After more than nine years as a faithful Prius driver (a 2008, whichever generation that is), I've started shopping for a new car. Two days ago I test-drove a Prime and a "v." Now I'm torn between them. The Prime has many positive attributes: 1) It was FUN to drive, with a lively response and terrific acceleration, at least compared to the standard Prius. 2) Cruising range: I don't do a lot of long-distance driving, but when I do, it's usually in the 400-mile range. 3) Plug-in technology: I recently installed solar cells on my home. Right now I'm selling excess kilowatts back to the grid. That's great, but the engineer who speced my property said, since my wife and I are pretty energy-frugal anyway, that "you might want to buy a plug-in vehicle." The idea appeals to me. But there are negatives: 1) Cramped seating 2) Capacity for only four persons. 4) Very small trunk area The "v" also has many positives: 1) Lots of room in front and back seats 2) Seems very familiar after all the years in a Prius 3) Wonderful cargo space. When I haul stuff, I haul LOTS of stuff. But also negatives: 1) Slow acceleration. 2) Road noise when accelerating. 3) Seems kind of boring to drive. None of these observations are original, but I'm curious if the PriusChat denizens could help me make up my mind. Thanks to all. Joe
Both I and my sister have a 2012 v Three, mine has been very reliable for the 102,500 miles I have owned it. It is a station wagon and not really exciting. I use it as a cargo hauler, it has lots of room back there. when I do put the rear seats up, 5 people is easy. If I drove it less weighted down, I would get more than 38.8 MPG, but I need all that stuff. The roof feels entirely without sound deadening, acorns will sound like gun shots. I am very happy with my v compared to my Gen 2 like yours, cargo was way more cramped in the Gen 2 (see avatar) I can 'scratch' the tires accelerating, it does not feel slow between 0 and 40 MPH. Above 40 it is similar to Gen 2.
Boring? Yes. Utility? Yes. Seats 4 adults even if 2 are over 6'4" in the back seats? Yes. 3 grandkids in the back seats? Yes. Enough stuff for 4 to the beach for a week? Yes. Reliable? Mine has been. Daughter-in-law just bought one. 3 Prius in the family. Great buys used off leases, BTW. I compiled a list of 26 "likes" and 37 "dislikes" here. It all depends on what you are looking for.
2008 is the 2nd generation. Have you tried a 4th generation Prius without the spare tire (for the additional cargo space)? Alternatively, if you're willing to give up some mpg, there's the RAV4 Hybrid with power, passenger space, cargo space and AWD-i.
Thanks for feedback. Timberland: Don't know why I haven't tried a Gen 4. I'll try that next. I found the RAV4 noisy and uncomfortable compared with the Subaru Forrester. (Yeah, I know Subaru mileage is terrible). Good comments all.
Subaru has a huge problem with head gaskets leaking after short mileage amounts. That's why their warranty is so short. The forester uses two heads like the aircooled VW or porche design from WWII. Rather than redesign they just shortened the warranty. Just be advised. I love the V and added a strut tower bar, rear sway bar and chassis brace, along with high quality tires, and find it fun to drive. Just finished a 2000+ mile road trip with my wife, 2 year old daughter and mother in law, and had enough space with a car top carrier for all our stuff for two weeks of fun. I also love to go camping and haul a lot of stuff when I do. It is slower when loaded, but mostly at highway speeds. Off the line the electric motor gives it plenty of get up and go, and the improved handling with the after market bits makes it handle great in spirited driving. iPhone ?
Cell phone auto correct for @Tideland Prius ? I know my iPhone comes up with some winners from time to time .
It is hard to ignore the storage space in a v. OP states when he hauls he hauls lots of stuff. I think that is the deciding factor. Engine noise....not much you can do even with sound proofing material IMO. Driving boredom....as mentioned above there are options to increase a v handling. Prime as sporty car with driving excitement....I can't comment + or - on that. FWIW we like our v and it drives, accelerates, handles well enough at legal speeds and is comfortable. Good luck in your decision.
Took your advice, test drove a 2017 Prius Two and made the down payment this afternoon. Yes, there is less storage space, but the car performs and handles much more than my existing Gen. 2. I'm psyched!
