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I. LOVE. THIS. CAR!!!

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by Bob-blehead, Jan 26, 2015.

  1. Bob-blehead

    Bob-blehead Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    So, back in August of 2012, I was looking at a Prius v, and a Rav4. The Rav4 won, and we leased it. The Rav4 is now being used by my son, and we decided to turn in the Camry that we leased at the same time. After a lot of discussion, we finally decided to look at the Prius v again.

    I went over this afternoon to look at the last '14 that they had on the lot: a white Prius v Two. There was a blue one at a competing dealer in the area. My wife would have preferred the blue one, but I like both. So, I went over to test drive the white one. It did not take long for me to remember why I strongly considered it before. I really like the ride of this car. So much more than the Camry. The seats are so much more comfortable than the Camry. The ride is more compliant, and more quiet. I know that the car's styling is blah to a lot of people, but it "speaks" to me, and that is what counts.

    My one concern is adding SiriusXM to the car. So, I'll be heading to Best Buy to get an XM radio soon. We added one to our Rav4, so we've down that path before.

    I am hoping that we will be able to take delivery tomorrow afternoon. Photos to come soon! I am looking forward to learning a lot from all of you.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats, all the best!(y)
     
  3. Bob-blehead

    Bob-blehead Junior Member

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    Took delivery this afternoon, and had to take a road trip with it already. My son had a swim meet this evening that I had to drive him to, so we got to spend some quality time with each other, and with the new addition. What a nice automobile! Wish I had bought the v back in 2012 now instead of the Rav. Oh well. I have it now.
    P
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    well done.;)
     
  5. Bob-blehead

    Bob-blehead Junior Member

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    I changed the title of this thread to express how I feel about our new v. I absolutely love this car! From 1995 to 2012, my primary vehicle was a mini van (Dodge, Chevy, Pontiac, Chrysler) then in 2012 I drove a Honda Civic for a few months, then purchased the Rav4. My wife drove a Toyota Venza for a few years (leased), then leased a Camry, and then purchased a Honda Pilot last June. So, I have had the opportunity to drive a lot of vehicles (as have a lot of you, I am sure).

    This Prius v is by far, the best car that I have owned/leased, period. I would say that the Rav4 is a very close second. Basically, the Prius v gives me most of the space I had in the Rav4, with a nicer ride. The seats are more comfortable, the ride is more compliant, the sight lines are better, the radio is better, and both are nimble in parking lots. My one concern was about how the car would handle in the snow, but the last couple of days have shown me that I have nothing to worry about. Now, the 4WD Rav4 will still get the call if the weather really gets bad, but for normal winter driving, I have confidence in the v.

    I can't remember a vehicle that has fit me so well. It is so easy to get in and out of, and the driving position feels very good.

    For anybody reading this, give the Prius v serious consideration. Really. Now, I know that what works for me may not work for the next person, but I highly recommend giving it an extended test drive.
     
    Aaron Vitolins, kithmo and PriusGuy32 like this.
  6. mtl_sienna

    mtl_sienna Junior Member

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    I am glad to see you had an easy transition from a minivan. I have been driving Sienna's since 2008 and was concerned about the transition. I test drove a 2015 and ordered one a month ago. I am seriously looking forward to owning one! I am told I should see delivery in June o_O.
     
  7. Bob-blehead

    Bob-blehead Junior Member

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    Two
    We have three boys, and two of them are driving now, so we figured that it was time to allow us to move away from minivans. My wife's Pilot handles those few times when we have all 5 of us in a vehicle these days. If we ever have a situation when we NEED to take all five plus luggage, we take two vehicles. Maybe occurs once a year.

    Sorry to hear about your June timeframe though!
     
    mtl_sienna likes this.
  8. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    Bob, you're preaching to the converted (y)
    Glad you're enjoying it.
    I traded up to the UK Prius Plus (US v) from the 2010 Gen 3 Prius hatchback and it's a much more refined vehicle than the Gen 3.
    Like you I think it fits me to a tee.
     
