newbie

roni · 07-15-2006, 08:24 AM

I'm new to the Prius chat...and equally new to the idea of buying a Prius. So here's my questions...basic but important! Firstly, I'm coming off of a larger car: does the Prius feel "light" when driving (I'm concerned about safety)? And is it roomy inside?

Next: what is the best price I can expect for a #8? Suggestions?

Lastly, what are the biggest problems (if any!) with the car?
Thanks all!

walt · 07-15-2006, 08:46 AM

What did you drive before? If you had a monster SUV, then anything will feel "small" and "light".

The Prius is VERY roomy (if you are under 6 feet 2 inches tall), and I am certain there is some sort of weight upper limit for comfortableness as well. The back seats still have room, even when the front seats are racked all the way back. Go to a dealer snd sit in one. Rack the front seat all the way back, then get into the back (even if you aren't that tall to need to move the front seat all the way).

The best price is MSRP, unless you ger REALLY lucky. The only negotiation is your trade-in. Be sure to stop by http://www.kbb.com - Kelly is your friend. Be honest in evaluating your trade-in, then print the summary page from kbb. Have it with you when you negotiate the trade-in.

Some folks do not like the "bar" in the rear view mirror from the hatchback - it is large.

Second biggest problem seems to be how to pronounce "Prius" - Pree-us, or Pree-oos, or Pry-us, or ...

But whatever you do, take a test drive for at least ten or fifteen minutes - not "just once around the block" like the dealer may suggest.

Good luck - Have fun! And let us know what happens!

ServoScanMan · 07-15-2006, 08:54 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roni @ Jul 15 2006, 07:24 AM) [snapback]286670[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

...(I'm concerned about safety)? ...
[/b]

From what I understand the car is made with Ultra High Strength Steel and it has a 5 star crash rating. I once saw a video that shows the Prius and a SUV with a head on crash test. Prius did much, much better than I would have imagined. The brakes are awesome in the Prius!

Jeannie · 07-15-2006, 08:57 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(walt @ Jul 15 2006, 08:46 AM) [snapback]286675[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

But whatever you do, take a test drive for at least ten or fifteen minutes - not "just once around the block" like the dealer may suggest.
[/b]

Better yet, rent one for a few days.

Also, if you have to get a #7 instead of a #8, you can have leather added after market. I did that with my #5.

And expect that if you mostly drive 'short' trips, you won't get the highest MPG's. I have a 15 minute commute to work, 5 miles, and I'm averaging about 48 MPG since I got mine in April (Im not complaining - just explaining). The first 5 minutes of a trip you're going to get lower mileage while the engine and catalytic converter warm up - my MFD usuaully shows 25 - 25 MPG for that first segment of a drive.

Happy shopping!

roni · 07-15-2006, 09:15 AM

Thanks guys...I'm off to Maroone Toyota in South Florida to test drive! One more question please!!!...is it worth it to wait for the 2007. Any new additions to the car that would make that worthwhile?

Lil Mo · 07-15-2006, 09:16 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roni @ Jul 15 2006, 05:24 AM) [snapback]286670[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Lastly, what are the biggest problems (if any!) with the car?
Thanks all!
[/b]

Prii tend to make people go nuts about gas mileage.

Seriously, the car is roomy and people tend to have some (minor) complaints. It took me a several weeks to get used to the blindspot to the right rear, it is larger than I would have expected, but by adjusting the mirrors and being careful, I do not have a problem.

It is a very fun car to drive.

Good luck,

roni · 07-15-2006, 09:17 AM

And...I am coming from driving a somewhat big, heavy 4 door sedan. Glad to hear about the safety of the Prius. Is it a comfy ride??

tnthub · 07-15-2006, 10:18 AM

The Prius rides well. It has a heavy feel to it for a small car. The interior is well designed and has a feeling of openness that is uncommon in a vehicle of its size. There are differences in the hybris technology that will feel a bit strange at first coming from a conventional vehicle but you will become accustomed in short order and actually enjoy the differences. The only drawbacks I ralistically see to the Prius are the lack of power and lack of cornering ability, but as long you you drive normally, stay within range of the speed limits, and don't feel the need to peel rubber you should be very happy with the car.

withersea · 07-15-2006, 10:36 AM

I would suggest renting one for a day and driving it as much as possible in as many condtions as possible. The local dealer here keeps one in their rental department for this purpose. I did this and was impressed enough to place a deposit when I returned the rental. Also , this dealer reimburses the rental fee ($38.00) if you buy. Great car. I came from a Honda -CRV which was one of my favorite cars and the Prius has a more solid feel and is much quieter.

