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Any deficiencies compared to "regular" Prius?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by NewHybridOwner, Aug 20, 2019.

  1. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    I'm trying to talk some family members out of buying an early-2000s Subaru Forester (there were significant numbers of major engine problems) and have suggested they consider a Prius V, as they make frequent long trips to visit family and want something economical.

    But does the Prius V suffer from any problems of its own that would not be found in a regular Prius?
     
  2. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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    Other than worse fuel economy, I don't know of any.
     
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  3. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    What kind of fuel economy should they expect in a Prius V? (Or better: how much worse compared to a "regular" Prius?)
     
  4. jb in NE

    jb in NE Senior Member

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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    but they didn't make a v in the early 2,000's
     
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  6. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    Sorry! I should have written "early 201x".

    They had seen a 2010 Forester that they liked -- but now I hear that any Prius model is out for them because they don't want anything in which they sit that close to the ground.
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you're probably better off. if they bought an early gen 3 and got the blown head gasket, they might blame you
     
  8. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    I don't believe a v has any major flaw differences as compared to a standard Prius.
    I'd look to model years 2015 -17 as the latest and greatest.
    Fuel economy expect 40 overall.
    Rear seats recline.
    Storage/ luggage capacity is superior.
    Driver comfort is good.
    Softex fabric wells well.
    Models 1,2,3 with 3 offering LED headlights & fog lights, BOSE stereo and sunroof as I recall.
    2 is a good deal and for the comfort/ options so I'd skip the 1.
    If I was to point out weakness I'd say:
    Brake maintenance (which maybe the same as a reg. Prius) requiring maintenance/ inspection/ lubing of the pins more than a usual car plus a brake pad change seem to have a special procedure over a regular car.
    The v is a box in cross winds.
    Rear wheel alignment can be difficult.
    I notice you live in Michigan.
    Not sure of a v in a snow zone, so a 4 wheel drive may be an important consideration for you.
    Yet, the v is still a good car.
    Good luck in your decision.
     
  9. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I suspect it gets 10 MPG less than a Gen 3 liftback.
    Top speed is 103 vs 115. I find it hard to believe this is an issue.
     
  10. bostonbruins8703

    bostonbruins8703 Active Member

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    I find the MPG will vary depending on location and driving style. I frequently hit over 45-55 mpg throughout most of the year in New England. The V is 5.7 inches. Which the standard Prius is 5.5. The ground clearance isn't an issue for me and I've yet to get stuck in snow. I've driven through over 6 inches of snow and through blizzards and I haven't had any issues on my all season tires. I've driven on 1400 mile road trips, packed with luggage and driven around with 5 people in the car with no complaints about discomfort. Getting in and out both the front and back is easy for passengers and the driver; especially for the elderly. Ultimately, its a good car that you can't go wrong with if you pick the V. Sitting in a standard Prius compared to the V, you just can't compare the extra room you have with the V. I've transported so many large items in mine including; a 44 gallon water heater, plywood, a door with a screen door attached to a door frame, a queen size mattress in the back.
     
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Rear brakes on the v incorporate a mini-drum brake, for parking brake function. If anything, that might be a plus: the regular Prius rear brakes have some gotcha's. Not deal-breakers, but you have to be on your toes.

    Prius v Repair Manual is one I haven't managed to cadge so far, btw.