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You can fit a lot in this little Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by geeter, Jul 12, 2010.

  1. geeter

    geeter Member

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    So my wife and I redoing our bathroom and I had to pick up 120 square feet of slate tile, bags of grout, tools, and a couple of extra items (2 park benches to install outside of our building, non-assembled). We decided to leave the old Cherokee at home for fuel savings since it was a long ride, and I wanted to see how much I could stuff in the Prius. While I didn't have a camera charged and ready when I got home, I could not believe how much I packed into the Prius.

    My brother in law came over to help me carry the load up to our unit, and he just stared at the hatch opening for about 30 seconds. I was also surprised to find that the rear headrests fold downward when they are extended in order to get the back seat to fold flat. Great design!

    I also averaged 54 mpg on the mfd (I am usually 3 MPG less for calcuated fill ups), so I was also impressed by the great mileage with the load. I love this car more and more each day.
    :rockon:
     
  2. wick1ert

    wick1ert Senior Member

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    She can hold quite a bit. I didn't have quite as much tile, but maybe closer to 75-100 sq ft and grout. I may have had a couple other items, but I also had a total of 4 people in the car when I got those items. I will admit, the back end of the car went down a couple inches, but she still had enough power (although, I have to admit that Home Depot is only 2 miles from my house). Definitely a lot of trunk space, and I too must admit to loving the rear headrest fold down design.
     
  3. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    I fit 10 or 11 55 gallon trash bags that were completely full in my Prius. I couldnt see out any window other than the front and my driver side door, but it fit.
     
  4. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    AGREED. I have the GEN II and it has served me very well. The PRIUS is a great car and I appreciate it everytime I get in.

    I have actually moved three times with my prius and when I pack this baby up, it's to the max. yes, it holds quite a bit.

    cheers.
     
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Don't underestimate the flexibility of a hatchback.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i once fit 18 clowns in the back!:D
     
  7. geeter

    geeter Member

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    I think I have you beat with 20 clowns!
     
  8. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

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    I wished the front passenger seat fold flat as well, then it would be easier to bring home things like bookcases, ladders, lumber.
     
    1 person likes this.
  9. Dan bo

    Dan bo Prius Fan

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    Good story geeter!

    ..and I agree with you about room. I moved a 12 foot roll of linoleum and only had about 2 feet sticking out the back. Had it angled from the driver's side on the rear with the front sitting on the passenger side dash, work quite well. Oh ya there was also 16 2x4x8s and 6 4x8 panelling cut to 2 foot wide in there as well. :eek:

    Never thought of the Prius as a home renovator's vehicle. :)


    P.S. agree with MMB about the front passenger seat, would be great if it would fold flat, but all in all not too bad
     
  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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  11. marduk

    marduk New Member

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    Indeed. One of my requirement when looking at a replacement to my old VW is that my road bike MUST bit into the trunk with lid completely closed, AND both rear seats upright. The Prius happily complied.
     
  12. direstraits71

    direstraits71 Member

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    I'd love to see a picture of that. My bike only fits with the rear seats folded flat and the front wheel removed.

    Also In the Gen 2 the front seats fold flat by pushing the seats all the way forward and leaning the seat all the way back until flat. Is this different in Gen 3?
     
  13. marduk

    marduk New Member

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    Sure, will post one later. I do have to remove both wheels, but I had to do that for the VW as well. I also ride a 51 cm frame which helps with the fitting. :)
     
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  14. nerfer

    nerfer A young senior member

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    It does, at least in the Gen II. Move the seat forward, then take off the headrest, then drop the back down as far as it will go. Not totally flat, but it's good enough. I've carried several 8 foot 2x10 boards before with the hatch comfortably closed. Could probably do another foot or two if you rested them on the dashboard.

    My hybrid bike fits fine. It has 27" (700x35c) tires and wide handlebars, so I would think that's about the worst case. I fold the back seat flat, and angle the bike as it goes in (front tire first), then turn the front wheel down so it drops into the foot rest area of the back seat. Maybe I should make a little video. (The hard part is getting the handlebars to fit).

    I've also fit a 46" LCD TV in the box lying flat in the back, you might be able to go up to 50", depending on packaging.
     
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  15. neilz

    neilz Member

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    I think we can fit one of those "Smart Cars" in the back.:p:p:p
     
  16. toyolover

    toyolover Member

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    5 of us Drove from Canada to Boston for a 6-day vacation trip. I am surprised to see the trunk swallowed all our luggages - a total of five 21" carry-on hard cases plus a few tote bags. I am happy with the cargo capacity.
     
  17. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    Yup. Bigger on the inside than the outside. (T.A.R.D.I.S. smilie goes here)

    With the van broken, we took the Prius to Home Depot to pick up our new bathroom vanity (sink attached too) in its shipping container. I brought along a tape measure, a utility knife, industrial staple remover and other tools to dismantle the container and even remove the attached sink from the top, because there was just no way all that would fit in the back in one go. I was wrong and she slipped in with room to spare. There's a cavern in the back of a Prius.

    While I was stunned, the Home Depot guy really couldn't believe it. Even asked about the car too. I'd have to say it was the first time I came across anyone under 30 even mildly interested in the car. I think this guy might have been ~18.
     
  18. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    :doh: What from Vancouver to Boston ? St Stephens to Boston? Woodstock to Boston

    Canada a big country
     
  19. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    You can fit a 52" samsung tv (the best of the best) in the Prius for those that are wondering. :)
     
  20. energyandair

    energyandair Active Member

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    It is! Victoria to St Johns is a long drive!
    In this case, his Location shows as Toronto so presumably from there.