Need Help Buying a Prius in Canada

[theeyes]

Hi all,

I live in the Toronto area and am in the market to buy my first car. I'm driving about 45 km (about 28 miles) each way to work (on the highway) and I was interested in buying a 2008 Prius. I took one for a test drive and really liked the drive.

After doing a bit of research, I have found quite a few negative comments. Specifically regarding:

1. In the winter, the Prius will completely shut down if the tire slips / and that it is extremely difficult to handle under slippery conditions (more so then a gas powered car). People say that even in 2 inches of wet slippery snow, the car will barely move.

2. The onboard computer gets dirty from fingerprints fairly quickly, and the sun glare is pretty bad too.

3. The fuel efficiency isn't that great compared to non-hybrid models if I'm taking it on the highway all the time.

My main concern is really how the Prius handles in the winter, as well as if I need to do repairs on the car and how costly they may be because the hybrid system is integrated into the entire car.

As well, we're paying quite a premium at $29,500 MRSP, when compared against the non-hybrid cheaper counterparts at approx. $20,000 (fully loaded - auto Corolla, Mazda3, Civic, etc).

I would really appreciate everyone helping me out. I would just like some first hand advice from a fellow Torontonian-esk owner (or anyone else in similar climates) on how the Prius handles in the ridiculous weather we have.

Thanks!

[hiremichaelreid]

I'm in Ottawa and just picked up my 2008 Canadian base on Thursday. Drove back and forth to Toronto on the weekend. We are very happy with the Prius.

Note that the Canadian base is like a US Touring package #2 with some package 3 and 4 features. So direct price comparisons are difficult.

I've read that the Prius is pretty much as good as any other FWD car in our winters. Just be sure to use real snow tires, perhaps on 15" rims.

Yes, I've heard the brakes (EBD ?) may be an issue in slippery conditions. I will see in November...

Search for my posts for lots of info on my buying and driving experience. I got an APA pre-negotiated deal for $1K off of MSRP and took delivery 23 days after ordering (was told 12 initially).


>3. The fuel efficiency isn't that great compared to non-hybrid models if I'm taking it on the highway all the time.

Yes, I found that if you drive 120 KMH or more, fuel efficiency drops off fast (5.8L/100 KM). I'd recommend 110 KMH or lower to get 4.7L/100 KM or better. This is with a new car as delivered. Raising tire pressure and lowering oil and using synthetic oil and waiting for car and tires to break in should do even better.

>if I need to do repairs on the car and how costly they may be because the hybrid system is integrated into the entire car.

I believe the TCO studies that indicate the Prius has lowest total cost of ownership in its' class. IMO, the Prius is solid for reliability. Yes, it could get expensive if something breaks, and some mechanics don't know the Prius very well, but if the car is not abused I suspect the odds favor no untoward (compared to other cars) expensive repairs in the first 8 years at least.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by theeyes

Hi all,

I live in the Toronto area and am in the market to buy my first car. I'm driving about 45 km (about 28 miles) each way to work (on the highway) and I was interested in buying a 2008 Prius. I took one for a test drive and really liked the drive.

After doing a bit of research, I have found quite a few negative comments. Specifically regarding:

hello and !

1. In the winter, the Prius will completely shut down if the tire slips / and that it is extremely difficult to handle under slippery conditions (more so then a gas powered car). People say that even in 2 inches of wet slippery snow, the car will barely move.

Those apply to 2004 and some 2005 models. A 2008's traction control should be the "slip & grip" type that allows wheelspin. We have slush on the west coast and it's fine. However, I would suggest switching tyres. The stock GY Integrity will be fine for the first year and as it wears out, its traction degrades a lot faster than other tyres we've had. I'm currently wearing Nokian WRs and they work fantastic in the snow and acceptable on ice.

2. The onboard computer gets dirty from fingerprints fairly quickly, and the sun glare is pretty bad too.

Fingerprints ya but shouldn't be too bad. Glare is bad yes but I don't know if you always drive with the sun shining through the side windows. I've only had the screen go out on me a handful of times because the sun was shining through the side windows.

3. The fuel efficiency isn't that great compared to non-hybrid models if I'm taking it on the highway all the time.

It's fine. It's just that the difference between a regular car and the Prius isn't as great but the difference is still there.

If I do 112km/h (70mph), I get 5.1L/100km. Still better than the official rating of a Camry 4 cylinder at 6.5L/100km (or thereabouts) or even a Corolla at 5.6L/100km. A Yaris is also rated at 5.6L/100km on the highway.

At 90km/h, the Prius' mileage drops to 4.3L/100km. 80km/h drops to 4.1L/100km. Heck, a 100km round trip from Vancouver to Langley netted me 4.1L/100km in the summer. So watch your speed and watch the fuel consumption go down!

My main concern is really how the Prius handles in the winter, as well as if I need to do repairs on the car and how costly they may be because the hybrid system is integrated into the entire car.

As well, we're paying quite a premium at $29,500 MRSP, when compared against the non-hybrid cheaper counterparts at approx. $20,000 (fully loaded - auto Corolla, Mazda3, Civic, etc).

I would really appreciate everyone helping me out. I would just like some first hand advice from a fellow Torontonian-esk owner (or anyone else in similar climates) on how the Prius handles in the ridiculous weather we have.

