What, if anything, is a problem with the GIII?

I think the Five seats are pretty darn comfy.
All seats in our price range could use more extension under the legs, but nothing new there.

 

My only gripe is the gas pedal being so small and short. I can only reach it with my toes and it gets crazy tiring driving with my leg up since my heel can't rest on the ground. This is incredibly annoying on a long trip. I also wish that the front part of the seat could go a bit lower, but I don't really have too many problems with the seats, I haven't felt uncomfortable in them yet but I guess the seat complaint is moreso with the nonpowered seats.

 

I believe the European versions of the Prius are the same. In that case I'll let you know I'm on my THIRD steering motor at only 65,000 miles. They were all replaced under warranty but they're not cheap.

I understand there a two versions, a cheaper one as on my base model t3, and a better system on the higher end models of Prius.

OK, our European streets are narrow and more turns and more tighter turns are required, but a life of 30,000 miles on an expensive item is POOR. I will have to pay for the replacement next time probably at 90,000 miles.

 

My only real complaint is the front seats on my 2010 base model are uncomfortable beyond the normal errands. Thanks for the heads up on steering Grumpy. Missed that one. Will add to the Pro/Con list before times runs out deciding whether or not to purchase the extended warranty.

 

Just curious if you noticed any symptoms before it failed. Did you lose steering? I've been getting a slight "clunking" or intermittent bumping in the steering column since I bought it. I get it at least once or twice per trip while steering. (It's still under 5k miles.)

Of course the dealer claimed they couldn't reproduce it. At the first oil change I'll make sure they look at it again. My main concern is that it might be a safety issue. Otherwise it's just an annoyance. It sure doesn't instill confidence.

 

^ Nice, it will be good to have you in a GIII.

 

I was forced to do something about the Prius on Monday since my hybrid battery failed on my 2006 Prius at 116,000 miles. I wasn't planning to get a new one for a few more years. Traded for a 2012 rather than purchase a new battery. There were some sacrifices, but due to the package that I got and not a failing of the Prius. No backup camera and smart key only on 1 door this time are the main sacrifices for me. However, the features they added as standard like blue tooth to connect phone and iPod were a good tradeoff. No problem with the seats but I do use a McKenzie lumbar support in all my cars. I haven't had time to read up on the 2012 so keep discovering new things daily. Today discovered the miles to go before fill up. Getting the windows tinted on Tuesday!

 

And I thought I was alone with this. I, too, feel that the driver's seat on the 2010 Prius is just a tad facing to the left of center.

 

i wouldn't call the seats a "problem" not like they are falling apart. it seems to be a mixed issue if they are comfortable or not depending on the person. some people just can't be comfortable in any car on a longer trip.

I don't think personally they are terrible. have sat in better and sat in worse. about to do 500 mile round trip again this weekend with no worries. leave earlier, makes stops so you can get out of the car and walk around some, stretch etc, no need to try to drive 100s and 100s of miles without stopping.

 

Do you turn the wheel all the way to the lock, and hold it there?

There is the possibility that subsequent replacements have not been installed correctly making them burn out prematurely.

 

+1 for the wheel feeling slightly left of center of the driver's seat on my 2012. Thought I was imagining it.

To weigh in on the seat comfort... I liked the seats in my 2005. I drove for hours in that car with no problems. I like the seats in my 2012, but it took a while to get them adjusted just right. I've driven for a couple of hours, and felt OK at the end. I haven't had a chance yet to take it on a real road trip.

 

Which misstates the problem many people have with the uncomfortable Prius 3 seats. People do need to be aware of the problem which is only saved by the power seats.

 

The adjustable steering wheel does not come out far enough for those that are taller than average, such as 6'. This is a definate design flaw as you can not comfortably relax your arms in this position. Now I do not want a bunch of "priusites" with an agenda to jump out of the bushes at me over this but it is true. Of course if they are 4' tall this would not be a problem for them. In better times, I drove a BMW 750IL and could drive all day long and back and never become fatigue, so I know what it is to have a comfortable fitting seat and steering wheel that is comfortable for anyone of any size.