If my Prius v holds out as long as my last car, 15 years... I might get another car, but in 15 years time, I think there will be a lot more options than the Prius.
My 2005 turns 100,000 miles today. Last week the screen showed 50 MPG so I'm a happy camper. However, I am shopping for a 2012 this week and CANNOT believe they made the center console and controls so BIG. What a waste of space. Why is the shifter now front and center. The '05 had it in a nice out of the way spot. A big improvement, though, is the material on the dash and glove box. That was so chintzy in the '05. Have to do more research on the extra three buttons to boost performance (EV, etc.) The Prius 2 model I test drove had no dimming mirror or Homelink and I want that again.
The "flying buttress" console takes a bit of getting used to. It's a bit strange. But I don't really like the console on any of the 2012 models (hatchback, C, v). This one does have some features that I like, such as having the USB port inside the console, where my iPod can remain hidden. It does have the feel of getting into a cockpit. My son described it as "Star Trek-ish." You'll need at least a Prius Four model to get the auto-dimming mirror. That was also a deciding factor for me. Be prepared that you may not like the nav system as well as the one in your 2005. There are two systems available on the Four: The "Display Audio" system that comes with the standard Four; and the "Premium HDD" nav that comes with the solar sunroof package. Give them both a test drive. "EV" runs on the electric motor only, although the ICE will come on in certain circumstances. "ECO" makes the accelerator pedal less responsive than in normal mode, so you are forced to start slower. It also, I think, limits the air conditioner. "PWR" makes the accelerator pedal more responsive than in normal mode, so you can start faster. There are many threads here about the pros and cons of each. I usually just put it in normal, unless I'm getting on a freeway. Then I shift to PWR.
I've often wondered how many tens-of-thousands of gallons of gas are wasted nation-wide every DAY by traditional ICE vehicles sitting in drive through lanes! 15 years? I can certainly appreciate holding on to such a major purchase for such a long time IF it continues to be safe / running well / meeting your needs, but there will probably be dozens of additional, viable options within three!
Another Prius, No. Another Hybrid, yes and probably a Toyota or Lexus. Why? Because I miss not having a trunk.
I would not buy another Prius, no. I can not drive two cars at once. I do plan to replace my current Prius with a PIP v, when I need to.
Some kids are probably in the near future for my wife and I. So by the time we need a new vehicle I'm hoping there will be electric or at least hybrid minivans. (Looking at you, Sienna)
I'm 58 years old. I've owned a lot of cars. I would absolutely buy another Prius. My next one will be a Prius v. when I replace my 2010 hatchback, I will get a PIP.
After driving my gen II for the first year, I vowed that I would never buy a non-hybrid car in the future. It was a major factor on buying the gen III as my taxi. Now that the c has been released here in Australia, my wife is keen to trade the gen II in for a c, so we will definitely be staying in the Prius family for the near future.
When/if it is time to get rid of the Prius we will get what the highest mpg in town car is....period.
This is our third Prius purchase in our family. We had a 2005 Dessert Sand six with 125000 carefree miles needing only tires and their rotation, oil / filters and wiper blades. We purchased our 2011 Ribbon Blue two in August of 2011 and our most recent purchase of our 2012 Pruis v three in Blizzard Pearl have both been a pleasure to drive. Our plan is to become less dependent of foreign oil, produce less green house gasses and be more responsible citizens one Prius at a time.
As a sailor I love moving around on the free power of the wind so naturally I've been a fan of this technology for years. Toyota positively nailed it with the first gen Prius. To have very little teething problems right out of the gate is quite amazing considering the giant step in complexity! Are you listening ... all computer related companies? Finally got our first Prius just a few days ago. Never going to line the pockets of Saudi millionaires again.... yes I'll buy another.
Seeing as this is my 2nd one in the last 5 years after dipping my feet in the "sports coupe/convertible" market, I would buy another.
I think the liftback is basically a perfect car in terms of practicality and economy. I envision only four situations where I would get a different car: -if I could charge daily and had more $$ I would get a PHEV (PiP or Volt) -if I had more $$ (but couldn't charge) I would get a ct200h -if I had less $$ I would get a prius c -if I had way less $$ I would get a 60k fit/civic/whatever and be super miserable when my engine doesn't shut off while stopped or coasting
