Toyota Prius???

Question

ANY ONE OWNED ONE OF THESE CARS? IF YOU HAVE DO YOU LIKE IT. HAVE YOU HAD ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS IWTH IT? HOW MUCH WAS IT TO FIX? ANY INFO ON THIS CAR WOULD BE GREAT.

I AM THINKING OF GETTING ONE.
BUT IS THE GAS MILIAGE WORTH THE MONEY.

Answer 1

A number of studies (e.g., Consumers Reports) clearly show that it costs more to buy and own a Prius than any other comparable car. But there are several things wrong with that assessment.

First, there are no comparable cars. The features of the small cars they compared the Prius to are not at all comparable to the features the Prius has. If these small cars had the navigation system, the automatic breaking system, smart key security system, and other systems the Prius has, these small cars would be more expensive, too.

Second, the Prius has storage capactiy that belies its outside dimensions...clearly more than the so-called comparable cars. I can stuff more stuff into the Prius than I can get in my Avalon, which is way bigger on the outside than the Prius (and guzzles more gas than the Prius).

Third, I bought the Prius because it is a partially zero emissions vehicle that emits only 20% of the noxious gases ordinary cars spill into our atmosphere. As a consequence, in California, I can drive in the HOV lanes any time I want with just me at the wheel. During commute hours, that saves me a lot of time. The so-called comparable cars don't qualify for this.

Finally, there is the milage (for me that's 44 mpg combined street and freeway). None of these so-called comparable cars can boast that kind of milage. So I feel I am doing my bit to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

But there are some down sides to the car. It is noisier than my Avalon, which is very quiet at freeway speeds. It also does not handle as well in cross winds, which is understandable because the Prius is quite tall for its width. (On the other hand, the tallness gives a lot of head room inside.)

There have been three recalls up to this point on my 2004 Prius. One was to fix something in the navigation system, one was to strengthen the steering wheel post, and I don't recall what the third was for. I bought extended warranty, which covers the motor drive electric battery for 100,000 miles; so upkeep costs have been comparable to other cars I've owned.

In sum, when my Avalon finally bites the dust, I will be replacing it with another Prius unless something better (like fuel cell) comes along. Suggest you go to toyota.com/hybrids to join in on more Prius dialog.

Answer 2

We have a 2005.
Just regular maintanence so far.
Average 45 MPG. If you live where it's flat you might get 50. AND it uses "regular" gas.
Lot's of space.
Took a while to get used to the gas engine shutting off at red lights/stop signs. Just hit the gas and off you go.

Do we like it?...We're probably going to replace our 02 Galant with an 07 Prius.

Answer 3

I've had mine for 2 years and I still love it. I'm getting about 50 mpg right now, and that's with a LOT of stop-and-go driving. I haven't had ANY problems with it at all, and my dealership even offers free oil changes for LIFE!

If I had to do it again, I'd still buy exactly the same car! Get the navigation system, though. Even if you don't think you'll need it, you'll be surprised the times it comes in handy!

Answer 4

Bought one about 2 months ago and it's a great little car in all respects. No problems and runs better than any other in it's class. I would recommend it to anyone if they want a small efficient auto. If you drive one, you'll buy one, I bet. Getting about 35miles per gallon with an automatic. Very peppy motor.

Answer 5

there are yahoo groups for the Prius. look up one for your area.

nothing is likely to go worng that is not covered by warenty, 80k miles for the hybrid drive & battery.

it is much more pleasent to drive than most other cars, much more like a pure electric - which I would prefer, but manufacturers have scrapped all of them.

MPG improves as you learn the relaxed driving style and it runs in over the first 10k.
recomended,

Answer 6

Is all that shouting necessary?