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Thoughts for a 2010 Prius owner thinking about a Prius v

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by asudan, Jul 15, 2012.

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  1. Replaced another non-Prius car.

    55.0%
  2. Replaced a Prius for the v

    30.0%
  3. Added the v to my stable and kept the standard Prius.

    15.0%
  1. asudan

    asudan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2012
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    Location:
    Gilbert, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    My wife and I bought a 2010 Prius and absolutely love it. We've driven almost 70,000 miles in just two years. We do a lot of road trips and my wife works 70 miles round trip from home. Needless to say this car is great for us.

    My wife drives the 2010 Prius and I have a Volvo S60. We are thinking about retiring the Volvo - it has 160k on it and repairs are starting to become an issue. It also only gets 25mpg and I drive almost as much as my wife does.

    We are thinking about getting a Prius v to replace the Volvo and I'd like to get some feedback from any other two Prius households, specifically if you have a v or if you have one of each or if you replaced a standard Prius for a v. Thoughts??

    One major motivator is that the v has more cargo room. I often have to shuttle product around and end up using my wife's Prius because it has more space than my Volvo. Having the v might be even better in that case. Also we just had our second child. So now we have a 10 week old and a 7 year old.

    Thank you everyone for your help.
     
  2. LeslieC

    LeslieC New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2012
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Easy question. You already know you need the v. Yes, the car looks like a 'station wagon', but oh well. It gives you good mileage and your stuff fits in it. Think about your kids as a ten year old and a three year old. You'll need space for luggage, toys etc. You say you do a lot of road trips...so with two kids, you'll probably need a full size cooler of drinks/snacks too. And what about your dog? If you don't have one now, will the kids talk you into one? The real question is....who gets to drive the new car?
     
    smile likes this.
  3. asudan

    asudan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2012
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    Location:
    Gilbert, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Leslie - Agreed! We already have the dog - A 100lb White Lab and fitting him in the standard Prius is tough. I'm hoping he fits in the back of the v.
     
  4. Chazz8

    Chazz8 Gadget Lover

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2008
    744
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    Location:
    Central New York
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I have replaced my non-Prius car (2000 Lexus RX 300) AND added my Prius v (wagon) to our family's stable and kept wife's 2008 Prius. The Prius v passed the test of holding our 2 big (95 lbs) dogs as seen in link below.

    2 big dogs in a Prius v (wagon) | PriusChat
     
  5. asudan

    asudan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2012
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    Location:
    Gilbert, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Chaz's - that is awesome! Goldens?
     
  6. catgic

    catgic Mastr & Commandr Hybrid Guru

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2007
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    ASudan – Run, do not walk to your nearest Toyota dealer and trade in the Volvo S60. The Prius v is a Family Limo & Stuff Hauler Extraordinaire --- a “v”eritable “Caddy In A Kimono” with passenger (human and canine) and cargo hauling room galore. We traded our standard Prius sedan in for a new Prius v Wagon and have not looked back.

    Your only decision now is do you want-need a Prius v Two, Three, Five or Five ATP.

    I wrote this the other day on the subject of selecting the model of Prius v that is right for you. Here it is:

    PRIUS v MODEL PECKING ORDER

    Prius v Two – MSRP: $26, 550 (MAZDA5 Sport: $19,625)
    Prius v Three– MSRP: $27,315 (MAZDA5 Touring: $21,625)
    Prius v Five– MSRP: $30,140 (MAZDA5 Grand Touring: $24,025)
    Prius v Five w/Adv. Tech. Pkg – MSRP: $30,140 + $5,585 = $35,725 (MAZDA5 Grand Touring - Loaded: $24,025 + $3,050 = $27,575±)

    All four, Two, Three, Five, Five w/ATP, Prius v models run on and consume motor fuel with the identical 44/42/40 EPA MPG Hybrid Synergy Drive running gear. Therefore, the buying decision, once you decide you “Gotta Have A Prius v,” is all about Toyota Profit Margin Boosting “$tuff.”

    If you do not need Entune and NAV, and are O.K. with fabric-covered seats, then the Pv2 has your name on it.

    If you like the Pv2 appointments, but are Smart Phone/iPhone obsessed and secretly in love with the NAV Lady, but do not need 17-in wheels, 3-Door SKS, Homelink, SofTex, heated driver’s and front passenger’s seats and LED headlights, then the Pv3 is calling you.

    Should you need Entune, NAV, but also want 17” Wheels, LED headlights, the added convenience of 3-Door SKS & Homelink, the extra creature comfort a heated 6-way driver’s/4-way front passenger’s seats with the kicker of Softex upholstered cushiness and “All That Jazz” Elegance, run, do not walk to embrace and capture the 3-Door SKS Fob of a Pv5 “Pseudo-Limo.”

