Anyone move from a SUV to a Prius? In need of a "support group" :)

I went from a 2000 4Runner that I purchased new and sold it with 305,000 miles. I used to get about 16 MPG not I get around 56 MPG. Here is a pic I used to sell it on Craigslist. 4Runner Pictures taken 09-30-09

There is a lot of room in the Prius to carry things from Home Depot. When it comes to really big loads like 40 bags of mulch I rent the Home Depot truck for $19.95 (90 min). That sure beats a SUV payment. I rented the Home Depot truck to bring a mattress home from Sams club a year ago. They do not car how you use it.

I would not recommend a hitch on a Prius unless you plan on using it for a bike rack. The car was not meant to tow.

 

I moved from a 4Runner (190k mi) to a Prius. Yes, I miss the 4Runner (24 mpg), especially in winter with snow. The consistent 50+ mpg makes a huge difference.

 

I moved from a Subaru Forester (24 MPG) to a 2009 Prius V (45 MPG) I am weighted down with $2400 more in cash each year, but I suffer through it.
8 foot 2 by 4s, 1 by 8s etc. fit easy, a 10 foot 2 by 4 is possible entirely inside.

At least in the 2009, you are limited to 825 for passengers and cargo, including the weight of the hitch.

 

I moved from a 04 range rover (12mpg) to Prius and can honestly say the only thing that a miss is how quiet the rover was compared to Prius other than that how could I complain 23.5 gallons of super per 280 to 300 miles before and after 650 to 700 miles every 10.5 gallons of cheap stuff

 

:grouphug:

I left my truck and Outback behind with little problem. There is enough in this car to keep your interest for years to come.

Welcome aboard! Get find on the deal!

 

not an SUV but a minivan owner (one with fold in middle/rear seats). You'd be fine with Prius, really! Do not worry Prius has better space then avg sedan and the space is very usable.

For your biking needs just put rear seat down, through a blanket and put bike in. Floor hooks to keep it from sliding.

Lowes trips will not be an issue unless you bringing 2x8 plywood/rocksheet they will not fit. Also weight is more limited we had loaded enough ceramic tile to worry about bottoming out.

With dogs not sure, but there is enough space for carrier and golf bag to fit with rear seat down. There is a problem with dog hair getting into traction battery you will need to install filter.

If you have a choice get OEM rubber floor/cargo mats, would be much more practical for your.

It may handle but IMHO you are better off getting good set of containers from Container store, anchoring them and laying rear seats down.

 

I left a Subaru Outback for the Prius, and I was worried about space too, but it was rarely a problem. I can fit my bike in the back without taking the wheels off, just lower the back seat. People who've hauled two bikes report you need to take the front wheel off of the 2nd bike?

I think the Curt hitch is only 1.25", not 2". They're better quality than the Coastel Tech hitch from what I've read here. I'm not sure if there's a good 2" hitch available.

I've hauled 100" (8 feet, 4 inches) 2x10's from Home Depot with the hatch closed. At least in the Gen II, if you take off the head rest on the passenger seat, then they fold down pretty flat. I've put a 46" LCD TV in the box flat in the back. Couldn't do either of those with my wife's Honda Accord, even though that's a longer car.

 

Went from '03 Tacoma Quad Cab to '10 Prius. No regrets. On occasion you have loads that won't fit such as 4' x 8' sheet material (plywood, drywall, ...). The stores will cut for free, or rent their truck.

I'd guess the hitch will clear most driveways, but yours could be an exception. Have not installed a hitch on mine, but may in future. Take one home on a test drive and measure the minimum clearance upon entering your drive.

With only two humans, most of the things you mentioned should fit. It often amazes me what will fit. But you may have to compromise on occasion. Do a test fit on a test drive or just at the dealer.

 

I moved from a 04 range rover (12mpg) to Prius and can honestly say the only thing that a miss is how quiet the rover was compared to Prius other than that how could I complain 23.5 gallons of super per 280 to 300 miles before and after 650 to 700 miles every 10.5 gallons of cheap stuff

 

still 825 per cars.com

2010 Toyota Prius Standard Equipment and Specs

 

UoD, you are aware that a bigger one (v) is coming out within a year, right? I don't want you to have buyer's remorse.

 

It's a no brainer, KEEP THE 4RUNNER!
I have a 1995, still have it. I use it for trips to Home Depot etc.
You can't haul plywood in a Prius
I still have the Prius!
I have the best of both.
There is not a law that says you can't have both!

 

I went from a 2009 H2 SUT with 11.4 mpg. I love the Prius. Just much easier to drive, park.... The H2 is great for moving stuff and snow, but overall I made the change never looked back

 

Yes, krelborne said it - there is a bigger Prius with more cargo space than 80% of small SUVs coming out in October. EPA overall is 42 mpg. I would wait.

The abusive relationships are always the hardest to end

 

In 2007 I went from the anti-Prius (2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE) to Pearl. Pearl actually has -more- usable room inside. Didn't miss the Pathfinder, which used three times as much fuel as Pearl.

But the story has a second part.
This past winter we received a record amount of snow. I came home from grocery shopping in January and saw the city had plowed my back alley (I just barely made it out to the road). Unfortunately they left a vertical "curb" of compacted snow/ice about 10" high at the entrance to the alley. Sigh. Get out of car, walk to my garage, get shovel, come back and shave a ramp!
The next week I purchased a 2007 FJ Cruiser, but I KEPT Pearl. I only use Bruiser the FJ when I need off-road transportation/utility. Bruiser, like the anti-Prius, uses three times as much fuel as Pearl. Bruiser DID save Pearls under-parts from being torn off.
And in the interest of full disclosure, I did want an FJ. Saving Pearl was mostly an excuse, true but an excuse.

 

do you have any demo cars on dealer lot? get your stuff (golf clubs, dog carrier, bike, etc) go to dealer and look if your toys fit.