Unsure what to do about getting a new Prius

[WishingStone]

Yeah, so my 2009 Prius was wrecked and totaled last month. No, it was not my fault, some Focus t-boned me.

I have the insurance money and it is enough to buy a new one, however the recent news is worrying me. Such as that Prius that started speeding out of control in Cali not too long ago.
I need a hybrid, seeing how I drive 400 miles every 3 weeks. Though pretty much everything around is on recall. I loved my old Prius to death and I'd hate to not buy another, but I am really concerned about this problem.

I am unsure what to do, does anyone have advice. Currently I am borrowing my father's Tacoma which is on recall for a cracked frame, so I am not very safe as it is anyways. Our whole family owns Toyotas and 2 of 3 of them are on recall.
Oy, this has left me in a pickle

[Fuel Miser]

Toyota Camry Hybrid or Ford Fusion Hybrid. Then again, I bought a Prius knowing of all the issues.

[Crazy Canuck]

If you enjoyed your first one, you'll enjoy your next. I've only had my 2010 for a couple weeks, but I'm really enjoying it and looking forward to the Gen IV in 2014 when my lease is up

Keep up to date with the media, but don't get worried about the hype. Try to focus on facts instead of hysteria.

Whichever car you decide to purchase, I wish you the best of luck.

[qbee42]

Buy a new Prius. They are as safe as they have always been, which is to say very safe. Now is a great time to get a deal.

Tom

[john1701a]

It's a blessing in disguise. The situation has been blown out proportion. We'll end up with a few improvements as a result. You'll have a nice choice of new Prius available on the lot that would have otherwise been in short supply.

The 2010 is great. I've owned all 3 models, so I know...
.

[Tande]

Originally Posted by john1701a

It's a blessing in disguise. The situation has been blown out proportion. We'll end up with a few improvements as a result. You'll have a nice choice of new Prius available on the lot that would have otherwise been in short supply.

The 2010 is great. I've owned all 3 models, so I know...
.

Yup!...What he said!...

[Much More Better]

I love my 2010. It's only been little over a month, but I seriously look forward to every drive. If mine got totalled today, I'd be in line for another.

The media survives because of fear and hype. The chances of you dying in a Prius is the same as any other car. Did you get the H1N1 shot when it was all the rage? I didn't.

[bwilson4web]

We're pretty much sure this is just Fear Uncertainty and Doubt versus a real safety risk. For example, I looked at 2001-2007 Prius Fatalities and found our cars had half the national fatality rate. This is a hard fact that few news organizations have picked up.

The 2010 Prius has substantial improvements with a larger 1.8L engine, stiffer frame for better handling, more air-bags standard, and even improved pedestrian safety bumper, hood and quarter panels. Many of us have tried every way we can think of to recreate the reported problems of the earlier Prius without success:

• We've always found shifting out of "D" to "N", "R" or pushing the "P" button always cuts engine power at any speed, safely, with the accelerator floored.
• The brakes "win" in a fight with a floored accelerator.

Certainly, it makes sense to try these procedures on a test drive ... just let the salesman know it is coming up.

Bob Wilson

[TonyPSchaefer]

Originally Posted by Miserly

Toyota Camry Hybrid or Ford Fusion Hybrid. Then again, I bought a Prius knowing of all the issues.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid was recalled for the identical braking issues the Prius was recalled for.
This isn't stopping me from buying a Fusion Hybrid for my wife.

[mitch672]

I agree with john1701a, also having owned all 3 generations.

The only thing I can add is, if you can wait 8 months to a year, you could possibly wait for the Nissan Leaf (100 miles range EV, estimated to be about $30K, but no one knows), or if you really want a crap shoot, wait for the Chevy Volt, but that might be an infinite wait.

a 2010 Prius is a good choice in the meantime, and if the Leaf wouldn't have enough EV range for your daily driving (less than 100 miles)