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Sold Prius...Lexus CT 200h, Camry hybrid, Prius II?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by exbauer, Jun 28, 2011.

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  1. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Interesting, perhaps it's your proportions? A former coworker of mine is 6'7" and he (surprisingly) says he fits in a Fit. :) That's what he drives.

    He used to drive an 02 or 03 Altima V6. IIRC, he didn't fit in a Prius (I think we were talking about 2nd gens).
     
    #21 cwerdna, Jul 5, 2011
  2. exbauer

    exbauer Active Member

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    Thanks for all the replies. So far I have driven Camry hybrid, Ford Fusion hybrid, Hyundai Sonata hybrid, Honda Fit Sport, MINI Cooper, Mazda3 hatch, Scion XB, Scion TC, Lexus CT.

    If I had to choose a 4 door hybrid sedan I would choose the Ford Fusion hybrid. It gets 10 more MPG than the Camry hybrid. It drives better and not as muted as the Camry. The interior isn't as nice as the Camry, but the gauges are really nice and have a lot of information. The BLISS system is great and the Sony stereo isn't half bad. I am able to get a fully loaded one with nav, BLISS, leather, etc for $30,800 + TTL. They are not bad priced. I don't like the styling of the Hyundai Sonata hybrid. But, having a conventional 6 speed transmission was a nice touch than a CVT.

    I liked the Mazda3 and it is a great car to throw around. They are fun to drive and not too bad on pricing. But, I found that when I adjusted my seat, nobody could sit behind me. I do like to sit reclined and pushed back. I am only 5'9. I am disappointed that even the navi model doesn't come with a rear backup camera. I have been spoiled with one since owning a 2008 Prius. Otherwise, it get's fairly good gas mileage for a 2.5 engine. I am just spoiled after owning a gen II and III Prius for MPG.

    The Honda Fit sport is pretty noisy on the highway, but has go cart handling. It makes great use of the interior with the folding seats. I am able to adjust my seat to my position and there is still room behind me to sit comfortably. The front seats aren't the best. The bottom cushion is pretty small. Also, the lumbar in my seat was really high and digging in my back. My complaints are no BlueTooth, XM radio, and back up camera even with the navi model. It is a pretty good bang for the buck. According to forums people have been getting pretty good MPG and some beat the EPA ratings.

    MINI Cooper and Golf TDI are solid cars. But, I worry about the maintenance later on.

    The Lexus CT is a great mix of both hybrid and conventional car. I know it has the same engine as the Prius, so MPG ratings are good. It is more sportier to drive and has a road feel. My issues are that it is quite expensive and when fully optioned it gets close to $39,000 +.

    I currently am taking public transportation to work and would only drive the car during the evening and weekends. I am trying to decide if I should just get something that will get me to where I need to go in relative comfort. That would the financial sound decision.
     
    #22 exbauer, Jul 6, 2011
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  3. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Many people judge driving position fit on one criteria - if it has enough headroom or not. I hear it time and again ... how's the headroom? Ah good, couple inches to spare, good to go.

    I judge driver's seating on whole body fit - headroom and importantly, are my butt and legs, what I'm sitting on, fully supported and comfortable.

    The Fit, although it is a great little car, has compact class legroom, nothing more. It's possible a 6'7" person has something less than about 33" inseam, crotch to floor, barefoot, but I seriously doubt it.

    Otherwise, at 6'7", they are reclining the seat, probably couped up and just telling themselves 'yeah, I'm comfortable'.

    With 35" inseams, my legs are pretty much just flailing with not much support in a Honda Fit. Not much better than a 2nd gen Pri for me.

    My Accord Coupe has just enough legroom and support, but that counts, and it's ace. I've tried Fit many times and it just doesn't work, even in my driving shoes. :)
     
    #23 cycledrum, Jul 6, 2011
  4. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    You're right about the Mazda3 - rear seat legroom is very scant. The driver's seats are very thick. If they used the thin seatback trick of the 3rd gen Prius, it would help a bit. When pushing the driver's seat all the way back, there is literally about 3" between the seatback and back seat bottom - no room there. But the front room is fairly generous and is known for that.

    Tough to match the interior room of 3rd gen Prius given its exterior size and footprint. I've looked up and down and never found an equal. But my criteria is a little skewed, because I only count good front seating.

    For example, Scion xB front seating is not good or roomy enough to me. I'm tall and refuse to drive around cramped up.
     
    #24 cycledrum, Jul 6, 2011
  5. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    exbauer,

    Maybe you should give the Toyota Matrix a chance. It's still a good all around car. I'm pretty familiar with the newest generation of the car as I seriously considered getting one a few years ago.

