I'm beginning to look for a Prius!

^^ i would get a Gen III prius. Better gas mileage, bigger interior, looks nicer, and maintenance costs are not as high.

 

You might want to take a look at the Gen II forums, there is a subforum for modifications. You'll probably get all sorts of good ideas from that arena (plus meet a bunch of Gen II owners who are interested in Mods as well, who can guide you along).

 

The Gen III is for me, the best choice.

 

If you go w/large (and wider) wheels, you'll likely incur a mileage penalty.

If you're really going to go 2nd gen, the USA portion of https://priuschat.com/forums/knowle...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html might help. I'd go with an 06 or newer as many changes were made starting that year. Earlier ones w/the old MFD had some issues (see Prius MFD, http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...bleshooting/33923-mfd-issues-04-05-prius.html and Luscious Garage | Blog | Gen 2 Prius MFD Screen Repair, $500).

To set your fuel economy expectations, here's was CR got on the 2nd gen: ConsumerReports.org - Most fuel-efficient cars
3rd gen: Most fuel-efficient cars
Best & worst cars review, best city/highway mpg
Best & worst cars review, fuel-efficient vehicles - you can see the Element got 14/29, 21 overall (25 mpg in their 150 mile trip), in their tests. I checked and that was from their review of an 07.

If you can afford and prefer to buy new, I would go w/a 3rd gen. It's an overall better car.

 

Nice Element...Just traded our 2010 Element EX 4X4 for a Prius IV, good luck with the hunt, the car drives like a Dream

 

I really liked the look of the Honda Element and looked
at one before I chose Prius, but the low gas mileage
put me off.

You will love your Prius, it just takes a little getting used
to the lower ground clearance, and having to get gas
less often

 

We just got my dad a 2010 Element EX 2wd...he loves it!! Mileage is on the low end for a miniSUV, but it is so useful!! My father loves it.


Good luck in the hunt.

 

Do you want maximum fuel economy, or minimum total cost of ownership? They usually have different answers.

 

i just made my first test drive on a new gen III prius...i have been planning on getting one for quite awhile... my wife rode in the back seat and wasn't impressed with the ride. any comments? also, how many miles do you need to drive before you get the
top 48-51 mpg? any comments on good or unnecessary accessories? i use a garmin
360 gps, and wonder if the toyota built-in is worth the extra money.... also, when i have my sunglasses on, it is difficult to read the digital gauges way up on the dash..
I WILL BUY A PRIUS, BUT JUST TRYING TO PICK SOME OF YOUR BRAINS REGARDING ALL THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVES.....THANKS FOR ANY INPUT..