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Was it worth it for Prius Prime owners?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Habiru, Apr 8, 2017.

  1. Habiru

    Habiru Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    I've been itching to order a Prime to replace my 2012 Prius. No local dealers will be getting a Prime any time soon so I can't test drive one first. Based on the research I have been doing I am convincing myself to order one but I have a few issues.

    No rear wiper, the back window can get very dirty on my current Prius & I couldn't imagine not having one.

    No integrated turn signals on any model other than the Advanced, this is more of an annoyance that makes me feel like Toyota is being cheap.

    No sunroof/moonroof options in the USA, without being political I feel that if I want to pay for a sunroof I should have that option available to me.

    No black exterior color option, every car I have ever owned with a single exception has been black.

    So my question to all Prime owners is was it worth it? A follow up question would be is there anything you regret about the purchase? I do like the Premium white exterior with the moonstone interior. I am very excited about the possibility of getting over 130mpg to show on my dashboard. My best mpg to date was just over 78mpg for a 32 mile trip & I think this car would help me shatter that number.

    I appreciate honest feedback. Thanks!
     
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  2. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Yes!

    It's a nice upgrade from my 2012 Prius PHV.
     
  3. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    We feel the purchase was well worth it.

    Our farm is on solar-power. We charge our Prime from our home solar power system. So far it seems that about half of our trips into town, we can complete the round trip all on EV.

    Anyway that we can increase what percentage of our daily driving can be done without consuming gasoline, is a benefit to us.
     
  4. Prius from Dad

    Prius from Dad Senior Member

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    It was definitely worth it for me. I love driving this car. I moved up from a 2012 v. My mileage is about double what I got on the v. Also, the best looking Prius.
     
  5. pricoaster

    pricoaster Member

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    I came from a 2006 Prius and it's been very much worth it for me. With a daily commute during the weekdays (home to work to gym back to home) of 22 miles, I don't use gas. My current tank is showing about 150mpg on the trip computer. During the entire month of February, the diary log is showing I did about 170mpgs. I last filled up 4 weeks from today out in Palm Springs, and still have a quarter tank left. The ride is smooth, quiet and comfortable and all the new safety and tech features are amazing, specifically the dynamic radar cruise control when I go for longer road trips on the weekends.

    Quick question, what are integrated turn signals?
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you won't get 130 mpg compared to your 78 mpg in your 2012. 130 mpg would be including any charging you did, and the cost associated.
    if you drive it on gas alone, you should be able to do better than the 2012 though.
     
  7. dalcon95

    dalcon95 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Easley, South Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    I don't regret getting my Prime Advanced with Blizzard Pearl and Moonstone interior. For not having a rear wiper, I used Rain-X, and rain and dirt side off fairly easy. I agree it would be nice to have a moonroof, but I am managing without it. The Advanced is nice with the use of the Prime features on the Entune App. You can monitor your battery charge, control your battery charge, control your climate control ahead of time before getting to the car, and lookup charging stations in the local area that you are at at the time. I also like the Premium JBL sound system. I am getting 999.9 mpg because I don't hardly use gas. If I use only gas, I have gotten 64 mpg in the mountains. I would highly recommend getting the Prime. Love mine!!!

    #1 in Easley,SC
     
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  8. HPrimeAdvanced

    HPrimeAdvanced Senior Member

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    Plug-in Advanced
    I too have had a lot of black cars; went white on my 2012 Prius plug in and now have Titanium Glow with black Softex on my Advanced, and am very very happy with this last color, a subtle pink champagne color that stays cool in summer and isn't the nightmare black is to keep clean.
    Sunroof might be nice, but almost never used it on last car that had it: it was noisy when open without much openness; I finally settled for full convertible, har, har. The Prime is much smoother, quieter, and has more zip than my 2012 PIP. The greatly increased electric-only range is wonderful, and the car STAYS in electric under most conditions here in Southern California. I'm getting 34-35 miles of EV only range, driving like old man with low blood sugar, although I do keep up with traffic. My 2012 barely got 9miles of EV only range, and would almost always trigger gasoline engine. At 1239 miles, I filled up for first time (the car had been previously filled up by the dealer who delivered it to my house) with exactly 10 gals of gas. The car currently has 2984 miles and I still have over a half tank of gas. I currently use A/C about half the time; never use heater of any kind. I charge the car as much as twice per day with my 240V L2 charger in under 2 hours from empty. My electric bill hasn't changed much since I've had this car. I followed same charge pattern with my 2012 PIP. I pay average of about $75/month for electricity. Knowing what I know about this car now, I would without reservation buy it again (same color). To me the exterior is a bit strident, Japanese video arcade, but you get used to that and it does grow on you. The interior is OVERWHELMING, but I will not be soon bored with it; there's so much to learn (I have the Advanced with all those extra safety features). Get it!


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  9. ArtVanDelay23

    ArtVanDelay23 Member

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  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    How many miles on your 2012, any problems?

    A few cons not mentioned:

    1. 4th gen styling, outside and in. Some love it, some not so much.
    2. Reduced storage, in general, and in particular with the raised hatch floor.
    3. 4 passenger seating.
    4. No spare.
     
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  11. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    Plug-ins aren't for everyone. You might consider the liftback instead.
     