    Matrix keeps better rear seat legroom, because they don't allow the front seat to slide back quite as far as in the Mazda 3. Matrix definitely has better cargo room than the Mazda3 hatch.

    The 2.4L engine is ace in the Matrix and I would think it is more fuel efficient than the Mazda3 S. Not sure, but I'd think so.

    Matrix S, XRS can be had with a slick 5 speed automatic. It's a secure handling car of course.

    You ought to check Matrix out since you didn't mention it. I think it's an alright looking car too. It's known to have some road noise though. You can get it with a decent JBL system / sunroof. Others have Nav option. Can't get rearview camera, but that's something you can add aftermarket.

    Obviously you're not sold on getting a hatchback.

    There's always the used car market if you just need something for evenings and weekends.
     
    #25 cycledrum, Jul 6, 2011
  6. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    The EPA better ratings of the FFH vs. the TCH likely point to better optimization against the test. I'm not sure where you've gotten "10 mpg" from. Per http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm, EPA combined mileage of the '11 models of each shows a difference of 6 mpg.

    In CR's testing, the FFH's fuel economy was almost identical to the TCH. The TCH actually did better in their city test, despite its lower EPA city rating. See
    Consumer Reports - Fuel economy vs. performance
    Best & worst cars review, fuel-efficient vehicles

    Also, per Consumer Reports - Fuel economy vs. performance, the FFH is slower.
     
    #26 cwerdna, Jul 6, 2011
  7. mmcdonal

    mmcdonal Active Member

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    You will not like the trunk of the Camry, then - very small 10.? cf. I owned a 2007 Camry Hybrid. After replacing the original tires, the ride was very smooth and quiet.

    The car weighs in at 3800#, though, so that smooths out the ride. It got typically 40 mpg in the same loop I am getting 50 mpg in my Prius now. I did also like the panic brakes on the Camry. When you hit the brakes like you mean it, the car shows you how to do it right. Wow can those cars panic stop with no wheel skid.

    Around here, however, no Camry Hybrids available (except a gold one with beige interior :mmph:) no Prii, 2 CT's coming in in a few days, and I am not sure about the HS. Good luck sitting on the bubble.
     
    #27 mmcdonal, Jul 6, 2011
  8. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Install aftermarket the toys missing in OEM ?
     
    #28 SageBrush, Jul 6, 2011
  9. exbauer

    exbauer Active Member

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    Just an update to what I got. I ended up getting a Honda Fit sport navi auto. I got a great deal on a used 2011 with only 1,400 miles. It is a great car to zip around the city. The engine is smaller than the Prius, it's only a 1.5. Getting on the highway you really have to push it. But, once you get up to speed it doesn't take much to keep it there. I have been getting pretty good MPG. I drove 300 miles so far. Almost all highway around 73 with the A/C running and been getting 36.5. I am more interested in city and I know it is only going to go down. But, I am reading up on how to maximize MPG on the Fit. There are no rattles so far and haven't really read anything on them in the Fit forums. Hopefully it stays that way when the temps drop. The interior is really versatile, but not as big as the Prius. With the front seat pushed all the way back somebody can still sit behind me.

    So, on to the things I miss is the smart key. Using a key has been so foreign to me since 2008. It was so nice not having to take a key out to unlock, lock, or start the car. Of course I miss the MPG. If you complain about the Toyota navi, you will hate the Honda navi. It is more utilitarian view, doesn't have the option to avoid toll roads, and it has an OK button you have to press before using it. You are able to use the navigation while still in motion though. That is good since my passenger can use it. There are other things like bluetooth, satellite radio, heated mirrors, and other things. But, I knew that going in. As much as I wanted a Lexus CT, I couldn't see myself paying MSRP for it. I don't drive as much as I use to and having it sit in the street just didn't make sense. I am happy with my decision and will still frequent the board to keep up with the Prius. My parents still have a 2010.
     
    #29 exbauer, Jul 17, 2011
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Don't forget that the first two generations of Prius had a 1.5 litre engine!

    You'll have to try Honda's latest navi. They've finally got rid of the Atari-like resolution. The only saving grace of the old version is the fact that you can use it while in motion. But the new one should give Toyota a run for their money.

    Congrats on the new Fit. You'll love it. It's a really versatile vehicle for its size (just like the Prius!). I like the magic seat that allows you to flip up the seat bottom to fit tall items like plants or a bike.

    Also, note that you can fold the rear seat without taking out the headrests. I mention it because not even the Honda salespeople knew. (You'd think they go through product training). You'll have to slide the front seat (driver or passenger) forward, fold the rear seat and then slide the front seat over the rear headrest.
     
    #30 Tideland Prius, Jul 21, 2011
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