Three60guy · 07-15-2006, 10:42 AM

My biggest issue with the Prius was not with the car but with the OEM tires it comes with. They usually will last only about 25,000 miles. They also are lousy on wet or snow roads. But you are in Florida so that shouldn't be a problem with snow.

Consider getting Goodyear Assurance Comfortreds or Michelin HydoEdges as a replacement set of tires. They are available in the same sizes as the OEM tires.

07-15-2006, 08:46 AM	#2
walt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bel Air, MD, USA -=- Blair, Merlin, Merka Posts: 195 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	What did you drive before? If you had a monster SUV, then anything will feel "small" and "light". The Prius is VERY roomy (if you are under 6 feet 2 inches tall), and I am certain there is some sort of weight upper limit for comfortableness as well. The back seats still have room, even when the front seats are racked all the way back. Go to a dealer snd sit in one. Rack the front seat all the way back, then get into the back (even if you aren't that tall to need to move the front seat all the way). The best price is MSRP, unless you ger REALLY lucky. The only negotiation is your trade-in. Be sure to stop by http://www.kbb.com - Kelly is your friend. Be honest in evaluating your trade-in, then print the summary page from kbb. Have it with you when you negotiate the trade-in. Some folks do not like the "bar" in the rear view mirror from the hatchback - it is large. Second biggest problem seems to be how to pronounce "Prius" - Pree-us, or Pree-oos, or Pry-us, or ... But whatever you do, take a test drive for at least ten or fifteen minutes - not "just once around the block" like the dealer may suggest. Good luck - Have fun! And let us know what happens! __________________ front dome LED x 3, door edge LED x 2, rear dome LED alloy wheel trim mod (free) rear wiper lift mod (free)

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07-15-2006, 08:24 AM	#1
roni Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'm new to the Prius chat...and equally new to the idea of buying a Prius. So here's my questions...basic but important! Firstly, I'm coming off of a larger car: does the Prius feel "light" when driving (I'm concerned about safety)? And is it roomy inside? Next: what is the best price I can expect for a #8? Suggestions? Lastly, what are the biggest problems (if any!) with the car? Thanks all!

07-15-2006, 09:15 AM	#5
roni Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Thanks guys...I'm off to Maroone Toyota in South Florida to test drive! One more question please!!!...is it worth it to wait for the 2007. Any new additions to the car that would make that worthwhile?

07-15-2006, 09:17 AM	#7
roni Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	And...I am coming from driving a somewhat big, heavy 4 door sedan. Glad to hear about the safety of the Prius. Is it a comfy ride??

07-15-2006, 10:18 AM	#8
tnthub Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 463 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	The Prius rides well. It has a heavy feel to it for a small car. The interior is well designed and has a feeling of openness that is uncommon in a vehicle of its size. There are differences in the hybris technology that will feel a bit strange at first coming from a conventional vehicle but you will become accustomed in short order and actually enjoy the differences. The only drawbacks I ralistically see to the Prius are the lack of power and lack of cornering ability, but as long you you drive normally, stay within range of the speed limits, and don't feel the need to peel rubber you should be very happy with the car. __________________ 2002 Champion New England Dragway 2001 GM High Tech Shootout Winner 1999 Champion Oxford Dragway http://www.tntdragracing.com

07-15-2006, 10:36 AM	#9
withersea DNF is better than DNS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: TN Posts: 1,154 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 2	I would suggest renting one for a day and driving it as much as possible in as many condtions as possible. The local dealer here keeps one in their rental department for this purpose. I did this and was impressed enough to place a deposit when I returned the rental. Also , this dealer reimburses the rental fee ($38.00) if you buy. Great car. I came from a Honda -CRV which was one of my favorite cars and the Prius has a more solid feel and is much quieter.

07-15-2006, 10:42 AM	#10
Three60guy Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Racine, Wisconsin Posts: 767 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 1	My biggest issue with the Prius was not with the car but with the OEM tires it comes with. They usually will last only about 25,000 miles. They also are lousy on wet or snow roads. But you are in Florida so that shouldn't be a problem with snow. Consider getting Goodyear Assurance Comfortreds or Michelin HydoEdges as a replacement set of tires. They are available in the same sizes as the OEM tires.