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A Pillar Blocks the View?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by Liseberg, Jul 21, 2012.

  1. Liseberg

    Liseberg New Member

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    I am interested in a Prius C.:) I went to my local dealer and had a test drive the other day. Something I found firstly was that the A-pillar on the driver's side blocked the view quite a lot, especially when you wanted to make a left turn. Does anybody have the same/similar experience? Thank you.
     
    #1 Liseberg, Jul 21, 2012
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  2. cmstlist

    cmstlist Member

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    Never really thought about it. At intersections where it's possible, I try and use the "S approach" I learned at Young Drivers of Canada... pull out into the intersection to the left, and then straighten out so that I'm parallel to the flow of traffic again.
    [​IMG]
    Notice how in this position you can see oncoming traffic without being blocked by the opposing left-turn lineup. Moreover, if an opposing vehicle rams into you in this position, you are pushed straight back into the curb which is a lot safer than being pushed diagonally backwards into traffic that will slam into you.
     
    #2 cmstlist, Jul 21, 2012
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  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    Yes. This is a minor problem with all the Prius models.

    You will need to adapt your driving style.
     
    #3 xpcman, Jul 21, 2012
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  4. south central

    south central Member

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    All the vehicles that I have driven in the last (nearly) 40 years, both large and small, have had blind spots in various areas. I'll bet that ever you are driving now probably has a blind spot or two. Once you get used to it, you don't notice that you've adapted for it. Like everything else, it's something you need to be aware of and adjust/allow for.

    Deb
     
    #4 south central, Jul 21, 2012
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  5. Emily Allerton

    Emily Allerton Junior Member

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    I have not noticed this at all...
     
    #5 Emily Allerton, Jul 21, 2012
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  6. crebble

    crebble Member

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    Yes, I once lost a jaywalker in that lovely blind spot.
     
    #6 crebble, Jul 22, 2012
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  7. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    As with anything you will get used to it and learn to adapt. Like someone said all cars in some way have a problem like this somewhere. I'm on my 3rd Prius and can see fine out of this car, now my 2000 Chrysler 300m? Talk about not being able to see out of the back window... But I still learned to deal with it.
     
    #7 Paradox, Jul 22, 2012
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  8. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Leaning forward for a secondary confirm becomes habit, just like checking the side mirror rather than relying exclusively on the rear-view mirror.
     
    #8 john1701a, Jul 22, 2012
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  9. cmstlist

    cmstlist Member

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    If you want to talk blind spots try testing out a Fiat 500. Yikes!

    Galaxy Nexus ? 2
     
    #9 cmstlist, Jul 22, 2012
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  10. Liseberg

    Liseberg New Member

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    Yes, it reminds me of my driving a Honda Fit before. I leaned forward, almost hitting my head on the windshield. LoL. J
     
    #10 Liseberg, Jul 23, 2012
  11. Liseberg

    Liseberg New Member

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    Thank you all very much for your answers. Yes, I think every car has its blind spot and what you have to do is to get used to it.

    At the same time, I am stuck in the prices. The Prius C I tested was a Three, which cost, including a $1,999 surplus fee by the dealer and other miscellaneous fees/overheads, around like $26,000 in all, while a 3Gen Prius Three had a MSRP of no more than $26,000. Do you think it is a good time to buy in a Prius C now?
     
    #11 Liseberg, Jul 23, 2012
  12. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Interesting. I've never heard of this before and never seen anyone do this.

    However, if there are no dedicated left turn lanes on both sides, this is a bad idea and you might get ticketed for blocking traffic. I did for something similar before. :( Cop claimed I violated
    V C Section 21801 Left Turn or U Turn
    . :(
     
    #12 cwerdna, Jul 23, 2012
  13. secondspassed

    secondspassed Member

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    I honestly don't know if paying $26k for a C3 is worth it, compared to getting a liftback. That's several thousand more than I paid and kind of takes it right out of the sweet spot that made it seem like such a no brainer. That said, for the same creature comforts you'll probably still be paying a couple thousand more than that for a liftback.
     
    #13 secondspassed, Jul 24, 2012
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  14. flyingcat

    flyingcat New Member

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    I also think a C is not spacious and with good view enough. Actually, I tried Yaris before and I believe the space and views are the same.
     
    #14 flyingcat, Jul 27, 2012
  15. south central

    south central Member

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    You'll probably be getting more car with the 3rdGen Prius Three, plus a little more power while not losing much mpg. The bad news is, they'll tack those pesky "fees & overheads" on to drive up the price of the 3rd Gen also.

    psst: Have you driven a 3rd Gen to be sure you like it as well? I'll bet it will have a blind spot somewhere too.
    :)
    Deb
     
    #15 south central, Jul 27, 2012
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