    However, if you are a Space Cadet or Closet Trekkie who wants to run the table on all the Pv5 “Goodies & Stuff,” plus dig mucho deeper into your mattress to pony up the additional $5,585 on top of the Pv5’s MSRP to obtain “Shiny, Spinning Red Wheels” in the form of a non-opening Panoramic Moonroof Skylight, 0.9 extra inches of HDD-monitor display w/ JBL sound-speakers, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) & Pre-Collision System (PCS) and an Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS), you need to tell Scotty to “Beam You Up” into a Pv5ATP.

    No matter which way you go, the versatile “v” in the Prius v is there to serve your driving needs. That “Caddy In A Kimono” is ready to save you money on the road by the miserly consumption of motor fuel, thereby, delivering you at least Official EPA MPG Fuel Economy.
     
    labell likes this.
  7. Ben in IL

    Ben in IL Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2005
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    Location:
    Central Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    We originally had a Gen 2 2005, then replaced that with a Gen 3 2020 with the solar package. We took that one on a 2400 mile trip with the kids and it worked out very well.
    Late last year, it was time to replace our Sienna and the best all around vehicle for our needs was the then 'upcoming' v. We picked up a red v Five, since between kids and dogs the Soft-tex seating was high on the wants list. The 3 door SKS is also a huge benefit.

    If it says anything, whenever the kids pick the car to take, they want to take the v. it definitely has more back seat space, and the reclining seats are a big hit. We will be taking it on an extended trip in the next couple of weeks and see how it compares. Fair warning- the v does carry around some extra weight, and although it does well with the 17 inch wheels for general handling, it is noticeably less accelerating capable than the '10. And we are battling it out on a fuel consumption- I'm within 3 of the hatchback, and occassionally can beat her average with careful driving.

    Side note- dogs have done well in the back!
     
  8. prius.v.three

    prius.v.three Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2012
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    Location:
    HI
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    My mother has 2010 Prius and my wife has 2012 Prius V.
    I did not have a car for 3 months earlier this year and I was borrowing their cars.
    If you use rear facing baby seat, then Prius V is really good.
    It has more than enough room for a large rear facing baby seat.
    Prius is a little bit too tight for rear facing baby seat. Front passenger needs to sit tightly.
    Even 2011 Scion tC has more room for it than Prius.
    On the paper, Prius V's fuel economy is 20% less than Prius. But I was getting only 10% less than Prius. So, the fuel economy of Prius V is amazing for its size.
     
  9. DoMo324

    DoMo324 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
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    Location:
    Georgetown TX
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Now that the V has been out for over a year, can anybody that's owned a 2010 Gen III and gone to a V tell me if they are glad they upgraded or sorry they didn't stay with the Gen III? My husband wants the V but I'm having a hard time giving up those extra MPG's. Thanks for your help!
     
  10. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
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    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    My 2009 Gen 2 was sideswiped by a Semi trailer and totaled It had been getting 46 MPG as I fill it up with gear (see pic)
    I got a 2012 v3 and it is much larger for my cargo, but gets 4o MPG instead, but I have not yet driven it in spring or summer.
     
  11. catgic

    catgic Mastr & Commandr Hybrid Guru

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2007
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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Five
    DoMo324 IMHO, this is one where your husband has the edge on you (I know it is hard for wives to recognize such a mental occurrence in their husbands).

    Your Georgetown, TX Geo-Location tells me you are operating your Prius in hybrid-friendly weather year around, as I am here on Florida’s Space Coast. This is a good thing. I am guessing that your GEN III is delivering you mid-50s running MPGs on your MID readout with its 1.8-Liter I4 HSD Combo. My previous GEN II Prius, which our Pv5ATP replaced, was driven Hybrid $mart (see my 10 Tips Guide in my signature). Driving it Hybrid Smartly had it deliver mid-to-high 50s to me with its 1.5-Liter I4 HSD Combo.

    Our new 2012 “Caddy In A Kimono” Prius v(vee) has also been driven Hybrid $martly over 12,000+ miles for 15-months (two winters, one spring, one summer, and one fall). I have managed to consistently squeeze out low-to-mid 50s MPGs during these 15-months of operating it. As it sits in my garage today, the lifetime MPG number displayed on the MID is “AVG 51.7 MPG.” Our annual fuel expense operating the v(vee) over the 12-months of 2012 was $650±or ~$0.68 per mile.

