Hi all, I am a newbie to this forum, but I have a question that may make or break my descision to own a Prius, as much as I love the car. I live about 1 to 1.5 miles off the main road on a limerock (unpaved) barely maintained road. As a result my cars have always been trucks or SUVs, but the tree-hugger in me loves the idea of the Prius. So here's the questions... Will the higher levels of road dust harm the vehicle in any way? What about the limerock roads (with potholes)? How's the suspension on the Prius? Thanks for all your help! Tina
The Prius is still a small car with a bit bumpy ride compared to other cars I have owned...I probably wouldn't buy a Prius under the circumstances you list. Heavy suspension high off the ground vehicle sounds good...or move to town.
I completely disagree with Stan. I live on a limerock road, albeit only one about 1/3rd mile long and without too many potholes. As long as the road isn't severely rutted and that road to and from the main drag is the only 'rugged' driving you do then the Prius should be just fine. The dust won't hurt it any more than any other car. It may be a little hard on the paint along the bottom with rocks kicking up on it, but I definately wouldn't let the road issue alone break your decision to buy. Solicit the county to pave your road!!
The Prius has a somewhat lower ground clearance compared to most comparably sized sedans. If your road is pitted, you might consider waiting for the Highlander hybrid to become available.
The roads I drive here in Hoboken, Weehawken, and elsewhere in NJ have sometimes been rather hairy, especially after this last winter. I've had no issues in my Classic, and would not expect any with the newer one either. If you're going off-road however wait for the Lexus or the Highlander.
My drive includes 2 miles of caliche road and I have no problem. I get my best mileage on this road coming home. Ray
but if you really want the prius, get mud flaps and invinca for paint protection :wink: if you think height and suspension are an issue... put in your order for the Hybrid Highlander or Lexus 400h and get either of those instead!
Would recommend a paint protection film package from xpel, 3M or invinca-shield. This material is crystal clear and will protect your car from various chips, dents, pings, etc. It can be applied to just about any painted surface of any shape or location.
Hi guys! Thanks for all the replies... On to my next question.. Do I have to go on the wait list for a Prius or can I just walk into a dealer and say "I'll take it?" Seems to me that Toyota should have prepared more for the popularity of this little car!
Consensus seems to be that if you make a LOT of phone calls (particularly if you live outside a major metro area), you can probably find one on a lot somewhere to buy. However, that lot might be 1000 miles away. Otherwise, waiting list. I suspect that the 2005's will be out before a new addition to a waiting list gets his 2004.
You can walk into a dealer, put down $500-1000 and then wait six months to a year for your Prius. ...or you can be fanatical about trying to find one (in any state) and get one in about 3-4 months.
I think the 3-4 month thing is a bit pessimistic - I started making phone calls on my lunch hour and had mine within three weeks, Montana to Florida, and that was only about 6 weeks ago (that I started looking - I've had Hedwig for three weeks.)
