Prius drops from 3rd to 9th place in UK satisfaction survey 2013

Last year I remember reporting that the Prius was rated in the top 3 of UK JD Power driver satisfaction survey of 2012.

Well how things have changed in a year. The Prius has dropped from 3rd place to 9th, behind cars such as VW's Passat and two Skodas. Even Mercedes and Citroen models rated higher than Toyotas only top 10 placing.

JD Power survey 2013 - Overall results - What Car?

Not just that, but Toyota dealers have dropped from 6th to 8th place behind Jaguar, Land Rover and Mercedes.

Now these surveys are always taken with a small pinch of salt BUT I do remember last year we all reveled in the positive news, so what has caused UK drivers to fall slightly out of favour with both Toyota and especially the Prius? It can't just be me unhappy with the car by the look of it.

 

Is a satisfaction survey not just a reliability survey. But saying that, the fact that ANY Citroen is up there is a big surprise. Maybe they're finally doing something about their previously horrific reliability. It appears they must be.

It always used to be Honda and Toyota being neck and neck, but no more. Maybe that member on here who sold his Prius and bought an Insight is ahead of the pack?

One thing for our US members to note - Chevrolet (who are relatively new to the UK market) have come BOTTOM of the survey. That's behind Peugeot and Renault so doesn't bode well.

 

And that may be true in the US but this article was about the UK market where the Prius is very expensive compared to the market segment. The price here hasn't gone down, it's gone UP.

Sure we get the Yaris hybrid and whilst cheaper than the Prius, it is still expensive for a small car - actually about the same as the low end of the Prius segment cars.

There is little hybrid competition. Toyota UK see hybrids in the same way the US market sees diesels - they load them up and sell them at a premium. The Yaris hybrid is the top end model. Why not make a low spec version and sell it for less?

 

I stand corrected. Quote a glowing report considering What Car just love the VW group.

I wonder what the stalling issues with the Prius are though! Mine tried to cut out when the EGR valve was failing. I wonder if there's a 'problem' that hasn't been reported on this forum. Weird that an automatic hybird stalls.

Owners also reported some of the fewest engine problems in class, although there were some stalling incidents. Gripes mostly concerned excessive condensation, and the CD player and radio. Happily, though, the battery could be relied upon.

 

Yes.

I believe the vat rate in Ireland is 23% whereas here in the UK it's 20%. It helps pay for the healthcare system in both countries (separately of course). But then we also get taxed more than the US, have compulsory national insurance payments deducted for the healthcare system in addition to tax, have ridiculous tax on petrol and diesel etc. I think Irelands tax is very similar to the UKs.

Would still rather have the free/much reduced cost health care system. Haven't got two pennies to rub together at the moment, yet know at least I have access to medical services if needed.

 

I have and I know EXACTLY why they're bottom. Total rotten rubbish.

But if I recall, they're pulling out of the UK due to poor sales. Yet another US manufacturer that thinks they can make some money selling RHD cars, come for a few years, don't make any money and pull out. As Clarkson said one of the Chrysler/Dodge Neon "This is clearly a car made to the lowest tender". I think that sums it up.

Chevrolet pullback in Europe will end Opel, Vauxhall overlap