    The Sedan-sized Prius is nice, and is an excellent people and stuff hauling fuel-sipper. However, once you sit in the comparative spacious luxury of the v(vee)’s cockpit with its generous rear passenger space and voluminous cargo-hauling capability, you will understand why I refer to the v(vee) as a “Caddy In A Kimono.”

    You will not miss the incremental “Extra” few MPGs difference between your GEN III and the Pv “Vonder Vagon.”

    This is one time when you need to listen to your hubby.
     
    ewxlt66 likes this.
  12. 1911Tex

    1911Tex Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2013
    57
    17
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    DoMo324 : I also live in Georgetown, Tx...have a new v5 and averaging 45.3......incredible compared to 17mpg in our Trailblazer. Both great cars however.
     
  13. asudan

    asudan Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2012
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    Location:
    Gilbert, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I now have just over 16k on my V and I can tell you I like it more and more every day. My wife has about 70k on her 2010 Prius. I don't drive her car much because I really prefer the ride of the V that much more.

    As for space... wow. I can clean out an Ikea store with this thing. It easily holds our entire family. (10month old, 7 year old, wife and the 115lb puppy) Road trips are great. Adults all comment how spacious the back seats are. Etc.

    As for gas mileage, I don't drive like a prius owner so I'm probably not a good judge here. I drive 85 on the freeway, etc. I average about 42-43mpg. When my wife drives the V she gets over 48mpg. In her 2010 she averages about 53mpg. So yes it is about 10% less but I think it is well worth it.

    I like to look at the math when making these decisions. Let's assume gas is $3.50 per gallon. That means we are paying $0.0833 per mile for the V and about $0.0673 per mile for the 2010. Since I drive 22,000 miles per year the V costs me $1,832.60 in gas and the 2010 would cost me $1,480.60. The difference is $352 or $29.33 more per month. To that I say... so what? For $30 a month I'd prefer the larger, more comfortable car.
     
  14. enviroprius

    enviroprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
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    Location:
    Sonoma, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    We have an 07 we purchased new in 06 and bought a v last year to replace my Odyssey. Never looked back. Love taking the v on road trips. We have two kids, put three dogs in the back and a cargo box up top for our stuff. Mileage penalty is high 30's for these trips, but beats the 17-19 I got in my van. I'm amazed at how much we can fit in this car. But the 07 doesn't just sit, we still take it all over. Including a ski day this year and probably a trip to Southern CA later this year.
     
  15. Guill

    Guill Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2012
    165
    23
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    Location:
    Italy
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    We replaced our Honda Pilot with a v. I can personally vouch for the cargo capacity of the v ... drove to Tampa from San Antonio, traded in the Pilot after my 6-month TDY and drove back to SA with the v carrying everything we had originally brought to FL in the Pilot. We more than doubled our gas mileage on the return trip.

    Bottom line, I recommend you take the time to evaluate your needs and make the choice based on this.
     
  16. Woody111

    Woody111 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    3
    1
    0
    Location:
    NE Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I just traded my 2010 III with solar for a 2012 v III. I had 95k miles on the 2010. I use it for work (they reimburse me by the mile for my travel). I am a forensic engineer and often need to carry several tools, or collect and transport evidence. I have had some crazy stuff in the back of my 2010, including four brake drums, pads and wheel hubs off a semi-trailer. I was a low rider that day. For really big loads I would rent a truck from enterprise every two months or so. The 2010 was a great car and I averaged about 48 mpg with a lot of highway driving.

    The 2010 was a great car and didn't give me any troubles. I am hard on interiors and it was getting a bit tired inside. Toyota recently dropped the price on 2012 v's by 2k and offered 0% financing so I jumped on one of the last ones available locally (Jax, Florida). I went in on the last day of the month and got a great deal on my trade as well.

    At 2k miles I am getting around 40 mpg with the v. I do miss the bigger mileage numbers, but for me it was more than worth it for the extra space and convenience. I noticed right away that the v rides a bit smoother and quieter. I like the slightly higher seating position and my teen kids like the back seats MUCH better. I think the v hits the current sweet spot of versatility and comfort verses mileage. I was a challenge moving my daughter into college, 6 hours away, last fall. Moving her out this spring should go much better. While I miss the bigger mileage numbers it has been worth it for me.

    I am trying to take better care of the interior and have bought a weathertech rear mat. I have ordered a Thule rack for my bike and kayaks and plan on getting a cargo box for family road trips.
     
  17. labell

    labell Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2007
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    Location:
    TN
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Congrats on your new v! I kept my 2008 hatchback (with only 75,000 mi on it) and added the v to the stable. I so prefer the ride in the v and agree the extra space is worth the (slight) drop in mileage.