I'm probably buying a prius. What are the best and worst parts of ownership?

Like you, I was concerned about the lack of temp gauge especially since I block the lower grill through the winter. This winter has been exceptionally warm and driving on the expressway in the 81 degree weather last week with the grill blocked, I used my phone to connect to the OBDII and checked the temp, 177 degrees, so no worry after that.

 

Daughter is growing and will need her own safe car.

 

I agree with everything you just said. In the first two weeks of ownership, I've almost had two collisions while switching to the right lane. (Even after looking over my shoulder to check for cars!)
I'm dreaming of the new Tesla!

 

Bad part is the blind spot and the HV battery failure risk. Ask someone to fix your HV battery and its like asking them to build you a spaceship to fly to the moon.

Oh ya and the seats aren't comfortable on long trips.

 

Our experience as well. I installed daytime running lights, and now people don't turn out in front of us as we're going down the road as frequently (right of way).

 

On the Gen 4 they made it easy to turn off the DRL, I guess so we can get the tru Prius experience. This is the first car I have had that permitted & made it easy to turn off the DRL. I think I accidentally drove the first few days with the DRL off.

 

You can also turn off the DRL on Gen 3 (2012-2015). Earlier Gen 3's were not equip.

 

Worst part of owning a new Toyota are the dealer service centers. I had the worst experience in 30+ years of my long and happy driving career at my local spot . . Downtown Oakland Toyota. I will never go back. I bought a brand new Prius four with five year service contact. I assumed they would be happy to service my new car. After holding the vehicle for eight days I demanded my car back. they did not even rotate the tires.

The best part is that there are other Toyota dealerships to fulfill your service contact. And the Prius is rock solid, the most reliable vehicle on the road.

 

I have always felt that Toyota US succeeds in spite of their dealers. The vehicle quality overrides that. I wonder how much more successful they could be with a decent dealer network.

 

I hate the sun visors! Amazed that they don't slide back and forth or have an extension.
Reverse beeping is annoying, but I've read it can be turned off at the dealership.

The two big factors for me were the amazing reliability of the Prius and the gas mileage.

 

No one mentioned about POS head unit and speakers in non jbl trims. I replaced all 4 speakers on my 2013 trim 2 without replacing the head unit and the sound still sucks only better on higher volume level. Next would be upgrading the stock deck with jvc or pioneer.
The big drawback is that 90% of these cars are used for uber and taxi which makes me feel like a very common car am driving.

 

You buy a base trim Two and complain about not having the higher level options? The base trim is a very common car! Some of us use the car for driving economically instead of entertainment.

 

Not complaining just stating the fact. It's not too expensive to add all those features anyways. I just added oem type back up camera to it for under $100 still a good car though but not luxury.

 

FWIW, the JBL sound system isn't great either, lots of front speaker bias.

 

I know factory speakers are always sucks but doesn't the jbl headunit comes with an amp under the seat?

 

https://attachments.priuschat.com/attachment-files/2017/03/121412_JBL_Audio_System.pdf