Experience with Prius?

Sorry if this has been discussed to death, especially recently.

I only _very_ recently became interested in the Prius, especially the T4, as a replacement for a now-not-as-trusty-as-it-was Volvo

440. Finding an acceptable substitute has not been easy. Decent quality (of design, build, performance) matter, because I tend to hang onto my go-boxes, typically for 8-10 years.

The package looks good but I'd be glad to hear users' experiences with this beast. It would be bought new, so we are talking about the current (2004?) version -- in the UK, if that matters.

My special concerns are whether:

(a) it is reliable (or can hold its own there against most cars);

(b) it felt like fair value for (a fair wad of) money; and

(c) there are any gotchas which "they" don't like to mention.

TIA.

Reply to
Andrew Stephenson
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ever buy a computer and it was obsolete by the time you got home? if you like technology for it's own sake, buy it. they ARE neat. let someone else take the early lumps. (love my echo and it gets nearly the same mileage, and it's real cheap) sammmmm

Reply to
SAMMMMM

Heh, that analogy won't quite work here: I build my own computers from commercial components, usually recycling bits out of earlier machines

Hmm, I thought I had. Doesn't the "2004" version contain useful design changes?

One thing I am trying to clear up is whether buying Prius _would_ be a case of technology for its own sake or whether it represents a good package of newish ideas.

I say "newish" because ISTR, around 12 years ago, a UK company designed a hybrid car for the Californian market. It contained some sharp ideas: you told it the journey you were about to take was long or short, which made it use different strategies to save fuel; and a solar-powered a/c took the edge off cabin temperature (but didn't give a full a/c service). It may have been too early for the market, as I never heard more about it.

If the company's literature is right about the fuel consumption, here in the UK I would soon be saving around GBP450 a year, even on my limited mileage. That interests me. And the toys it comes with are nice (though I suspect the fidgety energy display would soon drive me daft if I let it).

Reply to
Andrew Stephenson

Can't speak with a voice of "much" experience, but wife just (week and a half ago) got her 2005 Prius and, thus far (few 100 miles) is absolutely delighted with it. A Toyota owner for the past 20 years, she had a '86 Camry (Hatchback) and loved it. When it was no longer practical to pour more money into repairs she replaced it with a new 2000 Camry and hated it almost it from Day 1. Car never gave her a bit of trouble, incidentally. With the Prius it's a love affair all over.

From my own view (I'm a Subaru driver, btw), it's a very comfortable car, holds the road amazingly well and appears well able to hold it's own against anything else out there on the road. Cruises very comfortably at 75-80. (I know, but the road was clear and I had to try.)

Not sure that all wife's gadgetry was really necessary, but, what the heck, it's fun to have.

Can't really comment on dollar value, but around here, at least, it's a good deal if you only pay sticker price for it.

Reply to
Alan Smith

I have my 04 Prius (BC model, US version) since March last year. I have just below 15000 miles on it. Still a very happy owner.

New Prius shoppers should be aware of several things.

  1. The EPA estimate is an estimate, each person's milage may vary depending very much on personal driving habit, climate, terrain, traffic condition etc. Many people can beat the estimate, but many cannot.

  1. The car is loaded with computer gadgets. Electronic malfunctions easily, computer software has bugs. I had my multifunction display replaced under warranty. I recently had a computer glitch and the car lit up several warning lights though the dealer told me it was just a false alarm after checking it and found nothing wrong. I guess that kind of experience is part of buying a first year model of any car. I am not sure if the 05 is any better because Toyota didn't change any hardware on the 05.

  2. The car uses electric powered steering. The drive feels a little different from regular vacuum powered steering.

  1. The car has a tall roof. You can feel the cross wind on a gusty day.

  2. The fuel gauge on the US model is not very accurate. The problem is due to a bladder design in the US model, you probably don't need to worry about this in the UK.

If these do not bother you, then you will be a happy owner too.

Since it is Toyota, Consumer Reports magazine gives it a very high rating in reliablity. I personally think this car has exceptional value because it is environmentally clean, fuel efficient, innovative, roomy and sleek. Being a green icon alone is priceless.

Andrew Stephens> Sorry if this has been discussed to death, especially recently.

Reply to
Caloonese

Hi Alan (Smith) and "Caloonese": thank you both very much for the helpful responses.

My dealers today told me their demonstrator car will be away for the next three weeks, on top of which deliveries are expected to take about 12 weeks. I am left wondering if there would be sense in waiting for the UK new-registrations period starting in Sept. Such moments are often associated with the release of new models. Are Prius tweaks expected, perhaps of the electronics?

Reply to
Andrew Stephenson

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