Future Prius owner

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JamesL @ Jun 13 2007, 10:08 AM) [snapback]460806[/snapback]</div>

The first and most important thing to suggest is that when you first take one for a test drive (and you absolutely MUST do that) don't let the technical gadgetry influence your judgement of the vehicle in its own right. Drive it and decide if it feels right and drives right for your tastes and needs, and THEN play with the toys!

The Prius really is a great car, but there is a danger that you'll find yourself swayed by the display, the plethora of things to look at, the smart key system, the handsfree phone system, the auto mirror, the push-button 'power' switch, the digital instruments..... and miss the essential fact that first and foremost, it's a car that has to meet your needs. Don't be fooled by the promise of 60+ miles per gallon - most users get more like 50 and don't be fooled by sales people telling you how much you'll save. It's a fuel-efficient vehicle alright by comparative standards, but it takes a long to time 'pay for itself'.

 

Here's my recommendation: When you test drive, don't go on whatever canned route the dealer recommends. Tell the dealer you're going to do a test drive that is more realistic to your needs, and then do part of your commute or drive around to your neighborhood to where you normally would go. If you drive on the freeway a lot, get the car out on the freeway. And make sure you're on the freeway long enough to really understand the handling and accelleration.

 

What are your real car needs?

The prius is the best commuter car on the market and also a very versatile car. It does everyday car driving really REALLY well. This can also bee seen in the polls that show Prius owners the happiest with their car choice.

That said the car isn't for everybody. If you tell us a bit more of how you plan to use the car we can help you more.

 

I agree.

If the car doesn't suit you, for whatever reason at all, you should really just stick with the car or truck you are driving now, especially if it is a 10MPG SUV.

Don't for a minute think of actually making a sacrifice in any way to drive the most technically advanced and forward thinking car on the market.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JamesL @ Jun 13 2007, 10:08 AM) [snapback]460806[/snapback]</div>

'Wisconsin? There's been some debate back and forth here on how the Prius does in snow. I'd say the only point of solid agreement is that the stock tires are a poor choice for snow. And, if you plan to swap out separately mounted snows for the winter, then the tire inflation monitor is a pain. I know nothing of this except what I've read here -- search for it on this board. There was an issue in earlier models with traction control stalling the car (just stopping all wheel movement) after any wheel slip, but I believe that's not an issue for current models. Other than that, some people say its a great snow car, others disagree pretty strongly.

Your greatest advantage relative to other cars, for mileage, is city driving. Turning radius is also excellent for city driving/parking. But the car is fine for the highway. Not so fine for off-road or loose-surface (eg gravel) road -- again, I only know what I read on this board. If you live at the end of a steep gravel driveway, drive that before you buy the car.

The smart key seems like a gimmic at first, but it's great. Just touch the handle, open the door, and start the car. Only have to touch the fob to lock the car on exit.

Ignore the multifunctional display and just drive the car. Might even ask the salesman to turn it off - it can be a distraction, and you don't need it. (Well, yeah, you do if you want to e.g. change the air conditioner setting or something, but you don't need it on just to drive the car.) Consider the info on the MFD to be either a plus or a distraction, but ignore it for the drive.

I have the light tan interior and ... if I had it to do over, I'd get a darker color. Shows the effects of normal use too easily. Lot of people here like the leather seats, but not for me.

Note that adults will fit pretty comfortably in the back, for most. If you consider another smallish car consider that carefully.

 

Figure out what your second and third choice of cars are, you may be surprised that other cars that are considered to be in the same class are priced very close to the Prius package # 2, which makes the decision easier, it is untrue about you paying significant premiums for a hybrid. (articles usually suggest that it is a $4000 premium)

In my searching before incentives of course
These were my top 2 picks.



Prius pckg # 2 approx. $22,000

Ford Fusion SEL approx $21,000 (according to Ford.com build fusion + add automatic transmission, add anti lock brakes)

 

Hey James,

If you are already interested in the Prius, you are already a future owner for all intents and purposes. Just go drive one and DO pay attention to the MFD and DO marvel at all the cool features.

The car goes from point A to point B just like any other car out there. Don't try and be amazed by all of the mundane details that it shares with every other automobile on the road.

Appreciate the car for what it is. There is no other car that comes even close to it as far as MPG and amenities, except maybe the Civic Hybrid, which would also be a good car if you could handle the smaller capacities.

Either way, don't go into it with blinders on. Most people in this country are too scared to take them off as it is, hence the large volume of auto sales that aren't using Hybrid (or otherwise) technology.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TooFolkGR @ Jun 13 2007, 07:47 AM) [snapback]460837[/snapback]</div>

I want to add to that by saying that if you can, rent a Prius for a day or two. You won't have to worry about a sales rep and you can actually drive it to work and see what it would be like. Plus you'll get to drive one with a few miles on it (to see how it holds up). I rented one for two weeks and used it for my commute, plus a trip into the mountains to the pleasant town of Julian.

 

Greetings.
Glad to see you are interested in the Prius. I've had mine for a month now, with average daily travel of 150 miles. I only wish that I had purchased this a year ago! I average 68-mph on the ride to work, and usually less going home. I have been averaging 50+mpg without fail. Some will say the car is buffeted by the wind in traffic. My drive involves a 4-lane around Chicago, and I will agree that the semi's will move you more than my Dodge pickup. When people ask how I like the car, I always tell them it's not a big as my truck, not as much leg room, (I'm 6"5"), but when I realize the gas money I'm saving, I tell them I LOVE THE CAR!!
MrBlue

 

These are really great cars!! They are very fun to drive, it's excellent not having the engine running when you don't need it, and they're so useful. They're great for the mountains--I live on the plains of Colorado so when I climb into the mountains, the mpg average goes down to 49. Then when I get back home, it's back to 60 from all the coasting on the way down. I carry my bike in it, pile musical instruments inside, and fill it full of other random stuff--it's amazing what'll fit inside. The hatch is also great for sitting in to put on hiking boots etc. You can't do that with a sedan!

Before the Prius I used to be a die-hard manual transmission buff. I don't miss it at all! The smart key spoils you too--you never have to take the key out of your pocket!!

60 mpg isn't that out of the question. My average says 60.0 right now on the last 358 miles and I've only got 1500 miles on the car. I've had it say 61.3 when I pull up to work. Higher tire pressure seems to help.

I did a quick test drive on the loop the salespeople take you on. My mind was made up before I even got in the car though.

Eric