Please post photos here and your thoughts. Even if you did not buy, have you seen them in your dealerships?
I just saw one at my local dealership two days ago. Took my 2011 in for hybrid software update recall and it was sitting at the entrance of the lot with a big AWD sticker on it.
I saw one (pretty sure base) model at rudy luther in golden valley, Minnesota. Non-awd version. I really like the slight update they did to the front end. The lights look more like the Corolla hatch, which is a good thing. It's quite attractive. I want to test drive one, when the awd becomes available.
I looked at one this week, but ultimately decided to put another refurb battery into my trusty '02. I liked the Prius AWD a lot: it is a wagon, unlike my 02, it's short enough that I can get a kayak on the roof without a lot of fuss, and as a Marylander I really only need the AWD about four days a year although I admit as a snowboarder, I am more likely to venture out than most. And on top of it all, it'll be a significant improvement on my current Prius' 43ish mpg. I was a little astonished at the phone interface though. It has bluetooth, but doesn't seem to support android or iphone apps, and doesn't have a navigation screen (!). That's not a huge improvement since the Bush administration, and I hope they fix it by the time I'm ready to buy.
In Washington state they changed the ethanol mix. I was depressed with 51-52MPG on my Gen 4 Prius. My last two tanks I have been averaging 55MPG with several hundred miles between 58-60MPG. You keep driving your Gen2 if it makes you happy. They used to mix the ethanol winter blend from Nov 1st to April 1st. They moved it up a month or two this last year. I am going to say that a highly skilled gen 4 Prius driver can get 55-59MPG on the summer blend. My odometer says 54MPG on 26,600 miles average. The winter blend gas drags down my MPG.
How many refurb batteries have you used so far? Is 2002 the original 1st gen Prius? How expensive is it to keep putting a new battery?
The original died at 140K. The first refurb died at about 180. In all fariness the first one was kind of experimental as the refurb scene hadn't really gelled yet. Second refurrb died at 245 (tlast friday). So, this will be my third refurb. Old school refurbs are going for around 1100 at places like Doorman, greentec and others with varying warrantees, of which 36 months are generally the best. Yes, I know it's a bit daft, but if I can drop a grand into a car every 4-5 years to prevent buying a 30K car, I'll do it. Also, I'm still kind of fighting the war from the old days about energy balance of the vehicle, and one of the best things you can do on that score is drive the car forever. And refurbs are friendlier than new batts. This one is probably the last one: I'd really like to see the electric hooptie go to 300k.
