Ok people talk me into buying one.

Maybe you want a Highlander Hybrid instead.

 

My previous vehicles were a 2003 Mustang Cobra, and 2004 Expedition, and a 1970 Mustang Mach 1.

The 2 Mustangs were not comfortable "family" cars so we drove the Expedition on the weekend. I bought the first Prius to replace the Cobra. We stopped driving the Expedition on the weekends so there were huge savings in fuel expense. My wife decided she liked the Prius so much that she wanted one. Since the Expedition is pretty much worthless now, we decided to keep it to use when we needed the size. To make room in the garage we sold the Mach 1 (I hadn't driven it in 6 years so it wasn't a big issue). So now we have to Prii and the Expedition (which gets driven very sparingly. Our total monthly outlay of money is less now than it was 2 months ago and we have 2 very nice family vehicles (one new, one 2004) and the giant Expedition just in case.

I'm 6'4" and while the Prius is tight, it's still comfortable enough. Been on several long (6+ hours) trips and had no trouble. The cabin is very big. I think a 100 lb dog would fit fine in the back and with a blanket and pillow, probably be very comfortable. Put down 1 side of the back seats and there's tons of room. Put down both and you have a little dog condo.

My wife was concerned I'd get bored with the car as well, but here's the deal...my Cobra had 450 rwhp and would fo 0-60 in about 4.2 seconds. But there's no place to use that kind of performance (responsibly and safely) so I pretty much just cruised along getting about 20 MPGs. Not a lot to be excited about in my day to day driving.

As for winter driving, I don't know. I live in Tampa so we really don't have much winter down here. But I did live in DC for 4 years while owning the Cobra. I put snow tires on it during the winter months and it performed magnificently. I don't see any reason the Prius wouldn't so as good or better with the right tires.

For me, it was a great move. It was a responsible decision for me and my family, and I have absolutely no regrets.

If you are OK with lesser MPGs there are some pretty nice choices to be had as well. I think the Camry hybrid is pretty nice, but it costs more and for me there was no compelling reason to choose it over a Prius.

 

Most folks buying a Prius talked themselves into it long before they bought one. I don't want this to sound negative, but I'm not really interested into talking you into doing anything -- you either like the Prius or you don't. Having said all that -- I think you'll like it for all the things you said you wanted. Two things I would seriously research if you still like the Prius is seat comfort/adjustment. Some taller folks have complained about how the seats feel and how some larger-framed people don't feel able to adjust the seats enough. Other tall folks say they have no complaints so it should be a question for you. The second thing to research is traction in winter driving conditions. You'll find posts describing good and bad traction stories.

Personally, the car got more interesting the more I found out about it. Also, I don't have any complaints about the seats or the traction.

Good luck with your decision.

 

I have almost 40,000 miles on my prius and have not had a single issue other than the occasional oil change every 3,000 miles... the car is truly a well engineered vehicle...

 

You can buy the extended warranty anytime before your factory 3 year/36K mile warranty expires. Right now it's less than $1K on through the link on this site. My dealer tried to sell me one for $1500 or so...I passed and he didn't push it further.

 

i'd say dont buy a prius, i'm 6-0 and with the seat back i cant reach the sterring wheel, also i have an 86lb lab and he only fits in the rear seat...highlander or other hybrid would be more suitable

 

i'm 6'5" - i fit in it ok. its a tad uncomfortable on long trips, but i manage. i just got back from an 1100 mile trip , can't say i missed stopping for gas every 2 hours like i used to to. the $$ saved in gas over my prior 15mpg suv is significant.

your best bet might be to rent one for a few days and see how you feel after 2,3 days of driving it around.

 

AVIS shows commercials with the Prius so you might try them.

 

Hertz's "Green Collection" has Priuses that are make-and-model reservable. Weekend rentals are cheaper than weekday. I rented one Friday-Sunday ($33/day) and it helped me decide.

 

You can't have a Prius, they are not for people like you. Sorry but you can not buy one, no one in their right mind would sell you one.
End of story.

Prove me wrong if you want.

 

Well I'm not 6'5, but my 2 Dobermans fit just fine in the back (100lbs and 90lbs) with the seat folded down. Both can even walk around from window to window to window.

 

You won't be bored--you will find new things to try and things to improve.

Mine went through a Chicago winter with no problem.

I have 4 25# dogs instead of one big one, so I can't help on that one.

 

Same here ... same height, same long trips (actually 1K miles farther) and same 100 dog ... 0h ecept it's a black lab ... and he's a little over 100lbs, but he DOES love his rides in the Prius ... even the 1,000 mile ones



Any car can be uncomfortable to a minority of people. It happens. Even so, some get lumbar support or a cushion of sorts, because there are too many other "up-sides" to let the seats get to 'em.

EDIT
Oh! I see you did the rental! Nice!
How'd your dog like it?
.

 

He's tall, not fat.
.