Hello all I need to get a new car some time in the next few months. I've been tossing around a few options but I'm pretty settled now on getting A Prius, probably 2005 or 2006 model? For some reason I just feel the need to have the highest gas mileage I can get.... it's not about saving money on gas or so much about my personal contribution to the environment (although that helps) but more of helping push a trend to improve the environment. It just makes me so angry that the average MPG for a small car is under 50mpg these days. I don't want to support a car company or model that isn't at least trying to improve our situation. I'm interested in a plug in conversion and have been looking at a kit from a company called Enginer. However I've just started scratching the surface for researching this car and the plug in kits. I can handle electronics and my brother is a car mechanic so I feel we can handle the installation. It just feels right... for me. Any tips on which year (if any) I should focus on, what mileage I should aim for, price range... etc.. would be appreciated. I'm in Maine so I'd need snow tires. I'm also interested in a block heater. That's all I can think of for now and I'm off to start reading posts. Thanks! -Ben
Hello Ben, I bought my new Gen3 Prius about a month ago...absolutely no regrets. I'm sure you'll enjoy your Prius as much as I do mine even though it's an older model because part of the reason I enjoy mine so much is the support you'll find here that you won't find anywhere else! You could not have found a better place to find answers to your Prius questions- the people here are really knowledgeable and come from a very diverse backgrounds bringing all kinds of terrific experience and knowledge to the mix. Enjoy your research and you eventual purchase!
If you're going PHEV, I suspect a 2005 will be a smaller dent on your wallet. However, 2006 models have a few upgrades - better dashboard/upper door panel material - front occupant detection system for the front passenger - higher resolution MFD (those with backup cameras) - availability of a backup camera - Auxiliary input - MP3/WMA CD compatability.