  12. ed4271

    ed4271 Member

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    I traded my 2015 for the 2017 Prius Prime. The Prius Advance was a little bit too expensive for me so for the upgrades I could do without. My commute to work is 13.7 miles one way. I can go to work and back without using gas giving dependent on the environmental conditions . That means here in Syracuse when the weather is cold and snowy I consume more of the battery than normal. But when it goes into the hybrid motor I still get about 154MPG. That said when it's not that cold out and I don't use the heater moderately I'm getting 199 .9 miles to the gallon. I got it in February 28th and a month later I still had about three-quarters of a tank of gas. So even in the cold winter months I'm still not using that much gas. I calculated the electric bill to be 16 bucks a month. That's because I only charge it once a day on L1. When I use the L2 Chargers it doesn't cost me anything because Toyota gives you $100 Choice card up to 4 months. As for the back window no problems there , wash the dirt washes away just like it would with any other car back window. Oh becauze it has an independent suspension the car runs so much smoother than the previous models. I say if he can afford Advance get it you'll be disappointed. My electricity cost is $0.54 per kilowatt hour.


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  13. HPrimeAdvanced

    HPrimeAdvanced Senior Member

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    Mendel, I don't know if you were asking me about my 2012 PIP, but anyway had over 103,000 miles when I sold it to a used car dealer. This car was the most reliable and cheapest to own of any car I've ever owned. Nothing ever went wrong with it. Changed oil/filter at dealer every 10k miles. Rotated/balanced tires (for free) at America's Tire. Had original factory tires go about 40k miles; Michelin replacements still had about 20k miles left per America's Tire rep. at 100,000 miles. You can't beat that with a stick!


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  14. crewdog

    crewdog Acting Ensign Prius Prime

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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
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    [​IMG]

    Monthly mpg works well for me.

    It is definitely worth it imho.
     
  15. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I never used the rear wiper on my 2005 or 2011 Prii. So don't miss it at all. I have gone 750 miles so far and only used half a tank of gas. The car and all the features are incredible. Love every minute of being in it and owning it. You also get the $4500 rebate if you get it this year. Don't know how long it will last after that. I was originally going to get the middle option (Premium). Got the Advanced instead and glad I did. Go for it...you won't regret it.
     
  16. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Yes as I paid off the bridge loan Thursday. The 2017 Prius Prime Plus replaced the 2010 Prius, details are here: Prius Prime Plus in my hands | PriusChat
    A driving stunt several years ago:
    [​IMG]
    Details: Efficient driving for a 1,000 mile tank | PriusChat

    Bob Wilson
     
  17. PT Guy

    PT Guy Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    We're very satisfied with our Prime.
    The hole in the roof weakens the structure. More steel to strengthen adds weight. The glass, tracks, & motor add weight. Headroom is reduced.
    The back window blows clear. Our last 4 cars had a rear wiper, and we don't miss it on this one.
    For your 32 mile trip you'll get 12 miles of gasoline consumption. For the first 20 the dash will show 199.9 mpg--all electric consumption, no gas. Then you'll burn about a fifth of a gallon to finish the trip. We get about 60 mpg for freeway travel.
     
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  18. Pdxprimeguy

    Pdxprimeguy Member

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    Yes. Get the advanced if you like the added convenience items. Traded my 2016 Highlander. It drives smoother then my Highlander and more quiet. The wind noise was horrible In the Highlander. The prime is very solid and well built. I also had a gen 3 prius. but this prime is worth keeping. Makes me not want to sell or trade in. If you don't need the space it's worth it. I want a tesla but not the range anxiety. I drive a lot and long distances. Already put 5k on.

    Also get a level 2 charger. This car is fun to drive. I wish it had a sunroof to look cool and I wish I had 17 inch wheels to corner better. The new cruise control is a must. It's like half a tesla but 1/3 the cost.
     
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  19. Habiru

    Habiru Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Thanks to everyone for giving me something to think about. I am leaning towards getting a Prime based on your comments. I know there will be electric cost and that alone isn't enough to make me trade up but I really want to see 3 digit mpg fuel economy numbers. Now to convince the wife. :)

    The led signals on the side mirrors that I think have been standard in other country models for 6 years now. This day & age those should be standard if you ask me. It makes me feel like Toyota is nickel & diming me. I drive a Prius for the overall value. Bought my first 2010 when this car was redesigned waited to get it then after I got it Toyota did the base price raise because their fears of the Insight being a competitor was a non-issue. That was a great day when I got that extra equity for doing nothing.
     
    #19 Habiru, Apr 9, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 10, 2017
  20. Gen 3 for me

    Gen 3 for me Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    I am thrilled with my Prime and should you decide to buy one I would recommend make a deal over the internet in a NE state such as NY, fly there and drive it home. I sold my 2015 model 2 Prius with 10,700 miles without a scratch or rock chip to get the Prime.

    If I were you the major criteria in my economic part of the decision would be based on how far I drove every day. If you can drive your PIP in EV mode most of the time, and don't do many long trips then you may be better off with the PIP and when it wears out get the futute Prime which will outshine the current Prime. However, the $4502 Fed tax credit may not be in effect then. And no one knows about the rebates that will or won't exist at that time. The current rebates and discounts are fantastic. Someone in ME reportably got $4000 off MSRP.