  9. Bob-blehead

    Bob-blehead Junior Member

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    I know, but if ANYONE will understand, it's the people here, and I just had to express myself!

    But I also post it because someone might read this thread who is considering the purchase of a v, and it may be enough to get that person to go test drive it.

    You know how you see people driving Jeeps with the sticker that says, "It's a Jeep thing. You wouldn't understand."? Well, I could say the same thing about my Prius v.
     
    jangell2 likes this.
  10. Bob-blehead

    Bob-blehead Junior Member

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    Yet another great benefit of the Prius v: it is about the perfect height for ATMs, which to me right now, is a big deal. I'm suffering from shoulder impingement, which makes reaching up and out too far a very painful experience. Our G5 is too low, and the Pilot is too high, but the Rav4 and the Prius v are just about perfect.
     
  11. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    We replaced a Dodge Grand Caravan with a v Five, and while I once thought the long wheelbase Grand Caravan was the best long distance cruiser and road trip car I had ever driven, the v now fills that bill. The seats, the ride, most of the load carrying capability -- and more than twice the fuel economy.
     
    Bob-blehead likes this.
  12. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    I agree, the (v)agon is a very good car across the board, unlike most cars that only manage to be as good or better in one or perhaps two areas.

    In a way, it is the ultimate compromise car. Some (many) people will call that an insult, while I view it as truly exceptional engineering.
     
    Costy and Bob-blehead like this.
  13. Bob-blehead

    Bob-blehead Junior Member

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    Back in 2008, we purchased a Chrysler T&C. Kicked myself later, and many times, for not buying an Odyssey . . . but I never felt the way you did about your GC. It was okay for the intended purpose, but I was very happy to get rid of that vehicle, for many different reasons.

    I could not agree more! I was seriously looking at a number of different vehicles, and I could not make a decision about any one of them. There were three vehicles that I kept coming back to in my thinking and shopping: the Venza and the Prius v. The Venza, because my wife had leased one before her Camry, so it was a vehicle I knew and felt comfortable with. The v, for the reasons I bought this one for. It combined so many of the features that I had been looking for into one package, and had all the major features that I was looking for.
     
  14. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    The v is no Grand Caravan. I recall a trip DC to Houston with all the stuff for an incoming freshman plus 3 vacationers who were going on a week vacation. 2 of the 4 passengers were over 6' 5". Roof mounted luggage carrier, pull out the rear seats.

    Yes, the v is a great compromise vehicle. MPG and room/utility for its size.
     
  15. bingee3

    bingee3 Active Member

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    We traded our 2002 RAV4 in for a new 2012 Prius , hatchback , love/loved both of them
    I did find the seats in the RAV4 a bit more comfortable ,,,,, congrats to you
     
  16. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    True, but the Grand Caravan was rarely utilized to its full extent -- except on those delivery/moving trips. The v is better utilized year-round.

    Having done that once, found out the second time that it's amazing what you can order and puck up from a nearby to destination Bed, Bath and Beyond...
     
  17. Bob-blehead

    Bob-blehead Junior Member

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    Two
    So, we are into November, and the odometer now has over 16k on it. I've driven the car to Florida and back, and last month, to Colorado and back. While in Colorado, we drove from Denver down to Alamosa, then to Grand Junction, then back to Denver before heading back. Had to handle a fair share of mountain passes. The v handled everything like a champ! I still love this car!!! So far, the easiest car to drive that I have ever owned.
     
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    can't wipe the grin off my face.:cool:
     
  19. Land1

    Land1 Junior Member

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    I just done Toyota Prius V 2012 survey, Not much complaint after 54 months owned it. I am happy and please on this car. High MPG and car provided comfortable, quicker steering than Prius hatchback, spacious room, more quite, that why I choose Prius V. Toyota really made it good.