Hi guys, im in the process of selling my motorcycle for something with 4 doors, a roof and gets great mileage! My wife and I know we want a prius, but i have some questions i cant find by searching! Ive been looking at carmax for a used prius. According to their sight, 2006-2007 shows gas mileage 61/55, and the newer ones 2009-2010 are only showing 55/48 What is the differance between the newer ones and older ones? To me, it looks like i should go with an 06/07. But while reading the forums, it looks like the 10's get the best mileage, so im a bit stumped! Any extra info would be appreciated!! Frank
The test showing 61/55 mpg was taken during the 55 mph freeway speed limit; more recent fuel use figures were taken with the 65 mph limit in place. A better example would consider the second generation Prius: about 50 mpg city and 45 mpg highway while the current model would be about 60 mpg city/55 highway. My "real world" numbers are 45 mpg average for gen II, and 50 mpg for gen III. For purposes of comparison, my Honda ST1300 motorcycle averages on the freeway between 40 and 45 mpg. Marshal
My '03 SV650S gets 50-55mpg... beats my Prius by a hair...except 0-60mph... 3.5 seconds vs what feels like an eternity. Anyway, answering your question... my old '05 got 45mpg with 75/25 (freeway/city) with AC. My friend's '06 got 54mpg with the same driving style. My '10 is currently getting 50-51mpg with 75/25. So yes, it's very possible to get the same or better MPG with the 06/07...just don't get the 04/05, the screen graphics aren't as pretty...
How tall are you? You should also be aware that for a taller driver (anywhere near 6"0) there are a number of drawbacks to the Gen II Prius, including a rearview mirror that's positioned just so to block your ability to see the road to the side (blocks the view of cars to your right at an intersection - you can flip the mirror upside but while an improvement it can still be difficult), a seat that's installed to high (apparently they designed if for someone who's about 5"6), and a front seat that doesn't go back far enough for taller drivers (this isn't a problem for me personally as I have a long torso but shorter legs, but others have found it a problem). Just sayin' - a lot of these issues have been fixed in the 2010 model. Wish I had known before I bought mine.
Frank, the late 2nd Gen (2006-2009) cars are identical. Over the years some of the options were repackaged. The EPA changed their testing & all the cars from the prior years received adjusted (downward) ratings. The 2010 is a different car. Whether or not it is "better" depends on what you want. Prius' fuel economy is all over the place. It is very dependant on the climate, terain, route and the driver.
Im about 5'11". I did test drive a 2nd gen, 07 and found no visibility problems. My bike gets only 25mpg, its VERY thirsty, lol. Its a harley night rod special. Thanks for the input so far, it may be the 06/07 year i go with! Frank
I'm 6'0" and find myself more comfortable in the '10 than '05. The seat "shape" is somewhat similar, nothing drastic like a recaro. However, I do find a big improvement in top head room, rear visibility (somehow better in the '10) and i love how you can now actually move the seat UP/DOWN instead of just front/back. Anyway, the interior IMO is much better in the '10... so I recommend that over the '06-09 UNLESS you have a budget and that's all you could afford. Either way, honestly, MPG's are very similar...all comes down to what you can afford and like...
Lol, that's pretty amusing...not often someone goes from a motorcycle **to** a car to get better mileage!
