Well, I just got back from a quick shot up to Seattle from Los Angeles for a weekend. I was lucky to get 250 a tank and that was really discouraging! Mind you, when I'm not road tripping I don't necessarily drive my car easy. Anyways! I'm currently in a 2007 Honda Element SC, and this week I'm heading to a Toyota dealer to see what we can do to get me into a more fuel efficient vehicle. It's about time, considering I've never owned a fuel efficient car. (1998 Ford Contour, 2001 Lincoln LS, 1985 El Camino w/ a built 350, 1978 Volvo 242, 1995 Goshen Coach, and of course the Element) So, I'm looking into a Gen II Prius. I know the very first thing I'm going to do is coilovers and find the right wheels for it. But, past that I don't know what to look for. Anything I really need to look for?
^^ i would get a Gen III prius. Better gas mileage, bigger interior, looks nicer, and maintenance costs are not as high.
You might want to take a look at the Gen II forums, there is a subforum for modifications. You'll probably get all sorts of good ideas from that arena (plus meet a bunch of Gen II owners who are interested in Mods as well, who can guide you along).
If you go w/large (and wider) wheels, you'll likely incur a mileage penalty. If you're really going to go 2nd gen, the USA portion of https://priuschat.com/forums/knowle...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html might help. I'd go with an 06 or newer as many changes were made starting that year. Earlier ones w/the old MFD had some issues (see Prius MFD, http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...bleshooting/33923-mfd-issues-04-05-prius.html and Luscious Garage | Blog | Gen 2 Prius MFD Screen Repair, $500). To set your fuel economy expectations, here's was CR got on the 2nd gen: ConsumerReports.org - Most fuel-efficient cars 3rd gen: Most fuel-efficient cars Best & worst cars review, best city/highway mpg Best & worst cars review, fuel-efficient vehicles - you can see the Element got 14/29, 21 overall (25 mpg in their 150 mile trip), in their tests. I checked and that was from their review of an 07. If you can afford and prefer to buy new, I would go w/a 3rd gen. It's an overall better car.
Nice Element...Just traded our 2010 Element EX 4X4 for a Prius IV, good luck with the hunt, the car drives like a Dream
I really liked the look of the Honda Element and looked at one before I chose Prius, but the low gas mileage put me off. You will love your Prius, it just takes a little getting used to the lower ground clearance, and having to get gas less often
We just got my dad a 2010 Element EX 2wd...he loves it!! Mileage is on the low end for a miniSUV, but it is so useful!! My father loves it. Good luck in the hunt.
Do you want maximum fuel economy, or minimum total cost of ownership? They usually have different answers.
i just made my first test drive on a new gen III prius...i have been planning on getting one for quite awhile... my wife rode in the back seat and wasn't impressed with the ride. any comments? also, how many miles do you need to drive before you get the top 48-51 mpg? any comments on good or unnecessary accessories? i use a garmin 360 gps, and wonder if the toyota built-in is worth the extra money.... also, when i have my sunglasses on, it is difficult to read the digital gauges way up on the dash.. I WILL BUY A PRIUS, BUT JUST TRYING TO PICK SOME OF YOUR BRAINS REGARDING ALL THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVES.....THANKS FOR ANY INPUT..
BT strengthening brace (The 3G Prius has a stronger brace but the 2G one is not as stiff as some people would like it to be). Maybe a front strut tower brace? That should do the trick...
