Thinking of buying a Prius

Q: What would you estimate your yearly mileage to be, and 2., how long do you anticipate keeping the Prius?

 

Actually mileage is better for most people on the freeway. It seems to be only the EPA's screwy tests that say city mileage is better. I drive about forty miles a day (mostly on the freeway in heavy traffic) and am getting around 50 mpg. If traffic were lighter I'd be getting even better than that.

 

You can go to http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-maintain04.htm to see what the suggested maintenance shedule is.

 

I drive 100miles round trip commute 90% highway. I had numbers of tanks average over 60MPG during my summer commute. EPA test is really unrealistic.

 

I also drive about 100 miles round drip commute and also 90% highway. I also get around 60mpg in the summer.

 

What's yoru commute?

We drive 120miles R/T a day (Santa Cruz to South of Carmel). Car was bought in May and we're already at 17,000miles. Let's see, we waited two weeks for ours because we wanted black, although Santa Toyota almost always has one or two silver on hand. We paid MSRP (no hassle). We average about 48-50mpg and I've changed the oil 3 times thus far with Mobile-1 ($5 per filter, $15 in oil each time).

--GD

 

regular gas

 

I'm also in the Bay Area. I have my order in at 101 Toyota for a 2006 (w/Bob Romeo). With your commute, you may want to try to get a Prius ASAP to insure you get the commuter stickers. I sure would if I had to drive 101 in commute traffci. (I live close enough to walk to my job in Santa Clara.)

Expect to pay MSRP at most Bay Area dealers, including 101 Toyota.

 

Toyota recommends the 87 octane. Don't put premium into the tank. The only thing that it does for you is lighten your wallet and put added stress on the emissions equipment.

 

In case you didn't know you don't have to buy it in California. All Prius sold in the U.S. meet California emission control standards (exceed actually). So if you can get a better price in Oregon or Nevada, or anywhere you are willing to travel to, go for it.

I don't think you should have to pay more than MSRP, I don't think you will pay much less either. Don't let them (the dealer) add a bunch of port or dealer options on if you don't want them, some will try. I took the expensive floor mats ($170 I think) but that was all.

 

While you are correct on the emissions standards part, you neglect to take into consideration that Prius automobiles purchased in California come with a longer warranty on all components affecting emissions which include the hybrid system.