Like others, I removed the rear headrests right away. It is very rare that someone would be in the back seat anyway, for me. I am glad to have the rear wiper even though it is tiny. There are snowstorms here where the visibility is so bad, and a rear wiper is the only way to see at all out your back window. I hope it is up to the task.
I did not read everyones post be for me so if some one covered this to bad lol My last car was a 09 Fit sport. I loved that car a lot and with that car i got better MPGs than anyone I know, granted at the time I did not know anyone with a hybrid. Then I learned about hypermiling and took my game to a whole new level. 30 mpg to 45-50mpg in the Fit. Then it was murdered by big old Land Rover and i had to get a new car. Look at the new Fit and it was the same as the 09. Then a co-worker told me about this NEW type or prius called a C. basically looks the but it would do as good as the hyper-hypermiled Fit without even trying at all. Drove the C and loved it, way way WAY better tech in the car at lest in the 3&4. I now get 75-80 MPG in the C and it not EVEN broken in (1846miles) there is no way that can happen in the Fit Guess its to late for a short post lol sorry just look at this total cost to own break down. P.S. of you take off the rear seat head rest you can see a lot better. 2012 Toyota Prius c 1.5L 4-cyl. Hybrid CVT Automatic True Cost to Own 2012 Honda Fit 1.5L 4-cyl. 5-speed Automatic w/Navigation True Cost to Own
Thanks everyone, I am feeling very encouraged by you all We rarely have passengers in the backseat either, so will definitely keep the seats down or at least remove the headrests. I guess we'll be making a decision tomorrow! We've only ever bought one brand-new car before in our lives, so we're kinda nervous...
If you plan to finance the car with Toyota Financial Services, make sure the dealership gives you a $1,000 college grad rebate. You mentioned in your first post that your partner was returning to graduate school. If they graduated within 2 years of college, or is graduating within 6 months, have current proof of employment then they qualify for the rebate (as stated in the Toyota Financial Services website). Just make sure they bring in their college diploma. I was lucky to get this rebate back in July. Now if the dealership doesn't believe that you should receive the rebate...then print out the page and have them call Toyota Financial Services. At the time, the dealership I went to thought I was lying about the Prius C being on the college grad rebate. They said that Toyota has never added a Prius to be discounted. Once they saw the website below AND contacted TFS... they were dumbfounded. Here's the website: Home This is my first hybrid car and I have to say, I LOVE the MPG. My last car was a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander that loved to break my piggy bank every week. So the C is just amazing. Keep us posted and best of luck!
Agree completely about the poor rear visibility due to the blocking headrests (from the one test drive I had). Agree about the remedy. If you're going to remove them, I strongly encourage you to store them somewhere in the car, in case you take on passengers, for their safety. Another possibility might be to turn the headrests so that only one rod is in the hole, for each of the side ones. I've seen (Nissan) Leafers do this.
Thank you. That's a really cool tip but unfortunately it doesn't apply to us. Hopefully other folks will be reading this thread & be able to take advantage of it!
First time hybrid owner here. Used to drive a really old sports car. Got about 50 mpg first time. Just drove it normally. Then I read about gliding\coasting techniques. The ECO score screen is the best.
okay we have decided! no moonroof. 2 in super white w/ all weather mats, cargo tray & rear bumper protector. $22400 out the door. here goes nothin...
Great choice! I have the 2 trim also. I think it's the best deal of them all, if you don't really really want the navigation stuff. As long as you like the ride itself, this car will not disappoint you, whether you hypermile or not. There is some behavioral science involved, though- the car gives constant feedback, and when you start seeing how your mpg goes up (positive reinforcement) when you drive in certain ways, you might surprise yourself.... Good luck and have fun!
I own a Honda Fit. And I'd say it's a great vehicle. The bottom line to me? How much do you want a Hybrid? The Honda Fit is NOT a Hybrid. If getting the efficiency of a Hybrid is your priority? Then choose The C...or any Prius. If you want a well designed and IMO excellent subcompact? The Fit is an excellent choice. It will not approach Hybrid gas efficiency.
If you're worried about how to "drive" it, maybe this will help. My drive home of 22+ miles when I first picked it up was spot on EPA estimated 50mpg combined, bout half highway half city driving. That was my first time driving a hybrid besides the test drive. Now I'm doing better than 50 easily. I do not know how I ever tooled around this city with a big ole SUV before.
it has arrived!!! it's so cute we said we would "just drive it" normally, but we are already getting sucked in by the positive-feedback forces will post more as we drive it more...
^^^ You don't have to be. Run some calculations as outlined at Car and Driver: Mileage? No, it's Your Gallonage that Really Counts | PriusChat to see what I mean (e.g. 45 vs. 50 mpg, 19 vs 20 mpg, etc.)
Having a lot of fun driving this car, & wow, all the extra tech that's built in (besides the main hybrid tech)... you gotta understand, this is replacing a car that had just an old AM/FM radio, not even a cassette deck (which is what our other car has)! Never had a car w/ a decent stereo before. I feel like I'm driving a space ship
Congrats on your new acquisition, Berkeley! I can now report, after driving my baby 5500 miles in 3.5 months, that I am in love with my car. Took him on a trip halfway across the country to CO - 3000 miles total through central U.S. during late July in 100 degree heat, air conditioner cranking; then up and over the mountains to 12000 ft elevation - and the car performed beautifully in all conditions, and I got 48 mpg without trying. Enjoy!
Lol! I kinda know the feeling. My old car was 14 and it did have a cassette deck but I didn't have any cassettes anymore so just the radio. I had no power steering, had to roll up the windows, no a/c. Etc. Does it feel a bit overwhelming to you? All the technology? I love mine but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm still a bit scared of it all. Your car arrived quickly! Have fun with it!
Sounds like we're in the same boat, Tracy and Berkeley and I... stunned by all the tech in our first high-tech car. I still get a giggle knowing I can adjust the passenger side mirror without having to roll down the window, unbuckle my belt, and lean across the passenger seat. And the rear window wiper may be nearly useless, but it's still fun to use.
