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Hello & I don't own a Prius yet

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by bensmail, Nov 24, 2009.

  1. bensmail

    bensmail New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2009
    16
    5
    0
    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hello all

    I need to get a new car some time in the next few months. I've been tossing around a few options but I'm pretty settled now on getting A Prius, probably 2005 or 2006 model?

    For some reason I just feel the need to have the highest gas mileage I can get.... it's not about saving money on gas or so much about my personal contribution to the environment (although that helps) but more of helping push a trend to improve the environment. It just makes me so angry that the average MPG for a small car is under 50mpg these days. I don't want to support a car company or model that isn't at least trying to improve our situation.

    I'm interested in a plug in conversion and have been looking at a kit from a company called Enginer. However I've just started scratching the surface for researching this car and the plug in kits. I can handle electronics and my brother is a car mechanic so I feel we can handle the installation. It just feels right... for me.

    Any tips on which year (if any) I should focus on, what mileage I should aim for, price range... etc.. would be appreciated.

    I'm in Maine so I'd need snow tires. I'm also interested in a block heater.

    That's all I can think of for now and I'm off to start reading posts.

    Thanks!
    -Ben
     
    #1 bensmail, Nov 24, 2009
  2. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2007
    10,664
    567
    0
    Location:
    Adelaide South Australia
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    2006 onward.
     
    #2 patsparks, Nov 24, 2009
  3. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2009
    822
    126
    1
    Location:
    Guerneville, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Hello Ben,

    I bought my new Gen3 Prius about a month ago...absolutely no regrets. I'm sure you'll enjoy your Prius as much as I do mine even though it's an older model because part of the reason I enjoy mine so much is the support you'll find here that you won't find anywhere else!

    You could not have found a better place to find answers to your Prius questions- the people here are really knowledgeable and come from a very diverse backgrounds bringing all kinds of terrific experience and knowledge to the mix.

    Enjoy your research and you eventual purchase!
     
    #3 bighouse, Nov 24, 2009
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,938
    16,159
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    If you're going PHEV, I suspect a 2005 will be a smaller dent on your wallet. However, 2006 models have a few upgrades

    - better dashboard/upper door panel material
    - front occupant detection system for the front passenger
    - higher resolution MFD (those with backup cameras)
    - availability of a backup camera
    - Auxiliary input
    - MP3/WMA CD compatability.
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Nov 24, 2009
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