Really considering purchasing a Prius c but concerns about if it will get the job done

It can make it.

I've travelled with a full load of four passengers which I dare say is more weight than any load you'll have driving solo. Car dealt with it totally fine. I barely even noticed to be honest with you.

The c loves the city - the torque from the electric motor gives it more pep than a traditionally-powered car of similar power and weight would have as you move around at city speeds and city stop/go, plus it has a great turning circle. The other thing I like is that if you're just cruising along and want to give it a little kick, for example when you want to make a quick and clear lane change, the electric motor will respond immeadiately. There's no changing gears and delay while the petrol motor revs up. This is not something the numbers on a piece of paper can tell you, because it's not a traditional car.

It does fine out on the open road too. It's not a power car, no, but it does fine. Most of the time, the car encourages you to drive efficiently, but if you want or need to put your foot down for a steep climb, it has plenty to give. If you spend a whole trip doing it - and I have done - it won't give you the same stratospheric fuel economy numbers it is capable of, but it will still be better than a traditional car and that's your choice to make.

Have you taken one out for a test drive?

 

Two days ago, I had four people (including myself) and three dogs at the same time in my 2012 blue c2 and it handles it just fine. The only time I've ever had "trouble" is going up steep hills (10-15% grade) from a stop, but even then, if you push the pedal hard enough it'll go. I don't think one 300-mile drive with luggage and a bike each year warrants a Tacoma - if you really want tons of room, you can always rent a larger car for your yearly trip, but I think you'll find the C can handle it just fine.

 

My wife and I just did a 1200 mile round trip to Rochester NY with a trade show display in a 5' x 2' x 1' hardcase tucked in the back of my c (it just fits), along with luggage for ten days, a mini-fridge, and miscellaneous other stuff. No problems driving through the Catskill Mountains with the cruise control set at 69.

 

I have 2 hybrids (Prius and Escape) and I've been very happy with both of them. Not only the fuel economy, but the reliability and overall smoothness are great. I would have a hard time going back to a "normal" car.

Regarding the cargo capacity, you'd be surprised with what you really need and how much stuff you can squeeze into a car when you need to. You could also add a cargo carrier if needed, this bag looks nifty.

 

Find someplace to rent one for a few days and you'll know if it's the right car. It's underpowered with
lackluster handling, but it will get excellent MPG. It's not a cramped front passenger compartment.
On long trips the road noise will be an issue IMO. Other than that, it's a great "little car" with decent
utility and practicality. You might also look at the Toyota/Scion xB for a little bigger vehicle.

 

I have a 2013 c2 in blue streak metallic and just used it to move apartments. It handled the cargo great, but it wasn't that far (about 20 miles). The car takes A LOT with the seats down.

If you do go for it, I'd get the C2 for the cruise control if you're making that long a drive!

 

I disagree with the handling part and the noise thing is just plain not right. There are already threads where people have pulled out the dB measurements and compared them to other vehicles and found them to be on par with the quietest.

People can have their own opinions, but can't have their own facts.

Toyota Prius C Performance Numbers | PriusChat

Wind Noise - I like it. | PriusChat

It's the #1 comment I get from people travelling in my car - "Your car is so quiet!", up there with "Your car is so smooth!". But woops none of those people were motoring journalists, just normal people who travel in cars.

 

That's fine. I just compared my 2013 C to my 2013 C-Max Energi. The road noise
in the Prius was terrible. The handling is even worse and the power is lackluster.
It's all personal opinion, so don't take it too hard. I guess I have a higher standard.

 

Handling is opinion and you're entitled to yours. You have a different opinion - you don't have a "higher standard".

Noise is not an issue of opinion... but I've linked to the hard facts. If you want to claim otherwise, that's your call, but it's been measured and the numbers are there for all to see (and they don't agree with you).

 

Get a c2 over a c1 for sure if you can.

 

Yeah! Okay!