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I own a Prius and a Camry... not the Camry Hybrid, but it's still somewhat comparable. I'd recommend the Prius for reasons you mentioned:

1. fuel efficiency
2. flexible cargo space
3. plenty of passenger space
4. loaded Prius costs less than loaded Hy Cam
5. since you said "one of our SUVs" I assume you'll be keeping at least one SUV, in which case it's your responsibility to offset the excess fuel consumption by as much as possible

 

My wife is looking to replace one of our SUV's with a more fuel efficient vehicle. She has narrowed her search down from 7 vehicles to 2. The 2 being the Prius and the Camry Hybrid. As I am typing this she is driving around in a rental Prius ('06, Pkg 7) with my 2 kids. She read the threads that compare the two vehicles but she still can't decide. The insurance rates are nearly identical (the Prius is $1.20 more per 6months). It seems each vehicle has something she wants. For example, the Prius has a backup camera and the Camry has seat heaters.


I feel the backup camera is overrated. I'll glance at it but I don't think I really use it or would miss it. If you aren't actually going to use all of the features perhaps a lower package with the difference invested in specific aftermarket mods would make more sense. Go with the Camry if you're happier with its options.

 

<_< Hi JimN

I'm inclined to agree a bit on the backup camera. The fisheye lens so distorts the view that it is near impossible to judge distances. About the only advantage is you could see an object quite close.

I'm considering modifying my 2007 with RadioShack parts to make a backup signal audible from both outside and inside the Prius, about a $10 cost. Instructions were published on PriusChat about 6-8 monthos ago. If I can find a link, I'll send it later.

 

Hi FamilyHybrid, and Welcome to PC!!

I too traded in my SUV (Xterra) for my Prius. the X got about 16 mpg and was 4 wheel drive. I personally think you made a good decision keeping the armada, despite its size, and it is HUGE, and get poor mileage, it is lower on emissions than the 4runner. My wife and I traded in both our vehicles this past August and got a Prius for the Xterra and a 4x4 Nissan Frontier for our other truck. Here, we have to have a 4x4 vehicle due to weather in the winter time, and the Frontier is a relatively FE truck and is 4x4.

As for your negatives on the Prius, the controls will take a little getting used to. I can get my climate control adjusted comfortably in just a second. I don't even think about the other controls now, they've become second nature. Heated seats can be added as an aftermarket addition at a relatively inexpensive price. I think you'll find the Prius has all the power you will need, and is extremely safe as it is constructed of higher tensil strength steel. I hope you will grow accustomed to it, and both you and your wife will grow to love your Pius as much as my wife and I do. Read these forums as they contain invaluable insight from others who are going through and have gone through exactly what you are.

Welcome again!! and Happy New Year to all!!

 

Actually, our winter mileage goes down a bit, seems like for all Prius owners in the colder climates. Mine dropped from 49.6 to 43. But, we do have one member here who is also from Va. Beach who regularly gets 700+ miles per tank (ave. 70+ mpg, or so).

The Camery is also a very nice car as well. I don't think with those two chioces you could go wrong.

 

We traded our 1st SUV (ford exploader) for the 04 Prius nearly 3 years ago and never looked back. Then, last year we traded in our Range Rover for the Hybrid RX-400h. Again, never looked back (though my wife likes sitting up higher in the RR). The reason? After 911 we wanted to reduce wasted mpg as much as possible, and get more soldiers per gallon. Just tying to do the right thing since we can afford to do so.

 

Re: Backup camera, it's great for parallel parking in a tight spot since you can pull within an inch of the other car's bumper. As you said FH, good for getting really close to something. Not much use otherwise, and turning your head around isn't such a chore anyway.

Re: your negatives list...

As was mentioned, seat heater is a relatively inexpensice after-market option (although I'd take a pass on that and leather becuase seat heaters take electricity, and leather, IMO, is just silly in cars )

I've gotten very used to controls of both climate and nav system. Climate is easier to master though. As for nav, you could save yourself the $$ and get a lower package, and still buy the Garmin unit you adore for less than the difference. I like having it built in though, just as a purely aesthetic concern.

As an alternative to all that, you could trade in both cars and buy enough bikes for the whole family, and just bike everywhere. You'll slightly reduce your effective travel range, and there's no bike with built-in nav system that I know of (I should take that idea to the bank!), but you'll be in better shape than ever after just a few months.

 

Re the climate controls. I wrestled with it for 2 days, then set it to auto. All adjustments are then done by the car without your intervention. Set your temp, set to auto...you'll like it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Family Hybrid @ Jan 5 2007, 12:34 PM) [snapback]371457[/snapback]</div>

Greetings

Where did you rent the Prius? I'd like to do the same thing.................... so that I could check out the car.

Regards
another former lurker
JohnG

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Family Hybrid @ Jan 7 2007, 04:11 PM) [snapback]372235[/snapback]</div>

FH

Thanks for the info on the rental.

BTW, what is the daily rate and is there a mileage limit?

Thanks
JohnG

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Family Hybrid @ Jan 7 2007, 05:17 PM) [snapback]372262[/snapback]</div>

FH

Thanks for the rental info.

I saw your mini-review (above) but have two questions for someone (anyone actually) who is new to the Prius:

Are the seats generally comfy?.............. especially the shortish bottoms. FWIW, I've always found the Asian car seat bottoms to be rather short.

Does the car feel/drive like a "real" car and not an appliance? Flame suit ON. h34r:

Thanks
JohnG