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New Prius c Two (base) Owner in NC!

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by rlalford, Mar 14, 2012.

  1. rlalford

    rlalford Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    31
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    Location:
    Durham, NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I am more than pleased with my Prius c Two that I acquired from 'Town and Country Toyota' (Charlotte, NC) yesterday evening! As for background, I have owned both a 1st gen Honda Insight (2000) and a 2010 Honda Fit.

    I commute roughly 60 mi every weekday, so great mileage is desirable.

    Research is a must -- know your model, options and pricing. Autotrader.com and other sites were very helpful in this respect, but in the end, I was led to my ride via a Google search (I recommend 'Sonic Automotive').

    The current target MSRP will most likely serve as your base price (at least, I found that to be the case on a statewide basis). However, 'Town and Country' advertised my Two at under the current target MSRP! :) So I jumped and I'm glad I did!

    Most dealerships I researched online had no more than 1 or 2 Prius c's in stock -- maybe.

    As a note, I test drove locally last Saturday ...

    'T&C' provided great instruction is some Prius c essentials before I headed out, including my iPhone sync ...

    The Prius c is very responsive -- fun to drive! I appreciate the taut handling. Of course I am breaking in the engine right now, but certainly haven't seen a huge lack of power for my driving style. I probably wouldn't recommend using Eco mode in traffic -- its more for the open road. There are great, interactive, digital displays onboard with very useful numbers & figures. At speed, it has a lower sound level than either my Fit or my Insight. Phone integration has worked seamlessly. I really like the steering wheel controls for displays, phone, audio, temp, et al. There are way too many positives to comment on at the moment! The Prius c also looks great -- nice lines!

    As a tip -- when purchased, my Prius c had Km/l rather than MPG displayed. Press the trip button on the steering wheel (right) to change Km/l to MPG.

    FTR, I took a 18.5 mi spin during my lunch break today, over a normative route and "rolling" terrain (25; 35; 45; 55 mph) -- 63.5 mpg, with 26% EV on the trip meter. Those figures may change -- we'll see in around 3-4 tankfuls ....


    Richard
     
    4 people like this.
  2. Teacake

    Teacake OohShiny

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2011
    152
    43
    0
    Location:
    Louisville, KY
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I noticed you mentioned a Fit and an Insight? Have you owned both? Care to speak on the C versus those models please? :) Also, I thought only the 3 and 4 levels have steering wheel mounted controls. Am I wrong?
     
  3. formula

    formula Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2012
    320
    32
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    I think all the levels have steering wheel mounted controls . ?

    it is the same steering wheel as the liftback prius.
     
  4. rlalford

    rlalford Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    31
    8
    0
    Location:
    Durham, NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Yes, I have owned both an Insight and a base Fit. My Prius c is better appointed than either (BTW, I have owned 6 Hondas). From my observations, the Prius c's engineering, fit and finish is top-notch -- the quality is evident throughout (also noted by friends).
     
  5. rlalford

    rlalford Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    31
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    Location:
    Durham, NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    In reference to my Fit, I found it to be a bit "pitchy" at times, especially when cornering. The Fit has a relatively high center of gravity. For that reason, some Fit owners lower their vehicles (springs) to provide better handling characteristics. I was never quite happy with my Fit's handling. In comparison to the Fit, my Insight handled very well, and would go wherever I took it.

    Although the Prius c is only 4/10 of an inch lower than the Fit (& four inches shorter), it is a very stable platform and handles well. Also, I've noted that crosswinds don't affect it significantly, when compared with my Insight and my Fit.
     
  6. rlalford

    rlalford Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    31
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    Location:
    Durham, NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Steering wheel controls for phone, audio and temp are standard for all levels. :)
     
  7. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2012
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    Location:
    Oshkosh, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I to owned a 2010 Fit and although I absolutely loved my Fit, the C has a much more planted feeling. It feels like you are driving a much bigger car.
     
  8. rlalford

    rlalford Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    31
    8
    0
    Location:
    Durham, NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    The Honda Fit is a great little car; I liked mine and I do recommend it. :)

    A "much more planted feeling" describes the c to a "t".



     
  9. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2012
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    Location:
    Oshkosh, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Wish I could have one of each lol!! My Fit with the manual for driving like a maniac and my C for that laid back smooth ride with superb mpg's haha!! I definitely agree on the C's top notch quality and engineering!! " C to a T " Kinda has a nice ring to it lol!!
     
  10. green18

    green18 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2012
    9
    1
    0
    Location:
    NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    We have looked at the "C" at T&C and test drove one too. We did not get down to talking price as of yet since we were trying hard to decide between the Fit Sport AT and the C Two. We love the Fit's flexible seat's and that it is a Honda. (Love our Honda!) Wanted to do a little more research on safety and whether we could add bike and kayak racks to the C Two. Would you mind if I asked what your out the door price was? (I'm a newbie so hope I'm not breaching etiquette. :confused:)
    Thanks!
     
  11. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2012
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    Location:
    Oshkosh, Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I believe the Prius C level two is 20,800ish including destination fee. I've had both and both are great cars but a Fit sport automatic is 18,500 so it depends on how important mpg's are to you and which car you like better.
     
  12. rlalford

    rlalford Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2012
    31
    8
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    Location:
    Durham, NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks for asking! While I won't mention my out-the-door price, base price + delivery was under the target M.S.R.P. -- currently $21,740 for the Two, with no options. The delivery fee was lower than any I had seen. :) From there, add tax, doc fee, et al. As I took no options, there was little room for negotiation.

    While I haven't heard of any bike / kayak racks for the "c", someone here has mentioned fitting his bike into the "c". I wonder if any existing racks would work?

    In my opinion, one of the Fit's best features is its expansive hauling capability.

    As for safety, while the Fit currently holds the top production safety rating, you have to consider that nine airbags are standard in the "c" including side curtain, seat, knee-level and rear passenger!

    Richard

    Richard


     
    1 person likes this.
  13. green18

    green18 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2012
    9
    1
    0
    Location:
    NC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Thanks, that's good to know! Now all we need to do is make up our minds. But I think the current price of gas will help with that! Enjoy your C!
     
    1 person likes this.