newbie

What did you drive before? If you had a monster SUV, then anything will feel "small" and "light".

The Prius is VERY roomy (if you are under 6 feet 2 inches tall), and I am certain there is some sort of weight upper limit for comfortableness as well. The back seats still have room, even when the front seats are racked all the way back. Go to a dealer snd sit in one. Rack the front seat all the way back, then get into the back (even if you aren't that tall to need to move the front seat all the way).

The best price is MSRP, unless you ger REALLY lucky. The only negotiation is your trade-in. Be sure to stop by http://www.kbb.com - Kelly is your friend. Be honest in evaluating your trade-in, then print the summary page from kbb. Have it with you when you negotiate the trade-in.

Some folks do not like the "bar" in the rear view mirror from the hatchback - it is large.

Second biggest problem seems to be how to pronounce "Prius" - Pree-us, or Pree-oos, or Pry-us, or ...

But whatever you do, take a test drive for at least ten or fifteen minutes - not "just once around the block" like the dealer may suggest.

Good luck - Have fun! And let us know what happens!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roni @ Jul 15 2006, 07:24 AM) [snapback]286670[/snapback]</div>

From what I understand the car is made with Ultra High Strength Steel and it has a 5 star crash rating. I once saw a video that shows the Prius and a SUV with a head on crash test. Prius did much, much better than I would have imagined. The brakes are awesome in the Prius!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(walt @ Jul 15 2006, 08:46 AM) [snapback]286675[/snapback]</div>

Better yet, rent one for a few days.

Also, if you have to get a #7 instead of a #8, you can have leather added after market. I did that with my #5.

And expect that if you mostly drive 'short' trips, you won't get the highest MPG's. I have a 15 minute commute to work, 5 miles, and I'm averaging about 48 MPG since I got mine in April (Im not complaining - just explaining). The first 5 minutes of a trip you're going to get lower mileage while the engine and catalytic converter warm up - my MFD usuaully shows 25 - 25 MPG for that first segment of a drive.

Happy shopping!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roni @ Jul 15 2006, 05:24 AM) [snapback]286670[/snapback]</div>

Prii tend to make people go nuts about gas mileage. :blink:

Seriously, the car is roomy and people tend to have some (minor) complaints. It took me a several weeks to get used to the blindspot to the right rear, it is larger than I would have expected, but by adjusting the mirrors and being careful, I do not have a problem.

It is a very fun car to drive.

Good luck,

 

The Prius rides well. It has a heavy feel to it for a small car. The interior is well designed and has a feeling of openness that is uncommon in a vehicle of its size. There are differences in the hybris technology that will feel a bit strange at first coming from a conventional vehicle but you will become accustomed in short order and actually enjoy the differences. The only drawbacks I ralistically see to the Prius are the lack of power and lack of cornering ability, but as long you you drive normally, stay within range of the speed limits, and don't feel the need to peel rubber you should be very happy with the car.

 

I would suggest renting one for a day and driving it as much as possible in as many condtions as possible. The local dealer here keeps one in their rental department for this purpose. I did this and was impressed enough to place a deposit when I returned the rental. Also , this dealer reimburses the rental fee ($38.00) if you buy. Great car. I came from a Honda -CRV which was one of my favorite cars and the Prius has a more solid feel and is much quieter.

 

My biggest issue with the Prius was not with the car but with the OEM tires it comes with. They usually will last only about 25,000 miles. They also are lousy on wet or snow roads. But you are in Florida so that shouldn't be a problem with snow. Consider getting Goodyear Assurance Comfortreds or Michelin HydoEdges as a replacement set of tires. They are available in the same sizes as the OEM tires.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roni @ Jul 15 2006, 06:15 AM) [snapback]286684[/snapback]</div>

The 2007 doesn't seem too much different than a well-equiped 2006. Bet the price will be higher too. And, if you buy now, you'll get the $3,150 tax rebate from the feds that expires starting in September.

Good hunting. You'll be a happy camper, like the rest of us.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roni @ Jul 15 2006, 09:15 AM) [snapback]286684[/snapback]</div>

You can always wait for "next year" and they always will have "more and better" - soon you will be in 2007, asking, "should I wait for the 2008 model?"

 

For safety, be sure you get a model with side curtain airbags (#4 up, I think). On the IIHS side crash test (truck slams into driver's side, T-bone) on the non-airbag car the truck smacks the driver's head. Big ouch. With side-curtain air bags, no skull damage.

OEM tires are crap. BT Tech Stiffening Plate (search) really improves sway and "cripsness" of drive. Instant torque from electric motor. No shifting, no gears, just smooth accelleration up to about 108 MPH, but that's not good for MPG, and illegal.

Welcome to PriusChat!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(roni @ Jul 15 2006, 06:17 AM) [snapback]286687[/snapback]</div>

I left a '97 Buick LeSabre. I thought I would miss the ride. I don't. Seems quieter. Very smooth with better handling.

I have had 3 adults & 2 kids (1 in seat) with a comfortable ride. 2 child seats fill the back seat.

Back seat has plenty of leg room. I'm 6'2" and the only problem is getting in the driver's seat, but I have that problem with all Toyotas.

Ditto the renting suggestion. Many Toyota dealers have them available for renting.