Should I get Toyota Prius??

Question

I need more than 1 word answers

Answer 1

You'll get way more information asking Toyota Prius owners:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/
http://www.priusonline.com/
http://www.priuschat.com/

and plenty of Prius information at:
http://www.toyota.com/prius
http://john1701a.com/
http://home.earthlink.net/~jkash1/

If you are thinking about purchasing a Toyota Prius, be aware that the US Federal income tax credit of $3150 will drop to $1575 for purchases/deliveries on or after Oct. 1, 2006, so get your order in soon!
http://www.toyota.com/prius/tax.html

powertrain is warrantied in the US for 5 years/60,000 miles. the hybrid system is warrantied in the US for 8 years/100,000 miles (which includes the hybrid battery pack). If you live in a CA-emissions state, the AT-PZEV Prius' hybrid battery pack is further warrantied out to 10 years/150,000 miles. Warranties are NOT pro-rated, but full coverage.

For safety features, if you can afford them, I highly recommend the side and curtain air bags, and the vehicle stability control. Other than that, the Prius does pretty well on safety tests on its own.

I've never seen anyone do a cost-benefit analysis for a v4 vs v6 vs diesel engine, so why do one for a hybrid drivetrain? Most cost analysis articles neglect trade-in value which the Prius does very well in maintaining. (in some areas, used Prius are still selling for new prices for availability and rising gasoline prices!). Don't forget to include federal and any state tax incentives in your calculation (Consumer Reports forgot, and had to issue a retraction that hybrids are cheaper to own/operate than their gasoline cousins). Edmunds.com still doesn't take into account the true depreciation value (as seen by manually looking for a Prius trade-in value) when calculating their TCO, but they still say that hybrids will pay for themselves even when using lower than actual trade-in amounts: http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/08/22/bc.autos.hybrids.reut/index.html

Remember that Toyota had the first production hybrid on the road - the Toyota Prius has been out in Japan since 1997 for the 1998 model year. It was first introduced internationally in 2000 for the 2001 model year. In 2003 (for the 2004 model year) the car underwent a redesign (compact sedan to the current midsize hatchback, a better hybrid system, etc.). Toyota has since put this newer hybrid system on the Harrier (Lexus RX400H), Kluger (Highlander Hybrid), Camry Hybrid, Lexus GS450H, Alphard Hybrid, and Estima Hybrids, with plans to put it into more models in future years.

As for whether you should get a Toyota Prius, that would depend on a few things. Do you have the financial resources now to buy a new/used car? Have you test-driven the car and like it?

If it were me, I'd say yes, as I currently own a 2001 and a 2004 US Prius.

I've known quite a few people who have "traded up" to get the new features in a 2006 (reverse camera, tire pressure monitoring system, and aux-in audio jack the main differences from 2004-2005 US model years, or just the larger room/hatchback and other toys from the 2001-2003 model years), while some are waiting for the new Touring edition in the US 2007...

It's far cleaner than any diesel (Prius is AT-PZEV in CA-emissions states, while diesels cannot be sold new in those states because they're so dirty), and 90% cleaner in emissions than the average car. It's the best in fuel economy of any mid-size car in the US. (If you had wanted a smaller car, like a compact (VW Jetta, Honda Civic) or subcompact (Scion tC, Scion xA, Toyota Yaris) or a smaller station wagon (Honda Fit, Scion xB) I'm sure you would've asked...)

The Prius has also been in the Best Picks list of Consumer Reports used cars for several years now. It also comes up tops in reliability. http://autos.msn.com/advice/CRArt.aspx?contentid=4023544

Answer 2

It depends on what you're looking to get out of it.

If you want to save gas, go for it.

If you want to save gas and break even as compared to buying a non-hybrid you had better think about how long you'll own it.

It'll probably take you 10 years to break even. I hear all of the talk about the quality and how long Toyota's cars last and the same people lease or get something new in 5 years or less.

In doing that you're paying a premium for quality but not really holding on to the car long enough to realize the return.

There are some costs involved in these cars that can hurt you down the road and it goes way beyond the batteries. The transmissions are complex and repairs go way beyond those in conventional cars.

In that ten year time period, there is a likelihood that even your Toyota will have trouble.

It's all about probability and impact. Maybe it's a medium to low probability, but the impact is pretty high. You have to weigh these factors in your own mind. Or maybe on a calculator.

Answer 3

Get the Prius. It get 51 mpg on highway and 60 mpg on city roads (estimates). That is way better than any of the non-hybrid cars out there. Plus the fact that Toyota is longer lasting and that Prius has every feature you would want in a car (except the 4-cylinder), it's a very good car. Good luck on your decision.

Answer 4

Look Hybrid technology is just the next craze. Toyota sells for about 30,000 do you realize that is a lot for such a small car. And what would do if in say 40,000 miles the motor runs all the time and the power meter shows battery problems. Do you know what the battery package costs? Battery's wear out and may not be a covered item as they are wear items. And there are hybrid mechanics all around right? There are very good gasoline only cars that get 36 mpg and some that do better same size Honda Civic save 10,000. Nissan Versa larger inside 36 mpg. 17,000 dollars. Toyota Yarus, Honda Fit, Sicon cars? Think about it!!!

Answer 5

Yes,they have some options an features only Lexus or mercedes has. You can get it with a navigational display, bluetooth technology, and a push button start. You don't need to worry about unlocking your car with your hands full, it has a feature when you come with in eight or so feet and have the key with a sensor in your pocket or purse, it automatically unlocks. How many economic cars have those features plus the hybrid feature and not a huge price tag, plus tax credits?

Answer 6

Yes. My g/f really likes hers. A recent study said hybrids pay for themselves, and gas wont get cheaper in the coming years..

My next car will be a Prius.

Btw, I dont know what the other poster is talking about... you dont wind up with any batteries in your garage except the one in the car. :-)

Answer 7

Yes. The car is great to drive, incredibly roomer, and one of the most reliable cars on the market, with one of the best warranties. Because the front passenger seat and rear seats all fold down, I have been able to move large bookshelves in the car. We stuck a sofa in the back and tied the back hatch down, the aerodynamics made the wind noise barely noticeable on the freeway. FANTASTIC car!!

Answer 8

i made a comment to my cousin that i like the prius, he said to get something i'd get out of alive if god forbid im in an accident. and that the prius has no strength...i guess he means horse power. he recommened the jetta and other european cars.

fuel economy and the environment are important to me, but so is safety of passengers, pedestrians and drivers...so basically i would say look more into the safety features and stuff like that.

Answer 9

Are you trying to impress some Greenpeace girl?
That's what I thought.

Then get a modern-tech Diesel.
Get's the same mileage than a Prius, runs faster, and you won't get stuck with a complete set of useless, environmental unfriendly batteries in your garage.

Plus you wont be tagged as a DiCaprio wannabe...

btw, Audi builds outstanding Diesel engines.

Answer 10

If you're already considering it, then yes, because you've already gotten over the cost-benefit argument (which, frankly, argues against it) - but I dig the vibe about getting a green(ish) car.