Buying a Prius c

I like my Prius v, before that I liked my Gen 2 Prius, but clearly no car is right for everyone. Here is my 'who should not buy a Prius' post, it applies most to the Gen 2 but many issues will apply to the c as well.
considering a Prius | PriusChat

 

if minimizing fuel costs is your goal then go for it...

a lot of reviews say it doesn't do so hot in the power and handling department, but they always seem to forget that the car isn't marketed in that category.

Only thing negative I can say is the cargo space in the back....but I can always just fold the back seats down, so it isn't really much of a negative...

And go for it, I just bought another C with the 0% Financing too, and this time I bought a fully loaded C4 moonglow

You won't be getting much of a better deal then these end of year deals

 

THe prius C is aimed at the buyers who need to minimize fuel expenses and I'm dead center. I'm also a vehicle engineer and racer. The Prius C was my choice and I am more than pleased with itsworth.
1. Mpg is 48 regardless how fast I drive and more than satisfactory. I have a NASCARized truck and a McLaren if I need more space or speed. but th C is more than adequate.
2. Like virtually all cars today the C is designed for huge understeer because when leaving the path directed lawyers demand the vehicle leave it nose first, aka understeer. If handling is your need, simply disconnecting, not removing, the front antisway bar will improve handling enormously. Lowering, shocks and springs and especially better wheels and tires improve handling enormously too. We have driven a race course in the rain with the C and the handling was as good as ever needed. PS what we did to the C to improve handling applies to virtualy any car sold today.
3. The C is slow but not inadequately so. Yes, you will have plan carefully any passing. Braking is adequate but can be improved with Hawk HPS pads on the front where 70% of the braking happens. yes, it has cheap drum brakes at the rear but they do OK.
4. Yes, its small so you don't have huge amounts of room for trips tho we do even with carrying the proverbial sink. And yes. big squashes little regardless of safety features tho there are plenty. We find the seating and ergonomatics very good but your opinion is only found by trying them on.
Bottom line, is expense is your bottom line in transportation the C is your absolute best choice. As for which C thats good debate. I don't know why the base sells, but all others are good, depending on your interest in navs and such.
Good luck.

 

I've had my prius c2 going on four months and all I can complain about is the owners manual especially the section about setting the fuel input and the other consumption entry, I'm still trying to get that down pat, very crazy. I even took it down to the dealer I bought it from and the service writer couldn't even get it explained using the manual. That section will run lady owners crazy, my wife is afraid to drive it with all the sounds coming from it. Start on page 200 go back to page 196 ( general info may be different)just for instance. Poor design, not straight forward.

 

I bought my Prius C, model 2 August 31st, so almost 2 months ago. I love the gas mileage, currently averaging 52.3 MPG with mostly highway driving (65-70mph). Yes, the "trunk" is not big but works great for what I need even with a family of 4 for short trips. We will take the C instead of our Sienna SE on short trips because of the MPG and easy of getting around. Looking at the model 4 I do wish I would have gotten the 4 because of the 16" wheels and sunroof. The C is a great little car I love being able to get into parking places with no problems. I didn't want the larger and more costly Prius as mine is a commuter car that will be driven a lot, 5000 miles in less than 2 months.

If you are considering purchasing and are a Costco member use the Costco Auto buying service. This will get you a no hassle pre arranged price, typically $250 over invoice or better with the sales on the 2013 models. I have used the Costco auto buying service for the last 4 cars I have bought and saved a bunch of money. Also, when you fill out a survey following a purchase through the service you get a $50 "gift card" to use at the selling dealer for parts or service.

 

the only thing i don't like about my c 2 is that there is no glasses/sunglasses compartment in the headliner.

 

Your complaints/disappointments with your C? | PriusChat

Reasons NOT to buy the Prius C? | PriusChat