Is the Prius all it's cracked up to be?

[absolut_vodka]

With gas prices about to sore again, is the Prius giving you what Toyota promised? The future over higher mpg cars is in your hands.

http://www.mpgdigest.com

[CaptainApollo]

It really is, and you know its not all about the mpg. All the little features are so neat, from the dual glove boxes to the hatchback+rear folding seats to the standard 7" touchscreen, it combines functionality and conveniences all into a very inexpensive package. I mean... what other car has a touch screen for less than 21k? with automatic a/c, CVT, smooth and quiet ride, CD player/radio hooked up to touch screen, steering wheel controls, abs, traction control, ETC ETC and all standard!? it even requires less maintenence.

looking back at your question... i think you're asking about mpg. Toyota didn't promise anything. They specifically state: your mpg may vary. What is listed as the EPA figures are there because they are required. Every car doesn't get what the EPA states because of different driving conditions, its just more apparent with the Prius because of the high mpg.

[absolut_vodka]

Thanks for the reply. It is certainly more than the mpg. The problem I believe with the new Accord hybrid is the option packages required on the hybrid make 13k more than the base model accord.

People and their Prius' are split right down the middle about reliability and mpg vs. the "green" effect. But not as splintered as the Insight crowd who feels silly driving the 3 seater and not getting the benefits o super high mpg in some cases.

Lastly, the HOV rules have really helped the sales of hybrids and if that goes away in VA. and CA. in 2006 or before that could really damper sales.

If I was to buy one tomorrow it would be a Prius the 2005 looks great.

[Weili]

I personally bought my 2005 Prius mainly for the MPG. Yes all the other little neat features are nice but they don't matter much to me.

With that said, I was deeply disappointed by the MPG I was getting, which is 38-42, and that is significantly lower than claims made by Toyota.

I personally don't see how my driving style or the driving condition could cause any problems. I live in a pretty flat city therefore there aren't many hills to climb. Although it's hot here, I usually leave my A/C on low and at a temp of 80.

[Hybridology]

I really love it... it's got a lot more gadgets and doohickeys than any other car I've seen... as for the gas mileage, I'm wondering if I would have been better off saving the $$ up front by getting a Scion xA, which gets great mileage too

[CaptainApollo]

you have to see how many miles you have and the gas pressure, oil level, etc. ALL of them effect your mpg and even driving style effects mileage. WHY? because the Prius has the potential to achieve high mileage, there's a greater chance to change the MPG. Think about it this way, its all by percentage. On average people get 80% of the EPA's claim. On a 22mpg car they would get 17.6... only 4.3 mpg difference. But on a 55 mpg car, 80% = 44mpg. That's an 11mpg difference.

[hubble]

Yes, there's a lot of factors that affect mpg, tire pressure, city vs. hwy miles, stop 'n' go traffic. Hopefully its not all about the mpg since less dependence upon foreign oil and a cleaner environment factor in, too.

[stales]

Originally Posted by absolut_vodka

With gas prices about to sore again, is the Prius giving you what Toyota promised? The future over higher mpg cars is in your hands.

http://www.mpgdigest.com

Gday from Perth, Western Australia.

In addition to the fuel savings (which I'll discuss below) and general 'bang for your buck', there was another element to our decision to purchase our 2005 Prius that I've not seen mentioned here. Resale value.

Admittedly we are taking a punt on the resale value. We are relying upon a continued short supply of the model (there's only 10 a month come into Western Australia), high demand and high/increasing petrol prices. BTW, Australian fuel prices are a lot more friendly than those in Europe, but we still being robbed in comparison to you in the US. We pay the equivalent of US$3.70 per US gallon (ie AU$1.30 / litre).

I have been toasted several times on trade in values - even for low mileage, well maintained and popular models. The latest was our trade for the Prius - a 2 year old Toyota V6 Camry Ateva with 19,600km (12,700 miles) on the clock. We paid AU$42K and got AU$18K exactly two years later. I know, I know - the math says we would have been better off hanging onto the Camry but hey, you're a long time dead!!

We travel very few kms each year (around 10,000; ie 6,200 miles) - mainly local driving. This is very inefficient running so our consumption figures tend to be high. The Camry averaged 16mpg (14.7 L/100km) whilst the Prius, now with 2,000km on the clock, is returning 48mpg (5 L/100km). Do THAT math!!

It has been interesting to note the comparison in satisfaction sources between my wife and I over the Prius. Like a lot of guys, I get off on the technology and features whereas she loves the car's looks and honestly believes she is doing something for the planet. She watches the pennies more than I do and is tickled pink by the infrequent visits to the pump - and the money she saves when we do have to fill it up.

Throw in all the Prius' smarts, comfort, interior room, easy driving and (hopefully) resale value and it's a no brainer. They should be compulsory!!

stales

Footnote: My wife was approached by a guy who had seen her Prius and wanted to hire it for his company's Annual General Meeting. Turns out he is the Marketing Manager for a mining exploration company with interests in properties that have potential for the 'special' metals Neodymium, Cerium and Lanthanum. These are used in Prius' electric motor, batteries and elsewhere. Toyota Australia were supposed to supply a vehicle but there were none available - all sold lol. They detailed the car and gave us a $150 voucher for a fancy restaurant - cool huh - car's already paying for itself!!

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

Hybridology, BANSUVs.com is a pointless website.

[russell stanton]

Just read an article from AAA which stated that the fuel economy numbers that the EPA puts out for highway mileage are based on a speed of 49 mph, which is not very realistic. Heck, out here in California if you drove that slow on the freeway somebody would probably shoot you.

[typesix]

That's an average speed of 48 mph, with peak speed of 60 mph on the EPA test.

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

The point is, these companys with Hybrids extend the truth and put that info in the small print at the bottom of the page. Yea, these cars are hella impractical. They are worthless.

[BlueFusion6851]

Gas mileage also has to do with your driving habits as well. A heavy foot will decrease MPG significantly.

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

These new Chevy Tahoes, when you drive on the interstate or freeway, the V8 goes down to a V4. Thus giving you 22+ MPG in a V8 FUll size SUV, thats as efficiant as a hybrid.

I dont think these Hybrids will be around for very long. POS if you ask me.

[Boeing Nut]

Yes, they are all they are cracked up to be. If you are getting it strictly for the MPG upgrade, I'd think about it though. Some are "disappointed" with thier actual milage, although I hardly think that 45-47 MPG on a regular basis is hardly disappointing.

However, I think it is a great all around car. Bigger than what you would think, especially the truck. Tons of interior storage. The only thing I can think of the I would critique is rear visability. But you get used to the dual windows after due time.

These new Chevy Tahoes, when you drive on the interstate or freeway, the V8 goes down to a V4. Thus giving you 22+ MPG in a V8 FUll size SUV, thats as efficiant as a hybrid.

How the hell do you figure that? My parent get 24-25 in thier Caddy Broham with all eight firing.

I dont think these Hybrids will be around for very long. POS if you ask me.

You're kidding, right? If gas prices continue the trend they are on now, SUV's will go the way of the Edsel. Fast.