Having done months of research, I finally decided, I'm buying a Prius (please hold your applause ). Because I live on an island, and because all governments are Greedy, I knew I had to deal with import duties and the resulting increased prices. To my surprise, the import taxes on hybrid and electric vehicles is only 40% [1]. I've spoken to 4 mechanics thus far. I had to spell P.R.I.U.S. for all except one of them. The one I didn't have to spell it for had seen them destroy one on TopGear. So much for local mechanics. Nevertheless, I was determined to take advantage of the new tax laws and import one from Japan[2]. The ship should get here next week. The longest journey on my island, from a lighthouse on one end to a hotel on the other is less than 350km (approx 220 miles). But, I have to travel approx 250km every week or so for work. My current car has a 1.3L engine mated to a 3-speed transmission and I have no idea what it produces in MPG. I just know I spend approx $40 to fill it up and that will last about 10 - 12 days on my regular schedule. I'm hoping the Prius will cut my fuel bill by at most 50%. Wish me luck. Import dealer photo attached. ---- IsMoGo PS. If there are any other Jamaican Prius drivers on here. PM me, I've got questions and suggestions. [1] compared to 65% for regular petrol car same size engine. [2] need RHD. Better when you drive on the left as we do
Hey welcome to PriusChat! Sounds like you made a smart decision! Toyotas are so reliable that you shouldn't have to worry about reliability, and (assuming you're buying new) you'll have a warranty. Not to worry you, but I think I'd feel more comfortable with a mechanic with experience of Prii, there must surely be other Toyotas on the island? There's much useful information to be had here on PriusChat, but some of the maintenance work on your new Prius (especially tasks such as bleeding the brakes) might require special equipment and detailed knowledge. Good luck! - hope this helps - Wil
Thanks. I currently drive a Toyota. So I expect the legendary reliability. The local used-car dealer I'm buying from has already sold 5 Prii this year. And the guy that owns the place drives a Gen3. So, thought I haven't spoken to his mechanics, I know they at least have some experience.
Picked up the Prius yesterday (Tuesday). Finally ! It's not the silver one I posted above, as I found out that one was a Taxi and switched my order to an Iceberg Metallic one with the L trim level. It's lower spec but, it's still a Prius and it has the original head unit. Being not much cheaper than the S, I figured it would be less likely to be sold as a taxi in Japan since the back seat doesn't have the heater/AC vents nor the arm-rest. I will end this post by saying this: Anyone who says the Prius is slow has probably never driven one. 120+km/h going up Spur-Tree Hill, with the A/C running, is not slow. The section of the hill where I hit that speed, rises 900+ feet over a 2 mile stretch. It's pretty steep. And please, nobody ask me about fuel economy . I needed to satisfy my need for speed first. --- IsMoGo
Good day, After reviewing and reading I decided to buy this vehicle. I'm very surprised I can't find them to buy in Jamaica. I am looking for 2014 -2016 prius to buy. If anyone knows a dealer please assist. This vehicle ticks all the boxes.
