Can somebody help me feel better? I think i'm having buyers remorse. ):

Personally i like the new energy monitor on the dash. It makes the car more refined instead of a chunky LCD screen in the middle. Better use of space.

 

I have a Gen3 V+Nav and much like it over the Gen2. Seating position and steering wheel adjustability alone make the car much nicer for me. I drove a Gen2 when I was out in Denver (rental) in May -- the 3 feels (to me, anyway) much more refined. It also felt peppier.

 

Take it on a few road trips and break it in. After about 2K miles, it will get much better mileage overall. Don't overfill the oil. Since you are young, you might like the look of the wheels without the hubcaps. They're pretty sharp to my surprise. Oh, if they were only chrome instead of the alloy.

Welcome to the Prius family...it's good to have some younger members.

 

Thats not enough to get to know her. Want my Chevy HHR SS? I'd do anything to get out of it. 2.25 years, 21K miles and it's a POS. My wife won't trade mer her Prius for it....I might get a BMW in it's place.

 

Well, I've never driven or even ridden inside a Gen II, so I can comment only on the exterior comparison: The body of the Gen III, imo, is more attractive than that of the Gen II. I think the headlights and tail lights look sharper.

As for the important stuff, our Gen III's supposedly do better in the MPG dept., despite the lack of glide. And really, that's what it's about.

 

Bought my wife an '05 in mid-June for about $8700 (117.8K miles). A G3-II, in spite of the higher mileage would have been more than 2x the price. I can buy a lot of gas for the $15k+ price difference.

Since she does mainly short trips and I don't make her hipermile, she's only getting in the low 40s mpg...even that's not for sure because I've only filled her tank once...the dealer gave us the first one and with the bladder, you never know if it was a good fill or not. Regardless, compared to the Ford Ranger it replaced she's getting almost 3x the mpg she was before.

 

I set my A/C to 1/2 a degree C below outside temp (up to 27C), so it acts like a dehumidifier, very comfortable, very quiet, and negligible effect on FE.

I routinely P&G in PWR mode and gets 57mpg life average. Start in EV everytime (if battery charge allow); Power Pulse to traffic speed; Cruise Control to keep speed (except for uphill, best @ or below 68km/h or 41 mph, it shuts off the ICE most of the time); Neutral Glide 1/2 mile b4 red light (make sure the ICE is off. If not, cancell CC for 2 seconds, then push the gear knob towards yourself for 2 seconds); put back to D and brake regen 200 meters b4 stopping.

You're supposed to concentrate on the road, not the displays. It's not a video game. Who cares if the display is not the best looking as long as it serves its purpose.

I don't know about GenII, but my GenIII's bluetooth works perfectly, lets all the people in the car (including the back seats) to join the conversation flawlessly. Voice command integration with the nav system is fun too. Lets you keep your eyes on the road.

Hope this helps.

 

buyers remorse

Sorry to agree with you, but buyers remorse is very real with my 2010 V. This car was rushed to market, and has way too many problems.
1) A/C failed - bad "O" ring
2) Brake failure at low speeds and hitting a bump is still an issue.
3) FM Radio reception is terrible
4) Bluetooth is useless
5) GPS Address database is very inaccurate
6) Torn door gasket
This is the first and last Toyota I will own.

 

I felt a little BR when I bought my 2010 last year but not for any of the same reasons. For me it was the feeling the Gen III was more mainstream and not as unique than my Gen II. I also missed some of the storage features my Gen II had. However we kept my Gen II for 9 months, which gave me some time to adjust before we finally decided to sell it a few months ago.

 

Re: buyers remorse

I've noticed a few niggling issues on my early-build GIII that aren't there on my parents' GII (2008). There is obvious de-contenting; the leather in theirs is much nicer, more sumptuous. I agree with the OP here that the display is a little 1982 Atari-esque, but I have to say it doesn't bother me, gets the job done, and if anything keeps my attention more on the road where it belongs. There are the rattles--not excessive compared to some other makers, but IMO unacceptable for a Toyota. Also, the rocker panels on mine are coming apart in the rear; the mechanism on the GII just looks more solid.

I also wish the displayed mileage wasn't so overly optimistic, but I gathre that's a common problem with a lot of cars. Oh well.

lskipper, I'd be curious to hear more about your AC issue, if you care to describe. I haven't had FM reception issues, at least not compared to other cars. I've found the bluetooth to be great. The other issues you describe don't apply in my case.

I guess you take your chances getting the first year if a new model. In all, though, I'm pleased, after readjusting my concept of what constitutes "fun to drive," having come from a type S Acura RSX.

Cheers,
~T

 

My 2010 Prius was rear-ended by a double-trailer simi-truck on the freeway when we slowed down in a construction zone and he didn't. THe crumple zones and active head restraints did thier job and we both walked away. Enough said. (see photos)

 

It would be interesting to talk with some owners that are having BR. What was expected? Did they do their research prior to purchase? Did they drive the car first? How much do they know about hybrids? Did they drive the competition? Have they ever been happy with an automobile?

My G3, IV, now with 21,000 miles, has been supurb. Overall, 52.2 mpg; no rattles; comfortable ride and seats (I drove it on a 5200 miles trip recently); the NAV system took some getting use to, but I have no complaints (I do hope the next generation of software is better); Bluetooth works perfect; FM reception is no problem (I normally listen to Satellite, however). Perhaps I am just fortunate .... Toyota seems to have gotten everything right on my Prius.

I am reminded of a story: The newcomer ask a resident, how are the people in this town? What were they like where you came from ask the resident? Mean spirited, nasty, unhelpful. Well that is what the people are like here came the residents reply.

The second newcomer ask the same question; in response to the same follow along question, the newcomer said .... they were kind, generous, helpful, a delight. Then that is what you will find here assured the resident.

What was you previous car experience? Terrible dealer, poor FM reception, this and that "sucks", nothing but problems .... that, I fear, is what your experience with the Prius will be.

Now a few will object to that answer ... and for sure, there are some legitimate faults, failures and warranty issues ... but I am completely satisfied that a vast majority of the perceived issues ... are owner related ... insufficient knowledge of the product; inadequate research; expectations too high. Example: How can any manufacturer protect itself from drivers that "stand" on the accelerator .... when trying to brake? or put diesel fuel into the gas tanK? or run out of gas when the gauge has shown empty? or pull a trailer? or drive through waist deep water? or any of the stupid things we read about.

 

FM reception, has suck on my last couple of cars, the cars in the 90's had better reception

 

Re 'buyer's remorse' - I had the money so either I leave it the kids or get a GII. I paid cash for my 2010. Also, with the U.S. buck about to go down the tubes, today's price was great! GII is terrific! 54.8 gpm!
Lenny D.

 

Squawk to Toyota! My FM has a GREAT capture ratio! I receive WHOM - 140 miles away - transmitting atop Mt. Washington. That is a GOOD radio!

 

I just listen to my 11,000 songs on my Ipod