I have finally narrowed my car search after months to a new Gen III, however, now I'm at an impasse. Here is the quandry, and some of your ideas might help. IV or V ? Started out wanting the V, but then read some things on here about the ride/tires on the V. Plus the sunroof would be great. I wonder why it wasn't at least an option on the V?????? The ride is really more important to me than the tech stuff, but I want that too! I want it ALL! I can't test out the leather seats either because the local dealer only had a II or III with cloth seats. They felt fine, but leather can be hard as a rock. My husband's Infinity M35 seats are like sitting on a park bench. Zero tushie quotient!! Plus I don't want the "stiff" ride where you go over a tiny bump and your morning coffee ends up all over you. I worry about a test drive if I ever get on in a IV or V, being like a new pair of shoes that feel fine in the store and KILL you when you wear them after you have bought them.... all of you women KNOW what I'm talking about! Don't want no regrets!! Last but not least, Blue Ribbon Metallic or Barcelona Red? ccp
When I read "the ride is really more important" I thought: "Prius V, no doubt." Then I read further. Handling and road feel are different in the Prius V -- better. What you seem to be talking about, though, is the "cush" factor. The Prius is not really part of the "cush" family, in my opinion. I absolutely love the car, but it doesn't really offer a "soft" ride. People complain about the steering being "soft" -- no one complains about the ride being too soft on the tush. I doubt you'd like the low profile tires, then, so perhaps you should forget about the Prius V. You also may want to keep the tires inflated at the Toyota-recommended levels. This will give you a bit of a softer ride (as would some upgraded tires known for comfort). Of course, MPGs will suffer. . .
got the V last week and am loving it. It's a tight, well controlled ride - I (nor my passangers )certainly did not experience any undue harshness. Plus, the LED light - very good. Plus: Misty Gray interior is the way to go. My second choice was Bisque (I have seen Dark Gray leather and Bisque in person).
The color? I think it would depend on your personality type. Are you more of a blue person? Or, are you a red type?
What you seem to be talking about, though, is the "cush" factor. The Prius is not really part of the "cush" family, in my opinion. I absolutely love the car, but it doesn't really offer a "soft" ride. People complain about the steering being "soft" -- no one complains about the ride being too soft on the tush. I doubt you'd like the low profile tires, then, so perhaps you should forget about the Prius V. You also may want to keep the tires inflated at the Toyota-recommended levels. This will give you a bit of a softer ride (as would some upgraded tires known for comfort). Of course, MPGs will suffer. . .[/QUOTE] I could handle a stiffer ride as long as the seats themselves weren't hard as a rock.
I like red, but can't tell from pictures if it is a blue-red which I do NOT like. I need to see them in person. The blue looks gorgeous though.
Hmm . . . I like the seats, and I'd never say they were "hard as a rock." My opinion is not shared by all, however. I certainly have been in softer seats (and harder ones, too), but I prefer something firmer. I like the overall ride of my Prius V, though I'd take Recaro seats if they were offered. If you like a Buick ride, the Prius may not be for you.
CCP, It's all about personal choice and preference. I have a Blue IV with Solar/Moonroof/Nav, and heated leather seats. I wanted a Prius, but I test drove several makes of cars to be sure and I am happier with the Prius than I expected to be. The Solar roof in Colorado is great and I'll use the Moonroof because it's there. The back-up camera is a nice toy, but I've backed-up enough cars it wasn't a factor. The only complaint I have is that the built-in sat-radio seems like a waste of button space on the controls. --TK
As you can imagine, I recommend the Blue RIbbon Metallic IV with Solar Sun Roof. The ride is superb and it corners well as long as you are not a race car driver. The leather is a soft leather, but not overly padded, but the lumbar support air bladder gives you some adjustment. I think it would be cool to play with the parking assist and lane keep assist in a V, but not sure how practical they would be in the long run. I always worry about how the Lane Keep Assist would handle temporary construction lines.
CCP, It's very good to get all of our feedback and opinions here -but- you will be the one to make your final decision and live with it. Good you decided on the Prius. You probably will not regret it. No matter how much well-meaning advice you get here - you've got to get your own seat-in-the-pants feeling. Test drives as long and different conditions as you can. Perhaps part of your normal commute. Don't just try the shoes on - take them for a long walk... If you were closer to me - I'd certainly let you take my V through its paces... Any owner in her area that can help out??? And most importantly get down & dirty between the IV & V. They are exactly the same car technically under the skin except for the steering gear and wheels/tires. I love my V, but the guy down the street loves his III. To each their own. As for the features, you'll need to do a + - list. What is really important for you? What are the tradeoffs? Color --- NO ONE can help you there. Guess what I'm saying - you'll need to decide whether to get either the Sirloin or TBone. Believe me, they're both great.
