Hello everyone I have been lurking on this forum for a while considering purchasing a Prius C preferably the model 3. I currently drive a 2011 Toyota Rav4 and I find myself filling up on gas a lot especially because I drive 75% miles in the city (I get 22mpg combined). I drive about 30-50 miles a day and spend about a tank of gas per week ~40$. So the 50mpg Prius came to my attention and I was wondering if the Prius C would be a better option considering it does better in city driving situations. The Prius C is also attractive because it qualifies for the green pass ezpass here which can reduce tolls from 7.50 offpeak to 4.00 offpeak so I can save money on tolls and gas. My only concern is that I've never really driven any hybrids except for a rental Honda Insight. So guys convince me to buy the Prius C. Why do you love/like/hate your car? Thanks everyone look forward to your responses.
I kinda doubt we can convince you either way. That will be your decision to make. You have been reading here for a while so I think you already know that almost everyone here is happy with their purchase. Since you have a fairly new car you may want to wait a while before trading. Or, you may be like me, just want to buy one outright and keep what you have. I drove one hybrid, Prius C, on Monday. Thursday I bought one, from another dealer who really wanted to sell me the only one he had. Nice small car. Plenty of room for a couple of kids in back. I am 5'9" and I can ride in the back seat with no problem. Anyway, you know the pros and cons from hanging out here. Let us know which one you buy. Dan
Go test drive one and see for yourself. That's the best advice I can think of. You'll find out first hand if you like the size, like the feel, style, character, and driving experience.
A test drive is highly recommended. The car is small and acceleration is not great, but the fuel economy is awesome. If you can find a way to do 100% city driving, you could get over 50mpg.
I have a 2007 rav 4 and a prius c 4. Our rav is a v6 and gets around 25 mpg . Our c gets around 51 over the same types roads...back roads/freeway. Hardly ever what I would consider city...We don't hyper mile and always run with the flow of traffic. Our 5200 mile average is 51.3...I am very happy with that. Of course the v6 rav is a lot faster then the Prius, but the c does fine. You probably won't win too many drag races, but you will pass a lot of gas stations. We did look at the Prius lift back, but my wife could not handle the large center console. Good luck in your search.
If you purchase the C because you want great gas mileage you'll love it. It's sporty looking, and the sunroof is a fun factor option, but don't set your expectations to high for high powered starts. I am very happy with my C-3 and average 50 plus mpg. Best of luck!
I traded in a BMW 328xi that had a lousy ride and got 25 mpg. It was fast but unpleasant - not the ultimate driving machine I'd had with other BMW's. I bought the C because I took it for a test drive and found it was fast enough more comfortable than the BMW and very unique. Have been consistently pleased with everything about the C and am getting 63-68 mpg when I stay off the expressway on trips over 12 miles which just boggles my mind.
Not talking about hyper-miling. What do you get with your III around town? Not challenging you ProximaSuns - just curious.
If a roughly 25% increase in price for a similarly equipped model is "not much more" to you, then I would agree with your statement. The whole point, though, is to appeal to a less well off segment of the population.
Wow thanks for the replies everyone. I plan on keeping the Rav4 as its good for the space/cargo room and the car is nearly paid off. I'll head out to the dealerships when I'm free to go and sit in one and test drive to see if its for me.
I have a C3 and love it. I came from a small SUV and if I had to pick one of the many things I love about my C- it would be the smile I get when I get to pass all of those gas stations that I used to have to stop at each week! Well over 400 miles per tank and between $28-32 to fill up? Sold! (plus I really love the look of the C so much better than the regular Prius!)
Base Prius C and Prius III Prius C $20,240 Prius III $22,760 This showing actual cars available for sale by dealers using Cars.com. 10% difference but much more car with Prius III.
you can't replace the Rav 4 with a Prius, unless ALL the things you considered when you bought the Rav 4 are no longer valid. i have a 2011 Prius Four ( 3rd Gen), bought it before the C came out. the Prius is what i drive 4-5 times a week for work. it's pretty good in LA traffic. for everything else, i drive the RX 350 or the Range Rover. i have learned to accept the limitations of each vehicle. And i'm happy! in your case, i don't think purchasing a new car can be justified with the savings from the pump. you'll still save more if you just keep your Rav4 with average mpgs vs buying a new car/ increase in auto insurance etc.
I just hate the split rear windshield and the Prius liftback seats, which I personally find uncomfortable. I'm not sure I don't like the C more than the Liftback anyway, even with the lower horsepower.
it's a matter of taste. BUT the price of the C makes it more attractive to most people. You'll get the same/even better milage than the liftback without breaking the bank.
