1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

I don't think the Prius is a good long range daily driver

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by rondocap, Dec 9, 2012.

  1. rondocap

    rondocap Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2012
    64
    28
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    OK, so the gas mileage is fantastic - and that does make it great for long drives.

    But here's my problem, I don't think the Prius was really designed for long, daily drives and commutes aside from the MPG. It seems like it is more for in the city driving, and shorter distances.

    Why? First, the driving position is fairly awkward. Hard to describe, but it just does not feel ergonomic like a true "drivers" car should be. Secondly, the seats are lackluster, and very uncomfortable. Really hard seats, especially with the cloth.

    And it's not just me: Look at the countless threads about people complaining about leg and back pain, and how to pad or change seats, etc.

    I love it for the MPG, and all they have to do is tweak the driving position so it's more like the CT200H, and fix the seats, so it's more like the CT200H. Oops, maybe I'll just have to get a CT200H. Ha.

    What do you guys think about this issue?
     
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
    7,842
    3,099
    0
    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    That there's already countless threads... ;)
     
    jadziasman likes this.
  3. dmvp

    dmvp Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2009
    364
    54
    9
    Location:
    Outskirts of Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I think that when you buy the base (lowest) version of a vehicle there are surely things you'll find you don't like. I bought the IV (now Four) to get the lumbar adjustment, as I'm sure I would have had issues with the seats on long drives without it. Of course I also wanted heated/leather seats, but knowing I already have lower back issues the lumbar adjustment was/is a must.

    I don't think a car manufacturer can make a seat that will be comfortable for 100% of the population anyway.
     
  4. rondocap

    rondocap Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2012
    64
    28
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    True - but a Toyota Plugin base costs $32,000, which is very expensive to have subpar seats.
     
    Adam Leibovitch likes this.
  5. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I have owned a Gen 2 (which I drove to both Charleston SC and Minneapolis MN) and now a v. (My longest trip so far is to Panama City Beach FL)

    It is restful to drive in, my wife and I trade seats at each stop to avoid (eye) fatigue and the miles roll by.

    My daily routine is usually between 110 and 250 miles, visiting clients.
     
  6. Jason dinAlt

    Jason dinAlt Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2012
    183
    61
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have no problem with seat comfort. I am old enough to collect senior citizen discounts just about everywhere; I am 6' and just over 200 lb. (What I would call an athletic build - although the sports are slightly different than when I was younger.)
    And I have owned everything from sports cars to full-sized trucks.
    Longest trip in the Prius (so far) is 700 miles one way.
     
  7. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2009
    5,131
    1,338
    0
    Location:
    Wilmington, NC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I have a 52 mile RT daily commute and have no problem with the 2010 Three cloth seats. I also make regular 4 hour trips to see our grandkids again with no issues with the seats.
     
  8. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2009
    655
    162
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    You can't compare a PiP and expect similar features to other $32ooo cars. You can't get the hybrid synergy drive and Plug-in for nothing.
     
    Rainking likes this.
  9. Silver bullit

    Silver bullit Right Lane Cruiser

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2009
    608
    210
    15
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have my car for 4 years. I have never had a problem with the seats. As for threads complaining about pain I think that people who have complaints tend to post more than those who have no problems. Maybe you should tell your doctor about your physical problems. Hopefully your doctor can help you. Good luck.
     
  10. southernguy

    southernguy Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2011
    55
    21
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    No issues with long drives or seats here either...
     
  11. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2010
    4,539
    1,433
    9
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have gotten used to the seats and driving position but since I didn't drink the Kool-Aid when it was offered to me, I can still say they are lackluster.

    What is it about some Prius owners that when a poster says they are less then thrilled with some aspect of a Prius, so many of them say things like "You should tell your doctor". Get a grip, it's not like they insulted your girl friend or your AppleĀ® product.
     
    Shawnna, dc202 and frodoz737 like this.
  12. car compulsive

    car compulsive Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2011
    741
    274
    0
    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    My work commute is about 50 minutes / 45 miles each way. As long as I drive my comfortable truck at least 1-2 days per week I don't have any issues with my back. I don't believe I would get anywhere close to the Prius' interior space & MPG in any other car.
     
