Prius C questions

Get the c, do it do it do it!

I perused your thread from last year, from before the release of the c. You sounded quite interested in the regular Prius at the time. Given that mileage is your main concern, you really can't beat the c, unless you splurge on a plug-in. And now that the c is out, it's much easier to afford a Prius, and with better features than you might get on a used one at the same price. (I was looking at used liftbacks right before the c came out--I was pretty much immediately sold.) Have you driven a hybrid before? That's definitely one of the first things you want to do because it is a very different driving experience.

With that said, I don't know anything about those other cars, so I can't help with the comparison shopping. Lots of people here seem to have a pretty wide knowledge of cars, though, so I'm sure some folks will pop in with info on those.

Did you ever try to file a lemon lawsuit on your clunker?

 

I just came out of a Ford too, although mine was a 2001 (purchased in 2009). I had enough troubles with it that I didn't feel like I could rely on it, but that makes a little more sense than when it happens in a brand new one. (Though I expect/hope my c will still be trouble free at that point).

 

We've had our Prius for just under four years and could not be happier. When the C was announced it wasn't a matter if if but when and by year's end we'll be buying. Although Kenny drives the Prius "harder" than I do, treating it much like a "normal" car, I tend to hyper-mile and squeeze every mpg. As far as reliability? We just replaced a headlight bulb, the only wear part to give up. Other than routine maintenance including oil changes, we have not had to do a thing, which is great! Although I still haven't driven the C, I know exactly what we'll be ordering and will be happy when it arrives!

 

Forget the Chevy Cruze if you want reliable. Its reliability is horrific. It got the dubious distinction of having the worst reliability (much worse than average) of small cars in Consumer Reports. Google for site:consumerreports.org cruze worse than average reliability and site:consumerreports.org cruze below average reliability or pick up a Consumer Reports (not some other random publication w/"Consumer" in the title") auto buying guide at a newsstand for the details.

I remember reading some complaints about the ride of the Prius c. You should consider the regular Prius (aka liftback) as well.

The most fuel-efficient cars and Best & worst cars review, fuel-efficient vehicles should help.

If you're willing to consider used, Most fuel-efficient cars has the figures for 2nd gen (04-09) Priuses.

I would NOT buy any Honda hybrid, BTW.

I don't think you'll find the Prius liftback to have a lack of power vs. your Fiesta. See http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/01/fuel-economy-vs-performance/index.htm.

It is available in both but the automatic takes an FE hit. See Compare Cars Side-by-Side

 

Prius c - Comfort - You might want the non-50 series tiire for a better ride and better turn radius. Or, keep to an under 40 psi inflation with the 50's.

Reliability should be excellent.

Mpgs are very good with the c. My last tanks have been 48, 49, and 52 mpgs. I don't go crazy trying to break any records and am not a hazard to navigation. YMMV.

I'm pleased with the purchase.

 

Don't just focus on highway EPA ratings. It's rated at 31 mpg combined. It should be illegal to only advertise the highest number. It should be combined or all 3, in equal prominence.

GM still keeps advertising that they have x (I believe 10+) models w/EPA highway mileage ratings of 30+ mpg. What are they in combined mileage? Almost all are low 30s at best and mid-20s for most. They also pull shenanigans like http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...ord-100-000-sales-30-mpg-better-vehicles.html.

http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...sales-30-mpg-better-vehicles.html#post1515738 and http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...y-40-mpg-highway-competition.html#post1485112 has some ratings but doesn't show the details of which systems have the most problems.

 

Well, my mother almost completely refuses to drive on the freeway. She's says it's "too fast", "makes her dizzy", etc. So, w/her car in her hands, I wouldn't be surprised if her 07 NAH has seen <100 miles on the freeway, ever. I've driven it on the freeway, just not her.

Yeah, the picking the highest number (always highway on non-hybrids) to advertise is very common amongst "40 mpg" cars. Here are some more shenanigans by the "Big 3":
http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...s-grab-headlines-miss-mark-2.html#post1407613
http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...s-grab-headlines-miss-mark-2.html#post1408257
Ford Introduces Gas-Free Focus Electric with 100+ MPGe Expected; Nearly a Third of Lineup Now Offers 40-mpg Model | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

Then we have the press picking up on the "40 mpg" (highway) nonsense:
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...cnbc-has-interest-in-hybrids-run-out-gas.html

 

Drivegreen82,
My husband and I both bought C's a couple of weeks ago. He traded in a '08 Prius that we had 90K miles on (had 20K on it when he got it used a couple of years ago). The '08 had great pick up, and worked a little too well with my lead foot. In fact I got my first ticket in 30 years. I was significantly over the speed limit and didn't even realize it. (If I'm at 80 in my jeep I know it.) The C's do not have the same pick up but I'm very happy with the purchase. The display placement of ECO/mpg has changed my driving style without thinking about it. Which is good for my mpg average and my insurance costs I put about 350 mile per week on the car and hubby does about 600 a week on his.
We never had any issues with our '08 and expect the same performance with our C's.
There are a lot of Prii at my base due to our distance from town, once people have them they love them. I have never heard anyone say they were sorry.
Good luck

 

There was a Federal tax credit on hybrids, but it ended long ago. Hybrids are selling w/o the credits, so it seems there isn't much of a need anymore.

The worst part is that a combination of more fuel efficient cars and people driving less == less gas tax revenue, and thus we're essentially blamed for this shortfall. So, I wouldn't count on any incentives for (non-plug in) hybrids ever coming back.