy as well.
     
    #12 toronado455, Mar 13, 2012
  13. Minnesotan

    Minnesotan Junior Member

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    Does the Prius Four have a stiffer suspension than other lower versions? I read that in consumer guide.
     
    #13 Minnesotan, Mar 29, 2012
  14. HabaneroBomb

    HabaneroBomb Junior Member

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    Old guys rule!:rockon:
     
    #14 HabaneroBomb, Mar 29, 2012
  15. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    maybe toyota meant to say "young at heart".

    I should test drive a C sometime. Is there anyone in los angeles that would let me test drive their C?
     
    #15 V8Cobrakid, Mar 29, 2012
  16. Mister MMT

    Mister MMT Active Member

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    I join the soft ride fraction. I choose a 2009 Prius 2 instead of a Yaris Hybrid, which is basically the same platform/suspension as the Prius C.

    Where I live many roads have these seems. I like the stiff riding and good handling of the Prius C/Yaris, but I hate being bumped around...

    Not that the Prius 2 is perfect though...
     
    #16 Mister MMT, Mar 29, 2012
  17. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez New Member

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    This is why Toyota now has a "The Prius Family" There hopefully will be something for everyone's tastes.
     
    #17 Kirkuleez, Mar 29, 2012
  18. p00kienrayray

    p00kienrayray Active Member

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    yea, just look up any dealers near you :cool:
     
    #18 p00kienrayray, Mar 29, 2012
  19. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I think you mean Five? Not that I know of. It's just the lower profile tyres that may impact ride quality.

    Note that all 2012 Prius models have had their suspension settings tweaked.
     
    #19 Tideland Prius, Mar 29, 2012
  20. Minnesotan

    Minnesotan Junior Member

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    #20 Minnesotan, Mar 29, 2012
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