Ok, but I drove a Prius V rental for 75 miles in the city, urban freeway and twisty backroad pavement, and I did not find the V harsh. I reaallllyy like the 17" wheels and the V, and of course I wanted one, but ain't gonna get one for lack of $$ sake. Anyone else concur about the ride of the V ? Note - I put 38 psi all around on the 42 max Michelin Pilot tires, so a softer ride was not faked with low tire pressure. OEM sticker recomm'd ~ 33/32 IIRC.
I have 7500 miles on my V at this time and keep the tires at about 48 psi. I do not find the ride harsh and the handling is surprisingly good for an "economy car". I should add, however, that I prefer a firm ride and have owned quite a few sports cars and sports sedans. Compared to my old MG and my Austin Healey the V rides like a luxury car.
Prius V's come equipped with either Toyo's, Bridgestone's or Michelin's, each tire has its own ride characteristics. Each tire is also more or less sensitive to tire pressure than its counterpart. For example, the Michelin's are dramatically more sensitive to higher pressures than, say, the Bridgestone's. It's also probable that the car you drove had not had the tire pressure reduced from the higher pressures they transport the cars with. With proper tire pressures, the V's can have a very compliant and comfortable ride, keeping in mind they do have Low Profile tires, which typically do not ride equally to a non-Low Profile tire. David (aka Blind Guy)
I just bought the 2010 V with the AT package. I wouldn't give it back to them if they returned every penny to me. Love it. I also recently test drove an '09 IV. It was very nice, but not the same.
I have a perspective on this since I am about the same age as the OP. I do not envision this is my last vehicle purchase, but I try to buy a replacement only about every 10 years/150K miles--full amortization before major repairs kick in (maybe longer, since my 350 miles/week commute is over). Many people churn their auto investments just like their greedy stock brokers do to them, wasting $. So I expect to keep my 2010 V/AT for quite awhile. In each purchase I try to maximize the technological advantages that have arrived since the last one, because it pleases me. The V/AT fits the bill. To restore the schedule, my 2001 Audi A4 Quattro will be replaced in about 2015. What many of us need from Toyota is a small, HSD AWD vehicle that works in the bad weather we sometimes encounter.
We recently purchased a V with AT package. With the LKA and DRCC the Pruis is a very safe car in spite of it's small size. The danger of rear ending someone or running off the side of the road has been greatly reduced and the features really do work. Another great safety thing about the Prius in general is that I find myself driving slower now since I am trying to get the best possible fuel economy!
I actually find mine with lot smoother drive than the subaru I had before. I drive on many bumpy/ uneven roads that are still under constructions and my V drives on them just fine! Also, took my co-workers to lunch one day and they commented on how smooth ride it had!
I have just ordered a I-Tech model (australia) which is like a V ATP, but with leather, roof and HUD. This model retails for about $60,000 in OZ. I could make comparisons of exchange rates ect..but thats another thread and would only make me angry Rather I compared the cost of the car to a 3 series BMW and Audi A4. The cost of these cars are well over 70k over here and give you little more than a european badge and outragous servicing costs. Value for money, the I-Tech was a far smarter purchase. I just wish I could get one at US prices.
