Anyone move from a SUV to a Prius? In need of a "support group" :)

I went from an 08 Ford Sport Trac to a Prius (level v) in January. I was sort of sick to my stomach for the first day or so, but quickly learned that the Prius was capable of far more than I had ever given it credit for. It has quickly become one of my favorite cars that I've owned.

 

We went from an AWD 5.0L 2000 Explorer to our Prius. We did so after renting a 2009 Prius for a trip to FL after the Explorer started getting the 60k mile sensor failure parade that Fords are apparently known for. I also had to put a radiator in it and a starter...holy crap that thing was a heap...

Anyways...nope, never looked back.

 

I used to drive a Grand Cherokee. 12 mpg got pretty old during the 2008 gas price spikes (I was spending $500 a month on fuel). The Jeep also broke down about every month . . . just a horrible experience overall.

I've got a large downhill mountain bike, and I just take off the front wheel and throw it in the back. I also fit my surfboard (6ft in length) in the back with no problem. The folding seats are genius. My friends are always surprised to see just how much room is inside.

75K miles, 52MPG, and no mechanical issues. So worth it!

 

I had an 04 Explorer for a couple years.... occasionally really miss the space. My wife used to complain that we need a truck for the occasional big haul (furniture, plywood, etc.) but I've always resisted. IMHO, if you only need a truck on average once per month, you could always rent a small u-haul truck for the day. Save on the annual tag/registration fees, insurance, and maintenance by renting instead of owning.

Vic

 

Went from a 2008 honda element ex 4x4 to a 2011 prius III. 22 mph to over 50 mph. My prius is quieter has a better ride, i did keep the color blue but don't miss the honda one bit. One negative the prius is 6 dollars moe a year to insure lol.

 

Traded in a 2006 V8 4RUNNER (16mpg tank average) for my 2010 Prius and while I do miss the truck sometimes I am really happy with the new car. It just makes so much more sense for the kind of commuting mileage we do.

Biggest thing to get used to is how loooooow the Prius is. It's difficult in the winter for me here in Vermont, have to be so careful.

Luckily I still have a heavily modified 1993 Land Cruiser for offroading.

 

I put snow tires on my 2010 in the Prius and it handles better than my 2000 4Runner 4X4 with all season tires. The 4Runner is higher but that has not been an issue for me in Cleveland yet.

 

I went from a 1994 Explorer to a 2010 Prius II. One thing I miss is that I can't carry 8' x 4' sheets of plywood. What I do now is measure approximate sizes for the cuts that I would usually make at home and just have Home Depot make a few cuts for me.

No matter what car I have, they can't handle the 8' x 4' sheets without leaving the back door slightly open. In the Prius, the 4' width is too wide at the rear hatch, but I think you can fit 4' long x 3' wide sheets in the back seat.

I believe you can put 8' x 2' sheets completely in the cabin. Put the rear seats down and push the passenger seat all the way forward with the backrest pushed back. Yes, "back." The 8' x 2' sheet should fit because you can push the sheet all the way to the dash (maybe even up to the window).

If I have long, thin wood, like molding, I just open the passenger side window and extend it to the front bumper and tie it down to the front bumper. You can put 16' lengths in your car using this method. Bring some towels or the like to put between the rear view mirror and the car to prevent any scratches.

The other thing I miss is that I don't sit as high in my Prius as I did in the Explorer. I really liked that extra bit of vision. I thought the Explorer was much more comfortable for long drives, 300-400 miles. The Explorer "felt" roomier. I think that adds to the comfort issue.

But as others have said, you can't compare the gas milage we get in Prius.

Many people here have said the stereo in the Prius II is just OK (I'm OK with it because I only listen to talk radio). But if I want to rock out on some loud music, it is pretty weak. I'm not sure the III would meet my needs for loud music (I recall they have the JBL package). I think I'd go with aftermarket stereo and speakers if that were my thing.

Mike

 

Then there's no problem. You can borrow that the few times a year that you need it.

 

I came from a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee to my Prius. Missed the Jeep for a very short while. Found I can haul most anything in the Prius. Did not miss the Jeep gas mileage, though.

But, I have the next best thing to having a backup truck, I have a son that has a small Ford Ranger pickup

 

Coming from 2002 Ford Explorer, 12-13 MPG. The reason I got Prii was not the gas price that hit $4.30 in NY in 04.11 (I run a company so the company pay all auto expenses), but rather my willingness to live a more environmentally-friendly life. Prii cost me $365/mo car loan (66-mo term) + $1600/year insurance - much more than the Ford, but I am happy I am not polluting as before. So far never missed the cargo area, and for 2 people Prii is pretty roomy. I got a hitch rack so I can carry our 2 bikes.

 

I left my 2005 4runner V8 15mpg in April to a 2010 Prius. So far 5 tanks $383 gas savings on a $3000 upgrade difference. I am very happy. Best move I ever did. Plan on taking a trip this summer and will use 40 gallons compared to 110 gallons.

 

You CAN get a hitch on this and use a trailer. You could also put a bike rack on the back, or borrow/rent a vehicle for the occasional trip to lowes. This is a hatch so is not bad.

I go to Lowes/HD frequently. Two weeks back we finally got rid of our minivan. The reality is we just don't need it. Used its huge carrying capacity only a couple times/year and the rest of the time a more or less empty trunk carrying the family around, it makes no sense to be carting around the extra mass. I think America will slowly adapt to this reality and stop thinking that we all need the ability to carry a ride on mower with our family any time we please, it's really kind of silly.

 

I'm going to suggest you consider a Prius 3 as opposed to a 2. Listen to your sounds in both, maybe the 3's jbl will be good enough for you, it also includes an XM radio and blu tooth, I think it might be worth the extra grand to you. Me, I cheaped out and bought a 2, my mistake.

 

My Jeep Cherokee had a comfy seat and nice visibility, but feh. I don't miss it. With the front seat down the Prius carries 400 pounds of 8' 2x4s.

 

Bought mine in December and had it delivered with snows on it. Never any traction issues, but the front lip has taken a beating.

I agree. I very nearly got the 2 but went for the 3 instead. The Bluetooth and XM are really worthwhile upgrades if you spend a lot of time in the car as I do.

 

Glad I found you guys. I went from this...





To this.....

 

All I can think of seeing it under a sign that says "Bouchon" is David Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day

 

Traded my beloved FJ for the prius. I miss it so.

Now I have this to help alleviate my pain.

 

Congratulations on taking first steps with your 4Runner's drinking problem. You'll find plenty of support here at PriusChat. Take one day at a time until you get your drinking under control (Prius), and then you'll be in a position to help others with their excessive drinking.