A3 TDI or 2010 Prius...Why did you choose a Prius? Your thoughts requested...

Kate, there are a lot of different stories here. If you search the forums for typical competitor cars, like the Insight, Fusion, and Jetta, you'll see some stories. I don't know any about the Audi, but then it's not scheduled to be out until late this year, so it's not available for test drives.

I had a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT, which came to the point where repairs were worth more than the value of the car. It was time for replacement. I like to buy new and hold, like the Pontiac, which is what I could afford at the time.

This time, I looked for cars with excellent EPA mileage (35+), which is a pretty small list: Toyota Prius, Smart for two, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Jetta diesel TDi, Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan hybrid. (It looks like the Audi A3 would have been included if it was available.) I eliminated the Smart because I haul more than two people sometimes, and the Jetta because the city numbers were low, and right now most of my driving is city based.
I looked at the other four cars, the Prius, Fusion, Insight, Civic. I liked the quiet all-electric drives on the Fusion and Prius over Honda's system, so that cut my options to two. The final choice was close - I test drove three different Priuses and Fusion hybrids. Elsewhere I posted my impressions of both cars. I chose the Prius, though I have no hesitation in recommending the Fusion to someone that wants a non-hatchback hybrid car.

I really like my new car, and have no regrets. I got the sunroof package, which is very techy, yes, and fun, but also pricey enough to consider if you want it or not.

One suggestion is to drive a couple of Priuses, if possible. I would suggest including a V in that list, because they do handle differently on bigger wheels. Of course, if you're happy with the A3 style and handling, well, go with that.
Good luck!

 

My $0.02 ... I've had 2 Audi's personally, and with the fam we've had 5 altogether. Yeah, they're nice, drive well, and attractive cars. I'm going with the Prius because she's a bad bitch She's the new hot thing on the street, looks good, best mileage ever, and has a solar powered sun roof (I just think that's the coolest shhhhhh ever lol) Plus, Audi is just an expensive, prissy, VW. Plus, everyone has an Audi. And, my Audi was ALWAYS......ALWAYS in service. I think I drove the loaner cars more than I did my car. This will be our 3rd Toyota....I couldnt break this car if I tried. I'm 27, male, and treat my cars like I treat my women. haha jk. But I drive hard. I have a 300zx Twin Turbo 500+ hp, and a sports bike. I drive hard and fast. My Audi was tuned up a bit too, and the only thing that I really think was worth anything in that car, was people telling me "Nice ride" Other than that, its the same shit as my friend's Civic, just nicer, more expensive, and more of a prissy little girl. Go for the Prius, you wont be disappointed. It's even got more space than the sardine can A3. I'm 6'2, and I can sit in the back of a Prius like I'm in a Caddy. With the front seat set all the way back and the back part leaned back enough to be comfortable for the driver. But....that's just my $0.02

 

Obviously you're talking about the DTS. I'm 6'2" and can't sit in a CTS (I tried) or I might have bought one. The Prius back seat is much more roomy.

 

OK, I can speak a little bit in this one. First, I love Audis. To me, they are by far the best luxury brand in the market. The new AUDI Q5 (my favorite car in the world) blows away the Lexus RX, BMW X3, Acura RDX, etc... Despite of being a VW division, Audis are rather reliable. I could never afford them but have had the opportunity to drive many Audis in my life (from the addiction of older brother and best friends) and they really deliver superior handling and overall ride quality. They have the coolest designs, the Bang & Olufsen sound system in the Q5 for instance is the best car sound system ever, the MMI Navigation with 3D graphics are unbelievable, and I mean, they excel in every aspect, you name it.

Having said that, I simply love my 2010 Prius. For 30K or bellow, I would really prefer to spend it in a Prius. Its reliable, gets the best MPG in the current market (most people are getting well above EPA), and the best part, it is really FUN to drive.

 

The A3 was the only other car I was considering before I got the 2010. I would have bought one last year or the year before but I was waiting for the TDI.
My only concerns with the A3 were a) higher maintenance costs b) lower reliability and c) that it would be SO FUN to drive that I'd be getting speeding tickets
Then something strange happened - I received an invitation from Toyota to preview the car downtown in DC this past February. I think it might have been the wine, sea bass and roast beef, but as soon as I sat in car I decided to buy one. Oh, and the discount on the preorder helped.

Hmm... My 2006 might get replaced with an A3 - but it'll be a while yet... unless Audi tries to wine and dine me like Toyota did. (probably not going to happen.).

Ew. I feel kind of .. dirty now.

Cheers,

Dave

 

I switch from a 2000 Corvette C5 and an 800rwhp 2001 GMC full size truck to the Prius. It was a worthwhile switch.

 

Kate, get the Prius, it's just the best car.

 

I have a 2003 A4 and I love it too. I had a Subaru before, loved the AWD but it was underpowered. The tiptronic is great when climbing and passing in hills in VT. The first few years it was maintenance free (no problems and would have been covered under warranty anyway). Now that my mileage is getting up there (70k), the problems are starting (most recently coils), I'm taking it in tomorrow as there's a leak somewhere leaving drops on my driveway, and coming up is replacing the timing belt at 90k ($$$).

