Hi there, So I was originally set on getting a Prius v to better suit my needs in 5 years when I'm married and hopefully have a baby however at this moment I need a vehicle that will get me to work and around town 20- 40km per day depending on if I'm going out later after work or if I'm just staying home (I calculated the longest rout and it would a little less then 40km per day) with an occasional long trip (max distance of 400km one way of highway driving 120km with little city driving). In less then a year from now I will either be sticking to the same 20-40km per day with an occasional long trip (max distance of 400km one way of highway driving 120km with little city driving) OR I will be adding a 180km trip (highway 120km/hr with little city driving) to see my fiancé twice a month on top of the 20-40km per day and the occasional long trip (max distance of 400km one way of highway driving with little city driving). I'm wondering what car would be best in these scenarios. Price of electricity is .10 cense/kWh and gas at its low point is .90cense/L high point is $1.60 if not higher. Also I'm looking for a car that is good in snow and ice and rain, no matter the condition unless I can't see through the window I will be on the road to visit my fiancé so the car must be good in thoses conditions. It would also be nice if the car can hold a infant car seat and/or a convertable car seat in a rear facing position and has enough space in the back for groceries or a few suit cases (for long trips) Thank for your input ahead of time!
The Prius will give you better mpg when you're using gas. You get a slightly better electric range with the volt. Overall the Prius is what this site is about, it's proven reliable and there's always demand when you want to sell.
Just to confirm, you mean the regular Prius, not the plug-in, right? The two are pretty close in size, but the dimensions of one might fit your needs better. The Volt only has 4 seats, so no middle seat in the rear if that's where you were thinking of putting a baby. The Volt wins for your shorter trips if you can keep it charged, but the Prius will do better than the Volt when the Volt is running off gas. From what I've read about the Volt, it's pretty reliable like the Prius. There are some calculators out there that you can figure the cost of ownership of one versus the other.
there is a huge size difference between the v and the volt. i would test drive them and sort that out, before moving on to your other criteria.
I meant the standard Prius not the Prius v or the plug in Prius. I was hoping to get a v awhile back but then I realized that fuel economy is more of what I'm looking for rather then space at the moment. I looked at the Prius plug in but the distance just on the battery is to low to even consider it good for my commutes. So I'm looking at the Prius and the volt. I have test drove them both and I LOVE the volts drive but I love the roomies of the Prius. So if I got this correct y'all are saying that the Prius overall would be better because the cost of gas for the Prius would be cheaper then using an electric motor then going on a gass engin which has average fuel economy? Only if I was rich and could have both!
at 10 sense per kilowatt, the volt would be cheaper for your commute i believe. but in your place, i would decide between roomies, electric driving and vehicle cost.
If you are looking at the regular Prius, I would look at the Prius plug instead as I, and a few on here who have been looking for a prius found that the plug in a cheaper than an equivalent regular Prius. Hard to believe, but it is true. If you don't have access the a plug/outlet, the plug will just drive like a regular Prius but with a larger battery. iPhone ?
Prius is a very practical and family-type car with lots of cargo space and so on. Also heats up fast in cold weather. we have 3 child car seats in ours right now, one rear facing, as we have entered grand parent stage, the Prius works for all these cases as we change life style. But for some auto enthusiasts, Prius is very boring due to lack of "race car" feel and power and looks, although the new Gen4 is addressing some of those historic criticisms. Volt I see as a more luxurious car, more comfortable car, great for a nice commute to work but not as flexible family car and not as roomy. Volts fits in for those wanting an EV car to stop using gasoline as a personal eco-choice, or due to the peppier power of an electric drive.
How is the pricing on the Volt? -- We get the $7500 credit on a new one. My friend has one -- he is a doctor and drives about 20 miles each way to work -- the hospital has a space for him with a plug. I recently bought a Lexus CT ( still have my 2011 Prius) -- With low gas prices they are discounting them. I paid just a bit more for the Lexus then I would have paid for another Prius five. It's a bit smaller -- but nicer and it will have a better resale value. I looked at a Volt -- I can't believe in the long run it will be as trouble free as the Toyota products and I also don't think it will have the resale of the Toyota products.
Consider splitting the difference and get both room and fantastic plug-in mileage: CMax Energi. You'll have to see if the small hatch with seats up will work for you. Does for me. Folks up north really enjoy the ability to pre-heat the cabin on cold mornings.
Can't beat the Prius on Cargo space, it's a major reason why I bought it (and something you're going to need), combined with great gas mileage and proven reliability...can't go wrong with the Prius over the Volt.
I looked at trading my 11 prius for a 13 volt with less miles but the increase in payments would negate the savings of driving in EV not to mention I can't get over the small interior when i transport my dog places with the rear console in the Volt. This is an 8.5 ft tree from top to bottom. It was secured to the rear cargo hooks and I don't recommend transporting unsecured cargo like this
I have to admit, I am biased up front in regards to the volt due to my own personal experience with GM/Chevy built cars. Having said that, I haven't seen, heard or read anything negative about it. I think most buyers are into it just because it isn't a Prius. But so far, reviews have been positive. I do like the way it looks.
