Need information on long distances in the Prius C

The car will be fine, but no you won't get great fuel economy at those speeds. I don't know how big your SC400 is, but will the four of you + luggage be comfortable in the c?

 

Correct, I suspect there may be comfort issues, and you may only be able to pack bathing suits, but the car will do fine. With some moderation, 45 MPG should be doable at 70 MPH.

 

At 75MPH I experienced a bit of wind/road noise, but the ride itself was smooth. I averaged about 46-47 MPG at that speed.

 

Is doable at 82mph but when you set the cruise the car go up hill or over a bridge you will hear the engine roar since it lack of power. but I think you get about 36mpg doing 82mph so you be filling up about every 260 miles so you be filling up at least 8 times since it has a small gas tank.

I think the SC400 will ride better on highway.

 

Car will be fine. Big people? Lot's of luggage? Not so good.

Given miles, gas, oil, wear-and-tear, maintenance, I am not convinced that it would be cheaper than bus, or flying.

 

I see $466/person round trip for Tuesday flights I checked between LAX and Pensacola in July. $1,800 plus a rental car or transportation around the area (at the very least, a taxi/shuttle to/from the airport). I don't think that's cheaper than driving, unless they're pressed for time (i.e. taking more time off work, especially if unpaid), plus road trips are fun! Greyhound for the same dates is $900 total, and that takes two days and three transfers, and they'd still need to get to their destination from the Greyhound station, at least. The trip is 2,100 miles/29 hours without stops, but it looks like OP plans to drive in shifts and sleep in the car. Greyhound could be slightly cheaper assuming they don't need a car at their destination, but if it is, I'd personally be willing to pay a slight premium for spending 1.5 days with the freedom of my own car vs. 2 days in various Greyhound buses and stations.

 

I've done 2100+ mile road trips in my C...(and several other cars) generally I go solo but loaded down with much luggage. In your situation I'd only be concerned with luggage space for the 4 of you... the car should be fine, or at least as fine as any other new, reliable car.

& Road trips are great Happy travels.

 

Luggage for 4 is going to be rough, with only three you'd at least be able to pack a decent amount of stuff. Still, I think 4 guys might be able to do it, just make sure they pack extra light...one non-giant sized duffle each.

Mileage shouldn't be an issue, while rated at 46 freeway it can get 50+. It'll be weighed down a bit with 4, but it should still easily get in the 40's.

 

I see $466/person round trip for Tuesday flights I checked between LAX and Pensacola in July. $1,800 plus a rental car or transportation around the area (at the very least, a taxi/shuttle to/from the airport).

Yes, probably you are correct. I thought it might be a bit cheaper to fly. My bigger (unspoken) point about the cost to drive is that most people don't consider things like depreciation (probably around 0.10 per mile or over $400 for the trip), cost of tires (4500 miles is nearly 10% of the life of a set) oil changes, potential roadside assist cost (unlikely, but a risk). By my math, this road trip is going to cost nearly $1000. Some of that cost is deferred, of course, but it is just as real.

Yes, in the end, this is probably still cheaper than flying.

As an aside, I would pay a premium to leave the driving to others.

 

The thing I value the most when considering a trip like this is the value of time. Something as everyone knows, cannot be bought, earned or otherwise returned.

Other than that, you have fully evaluated and considered this proposition.

Personally, unless there are specific spots or reason to take the road trip, I would fly, train, or bus your way over to LA.

 

Given OP's scenario (college-aged, roadtrip with friends), time probably isn't that much of an issue, though I'd budget an extra day or two to stop at interesting places along the way. Roadtrips with friends are fun, but having time to make a few stops, whether planned or "ooh look at that thing!", is what really makes them worth it. If OP or friends have jobs, lost working time can be taken into account, but if they like driving they probably consider that part of their vacation, and it's better than work and ends up costing less.


Anyway, as for OP's original question, I'd lean towards taking the Lexus. The Prius C's mpg advantage really shines on city drives (like your mom's commute) and at low highway speeds. Sticking to 70-80 mpg will make your mpgs drop considerably (they'll still be pretty good given the circumstances, but not great), and I don't think the overall advantage is enough to justify putting all those miles on your mom's c. Plus, you'll have more room - the c would be enough room, but the Lexus would definitely be more comfortable. As others have mentioned, 70-80mph speeds + hills + 4 people and luggage + AC usage means the c will probably be getting high 30s-low/mid 40s. Be sure to report back to tell us which you chose and the results (speed, mpg, how much luggage, how much space you had, etc.)!

 

I'm not seeing 4 people, plus baggage for a week, plus snacks and travel items all fitting into a C and being worth the trip. Let alone for the there, and en back again after an already long week?

Cough up some more gas money.

However, if you insist, expect high to mid 30's for mpgs. Also expect a strained and buzzy ride. The C will do it, but you'd be more comforable in a larger car.

 

My wife and I did a 1500 mile road trip in my C3 last summer - no strain, no buzz, but I wouldn't have wanted two more passengers and their luggage.

 

One guy, empty car, 10 mph crosswind.

 

Average speed/temperature, and how many hills?

 

Temp 60's. Southern Iowa to Chicagoland, there are some hills. No mountains Avg 70 mph. I tried to follow something big the whole time, but didn't draft. 3 second follow. 35psi stock tires. No grill block.

 

Have fun! I'm jealous. I'm about to hit 30 y.o., and my buddies don't even have the time of day to do a road trip with me anymore (even if its just a trip to norcal over the weekend ).

Btw, rotating drivers or not, 6k miles on the road is 6k miles!