New owner of used 2012 Prius v two saying hello.

I purchased a used 2012 Prius v two with 25k miles on it a few days ago (September 2016). Even though I live in Colorado, I traded in my 2014 Subaru Outback, giving up AWD and eyesight. Living here for a few years now, I learned that tires and driving technique are far more important than AWD in the snow.

What I love:

• excellent acceleration considering engine HP and weight of car
• ample interior volume including cargo space (It is nearly identical to my Subaru Outback)
• 45MPG even with very aggressive driving
• automatic a/c
• smartkey
• good visibility, particularly compared to regular prius
• reputation for reliability and low maintenance. i hope it is true.

I like:

• shift joystick
• seating height higher than typical sedans
• ev mode
• usb connection that actually works with my iPhone (Subaru's implementation is glitchy)
• rear hatch opens and closes easily and securely. (Subaru Outback rear hatch takes way too much brute force to close, and sometimes self-opens while driving!)
• 10K oil change interval (Subaru= 6k)
• general fit and finish - all gaps are tight and uniform, even when compared to my already excellent Subaru.
• can adjust steering wheel to any position and angle I want, since there is no gauge visibility to worry about
  
• hybrid battery tucked away and does not take away from interior space
  
• hidden storage trays under hatch floor

Don't like:

• engine drones if pushed hard. (outback did the same thing too but at a slightly more pleasant Hz)
• pronounced road/tire noise on OEM Michelin Energy saver A/S starting to dry rot. Perhaps I just need new tires.
• bare bones gauge cluster with small font -- no engine RPM indicator? no engine temp gauge?
• blank space behind the steering wheel. just feels weird.
• oil filter hidden under cover (outback FB engine oil filter sits on top of the engine)
• other drivers making dangerous maneuvers around me just because they see the hybrid badge
• no parking guide lines in the rear view camera
• stereo does not have speed sensitive volume
• rear speakers have very low volume
• no DRL (at least not in my 2012 v two)
• shin-busting e-brake pedal

just weird:

• 12v battery hidden under rear hatch. why?
• slightly tinted factory windows gives everything a brown hue
• double glove box. why not make one giant one?
• 3 minute pollen filter mode button on AC
• center console lid opens sideways
• passenger cup holder is vent mounted
• no obvious place to put the smartkey while driving. Wife has purse but what about me? I must buy a murse?

I like the low-maintenance and high reliability generally observed on the Prius model cars and I am hoping mine gives me years of trouble free driving.

I own a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid as well. Comparatively, the prius v is faster and more responsive and has even better MPG. I am really impressed since the Prius v is much much heavier.

 

Thanks!

My keychain is actually a full-size climbing carabiner (20kN rated) so it would never fit in a pocket. I would have been a plaintiff if I drove a GM. Maybe I will drill a key-shaped hole in the steering wheel column cover so I can stick the key in there while I drive.

 

Maybe I'll put a silver tea set in the upper glove box.
I used to drive a 89 Caravan SE with the 4-cylinder engine. Comparatively this Prius is a rocket.