In just over a year's use, I must have taken my Gen 4 for granted, getting used to it's comfort, economy and advanced technology. I say this because I just returned from a trip to California and I had to rent cars in San Jose and Los Angeles. I got a Chevy Impala and a Kia Optima. Upon driving these cars, I was like, why am I having to glance down at a speedometer instead of looking at the road ahead and having a HUD? Why is there no blind spot monitoring? Why does the engine/gearbox feel so agricultural? Why are the headlights not LEDs? And most importantly, why are they guzzling fuel, even at highway speeds? I think the Optima rarely achieved more than 35mpg. Granted these were basic spec rental cars, but upon my return home and getting back in my Gen 4, it reminded me of just how advanced the Gen 4 is, and how high quality the driving experience is. I took all these features for granted. On another note, I have to start thinking about what to replace my Gen 4 with when the lease finishes in 2018, and given I live in a narrow road, things like turning circle of a car matters. My Gen 4 has a turning circle of 10.2m, and even the new Nissan Leaf's turning circle is 10.8m and cars like BMW 3 series and Audi A4 are 11m+ Ideally, I'd like to go full EV or get a PHEV like the Prime, but to be honest, the Gen 4 is SO good, I may just lease another one (it would have to be a nice bright colour this time though) Anyone else have the same feelings as me?
Is there any advantage to leasing instead of buying the car, possibly with a financed loan? I know some businesses can use leases as a tax deduction.
I will be in the same boat as you since I am taking a trip out to vegas in a couple of months and having to go for a stripped down car when out there. No dynamic radar cruise and other "luxuries" that I have become accustomed to.
I've another 18 mths with mine - but I'm thinking about "what next". I never really thought about another Gen 4, maybe I should. I generally look on a new car as something better than before, but it could be a consideration. I'm thinking next time will be a PHEV - maybe like my (current) Profile Picture BMW 330E. We have very few PHEVs here at present - BMW, AUDI, Merc, VOLVO (and a Mitsubishi truck). But in 18 months time, we could have Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf, BOLT, IONIQ and TESLA 3 EVs. As well, VW, Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot and Citroen PHEVs are scheduled. I'm watching closely. No, not the Porsche Panamera PHEV - not in my price range - if I want GREEN Brake Calipers - I'll get some paint!!
Oh, weren't they terrible - I had to drive one for work, was glad to hang up the keys and get back into a real car again.
Most definitely! I'm only one year into my 3 year lease, but I'm already wondering. Prime, RAV 4 H, Ionique, or stick with what I know already. In two years time we can't predict what will and won't be available/suitable for our needs, but I was lucky my scheme allowed the Hypersonic Red Prius for no extra charge (in UK it costs an extra £750 with the sales order). I am truly grateful for the various reports and snippets passed down via this forum. I can confidently say that they will continue to provide the main basis of my eventual choice. Better than any glossy sales blurb IMHO.
Toyota does not offer the Prius PHV (Prime) there? Perhaps we need @Tideland Prius to put pressure on Toyota LOL.
Yep happens to me almost every week. And no it's not just economy boxes. I routinely get the "premium" and "luxury" vehicles from my rental company and they all annoy me in certain ways compared to our many Toyota/Lexus hybrids or the Leaf. The Mercedes wagons are fast and mean looking but they ca-chunk like the Chevy Impala when it shifts. Our last trip we got an "upgrade" to a Range Rover Evoque. Yeah it was pretty, and comfortable but again the shifting drives me crazy. Both have all the tech bells and whistles and if that's all that bothers you then just rent a nicer vehicle. Most of the cars are only 1-3 years old, and this stuff is becoming standard. I won't accept anything made by the Big-3 US domestic companies when I rent unless that's all they've got and it works out pretty well. If I rent something that shifts, it better be darn worth it... Like this guy, rented in Feb of 2014. It was a little icy out so I needed to get something with AWD lol
Nope, we didn't get the previous PRIUS Plug-In either. But I'd be reticent to get the PRIME - with only 2 back seats. I've a baby seat for one grandchild permanently in one side leaving room for 2 other children in the back and an older one in the front. PRIME would leave only one more seat at the back. And with another grandchild on the way, which will go in the baby seat - still leaving only one back seat. I don't have them often, but occasionally pick them all up from school or whatever.
I’m glad I paid cash for my Prius as the thought of getting rid of ‘Percy’ is awful. I’ve always wanted a Prius, but previous generations haven’t done it for me, but as soon as I drove the Gen 4 I knew I was going to have one
Perhaps something like a Prius+ (Prius v) would be better. Perhaps it will be TNGA by then unless it is discontinued. It definitely has more space and some countries can get a (cramped) third row seat.
Prius v is a 7 seater here. I did consider one, but the fuel economy would have been worse than my last car (FORD Fiesta Diesel), as well as a bit bigger than I was wanting (though it's about the same as the latest 3 series BMW). Driving the Gen 4 vs Prius v - the Gen 4 was conclusively superior in every way except size and maybe seat comfort.
Perhaps the Prius+ will be Gen 4 based by then. Here, the RAV-4 hybrid looks larger than the Prius v.
Even with my PiP!! We just got back from a trip to So Cal and SE AZ. We could rent a Prius in San Diego, but would have had to turn it back in there. That wasn't going to work because we were flying home from Tucson. Grrrr. They gave is a Nissan Versa. It had about 1/4 the luggage space. Buzzy and noisy. Brakes were inconsistent and grabby. It did have a trip computer and a backup camera, but was otherwise incredibly primitive. Especially when we'd stop for a traffic light and the engine would keep running. What's up with that??!!!
I'm thinking maybe Prius full EV or self-driving Prius next. Just have to wait for Toyota to catch up with my ideas.
