4th generation coming 2015!

Fortunately, I am able to avoid "Tesla envy." I am just not in that market. I feel grateful to own a 2010 Prius, and with 104,000 miles on it now, to report it has been absolutely problem free. The ONLY thing I have done is oil and filter changes, and one set of tires. The brakes are even original. The ride remains comfortable, and I have not been plagued with rattles. The overall fuel average is better than 50 mpg ....I just do not see how you can do any better than that.. The car still has it's original appearance, except a small hood alignment problem when a deer ran into the front. I would not hesitate to drive it across the country tomorrow if the need arose. Great vehicle.

 

The MPG on my 2012 C rates similarly after nearly 30,000 miles. You haven't done a transmission fluid flush? I think I'm going to dump my factory fluid at 30k. The C is a little crampier than I'd like and the body has some nicks, scratches, and dents unfortunately (my fault). Other than that, I can't complain.

That said, the idea of generating my own power and using that to fuel my vehicle (free of oil tycoons, politics, geopolitical turmoil, market manipulation, supply issues, station price gouging, etc.) and driving cross-country for "free" (supercharger network) represents a set of perks I just can't mentally dismiss.

 

There is no Tesla premium.
When comparing it to another large luxury sedan with similar cargo and passenger capacity (next closest as no one can match it), with similar performance, the cost is the same.

This is one of the reasons Tesla started at the high end, supercar, and then luxury market. Those cars are expensive enough to absorb the higher cost of the batteries.

The "hybrid premium" refers to the extra cost of a hybrid over another car with the same size and capabilities. This has come down since the introduction of hybrids, but has yet to disappear.

For BEVs it still exists at the low MSRP end of the market, although that is also improving over time.

 

I am sure I eschewed the metaphors, but the Tesla is the only EV I'd consider courtesy of its range. I omitted the performance, comfort, and accessory perks in the equation and undermined my own point. There's just no EV on the market for me now sadly.

 

I came to the same conclusion in looking for a new car for my wife recently, despite offering her several choices. All the currently available EVs or plug-in hybrids in the U.S. are not enough range, too high a cost, too small, and.or have other significant detriments. Wound up with another Hybrid Camry.

 

2015 camry? Anyone know if there was an increase in efficiency there ? It's a nice ride but why did the prius lose out? We bit on the prius because we needed a car and there were no good options

Leaf lost because we didn't want to be tied.to the grid with a limited range. Volt lost but was close because it was smaller and no 5th seat. I wouldn't have gotten the pip knowing gen Iv and volt 2.0 was just around the corner....so what did I do? A bit of compromise. Used pip lol...to compliment our gen 3

 

My 2015 Camry is showing 44.5 MPG. I don't have pump numbers, I'm over 500 miles and still show a third of a tank left.

 

Wow. That's great. Tank must be 12+ gallons

 

17 gallons! I'm not sure how far I will push it though.

 

Oooh! Me! I did! I bought a '97 Mustang GT after observing that base model Mustangs of the 80s and 90s had crappy engines and were basically worthless after 8 years, while the V-8 models held their value much better and cost less in depreciation. I'm not saying that I bought a Mustang based on a logical financial analysis, only that the premium paid for the V-8 engine gets paid back in lower depreciation cost relative to the V-6. It all depends on your definition of "premium" and "cost saving".

As for the Prius, I don't consider there to be any "hybrid premium" because nothing beats being able to creep on battery power when stuck in traffic, which happens to me a lot during the commute.

 

tpenny67, I completely agree with your comment re "creep on battery power when stuck in traffic." In addition, I really appreciate that the A/C, power steering and brakes are not dependent on the ICE. If my errand is short, I most often leave the A/C on with my wife comfortable in the car while I run in a store.

Re the Tesla, I recently stopped on the highway for a soda and across the street was a Tesla power station with a Tesla being charged. I visited with the two occupants for a while. The owner was very satisfied with the car. But even with the extended range, and all the tech features, the Tesla is still not on my wish list. Every month I make a 400 mile trip, and once a year I make a 2500 mile trip. There is (in my opinion) nothing that can beat the Prius at this time, for convenience, efficiency and comfort.

 

Agreed, the "creep in heavy traffic" was what first opened my eyes to how much more pleasant driving on electric is.

Felt, I would agree with your list, if you had included price.

Last year I made a 5000 mile trip and 5 trips between 250-450 miles.
There is nothing (in my opinion) that can beat the Model S at this time, for convenience, efficiency and comfort.

 

Well heck, by all means add "price," and I would even throw in reliability. as well. Don't get me wrong, the Tesla that I observed (mentioned above) is a beautiful automobile. Under different circumstances, I might seek to own one. But the Tesla is no more in the same class with the Prius than the Porsche is in the same class with a Miata. And I like them all.

 

That is what I love about the market, there are choices so everyone can pick the right tool for the right job

 

For your 2500 trip, you could easily rent a car if you don't want to deal with charging.

 

Or deal with rock chips!

 

Low Gas Prices Won't Affect Loyal Owners As 2016 Toyota Prius Hybrid Looms

2016 prius gen Iv definitely coming next year. When is the question. Bigger question .. when is the reveal

 

I'm probably atypical, but the price of gas wouldn't make me less likely to buy a hybrid; rather, it would make me less likely to buy a plugin. The regular Prius is a great road trip car, I would say ideal for many people's needs. The plugin sacrifices space and efficiency for the sake of charge-ability, which is arguably better for the environment but probably not cost effective compared to cheap gas. It would be interesting to see a graph of total cost of ownership vs price of gas for the regular Prius compared to the plugin...

 

I will get whatever next gen Prius model comes out with AWD.

 

Agreed, AWD or I will have to move to something else.