So... I'm sure you guys get this a lot. I'm a car enthusiast on a budget and looking around for a new car. I had a Ford Cmax hybrid, which I loved, but it had a leak that couldn't be repaired by the dealer. Long story short, the lemon law got me a refund and I'm back in the market and currently lacking a car. I know stepping into a Prius I'm not going to be finding blistering performance My questions for the PriusChat community are: 1. How does it handle windy backroads? 2. Do you guys have any suggested suspension modifications that could make it more fun on twisty roads? 3. What sort of MPG do you guys get going 80ish on the highway or on long highway trips. The sort of driving I do varies between a 60 mile curvy mountain road commute and a long 200 mile highway commute on the weekends. I put LOTS of miles on cars haha. If I could get some feed back I would appreciate it so much! THANK YOU!
When you test drive a Prius do not forget to try the PWR mode and the ECO mode. It does have some power if you want it. Most of my interstate driving is done at around 82mph. It handles great and we get a bit over 50mpg.
I guess that the handling question would vary depending on whether you are considering a gen 3 or a gen 4 Prius. The new one is rumored to handle much better.
these answers are for the gen 3 Prius. Toyota is introducing a Gen 4 Prius with an independent rear suspension this month. Slowly. It has a solid beam rear axle that is adequate to hold up the rear of the car. Jack up the decals, and roll a Miata under them. At constant speed on level ground. Then a Prius can save you money, driven wisely. (See chart above)
1) Very poorly, worse handling car I've ever driven 2) The standard: start with the TRD strut bars, then TRD springs and struts, and finally fatter 17" wheels or just get the persona edition. This is for the Gen 3. Have not driven the 2016 3) 43 mpg. The worst fuel economy I ever get is averaging 80+ on the freeway road trips to San Diego back and forth. I have a plug in so I average much higher for my daily commute.
