Got my Prius in a week

I have seriously been looking at the Prius and can only find a couple of concerns that may not be major. I am hearing about the fact that there is some kind of blind spot at the rear/side areas when checking for other cars when backing. Also I hear that the car loses some of its power after extended highway driveway when the battery has not been charged up much due to limited braking and coasting.

How true are these items? Knowing what you owners now know about the Prius, would you still buy one and recommend that I buy one?

What about only Toyota can work on the Prius mechanically and only Toyota can change a tire on the system due to the electrical stuff? The subject matter of the second part of this question seems to be potentially flawed, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

I probably haven't ever found a car that overall seems to have so many satisfied owners.

Oh yeah, I am getting mixed reviews on how well the Prius handles in light snow or slippery/icy roads. Medium snow (several inches?)?

Finally, I can't seem to get a good answer on how the "tuned" suspension is different of superior to the regular suspension on the touring model.

I will probably drive a touring model soon, but several salesmen have mentioned that they have done a one-right-after-the-other comparison and can't tell a difference between a regular and a touring Prius as to suspension and handling. One thought that the touring model was more sporty in its handling. Not sure if that's more able to do slalom type moves, although I don't think anybody ever thinks of the Prius as a slalom type car. I don't.

Thanks,

John

Nampa, ID

 

there are some people who have issues with the A pillar on the driver's side front left. also, traction can be an issue especially with stock tires.

as far as long trips causing the car to lose power...now that is a new one i havent heard... (completely untrue btw)

as far as only Toyota mechanics working on the car... sure, they are the most qualified, but any well qualified mechanic can do it. sure the hybrid stuff is probably best worked on by a trained Prius mechanic, but changing a tire??

another thing to throw out. your experience will vary, but the Prius ranks near the top on least amount of maintenance issues and breakdowns. in over 60,000 miles with 2 diff Pri's. i have never been the shop for anything other than an oil change. granted, that means two well broken-in new vehicles really, but if the car is a lemon, it will be a lemon when new as well so age not a real factor either.