Used (JDM) Gen III in Jamaica (the island)

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.

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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

 

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.

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IsMoGo