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First Impressions of a Four

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by HprDad, Sep 25, 2012.

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  1. HprDad

    HprDad Junior Member

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    Deciding whether to get a Two or a Four? Here are my initial impressions of the Four, after strongly considering a Two due to the price difference, and my budget. Just 100 miles so far on a new Blizzard White Pearl.

    The primary motivation to purchase a Four over a Two, for me, was the seats (thanks to test drives and the wealth of reports here); Second was the JBL; The rest was gravy or don't cares. The price difference was a tough nut to swallow, but I don't have the time or desire to mod the thing, just want to drive it.

    This car has put the fun back in driving (after driving a '02 Civic for 10 years, and an '87 RX-7 before that). The seats are *very* comfortable, and I'm picky about seats. The JBL is a pleasure to listen to; I'm no audiophile, but do appreciate good sound; It's a significant improvement over the base system, which in turn was an improvement over the Civic (can you say "tape deck"?). The best thing about this car, though, is the impressive hybrid technology. I am just amazed by how smooth it transitions. After driving stick for most of my life, I figured I'd miss the feedback of a tach, clutch, etc; Well, I probably will at some point, but the "Hybrid System Indicator" is fantastic feedback; I didn't really expect that!

    The only complaint so far - the auto-dimming mirror doesn't dim enough. I'll have to look into solutions for that if it continues to be annoying.

    This car's a winner!
     
    #1 HprDad, Sep 25, 2012
    dmvp likes this.
  2. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    I actually refer to it as the "non-auto-dimming mirror" on my 2012 Five.
    The path of the mirror's rear facing light sensor is partially blocked due to it's placement in the mirror and the split rear window design of the standard Prius. Unfortunately this results in non-dimming of the "auto-dimming" mirror in many cases.
    I hardly ever have to drive at night- but when I do have to (like last night)- I'm constantly blinded from the lights of trailing cars reflecting in the rear view mirror. I would replace the "auto-dimming" mirror in a heartbeat if there was an off the shelf replacement available.

    The mirror issue not withstanding- I have had rattle issues that I'm slowly working through. Other than these concerns- the rest of the car is brilliant!
     
    #2 ny_rob, Sep 25, 2012
  3. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride!
     
    #3 spiderman, Sep 25, 2012
  4. PruisAz

    PruisAz Member

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    Go with the Four. Once you buy the car, you will never have any doubts that you should have done it.... You will have to stick with the car you buy for the next @five years. I just brought a Prius Two and the decision was based on economics and I'm happy with it three weeks later.

    I used to have a 86' Mazda RX7 unlimited. Loved it!
     
    #4 PruisAz, Sep 25, 2012
  5. gnr5

    gnr5 New Member

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    Is JBL and HUD standard on the Four?
     
    #5 gnr5, Sep 27, 2012
  6. HprDad

    HprDad Junior Member

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    JBL yes, HUD no.
     
    #6 HprDad, Sep 27, 2012
  7. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Congrats--enjoy.

    What's the difference in the seats? Lumbar?
     
    #7 stream, Sep 27, 2012
  8. HprDad

    HprDad Junior Member

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    8-Way Power and Heated Seats with power lumbar. SofTex synthetic "leather" (though I could take or leave this).
     
    #8 HprDad, Sep 27, 2012
  9. rpg51

    rpg51 Member

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    I love my Four. Very nice automobile. Yes, you can refer to it as an automobile, as opposed to a car. Satisfies the 1%er in me.
     
    #9 rpg51, Sep 27, 2012
  10. Big Steve

    Big Steve ramblin wreck

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    I have the four w/solar. I don't remember which gave me the HUD but I love it!
     
    #10 Big Steve, Sep 27, 2012
  11. jenzfc

    jenzfc Junior Member

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    I have the four with solar package, HUD, etc... I love it!!!!
    U should get the four, its very luxurious. Huge difference.
     
    #11 jenzfc, Sep 28, 2012
  12. jenzfc

    jenzfc Junior Member

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    I have the four with solar package, HUD, etc... I love it!!!!
    U should get the four, its very luxurious. Huge difference.
     
    #12 jenzfc, Sep 28, 2012
  13. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    no one mentioned it yet. but its only power, heated seat for the driver only!!
     
    #13 wotcher, Sep 28, 2012
  14. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    Just to be 100% clear- The driver seat is heated and powered, the passenger seat is heated, but not powered.
     
    #14 ny_rob, Sep 28, 2012
  15. smokiejoe

    smokiejoe Member

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    Lower Lumbar, and Heated Leather Seats made my decision for the 2011 Four. Keeps my lower back from acting up. While the dimming mirror could be better, it does work okay.
     
    #15 smokiejoe, Sep 28, 2012
  16. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    with the 100+f days of socal, i havent had the opportunity to use them.
     
    #16 wotcher, Sep 28, 2012
  17. Jerry Mcl

    Jerry Mcl Junior Member

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    Used my heated seats for the first time today (39 degrees this morning in Boston)....Never had heated seats but will never have a car without them now!!!!!! Only wish they had a hi or low setting.
     
    #17 Jerry Mcl, Oct 13, 2012
  18. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Your fuel economy will suffer! ;)
     
    #18 spiderman, Oct 13, 2012
  19. goddess prii

    goddess prii Member

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    Not sure if I need a "bun" warmer in GA?:confused:
     
    #19 goddess prii, Oct 13, 2012
    WE0H likes this.
  20. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    I haven't noticed a hit when using the seats. Warming your torso is more efficient than warming the entire cabin patyicularly in that first 5 minutes. Of course my neighborhood is a tad warmer than yours.
     
    #20 JimN, Oct 13, 2012
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