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Is Prime a good option

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Mogambo, Nov 15, 2017.

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  1. Mogambo

    Mogambo New Member

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    Yet to take a test drive but Prius is at the top of my list for a new ride. I thought Prime checks out best, at least in theory. Safety features are my top concern and for now it seems like the advanced trim checks all the boxes.

    My situation though is, I live in an apartment on the third level so charging at home is not an option. I use public transport for commute to work. I plan to drive in the evenings (gym, grocery etc) and over the weekends.

    I live in a stop and go area, a typical drive is short but not quick so the electric driving attracts me. The question though is it sustainable to use a public charging station? I read it takes upto 2 hours to charge and it will give me measly 25 miles.
    I am afarid when the novelty wears off, I will be using fuel more often. That defeats the whole purpose of buying this car.

    I know I kind of anwered my question but will be a big help if the expets ratify, better convince me. (This reads like asking the gentle folks here ... sell me a Prius Prime, yucky me)
     
    #1 Mogambo, Nov 15, 2017
  2. Deleted member 111882

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    So, why not save about 10 grand and get a (used, low-mileage) Prius c? This is still zippy enough and will fit better into tight parking spaces, which I think would be safer than having a big car in some circumstances. Anyway, test drive both.
     
    #2 Deleted member 111882, Nov 15, 2017
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  3. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    My summer charge has been 35 miles. My daily trip is about 27 miles = 75 mpg \\ upon return, I got 155 mpg, up 2000 feet. Buy the car, some posters have talked the Landlord into installing a charger, for a small additional fee, $15-30/ Month. there are many options. Go for it !

    Another option, hang the cord out the window, only charge at night, hide cord as much as possible.
    When the Landlord catches you, plead ignorance and make a deal. or..find another Landlord.
     
    #3 Andyprius1, Nov 15, 2017
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  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Welcome! Sounds like you've already figured it out. I would not get a Prime without being able to charge at home. @Skylis A has a good idea. I wouldn't necessarily limit it to a Prius c. Any relatively new used Prius should be better than a regular gas car, but with your short trips, the economy won't live up to the Prius reputation.
     
    #4 jerrymildred, Nov 15, 2017
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  5. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    Another option, use the freight elevator, drive the car down the hall to your apt. If other tenants complain,
    tell them it’s a clean air vehicle.

    I forgot to mention, the Prime has a pretty good charge rate while driving / with minimal gasoline consumption.
     
    #5 Andyprius1, Nov 15, 2017
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  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    ROFLOL!!! :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
     
    #6 jerrymildred, Nov 15, 2017
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  7. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    You may want to look at a 2017 Prius Liftback. You will find the same safety options and good economy. Looking at a Prius c or an older Prius would mean settling for the older generation Hybrid system that was not quite as efficient.
     
    #7 Prodigyplace, Nov 15, 2017
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  8. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Mogambo does not say much about his overall auto needs (family etc) but Prime would be fine for intermittent plugging-in because charging is optional.
     
    #8 wjtracy, Nov 15, 2017
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  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    As a side note, this is one very specific case where the solar roof option works for an American citizen, if the car park is outside and not underground. - The car charges while he's at work and he can drive in EV mode on the weekends.


    Sounds like a regular Prius might be better (Unless NJ incentives bring the cost of a Prime to near or below the cost of a similarly equipped Prius). There is a CHG mode that allows the engine to charge the battery to 80% but otherwise you can try and charge at the gym (you work out for at least an hour or two, right? that'll get it close to full) or at the grocery store.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Nov 15, 2017
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  10. Mogambo

    Mogambo New Member

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    Overwhelmed would be an under statement. Really appreciate the amazing responses. One thing for sure, if I get any kind of Prius I will be connected to this amazing group.

    Love the fact, staying within the Prius family there are so many viable options. I didn't really read about the 'c' will do it now. Solar roof is also a great idea. I started with the idea of buying a 2/3 year old but when I went over the forum I felt this one is for keeps. If I can drive it for next 7 years I might as well buy a new one. I hope to move in a house by then so the 'cant charge at home' may be a short lived problem.

    Thanks everyone for the detailed responses. I plan to visit the dealership for a test ride this weekend. I will try all the options mentioned here .. Prius C, the conventional Prius, Prime and make a informed decision. Will update this thread soon.

    Forgot to mention the needs, the family is the wife and me. Plan is to trade-in my 2011 X3. Hope that the wife gets her DL in next few months, I have been behind her for some years now. Till she does not feel independent and as a couple we can make do with a single car we will share this one.
     
    #10 Mogambo, Nov 15, 2017
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  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    When you test drive the conventional Prius, just be aware that there are two trunk sizes.

    The Prius One, Two, Three and Three Touring have a spare tire and the "smaller" trunk size (it's still a good size). The Prius Two Eco, Four and Four Touring do not have a spare tire and the cargo floor is lowered by 2 inches and now you have a massive trunk.

