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noob question

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by prestoOne, Mar 16, 2019.

  1. prestoOne

    prestoOne Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2018
    8
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    Location:
    Southern Ontario, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A

    I need a car. Prius I think. From the little I have read and seen in the local ads:
    -batteries go after about 10 years but there are kits to refresh these.
    -the 2013 model year had major changes and that year and up would be the one to go for. That doesn't not mesh with the years of the generation versions here.

    Me:
    -I tow but not a lot: 500lbs + 400lbs in passengers
    -my normal commute is is 50Km or less..
    Prius C vs normal Prius? One is smaller? I really don't know much, I have 2 kids. and for some reason the Prius C gets less mileage?

    I have owned a corolla before an liked it. Maybe that is the car I should again be getting but maybe a prius will pay off in the long run.

    I am driving a borrowed echo with 300K on it now and it is fine. The Corolla I had before was OK but a bit heavy on the gas I thought.

    I am buying in Canada unless there is incentive to go to the states.
    Some feedback for this noob is appreciated.
     
    #1 prestoOne, Mar 16, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2019
  2. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
    3,761
    1,682
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    Location:
    Sanford, NC
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    3 sizes of Prius
    C Corolla Size or maybe smaller
    Hatchback in various generations in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid
    v Wagon bigger, more luggage, less MPG

    Mileage will vary according to how it is driven, the size of tires, the terrain, the drivers right foot, the weather, the passenger weight, the luggage, etc. Best look at fuelly.com and look up the MPG that real people are getting. Bottom line, you ought to get good gas use out of any of them if they are kept in good condition.

    Towing, not really recommended but a small light trailer is used occasionally by some. Probably best with the wagon as it is "geared" differently than the others at a cost of MPG

    Battery life. Not really hearing here of lots of replacements.

    3 Prius in my family, one hatchback and 2 v wagons.
     
    #2 mikefocke, Mar 16, 2019
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,184
    50,069
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    if you plan to rack up that kine of mileage on a prius, best to locate a good hybrid mechanic beforehand, unless you are well equipped for the job.

    test drive each model to see what fits best.

    generations: 1) 2001-3 2) 2004-9 3) 2010-15 4)2016-present

    c and v came out at different times after 2010
     
    #3 bisco, Mar 16, 2019
  4. scona

    scona Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2013
    225
    206
    0
    Location:
    Courtenay, BC, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    N/A
    I have a 2013 Prius V and have towed up to 500 pounds with it. It is not rated for towing, speculation here runs to brakes being the reason among other things. It is a roomy vehicle that would easily accommodate a family of 4 with decent storage in the rear.
    You mention the Corolla, which is rated for towing, some of them up to 1500 pounds. Mileage records on Fuelly show the Corolla getting an average of about 30mpg, the Prius V about 40 mpg. These figures are in US gallons.
    I am very satisfied with the V and have nothing negative to report but have only driven it for about 6 months. It drives fine in the snow.
    So what's left, the gee-whiz factor I guess. Corolla not so much, Prius, of course, Lots.
    Realistically I wonder about insurance coverage if you tow with a vehicle unrated for towing and about exposing your family to possible risk while doing so. I am single and tow a utility trailer a few time a year so am in a different risk situation, except, possibly for insurance problems.
    Both vehicles are Toyota's so it is hard to go wrong with getting value with a purchase. Good luck with choosing your new vehicle...
     
    #4 scona, Mar 16, 2019
  5. stockdaddy

    stockdaddy Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2015
    208
    56
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    Location:
    Missouri
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Why not get a Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix if you want extra room.

    Prius is very reliable except for the hybrid battery.
     
    #5 stockdaddy, Mar 16, 2019
  6. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
    3,761
    1,682
    0
    Location:
    Sanford, NC
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    How many "replacing the hybrid battery" questions have been posted about the v in the past few years? I sure don't recall many if any?
     
    #6 mikefocke, Mar 17, 2019
  7. scona

    scona Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2013
    225
    206
    0
    Location:
    Courtenay, BC, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    N/A
    I have not seen many either. Does it not use the same battery as the 2012-2015 liftback gen 3, however?
     
    #7 scona, Mar 17, 2019
  8. ShellBelle

    ShellBelle New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2019
    4
    0
    0
    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    The v only came out in 2012, so if the average time for the battery to go out is about 10 years, we haven't hit that mark yet.
     
    #8 ShellBelle, Mar 28, 2019
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