  13. Silver bullit

    Silver bullit Right Lane Cruiser

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2009
    608
    210
    15
    Location:
    San Diego, California
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Did you ever think that people are trying to help the person? No need to get nasty when someone is trying to help. Maybe the driver has a physical problem that can be helped. I work in the medical field.
     
    sdtundra likes this.
  14. WD0AFQ

    WD0AFQ Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2012
    619
    152
    20
    Location:
    Dexter, Mo.
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    We had padded/heated leather seat covers put in our C-2 4 days after we bought it. The only time I might feel uncomfortable is when I am stressing to improve my mileage. I feel myself all tensed up and have to relax. Our longest round trip was 1700 miles. I found it a comfortable ride. I use the center armrest most all of the time.
    Dan
     
  15. sdtundra

    sdtundra Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2008
    1,314
    193
    0
    Location:
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Driving 75-80 to work 20 miles each way I got 48mpg last week, this week slowed down to 65 and i'm sitting at 55.7 even with our temps dipping into the low 50's at night. Not to mention the drive is less stressful and safer. I find the seats more comfortable than the G35 but not as comfortable as the Ram (like a couch)
     
  16. rondocap

    rondocap Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2012
    64
    28
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I drove my bmw 335i for a few hours the other day - and two things struck me: The seating position is superior, the cockpit envelops you and it's ergonomic. Secondly, the seats are supportive and comfortable.

    To preface - I think the Prius is a fantastic car efficiency wise. But the seating position is not really ergonomic, and the seats are not supportive and too hard.

    I'm OK after some time, and some 100 miles - but as you go along, it gives me pains I never felt before and never feel in my other car - mainly in my thigh and buttocks. (The thigh I attribute to the way the seating position is, it's my left - and the buttocks are the hard seats)


    This is what lead me to come to the conclusion that just because the Prius is efficient, does not necessarily make it a great heavy duty driver for your body.

    I really think the base plugin, which is more expensive than the most decked out regular Prius, should really have lumbar support and better seats at the least. Heck, even a Lexus has lumbar and synthetic leather sports seats for less!!

    Are we really paying so many several thousands just to plug it in? If I didn't get a great lease deal on it versus a regular Prius due to incentives, I'd be mad.

    I guess lesson learned - it's a great car, but only can really only find out if it's for you or not after several thousand miles of driving.

    My plan is to put leather in it, and memory foam in the drivers seat - hopefully that will cure the seat and become comfortable, albeit there is no cure for the seating position.

    I really don't mean to sound like I'm complaining heavily or hating on the car, I really do like it - that's why these important details upset me more. It's so close to being a great package.
     
    Lisa Jean, Shawnna, dc202 and 2 others like this.
  17. jnadke

    jnadke Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2012
    71
    12
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    There's your problem, you're comparing a $25,000 vehicle to a $42,000 vehicle.

    I smell a troll.........


    But, yes, Toyota did many trade-offs to make it affordable compared with most mid-size cars that are the US target for competition (Fusion, Passat, Impala) and shave weight for extra gas mileage.

    If the comfort bothers you, modify the rear suspension as many do around here (prius does not have MacPherson struts on the rear) or make seat improvements.

    For those desiring a comfort ride sacrificing a little more gas mileage, the Ford C-Max / Fusion Hybrid is designed for that market (too bad the C-Max design sucks and so does the name).


    I'm sure if you fork over the extra $12,000, you can get a pretty darn comfortable ride.
     
    mtbiker53 likes this.
  18. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2010
    4,539
    1,433
    9
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I put leather upholstery in my Gen III with gel pads in the front seats and it helped a bit. They are still econocar seat though so that doesn't help the seating position or shape. I got used to that and no longer mind them, but YMMV.
     
    rondocap likes this.
  19. rondocap

    rondocap Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2012
    64
    28
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I know the BMW is more expensive - I was illustrating that comparison more to showcase that I physically can be in another car all day without pain, to dispel that notion that I have discomfort in the Prius because something is wrong with me, and not the car.

    But even at this price point, I think it's just a mistake. There are cheaper cars with better seats.
     
    xs650 likes this.
  20. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2012
    3,779
    1,282
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Perhaps th best investment Toyota can make to improve brand Loyality is put great seats in the car. The extra money is well worth it. If they just had a seat upgrade option people would just do it. I know I would.
     
    dc202 and rondocap like this.