    Aside from lifting the floor up and checking for a spare, you can tell if it has a spare if you see a 1" lip between the floor and the trunk door sill, as well as when you fold the rear seats, the floor nearly lines up.

    Those without a spare tire will see the rear seats sit higher than the floor (so it's not a flat floor) and the floor is about 3" from the trunk door sill.
     
    #11 Tideland Prius, Nov 16, 2017
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  12. Mogambo

    Mogambo New Member

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    Today I came across a web-site that lists charging stations. The nearest is less than 2 miles from home, open 24 hours type J1772 L2. Icing on the cake, the web-site claims its free free free :)

    Prime is coming on tops. If only I get my hands on the tax break then its a no brainer .... Fingers crossed the test drive does not disappoint... Now I sound like a giggly teenager .. come and sweep me off my feet ... oops I said it (blush)
     
    #12 Mogambo, Nov 16, 2017
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  13. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I am thinking someone said NJ has new PHEV incentive (used to be strictly BEV in NJ)
     
    #13 wjtracy, Nov 16, 2017
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  14. Mogambo

    Mogambo New Member

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    Took a test drive of Prius Prime Advanced.

    Pros:
    All the bells & whistles
    Feels cozy
    Smooth when coasting
    Brakes nicely

    What I didn't like:
    Pick-up or lack of it.
    Eco mode: Feel a drag
    Normal: Very noisy engine/motor.
    Power: Felt it is responding to the pedal. But then driving in power mode means it like any other car.
    Road clearance: This maybe a hang-over of my SUV days, but don't like the small tires and low clearance.

    Well, like most things in life, not a straight forward decision.
    Do I like this car ... yes
    Do I love this car ... umnnn .. no
     
    #14 Mogambo, Nov 19, 2017
  15. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Pickup varies widely depending on drive mode. Eco is sluggish. That is the default on a new car, I believe.
    One user here calls PWR mode Racing mode. :D
     
    #15 Prodigyplace, Nov 19, 2017
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  16. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Eco, normal, and power modes all have the exact same amount of power available. It's just that the throttle is mapped differently. In eco, you need to depress the throttle more in the 1st half of the power band. Power mode has about the opposite curve. Normal is linear. Eco feels like something’s dragging because you have to mash the throttle more to get it to giddyap.

    You can get lots of cars that will out accelerate the Prius, but you’ll soon be laughing at their owners as your fuel bill gets cut in half and their cars are in the shop getting transmissions rebuilt and brakes replaced. ;)
     
    #16 jerrymildred, Nov 19, 2017
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  17. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Jerry, you need to try a Gen 4 or Prime in PWR mode. My son claims Gen 4 Eco mode is like Gen 3 Normal Mode.
     
    #17 Prodigyplace, Nov 19, 2017
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  18. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    Gen 4 Eco mode seems a bit faster than Gen 2's only mode, and PWR mode seems like Go! Speed Racer, Go! to me.

    (Actually, I feel more like Racer X driving the stealth car. )

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #18 pilotgrrl, Nov 19, 2017
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  19. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I'm afraid to take a Gen 4 or Prime for a test drive. The budget won't handle another car so soon after getting the PiP, so I'd be going nuts wishing for it. Not that I'm not already nuts. :LOL:

    Having driven my wife's Gen 2 and my "Gen 3" back to back, there's a big difference, so I'd expect another quality/performance/comfort leap in the 4th generation. I'm envious, but in a friendly way that celebrates the neat experiences you're all having with your shiny new buggies. I'll have to wait a couple more years, I think unless another texter gets us first.
     
    #19 jerrymildred, Nov 19, 2017
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  20. Mogambo

    Mogambo New Member

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    Just wanted to keep all my advisers updated ... Would not have made the decision without your guidance. #Gratitude

    Went to the dealership, a different one this time. Superb folks...They started with a test drive. I loved the drive this time. Whatever I didn't like the last time, seem to fade in the background for some reason...
    Back to the dealership and ...

    ***Drum roll please *******
    booked my Toyota Prius Prime yesterday. I will pick it up from the dealership next week... very very excited.

    Details
    ----------
    Color: gray
    Trim: advanced
    Odometer: 8miles
    No accessories included, bare bone car. Plan to keep it that way.

    Here's the money part, don't know if we can discuss it here... Please let me know if it's not appropriate I will delete this post.
    Toyota discount: $3500. Dealer discount: $1300 + free oil change for life
    They assured me federal tax credit of $4500 is still on.
    My financing company gave me 0.5% discount for hybrid.

    I am well aware I can't negotiate, but I don't feel cheated on this one. What do the experts think... did they take me for a ride??
    One thing I am not so sure, the salesman told me Toyota etches VIN number on all glasses and they charged me $400 for that. Also, I was reading about Toyota charging $900 transportation fee, they didn't charge me yet.
     
    #20 Mogambo, Nov 25, 2017
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