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About To Buy ... With A Question

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by frank502, Apr 4, 2010.

  1. frank502

    frank502 New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Louisville KY
    Model:
    III
    Greetings everyone, I just registered for the forum,I'm considering buying a Prius II, I live in Louisville KY and I was wondering how the Prius Gen III performs with four adults in the vehicle? Does it get a little sluggish? I looked at the HP output in the specs and think this car is going to be way different for me. Can it move a car-full of adults?

    Also, how are the vehicles holding up over time? My old car, about to be advertised for sale is a 1997 Lexus. Other than scheduled maintenance, zippo repairs. So I've been spoiled by Toyota's quality. Does it carry over here?

    Your thoughts...
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    04 with 70,000 nothing but oil, filters and rotations. making a funny noise right now, so, we'll see. 4 adults, fine, but if your coming off a lexus, you better take a rest drive with 3 salesmen!;) good luck.
     
  3. frank502

    frank502 New Member

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    Louisville KY
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    Thanks Bisco -- I need a steady commuter with just the occasional need to transport 4.
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I carry quite a lot of cargo in mine, it goes everywhere just fine. (see it's picture <---)
     
  5. vegasjetskier

    vegasjetskier New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    East Coast of Florida, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Absolutely. That's what it was designed for. And it will do it with better gas mileage than any other car you can buy.
     
  6. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Fort Lee, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    You'll be surprise how well it does with 4 adults with AC on driving on hills. This is due to electric motor and responsive eCVT.
     
  7. frank502

    frank502 New Member

    Joined:
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    III
    thanks all ... i'm getting close to pulling the trigger. this is a great community & the forum is quite helpful, too.
     
  8. gfshay

    gfshay New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2009
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    Location:
    ca
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Would never get a prius at this state of the game until they figure out the brake issue. Unless you get an extended warranty that would include everything. In our 2005 if my wife and I are in the front, the back seat is incredibly cramped for our two high school kids. I am 6'1 180 and wife 5'9 120 Not much room
     
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

    Joined:
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    I have to disagree. There isn't really a brake issue, but the recent hysteria makes this a great time to buy.

    Tom
     
  10. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

    Joined:
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    Plug-in Base
    Well, name another car with as much rear leg room as Prius and get half the MPG of Prius.
     
  11. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    I am 5'6" and if I sit up straight in the back seat then my head hits the roof in a 2009. Not sure if 2010 is better. Suggest the OP try out the back seats at the dealer showroom.
     
  12. Malachy

    Malachy New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Lubbock, TX
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I'm 6 ft. and my head doesn't touch the top in the back seat. I feel like there is plenty of space in the car for me, my wife and child, but my in-laws were here over the weekend and both a bit overweight and they both looked uncomfortable.
     
  13. Sagitar

    Sagitar Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Ampthill
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Just knowing your overall height is not enough. Human physique varies quite a bit such that two people of equal height may have quite different leg length.

    I have a friend who is almost precisely the same height as I am when we are standing, but is about 8cm (roughly 3 inches) shorter than I am when we are sitting down.

    When we go into a car showroom, he acts as the gauge for leg room while I act as the gauge for head room. If we both fit, it is OK.
     
  14. snead_c

    snead_c Jam Ma's Car

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Hendersonville
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
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    Four
    I have a 2009 and I didn't believe you (sorry, I never ride in the back seat) so I went right out and sat in the back seat. If you lean backwards slightly your head may hit the back of the roof covering....never noticed this. Sitting up normally for me and there are a few inches space. I would not normally lean backwards but you are correct...thus a test drive with the typical back seat riders (not drivers :eek:) would be a very good idea.
    I evaluated an Insight last summer and remember that one was definitely too tight in the rear, even for me...and yes I'm 5'6" if I stretch ;)
    The Prius is a great vehicle if you want high MPG, flexible interior, very low maintenance costs, high reliability and are satisfied to drive moderately without expecting 0-60 in 5 or 6 seconds.
    The braking "issue" is way overblown and the sudden acceleration publicity is a NON ISSUE as far as I'm concerned. I'd put my daughter and grandchildren in one in a heartbeat and not give either a second safety thought. :cheer2:
    I think the 2010 does have more rear seat headroom...:rockon:
     
  15. frank502

    frank502 New Member

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    Location:
    Louisville KY
    Model:
    III
    i'm really not troubled by the software/braking problem -- toyota's are probably the most scrutinized cars on the road today thanks to all the bad news. and i will assume the issue has been corrected or will be shortly. as for the back seat, it will see some use -- just needs to be there when the need arises. i was more concerned with power with a packed house.
     
  16. alexprius

    alexprius New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2010
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    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I was thinking the same thing, however after shopping for a couple of weeks for a Prius I quickly found out that dealers are not giving any significant offers on the Prius. The literally told me "People who know about Prius and want to own one will own one no matter what". It's kinda true I negotiated around 1300 below MSRP and a 3.95% for 60...I think I got a good deal? Any comments on it?
     
  17. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    2006 Prius
    That sounds like a deal to me. I'm not in the market for a 2010, so I haven't payed close attention. Back when we were shopping for a Gen II MSRP was about as low as anyone would go. Many dealers were charging significantly over MSRP.

    Tom
     
  18. F512M

    F512M Member

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    Location:
    Laguna
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I received an e-mail from a Toyota dealer that they are offering 2 years maintenance with a purchase of a new Prius.