I long wanted to get a Prius for fuel economy and because it doesn't pollute. But I just wasn't too impressed with the current designs. I was looking for a more rubust and lower profile design with a hatchback. Looks like 2016 models have what I'm looking and I'm anxiously looking forward for it's release. Ron S "Plan a road trip and sleep in a car"
This was me too for a while. But then I got a really good deal on a used one and decided the new one wouldn't have enough to offer to make up $10K more for a similar trim level. The new one does have the lower profile though.
I'm still on the fence. I guess styling is up to the individual, to me exterior is a toss up but I prefer 2015 interior over 2016 pics I've seen. Right now I see 2015s with $3K rebate and another $3-4K dealer discounts. Assuming the 2016 will be priced at least $1000 more than outgoing model (typical with toyota) and no rebate or dealer discounts you could be paying upwards of $8K more for a 2016 over an equivalent 2015. I know there are slight gains in hp and mpg but not sure its its worth it.
I just got 55 mpg on my first commute to work in my 2012. For what I paid for it that's hard to beat. I'm not even sure the tires the dealer put on it are LRR
I'm definitely enjoying it so far! I find it does well when I just drive it, not worrying about accelerating too hard, etc. it definitely keeps up with traffic if I'm not too worried about not going into PWR zone, which I was kind of surprised by. I don't find it to be as slow as everyone says it should be. I already braked slowly from when I drove the Corolla and my maxima before that, so that hasn't been an adjustment.
Most of the "gutless Prius" reputation comes from prior generations. The 3rd generation is still a little bit on the meek and modest side but if you stomp the pedal it's mostly ok. I expect the 4th gen to have a little more power and a little less weight and so it will be incrementally better. Someone wanting stronger performance can go with a Camry Hybrid, several Lexus hybrids, or several hybrids or plugin hybrids from other car makers.
How many of those offer a body configuration as roomy and versatile as that of a Prius, at an equal or lower price?
Some of the domestic ones probably come close, but I just don't trust them in terms of reliability - have had bad experiences in the past with them. I also didn't want to pay 35 or 40 K for a car
It should be a good one. It'll be much improved in other areas aside from the hybrid system (which is where most people will focus on since it is a Prius after all).
