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Potential newbie looking for advice...

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by mudmanrv, Jan 16, 2012.

  1. mudmanrv

    mudmanrv Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2012
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    Location:
    NE Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Greetings all, I've been combing over the forums for the last few days. Ive been considering a prius as my next vehicle, and as my first "new" vehicle. let me give you a little background to help explain my quandry.

    I'm the son of a 40+ year GM mechanic. I've always driven gm products since i had inside knowledge, and access to the special tools, etc. not to mention free labor. now that said, dad works for an auto auction instead of a dealer - brand loyalty does make as much sense.

    i have 3 kid, 10, 6, and 5 months...and I'm also a hobby musician playing drums.
    we have a montana mini-van that has served us well. i have a 4x4 blazer which gets 20mpg.

    my current commute, is 40 miles one way. i spend roughly 500/mth in gas just to drive to work... avg is 3.50/gal right now.

    i know i can save nearly 100/mth buying a prius just buy fuel savings.

    where i am stuck, is that we plan to move this year...if all goes well. so the commute wont be 40 miles. i also tow an atv on occasion which i cant do with a prius.

    i like the prius and ive looked at a prius v-wagon...i'm stuck. both seem to have about the same cargo as the blazer. not sure if i can pack my drums into standard prius- would have to try.

    so it comes down to - can i fit the kids...one in a car seat. the prius had more leg room to me then the V did, it appears they shoved the seats forward for part of that extra cargo room. also seems narrow compared to blazer. i have leather and heated seats now. would like same, though leather not as important. back up cam would be great, nav i have on my phone so no big deal there.

    if we move, mileage isnt as a concern. so i looked at a chevy traverse... but new price is out of budget.

    i'm up for thoughts, suggestions, etc.
    sorry for long first post.
     
    #1 mudmanrv, Jan 16, 2012
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2005
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    Location:
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    On the v wagon, the rear seats can slide forward and back. Try doing that before making judgements on leg room.

    If you move, how long will the commute be? Traverse's EPA mileage is atrocious compared to even the v at 17 city/24 highway/19 combined for the FWD model vs. v's 44 city/40 highway/42 combined.

    Do some gallonage calculations (http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...eage-no-its-your-gallonage-really-counts.html).
     
    #2 cwerdna, Jan 16, 2012
  3. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
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    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
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    Mileage should be a concern to you regardless of your commute. I'm not saying that because I'm into bashing trucks and SUV's, or because I'm down with the whole green thing, it's just good common sense.
    Gas is three bucks a gallon.
    It doesn't have to stay there.

    OK, so the towing is a concern. I have 2 M/C's and an 1100# lawn mower. Clearly the G3 isn't going to me MY go-to vehicle either.
    If you're going to be moving, you may want to consider sticking with the vehicle that you have, since moving can involve unforeseen economic stressors that might be incompatible with a car note.
    Depending on how often you tow how much, a small sedan might be the answer. IIRC, the Elantra has a 1500# tow rating, and despite what some of the cheerleaders will tell you herein, its combined EPA mileage is pretty good...AND you don't have to pop for a 'special' package to get the higher mileage model. They're not too expensive either. The Honda Fit might also be tow rated---and you might be able to fit yer cargo inside one. I do not know.
    As far as the drums....well (*) you might either have to get an enclosed trailer for them (cheaper than getting a crossover) or club up to a truckish mount.

    Either way.....
    Best of Luck!

    Let us know how it shakes out!
     
    #3 ETC(SS), Jan 16, 2012
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
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    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    The Prius v should have more legroom (given that the wheelbase is 3" longer) and I remember it was fairly spacious back there and as the kids grow older, they may appreciate the extra headroom and legroom. I believe there's an extra inch in width in the Prius v too if that helps with the car seat. That being said, you can fit 3 car seats across if you really had to in both vehicles (we have a few members here who have done it in their regular Prius liftback. Efusco is one that comes to mind if you want to ask him for a picture).

    Kids tend to enjoy the panoramic roof which is offered on the Prius v (It also makes the cabin feel airier) and the driving position (about an inch higher up than in the Prius) and longer wheelbase make for more enjoyable road trips (unless you really want to take the Montana). It'll also allow you to pack more (taller roofline) but note that it may struggle fully loaded compare to the standard Prius Liftback which doesn't have the extra 300lbs to carry around.

    That said, the Prius Liftback has some nice features (depending on how high you want to go up) including the Solar Panel Moonroof and LKA which aren't found on the Prius v. In addition, for 2012, the Prius will come with a HUD on higher trim levels.

    As for seating, if you want real leather (seat surfaces only of course), 2011 is the last year. For 2012, both the Prius and Prius v will come with SofTex synthetic leather (Ecologically sound with less VOCs). I thought the material felt quite nice and grippy compared to cow hide.
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Jan 17, 2012
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