How will the C hold up long term...

WOW

That is an extreme change.

I just got a Prius C 1.5L
My other car had a bit more pep with a 2.2L 4 banger.
There is alot of difference.

But coming from a V8, I would test drive one a few times on maybe
an extended drive.

Test drive a reg Prius also.

 

Nubomb,

Give the MAZDA3 i GT a spin (up to 38 mpg 6-spd manual)--we bought the 2012 MAZDA3 S GT (wanted RED) & it gets 32-mpg consistently, and talk about fun-2-drive...the 6-spd manual is amazing! You will not regret a test-drive experience--that's for sure. Good Luck in your search!:rockon:
Ty-K

 

You're "Title" seems somewhat different from all the statements and questions you are raising in your post.

As far as how will the Prius c hold up long term? The simple easiest answer is that it is a new product, based on modified but proven technology. My expectations with any Toyota product is that it is going to have above average reliability. I'd expect the Prius c to be a Toyota. But the only thing that establishes durability and longevity, is a track record presented over the passage of time. Nobody can really present that at this time.

The rest of your post?

It seems to me you do so much Highway driving, I think I'd consider a regular Prius. The Prius c is "slightly" designed to be more advantageous when the majority of your driving is stop and go city driving.

Also you say, you've never owned a small economy car. I like small cars. Infact I don't call them "economy" I just call them "small". BUT...if you are used to a degree of space, and size, and perhaps even luxury? It could be a real shock.

I think a Standard Prius...up and down the trim levels, might provide you with a more palatable transistion.

I've gone to the dealership and looked at The Prius c, and I would say divorcing it from the GREAT advantage of being a hybrid, in almost every other aspect it becomes a pretty comparable sub-compact.

It's very comparable I think to my current Honda Fit. There are some minor aspects to design and layout I think better with The Fit.

It's basically, and in most simpliest definition a HSD sub-compact. Since it is really the only HSD sub-compact available in the USA, there really is no Apples to Apples direct comparison. You can compare it if you wish to the Honda Insight, but I personally don't compare Honda's IMA to Toyota's HSD. I think Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive is superior, in benefit and function, to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist. Just my opinion.

You really need to test drive, and sit in respective vehicles and get a "vibe" on what feels comfortable to you. I would take a good look at Prius c and the entire Prius family.

I wouldn't be concerned about durabilty or reliability.

I would be concerned about what I would be comfortable in, driving for long stretches on the highway.

 

I agree with Electric that if you're going to do mostly highway driving, go with the regular Prius. We have both, a 2012 C and a 2010 Prius. While I love my new C, I can already see that it struggles to get higher gas mileage, when driving freeway commutes- when I set it on cruise control at 65 mph, I'll only get 47 mpg (at sea level), compared to 57-62 mpg when driving through cities/towns. Perhaps it's because the C is a bit lighter and can't withstand the gusts of wind pushing against it or it doesn't have enough mass to keep its momentum at a steady pace...I do not know.

I recently gave up my V6 4Runner and before that, we had a V6 Benz, so I can relate to deciding to sacrifice power and comfort for economy. Yes, it's a totally different animal and this car was not designed to be a "fast" car. Personally, I don't regret for a second moving to the Priuses. As for going fast, I have four motorcycles to scratch that itch

 

Will it hold up? I think so. As well as generally being reliable, highway driving isn't actually very stressful on the car. Cab drivers report having to replace bearings but they are in a very stressful environment.

There are squeaks and rattles in the Prius, particularly in low temperatures, but people have found they can be fixed with some small modifications.

Arrange extended test drives to determine comfort level. Also, you might find that the regular Prius is more efficient in higher speed highway driving. However, I think that the c will do better in the stop and go on the way home and the difference in fuel economy won't be significant enough to overcome the much lower price of the Prius c.

Define "terribly boring to drive"? Some of us Prius drivers enjoy the fuel economy games. Some find the Prius engine whine annoying when it's working hard. But if you want to feel a connection to the car the Priuses (and Toyotas in general) are the wrong cars for you.

To compromise on fuel economy a bit you could try a Honda hybrid. They should feel less "robotic" to you and if you adapt your driving to the car you can get very good fuel economy. But, if you just want to drive it, Toyota or Ford hybrids do better.

Or you could go diesel. By all accounts they're good to drive and with your highway driving they'd be in their element. However, diesel's relatively expensive and will probably keep becoming more expensive and currently the only diesel cars are from German manufacturers with either or both of questionable reliability and expensive maintenance.

 

OK, that explains it. I hope you get that extensive test but with the supply v demand problem it might be hard to get the test right now. Maybe it would help you get the test drive if you can decide that the only stumbling block is the highway test and can agree a price before you do the test. Dealers won't like to put lots of miles on a car, they won't like to have it off the lot, but also won't like to lose a sale.

 

Were at the 70,000 mile mark on our Prius. The only
thing that "broke" is the cd player, other than that
its a great car. We don't even use the CD player
because of so many other ways to hear music etc.

All we do is change the oil and filter at 10,000 miles,
and air and cabin filters when needed.

I am sure the Prius C will be just as dependable.

As far as the batteries go for longevity here in
Oregon its a 150,000 mile warranty, note: Oregon
is a C.A.R.B. state.

 

In answer to your OP title, You should invest in one, drive the hell out of it, take care of it, always keep a good coat of wax on it. In 5 years get back to us on how much fun you have had, how much gas you have NOT used, and how the Prius c is holding up!
Extra credit points will be awarded if you keep chatting on the PC board and give us driving updates!

 

I can't speak to the c since it's a brand new product but if the reliability reports in Consumer Reports of Priuses and virtually all Toyoas along with high mileage examples at Lifespan/Operating costs - Prius Wiki are an example, it should hold up ok.

If you want to go w/something that's been on the road longer, go w/the regular Prius, aka liftback. 3rd (current) gen became available in May 09 w/the 2010 model year.

 

I would think the C should hold up as well as the Prius Hatchbacks (Gen II and III). Check out his Prius Taxi thread for longevity information.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...o-collection-san-francisco-picture-heavy.html

 

There is no reason to think that the C will have more problems than a regular Prius. It could well have less and be the best one so far, due to the simplicity of design vs. the Gen II, and lessons learned (brake pads, engine mounts, intake manifold) on the Gen III and the V.

 

Plus with the brake scare in 2010 i would think Toyota is putting extra efforts into it's safety and reliability to maintain or regain for some their excellent reputation for having bulletproof reliability.

 

Have you looked at the Lexus 200CT hybrid?

 

He said he wanted a reasonably priced car. lol

 

I hear ya

ha ... "reasonably priced" to this, maybe?

 

I'd (unfortunately) avoid Honda hybrids since their IMA system is inferior but more importantly, it seems their battery longevity is questionable, despite building hybrids >12 years (see http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...071-salvage-traction-battery.html#post1252078).

The CR-Z is quite disappointing in terms of overall mileage for the size and power. Although not comparable in price, the much larger and faster '12 HyCam which seats 5 and has 200 hp is EPA rated at 41 mpg combined vs. the CR-Z's 37 mpg combined. The HyCam did well at http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/01/fuel-economy-vs-performance/index.htm. Per http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/honda/cr-z/ratings-and-specs.htm (you'll need a subscription), the CR-Z did 0-60 in 9.3 seconds.