Hello, (Sorry if this is not the best forum for this post) I spend a lot of time on the freeway commuting to work in my aging Honda Accord. I'm seriously thinking of buying a Prius to cut down on my gas expenses. I am hoping to have the following Prius-related questions answered: Should I wait for the 2006 model? Is the maintenance on a Prius costly? Should I expect to put my name on a waiting list? (I live in Northen California) Should I expect to pay the MSRP (or more) price? Thanks -Adrian
Up to you. Probably easier to get an '05 right now since lots are waiting for the '06 and for Jan. 1st to get the $3200 tax credit that you'd be eligible for. But buying now might be easier to get MSRP and with a shorter wait. It really depends upon how far you're willing to go to find a car, what features you want, etc. No, probably less than a conventional car. No special maintainence until 100k miles. See above. Be sure to look outside your immediate area if demand is high where you are or dealers are routinely asking over MSRP or insisting you pay for unwanted add-ons. You should not expect to get a Prius for under MSRP--it happens, but is very rare.
Q: What would you estimate your yearly mileage to be, and 2., how long do you anticipate keeping the Prius?
I drive 80 to 100 miles per day (mostly freeway). I know that the Prius is not as fuel efficient on freeway driving as in the city driving but it's probably much better than a 4-cyl honda accord or civic. I tend to drive cars until they pretty much expire. What happens at 100Kmiles? Any maintenance that is unique to the Prius? Thanks -A
Actually mileage is better for most people on the freeway. It seems to be only the EPA's screwy tests that say city mileage is better. I drive about forty miles a day (mostly on the freeway in heavy traffic) and am getting around 50 mpg. If traffic were lighter I'd be getting even better than that.
You can go to http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-maintain04.htm to see what the suggested maintenance shedule is.
I drive 100miles round trip commute 90% highway. I had numbers of tanks average over 60MPG during my summer commute. EPA test is really unrealistic.
I also drive about 100 miles round drip commute and also 90% highway. I also get around 60mpg in the summer.
What's yoru commute? We drive 120miles R/T a day (Santa Cruz to South of Carmel). Car was bought in May and we're already at 17,000miles. Let's see, we waited two weeks for ours because we wanted black, although Santa Toyota almost always has one or two silver on hand. We paid MSRP (no hassle). We average about 48-50mpg and I've changed the oil 3 times thus far with Mobile-1 ($5 per filter, $15 in oil each time). --GD
I'm also in the Bay Area. I have my order in at 101 Toyota for a 2006 (w/Bob Romeo). With your commute, you may want to try to get a Prius ASAP to insure you get the commuter stickers. I sure would if I had to drive 101 in commute traffci. (I live close enough to walk to my job in Santa Clara.) Expect to pay MSRP at most Bay Area dealers, including 101 Toyota.
Toyota recommends the 87 octane. Don't put premium into the tank. The only thing that it does for you is lighten your wallet and put added stress on the emissions equipment.
In case you didn't know you don't have to buy it in California. All Prius sold in the U.S. meet California emission control standards (exceed actually). So if you can get a better price in Oregon or Nevada, or anywhere you are willing to travel to, go for it. I don't think you should have to pay more than MSRP, I don't think you will pay much less either. Don't let them (the dealer) add a bunch of port or dealer options on if you don't want them, some will try. I took the expensive floor mats ($170 I think) but that was all.
While you are correct on the emissions standards part, you neglect to take into consideration that Prius automobiles purchased in California come with a longer warranty on all components affecting emissions which include the hybrid system.
Did they promise a firm delivery date and price? Did they already have a detailed list of the options available? Thanks
