Gen 1 vs Gen 2

completely new hybrid system. more sophisticated and better mpg's. better ride all around. all the best!

 

Having owned both, the Gen 2 gets about 10 mpg better gas mileage. The Gen 2 also can haul vastly more.

 

NHW11, the 2001-03 model, has great turning radius and is a nice, urban commuter. The "Prius c" is the functional replacement with a substantially improved engine, transmission, and a hatchback, the ability to carry a lot of stuff.

NHW20, the 2004-09 model, eliminated the weak points of the NHW11 and became a mid-size car. Mileage substantially improved:

If you can afford it, go for a 2006-09 model year as there were manufacturing improvements over the 2004-05 model.

I recommend using Ebay to search for a good one and don't be afraid to buy one out-of-state from a Toyota dealer. Driving it back home would be a great vacation especially if it is via the Grand Tetons or other western parks. Think 'hotel Prius' and stay at an RV camp and make it an adventure.

One last point, the best time to buy from a local dealer is the end of the month. They get a little anxious and you are in the 'cat bird' seat.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

Bob, is there a similar graph with NHW11 MPG results with speed?
And what is the ever best result on "record breaking settings"?

 

I have owned both and the Gen I is a great city car. I love it for that however, it does not have the safety advances of the Gen II. You can buy a Gen II (which is an awesome vehicle btw and very utilitarian) but, if you're partial to the Gen I's small size and the advantages it has as a "city" car, the Prius C is the way to go for you.

I would not recommend buying another Gen I because of the safety advances made since then.

 

My lifetime average went from 45.4 with the 2001 to 47.7 MPG with the 2004 (both using E10 for fuel the entire time).

The increase in size & power was the big selling point.

My guess is your improvement came as a result of the switch from engine to electric powered A/C.

 

Yep on the AC impact. Also the Gen 1 mpg does go down with age more than the 2007. The OP will be getting a well aged Gen 1 for sure.

 

I started off looking at Gen 1s. The 2nd generation liftback design is an infinitely better match for me though. With the liftback, folding rear seats and load floor even with the trunk opening, it easily accommodates dogs, bikes, building materials, small furniture, etc. I would have a hard time with a sedan--it just doesn't match my use.

From what I've gathered, the longevity of the traction pack improved from the 1st-gen to the 2nd.

Oh, and the Smart Key System!!

 

The points not labeled NHW20 are our NHW11.

Bob Wilson

 

Given the opportunity to purchase a Gen 1 or Gen 2, and, having owned both, I would go for Gen 2. The Gen 2 is obviously a better car in every way, and a much better driving experience. But, I currently own an 02, and absolutely love it! It's in such good shape that I could get a decent buck if I sell it, add a few grand, and get a high mile Gen 2, however, I will keep my 02 until it hits 300,000 miles. It currently has 195k. I dive 50,000 miles a year.

I like the quirkiness of the Gen 1 style, and the fact that you just don't see too many on the road. The funny thing is, and it might be different in your area, whenever I see a Gen 1 on the road, it's usually well kept. I work with several hundred used car dealers in TN and KY, and once in a while come across a Gen 1 on their lots, and the seats are never ripped up, the dash never cracked up, compared to another compact car of the same year.

I don't foresee the Gen 1 becoming a collectors item, but, I bet in 5 years you will be hard pressed to see one on the road. This makes me want to retire my 02, and do a very inexpensive light restoration, and just take it out for the occasional cruise. My daughter will be of driving age in 5 years, and it would be awesome if this would be her first car.

 

I think that intermittent use will cause the traction battery to die much faster than if the car is used as a daily driver.

 

Good point Patrick! I will have to make sure it gets one or two days on the road a week.

 

You know, its hit or miss on Gen 1's/2's with 200k+ miles on them. I have talked to people with well over 200k on their Prius and ask them if it burns oil and they say "nope". Others tell me their car started burning oil at 120k. My 05 is at 155k and it burns about a quart every 5kmiles. My 01 is at 129 and it doesn't burn a lick. The HV battery is more of a time function rather than mileage so obviously an 09 with 200k on it (God forbid) would be better than an 04 with 200k. I personally would not want to buy a Gen 1 or a Gen II with 200k+ on it.

 

I have a Gen 1 and would agree that a Gen 2 is a much better car. But, because it is a much better car, it commands a much higher price... like starting near double the price of any Gen 1 you'll find.