Open thread: Ask Danny your Prius c questions

That's nothing that a little bondo and spray paint can't fix. :eyebrows:

Actually, I'm quite disappointed. I was decided on getting the TWO. I don't really need to spend the extra few thousand for an "infotainment system" and extra speakers.

 

Despite some reports to the contrary in earlier reviews, the suspension appears to be the very same on both. The units with the 16" wheels do have the EPS with the faster steering ratio of 2.28 turns lock to lock (vs 3.02 on the regular), but since the 16" wheels are also an inch wider and offset to the inside, the turning circle increases all the way up to 37.4' from 31.4' with the 15's.

http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/80880313


ron

 

Yes, and he did mention his highway drive, but inconclusive.

Danny later responded that he was unable to accurately test real highway MPG, and that his speeds varied from 45 to 65 on the highway, in an uncontrolled manner - particular highway conditions I gather.

He also stated that he did not have the car long enough to be conclusive, and will continue his evaluation once the cars are readily available, in March. Understandably, Danny was reluctant to provide a highway estimate, as he needs more data.

I continue to monitor test-drive-reviews, which continue to report short distance city/highway combined numbers.

Time will tell.

 

X3

 

I am interested in buying the Prius C, but I am wondering how low the seats are? I bought a Smart Car last year for the seat height as it is easy for seniors to get in and out of. How about the Prius--is it low to the ground like the Fit? Thanks.

 

In my experience - both for myself and seniors who've ridden in my cars and trucks - very low seats are more difficult to deal with. Lowering and lifting oneself out of a low seat takes more effort. Two cars that were/are very popular with older drivers are the Toyota Echo and original ScionXB - both easy to get in and out of. The Nissan Cube is good too. Basically the less one has to bend the better.

We have a 2007 Fit Sport (which we love) and the Prius C I test drove was at least as easy to get in and out of. I like the C's driving position too - kinda like the Fit - high (upright?) and good visibility to front and sides.

Either of the above are a lot easier to get in and out than my 1997 and 2001 Prizms. I'm old & fat & my hip hurts because of a bad back (old age is not for the timid) and the Prizms are - literally - a pain for me.

The Honda Insight is not good - I went to look at one and bumped my head getting in. I got out and immediately left the dealership. Funny - looks vaguely like a slightly shrunken Prius sedan but it is not even close to it in terms of getting in and out and, IMHO, it's just not comfortable. A hybrid Fit would make more sense.

YMMV

 

Ewaboy thanks for your reply. Maybe I will give a Prius C a try when they release them here on March 12th. I did like the Honda Element for ease of getting in and out, but sure would like to find a hybrid as our gas is predicted to be up to $1.70 per liter by summer so I think that would make your hair curl over in Hawaii eh?

 

That's why the hybrid Fit/Jazz is sold everywhere else in the world. There are many people hoping that the c will kill the Insight and Honda will be forced to sell the Fit Hybrid here. Unfortunately, I think that, like other subcompacts, the EPA ratings would understate the real-world mileage capability and Honda won't do it.

 

Hair curling as I type this.

So far our regular, on Oahu, is hovering around $4.19 per gallon. If I calculate correctly - your gas will be around $6.40+ per gallon?

If our gas got that high - the little hair I have left would probably all fall out.

 

Yes, your calculation is right but our gallon is an imperial gallon so it will take you a wee bit further than a US gallon. Still it is going to change the driving habits of many people.

 

So about $5.35 per U.S. gallon? If this is correct we'll probably catch up with you in a couple months.

I'm going to stop now - math gives me a headache. Why yes - I am Asian but math was my worst subject....

 

i think what they want to sell is the fit EV ---- all electric

 

Hi Danny,

I'm going to ask a very primitive question. Because this would be the first car I buy (drove on my parents' Honda Accord), I wonder if this car might feel quite light on the highway.

Have you driven your C in high-way situation, and how does the drive feel? Do you feel the car get blown sideways? (I have tried driven Honda Fit at 130km/h in the winter, and distinctively remember feeling my wheels are lifting off)

Thank you so much!