Thanks!

No repairs so far (82,000kms+ on a 2005). Two recalls/TSBs otherwise just maintenance and a tyre change.

Don't compare it to a Corolla or Civic or 3. It's not in the same class. You won't get that kinda space in that category. Compare to a Camry.

A loaded Corolla LE Pkg "B" is $21,495
Civic EX-L is $24k (w/ leather)
Mazda3 GT Luxury package is $26k (w/ leather and HIDs)

Camry LE starts at $23k but lacks a few features of the Prius. I can assure you the price drop is worth it (esp. with the rebates right now). I bought it when it was $34k. Now $35k gets you the loaded model w/ nav.

[hiremichaelreid]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

The stock GY Integrity will be fine for the first year and as it wears out, its traction degrades a lot faster than other tyres we've had.

2008 Canadian Priuses all have Touring 16" wheels and Bridgestone Turanza tires, as well as touring suspension I currently believe.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by hiremichaelreid

2008 Canadian Priuses all have Touring 16" wheels and Bridgestone Turanza tires, as well as touring suspension I currently believe.

hahaha oops. Good catch!

[ECHELON]

Originally Posted by theeyes

I would really appreciate everyone helping me out. I would just like some first hand advice from a fellow Torontonian-esk owner (or anyone else in similar climates) on how the Prius handles in the ridiculous weather we have.

Thanks!

Hi, I live in Mississauga, and just recently bought an '08 base. I don't know how it handles in the winter, so we'll have to find out together. One thing I will NOT recommend is to shop at Miss. Toyota (427 & Dundas). I still need to find some time to write a good letter about these guys to Toyota Canada. Anyway, if you're wondering I went to Ken Shaw Lexus/Toyota a couple of weeks ago for a warranty repair (again, courtesy of Mississauga Toyota and their wonderful blunders), and saw an Artic white '09 Camry Hybrid selling for $29500. Exact same price as our Prii. So, if you want a little more room, you have that option but you do sacrifice some fuel economy.

As for my personal experience, see my signature below as to how I'm doing with a 5-week old '08 Prius. On a flat terrain, setting the cruise at 90kmh, the car is pushing 4.2l/100km. You'll have to do some pretty trick hypermiling if you want to maintain that or better on our roller-coaster highways. And yes, it IS safe to do 90km/h on our 400-series highways. I've done it quite frequently before I owned a Prius. When it comes to reliability, the Prius is one of the most reliable vehicles out there currently. Taxi drivers in BC are pushing 300k kms or higher without issue with any hybrid components. You also have to factor in that 1) there is no starter 2) there is no alternator 3) the engine uses a timing chain 4) hybrid components warranty is for 8 years and 5) regen braking means you'll probably never have to change the brakes...depending on how you drive. And lastly, I've never had a problem with glare, unless I'm wearing some really dark shades, and even then it's not that bad.

Good luck with your purchase, and visit the Canuck forum when you come back.

[ECHELON]

Originally Posted by theeyes

As well, we're paying quite a premium at $29,500 MRSP, when compared against the non-hybrid cheaper counterparts at approx. $20,000 (fully loaded - auto Corolla, Mazda3, Civic, etc).

Don't forget that we get a $3500 govt. rebate. It's pretty much $29500 out the door with the rebate.

[sergebergeron]

I live in Cornwall Ontario - we have 2 prius - a 2005 and a 2008 - yes you need 4 snow tires but there is no problem in snow - 3-4-6 inches - it is just like another car. In the winter - there is no problem with battery and starts etc. We do not get the milleage that is advertised but we still get always around 5.2L/100KM per tank varied driving - city - highway. I suspect that nobody will do what is advertised - no matter what model or company. I almost bought a Camry for the second car but I liked all the high tech of the Prius - finally - you should check on US pricing before you buy in Canada. Toyota is actually pretty easy to import and you can get a package 6 - leather seats etc for about $26,500.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by sergebergeron

I live in Cornwall Ontario - we have 2 prius - a 2005 and a 2008 - yes you need 4 snow tires but there is no problem in snow - 3-4-6 inches - it is just like another car. In the winter - there is no problem with battery and starts etc. We do not get the milleage that is advertised but we still get always around 5.2L/100KM per tank varied driving - city - highway. I suspect that nobody will do what is advertised - no matter what model or company. I almost bought a Camry for the second car but I liked all the high tech of the Prius - finally - you should check on US pricing before you buy in Canada. Toyota is actually pretty easy to import and you can get a package 6 - leather seats etc for about $26,500.

I've hit 3.9L/100km once and 4.0L/100km 3 times this past summer on full tanks (800-900 tanks) so yeah you can match or beat it. You just have to work at it .

[Zack]

Originally Posted by sergebergeron

I live in Cornwall Ontario - we have 2 prius - a 2005 and a 2008 - ... finally - you should check on US pricing before you buy in Canada. Toyota is actually pretty easy to import and you can get a package 6 - leather seats etc for about $26,500.

I am just coming from Toyota Canada WEB site and looked at Special edition (around 38500) and same + NAV (around 41500). Which packages would those compare to in USA??
I know that in USA you can get package #6 and that comes out to about 28.5 - 29k (no way 26.5k)and it has leather seats which I would really like. Does it still pay to import it to Canada at that price, what do you think?