Issues at higher speeds and brakes

PWR mode has to be selected each time you start the car. Also, it only remaps throttle response; it doesn't increase power. I'd suggest to leave both PWR and ECO off, the default "normal" mode, it's very linear.

A tri-yearly brake fluid change is advocated (by Toyota Canada at least), might help with soft brakes. Also, a thorough brake inspection could be overdue.

When lifting right off the gas the car will start to regen a bit, using momentum to charge the hybrid battery. If you want to keep it more free wheeling, maintain a slight amount of pressure on the gas pedal. It's not giving gas so much as just alerting the computer to hold off on the regen.

I came from an 06 civic hybrid, was a little askance at first, but that wore off real quick. I get to drive that civic occasionally, definitely not in the same league, gas pedal very touchy, off/on.

 

If you are on cruise control, and speed up, it will slow back down to the set speed quite rapidly.
When not on cruise control, it is a much slower deceleration.

 

Could be attribute to worn uneven tires, car out of alignment, or warped brake rotors. The car does have 165K miles so any of these are in play. Good luck with your Prius pursuit!

 

welcome o/p, i think you've nailed it. question is, can you live with it?

 

can't blame you there, sounds too expensive.

 

I got my 2010 Prius IV for around 10k and it had 96k miles. It does not have solar powered fan top package, although. But still 9k for 163k miles sound too expensive.

 

163,000 miles and a Chicago car? Don't do it...and don't be swayed by the toys. You can do a lot better with $9,000.

 

9K for a 6 year old Prius with 163K miles does sound high. Is that at a used car lot? If it were me, I would pass and continue to shop around for one with less than 120K miles.

 

I think you're describing attributes which are subjective. Noisy? Spongy? Sluggish? Compared to what?

I suggest you test drive a much newer, low-mileage 2014 or 2015 Prius, which are the last years of Gen III. This should let you know how the car is supposed to feel when driven.

That said, if you want to drive your car like you're Mario Andretti, don't buy a Prius and don't complain about it. The Prius is a 45-50 MPG car, and it has the lowest maintenance costs of any car sold today. But if you want a car that's zippy and delivers quick acceleration, buy something else. Anything else.