I've just put down the deposit for a 2008 Prius Spirit. I'm picking it up tomorrow after work. It feels comfortable and I'm looking forward to using it. My only concern is that during my short test drive I averaged 35MPG (29MPG US). My current car is a Renault Clio where I am averaging 70MPG. I'm not expecting the Prius to manage that much but I do hope for over 60. It could be that the engine was cold. I could have walked away, but it's already lost most of it's value so if I sell it on in a year then there should be no great loss.
For sure it was the reason. My every day first kilometers after the initial warm up are also gas consuming. Later it is only better an better. Especially when you adjust yourself to the hybrid style of driving. Have fun ! Which colour?
Just picked it up and driven home. Not the most fun to drive; but it was comfortable. My old Renault Diesel Clio achieved 72.2MPG on the way there on a journey of 27 miles through rush hour traffic. My Prius got 59.7MPG (49.7 US) on the way back. Most of the journey is Motorway driving (70 MPH). I think I'm going to have to get used to filling up more often!
Some counter-intuitive advice: accelerate somewhat briskly. New owners often obsess about trying to drive it in electric mode on initial takeoff and on slower roads. In fact you want to minimize battery use as much as you can, since it all comes from burning petrol in the big picture. Deposits and withdrawals with the battery introduce inefficiencies. Where you'll get the most gain is in coasting, gliding and slowing gently enough to minimize the energy that goes to the brake pads. You will definitely find that 60 mph on the motorway is much more frugal than 65 mph and, in turn, than 70 mph. Enjoy the journey and try not to get distracted.
Best to you in your new car. This video is a Great investment of your time on getting the most MPG out of your Prius. It is a short video YouTube
Not sure about over there, but Diesel is priced a bit higher in the States. Financially speaking, 10 mpg's would probably be a wash.
Diesel is old technology that will be replaced by EV. Diesel is akin to the horse and buggy when the Model T (EV) races right by.
Diesel is £1.38/litre, Petrol is £1.33/litre so there isn't a great deal of difference. My long term average in the Clio was 67MPG which works out at £9.27 per 100 miles Assuming that the Prius achieves an average of 58MPG (60 on motorways, 55 around town) then it works out at £10.32 per 100 miles. However, it is a much bigger car and so that is worth something. As for Diesel being old; that Clio was 11 years old and the engine was still good after 142k miles. It was the suspension and AirCon that were failing that meant I traded it in. I think I'll stick with this for at least a few months; I got a good price anyway and so if I want to PX for something else I should get a good price. I paid £5900 for an 08 Spirit with 67k miles on the clock which I think is a good price.
I should add that I've always been interested in the Prius and before that the original Honda Insight. I knew that it would cost more to run but I was intrigued about what it was like to own/drive one on a long term basis.
Very true. the old Clio emitted 109g/km, the Prius 104g/km.that is the difference of the CO2 emitted to produce a 32.5 bag of Crisps (Chips) every 10 miles. In the UK our road tax is based on the amount of CO2 our cars emit per km which is why I have these figures to hand. And the crisps because it gets printed on the side of a packet of Walkers crisps. Another thing, a Hybrid is much better for those walking around town. When stationary in traffic I'm not belching out all sorts of emissions. It shouldn't be emitting anything. That is worth something.
Yes somewhat. Yes it reduces the Greenhouse effect. Without the solar the car interior can be considerably hotter inside than the outside. The Prius Solar Feature can reduce the heat inside. However if you hit the A/C button or if you have remote start dealer option you can start the car with the A/C on up to 5 minutes before you enter. The other option is just leave the windows open. I purchased to get a little sun from above. It's a nice option but they want a Fortune for it. You also get the HUD which is a novelty after awhile you don't notice it's there. If you ask me they should make the Leather Seats real Leather. That imitation leather my clothes stick to it on a warm day. Just me I guess. If you got the roof good deal, if not your not missing much. I almost purchased a Mini Cooper S convertible. Now if you ask me that has a much better solar roof. Now not much difference in the CO2 emissions between the Clio and the Prius. Thought it would be more.
