Reasons NOT to buy a PIP

The PiP has many shortcomings, but I prefer it over the regular Prius.

The engine comes on any time you run the heat or need the defrost on. It also comes on under brisk (normal) acceleration, or when traveling faster than 62 MPH.

That said, it is smart that the battery was sized to be nearly fully utilized for most trips. Buying a huge battery and utilizing only a portion of it for most trips is a waste of money. I'd say 20 miles is a more reasonable compromise of range vs utilizing the full capacity of the battery,

I'm averaging 70 MPG with mine, but I do a lot of long distance driving too.

 

Sounds like you haven't tried ECO mode in the really low temps. Either that or you oversimplied the "any time" reference...

With ECO mode, the heater-core will continue to extract heat from the warmed coolant until there isn't any left, with the engine off.

For example, here in Minnesota, after a toasty bit of driving around on the highway, I got off onto local streets in EV. Since I had plenty of electricity left, I drove around watching my aftermarket guage. It went all the way down to 89F before firing the engine back up for heat.

That's only possible in ECO mode. Its ability to change the heat threshold is (sadly) not a well known feature.

 

many shortcomings?

 

If I have oversimplified the operation, then you have complicated it. The moment I engage the defrost on the Prius either on my commute to work or my commute home from work, the engine comes on without exception. I have not tried an engine coolant heater, so perhaps there are ways to complete a trip in EV only mode while also utilizing the defrost. That said, it sure wouldn't be convenient, so I would consider this to be one of the many shortcomings of the EV implementation.

Many, meaning more than just a couple of insignificant limitations. I've owned the PiP since February and still occasionally trigger the engine on by accident and have to power off/ power back on to kill it. Still, I'd keep it over my 2006 Acura TSX, and I love that wonderful car.

 

Use the feet and windows setting on the HVAC to defog the window to avoid the ICE turning on.

 

I was successfully able to turn on the windshield blower without the engine turning on last night. After running for quite some time, I wondered why it did nothing to clear the fog from my window. Then I realized the fog was on the outside and my wipers took care of it.

I'll have to try it again when there is actually condensation on the inside of my windshield. I learn something new all the time.

 

You can turn on the fan without the ICE starting if the temperature is set at the minimum value "LO". How well that will work on your windshield is another matter

 

to the used buyer's benefit!

 

Still is not worth half the retail price after 2 years outrigth ownership,
For me was all about the economics, today it doesn't make sense to own a PiP; there are better vehicles for about the same price.

 

What vehicle is a better value than a used PiP, that can seat 5, sleep 2, and has features like heated seats, Bluetooth audio, etc?

 

Ford Fusion Energy but the front seats do NOT recline like in the Prius.
I didn't bought a Fusion to sleep inside on it, tho.

 

$1.87 a gal./0.12 cts kwh -

 

Choice of fuels. What a concept.

 

The smart people are buying them NOW at a HUGE DISCOUNT!! There are SO many USED PIP for sale that the price is lower than a regular Prius, same year, mileage, etc. The only REAL down side I can see, is no spare tire.

I was not going to consider one, but 90% of my trips are 10 miles or less, RT. And the other trips I take are longer road trips and on those the PIP will act the same as a regular Prius.

It would depend on individual circumstances, but it is NOT required to plug in everyday, range not limited by battery, there is NO extra electrical work required (I have a garage-- easy to plug in indoors), I don't have a job, but more and more places now have a plug in stations and chances are if you have someone who can work in a regular Prius, they can work on a PIP.

Yeah, buying a used car for 16K, which sold for 35K 2 years ago, but has the same reliability as a regular Prius would not make ANY SENSE....

 

well said. i have no idea what jumbo was thinking at the time.

 

it's just sad, that after the pip has been out for, 4 YEARS!!! so few prius drivers understand it.

 

Even if you're only plugging in at the home end of your commute, the PIP has a big mpg advantage.

That said I've got multiple reservations about the current version, just not a good fit for me.

 

i know, spare tyre. not lily on the next version, that's for sure. for that matter, what plug ins are coming with spares these days?

 

They could maybe hang a spare, truck style. Maybe not enuf room with the gas tank.

That's one my hang ups, but mainly: we're lucky to spend $30 a month on gas, now. Not much savings to chase.

 

none here either. it's definitely not about fuel or money.