The gen2 Prius was once over 60mpg rated in the US and not as common hybrid detractors liked pulling out the old ratings of some models for the '80s and '90s. I'm guessing the cars you saw were a lot less powerful than even the 'slow' cars of today. More importantly, you were probably more likely to be maimed or kill if in an crash with one. As for the truck, once upon a time, it was only farmers and tradesmen buying pick ups for business, where the bottom line was a factor in the purchase. I hadn't voted at first cause I no longer have even a Toyota. Finally went with different brand BEV. Once the Outback racks up some miles, it'll lead an easier life of road trips and truck chores, and I'll get BEV for commuting. It'll likely be used, so I don't expect many options with a Toyota badge by then. A used gen5 Prius Prime isn't totally out of the running. I like the style, and if Toyota's under reporting still holds true, it could do the majority of my commute in EV. The main thing against it, is the reason why I no longer have a Toyota; seat comfort and fit. It doesn't work out in Toyotas with how I want the seat positioned. The lower roof has me suspecting this will remain the case with the new Prius. Chips aren't the reason why finding cat food can be a chore. For other goods, part of the issue is COVID in China. They have a zero tolerance for outbreaks, combined with a less effective vaccine. Someone tests positive, and a city can be shut down. Which becomes a problem if a part comes from there. In the US, most people buy cars that are on the lot, and most dealers order neutral colors for fear of cars sitting too long. So the manufacturers have gone with more limited palettes, as that reduces costs. That's likely the reason why Tesla has only five colors to choose from. They also up charge for anything but the base color; currently white but black in the past. Going with a color besides that adds $1000 to $1500, depending on the model, with another $1000 for red. So some people must really like grey. I actually wanted a white or grey Sonic, because GM didn't put the red interior in ones with a color on the outside. Orange exterior was what was on the lot.
Congratulations to the dealers and their networks! In short order the auto dealers have wrecked their long-term customer good will with $3,000 Adjusted Market Value window stickers and mandatory $1,000 floor mats and pin stripes. When you go to process the paperwork you are faced with $900 processing fees and more with the finance manager. Good Credit loans are running on average 6%. I am completely content in waiting for the dealers to exploit the 'mugs' until I consider buying a Prius. The fun of buying a new vehicle has been trashed. Has anyone had a good buying experience of recent?
It seems buying a car is a burden. Whoever comes out with a good car and an innovative purchase/selling model will win in the long term. Just reading comments and posts about markup and dishonest upselling when doing regular manufacture's mandated regular service, makes me not want to own a car at all. Hey, they don't even put the right oil in.
I wish this version came out when someone totaled my generation 2, so I'm stuck with my generation 4. Car prices are just too much nowadays. Gen 5 is a really sleek looking car.
I will trade in for a guardian-gray XSE Premium with the solar roof/panoramic-view monitor/digital rear-view mirror/etc. package. Life is too short.
I will wait for the third or fourth model year so the bugs are worked out and TSBs finalized with the early owners. iPhone ?
Tesla Insider told us that Tesla originally screwed up making black the free/base color, previously. the insider's explaination made total sense, prior to Tesla switching the base color from black to pearl white. You see - when your robots screw up a black paint job - whether over spray - or orange-peel it shows like nobody's business. But on white or pearl white? it's much easier to hide. that means, even though Pearl might be a more expensive paint to apply, it requires less rework when it's an abortion. if Tesla screws up upholstery or paint jobs, it goes to an independent shop and that costs a boat load to the company.
Actually, it is a first. The first non ugly Prius. I’ve always thought the Prius was a case study for Toyota, proving no matter how aesthetically displeasing they made it, people would still buy it. This time I’m in without excuses, hopefully the darn paint won’t fail.
I had mice get in once while camping. (BTW, mice don't like raisins, they spit them out. A line of raisins was my first clue something was amiss. I had forgotten a small bag of trail mix, which was still in my backpack. The second clue was the chewed up tissues.) Did you ever figure out how they got in? I'm thinking the ones that climbed into my car got in through the little ventilation flaps at the very back of the car, perhaps. Some mouse traps baited with peanut butter got them. But I'd love to learn how they got in.
I ordered a new 2022 last March. The dealership said I'm number 2 on the wait list. It looks like I'll be getting a 2023 Prius Prime in the spring. It will be worth the wait.
Here is a post I made showing the opening under the hood into the ventilation system. I had to put hardware cloth over the opening fixed with sheet metal screws. I hate doing things like that, but since the car is old I did it anyway. Toyota (and other car makers) really should pay attention to this sort of thing. MouseProofing the Prius | Page 9 | PriusChat
1/4" (opening size) galvanized steel rodent mesh is what I used for the cabin air intake. Put the same stuff over the opening at end of duct leading to air filter box. Should do the rear of car vent flaps too...
I pulled the plug a week ago prior to seeing the new Gen5, couldn't resist the trade-in value for my 2017PP and made the switch to a 2022 Bolt EUV. Very happy with that choice. The Prime was a wonderful vehicle while I had it ...
Thanks for those photos. "My" mice were getting into the car itself. The cabin air filter was intact with no damage. I think the little rascals climbed in via the small holes on both rear sides, which are covered by a rubber flap. I think those holes are there to allow air to move out when the fan is on, or when doors close. It doesn't take much to open the flaps up and climb in. At least we know the mice like the Prius as well...
One incident the rodent was inside, but I think came in through the firewall vent. It had torn up the air filter, I guess going right through it. There were pieces of air filter in the passenger footwell. It also had dragged some microfiber towels up under the dash. My wife uses them to wipe dew off windows when she leaves for work at the crack of dawn. Luckily the vermin did not start running around inside the car while she was driving. This is why I find it curious car companies don't take this problem seriously - people could have a wreck if they get startled by a mouse running over their feet, or across the dashboard while driving.