I'm replacing an old Ford Explorer and wanted a hatch or wagon with good mileage. We drove the A3 (no TDI avail at the time), the Jetta TDI, Subarus, and a Mazda 3. We wandered into Toyota and saw the Prius, which wasn't on our radar at all. It had an amazing amount of space for its size, was fun to drive, gets double the A3 mileage, has a history of better reliability than Audi, and cost $10k less as we'd configured it. Hmmm - I don't understand it when people say there's a hybrid premium . No the Prius isn't as fast as the Audi and I don't think it will have the power to zip around cars in the short VT passing zones (I'll find out in Aug) but that doesn't make up the bulk of my driving so it's a trade off I can live with.

When we go to replace the Audi, we'll probably go through a similar exercise and test drive a range of cars. Hopefully, Audi and VW will improve their long term reliability as it's getting expensive to maintain. Then again by that time, we may decided to just become a 2 Prius household!

 

Yes, I think one day, I'm still going to have a Q5... that car is just unbelievable... but I will also have a Prius for commuting because it is worth it not only financially but also because it is a heck of a good car and fun to drive too. Like I posted before in the impressions thread, the Prius is a different kind of enjoyment when compared to powerful non-hybrid cars, but it is still fun!

 

Once I loved a VW Passat wagon -- cheaper than an Audi and perhaps more functional than the A3 -- but switched to a Gen II Prius 5 years ago. Now I'm taking delivery of a Gen III and could not conceive going with an Audi instead.
Key points for the Prius III:
1. Flexibility: It has a roomy interior with larger luggage capacity than A3. You can leave dog inside on a baking hot day with a/c on and car locked.
2. Relaxation; When stopped in traffic, I find nothing so calming as an utterly silent engine.
3. Sense of virtue: I sometimes enjoy the "holier than thou" feeling.
4. Modernity: somehow the Prius makes every other car look old-fashioned.
5. Coolness: I'm getting that sunroof thing which makes a difference in the hot NC summer.
6.Value and reliability: who wants to pay more for a car that works so well?
7. Oh, and as a bonus, an exceptionally high mpg.

Sounds like a no-brainer!

 

I agree completely. This item alone makes the car a unique and enjoyable experience. Add a bit of relaxing music (I'm really liking the satellite radio) to complete the picture.

 

Personally, I love the wheels. That was one of the main attractions to me of the V (well that and the different steering ratio). The LED's and fog lights were attractive but not something I couldn't live without. I originally planned to get a IV and already have a set of Scion Tc wheels that I love the looks of, especially the gun metal gray color. However when thinking of the slow steering box of the Tacoma I had I really didn't like the idea of the steering with the 3.5+ turn to turn lock. maybe it would not have mattered much but I didn't get to drive one before I ordered. I still have not driven a II thru IV for comparison. I do know that the V causes me to not have any concerns. I am happy with it.

However from what I've read, if I bought a IV for the SR I probably would consider 16" if I was looking for aftermarket wheels. Typically aftermarket wheels are offered in different sizes for the same style so you don't give up looks once you pick out a style. With the 16" you won't give up the FE which is a concern of many. You should have less concerns with any rubbing issues as well. Plus the tires and wheels will be cheaper. It's a good deal all around.

I'm very happy with the style of the 17" wheels. It's pretty much what I would have looked for in an aftermarket wheel as for stying. I like a 5 spoke design. I like an OEM wheel as well even if they are a little heavier. I discussed that in another thread (my experience with Tire Rack)

 

I bought the Prius because I was tired of visiting the gas station and paying to fill up. I also wanted to give back to the environment as much as I could and still have a vehicle. An unexpected side effect, is that if causes me to drive way more carefully, because I'm trying to maximize fuel economy. Fast accelerations are avoided intentionally.

 

I have a history of buying a new car every ten years. This year, I was replacing an 11 year old Subaru Legacy. A fine car, but it had gotten a bit staid. And the repairs and cost of repairs were mounting quickly as it aged in spite of relatively low mileage. A major reason for that choice was a help in cold, northeastern winters to drive in the snow on the AWD - not knowing that, within a year, I would move to CA. But it had what I needed in torque, acceleration, comfort, reliability.
When starting to replace the Subaru, I drove a lot of cars, thinking in terms of stepping up the 'luxury' of my ride. But I have had an eye out for, as they say, 'the environment' and doing my thing as a good world citizen. So, I test drove the Prius. As soon as I got in, I realized it was a hatchback. My favorite car ever was an early Honda Accord Hatchback which I hated to give up when it got old. This took me back. And, yet, it had a bonus - clearly the technology of autos of the future! I was pleased to learn that it had enough 'oomph' to accelerate onto a fast moving freeway - or - alternatively, a feeling that I could get out of trouble as fast as I could get into it.
So, I gave a fair test drive to the Insight and, though it was a hatchback, its interior styling still SEEMED like a 'normal' car. Just no comparison. The Fusion is a sedan and, again, the flexibility of the hatchback dominates for me.
I have been driving it a week now and still no sign of buyer's remorse on any front. I don't think that is going to happen.
Good luck in your evaluation.