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Sayonara Prius, Ciao Fiat ;)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Dolce_Vita, Dec 19, 2011.

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  1. Dolce_Vita

    Dolce_Vita Member

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    I've driven 30,000km (18,000mls) in my Prius and to be honest i am sick of it, the CVT is annoying and i want something more stylish... the Prius is still a great car and i love them, but i needed a change.

    So i went from one extreme to another, Japanese to Italian, ugly to sexy. I got a 2008 Fiat Grande Punto 1.4. It's a pre-Multiair N/A with a massive 76hp, mated to a 5 speed sequential transmission. I would have liked a regular 5 speed manual, but i got a good deal on the car. Unlike a DCT it's basically just the regular manual trans with a computer controlled clutch. it has no creep forward feature, it rolls back like a real manual on a hill and is painfully bad in automatic mode, so i intend on only using manual mode, where it acts like any manual, minus the clutch pedal.

    The car feels about as fast as a Gen 2 Prius, yet strangely rides a lot smoother and sounds MUCH nicer. The EU cycle average for it is 41mpg US combined, yet it's currently averaging 40mpg. My aim is for a 50mpg tank in the near future (shouldn't be too hard).

    I'll still contribute on these forums though, as my mum will be driving the Prius and i might occasionally use it :)

    here are pics :)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    ^the shift knob
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    I plan on lightly modding it with OEM alloy wheels from a Fiat Bravo, Phillips silver vission indicator bulbs, satin black painted from grilles and piano black interior trimming.

    It also matches my Parents 2008 Fiat Bravo 150hp T-Jet ;) This means that the 1496cc Prius is the largest capacity engine in my household, with the Punto and Ritmo essentially sharing the same block at 1368cc, Who says there's no replacement for displacement?

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 Dolce_Vita, Dec 19, 2011
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I'm not sure it ranks as sexier but if you like it better that is all that counts and you are still driving a vehicle that gets great gas mileage so I'm all for it! :)

    I'm curious why you didn't consider modding the GenII with springs and wheels if you wanted something more sporty. The car handles like crazy with those mods. :)

    I'd argue that this is sexier..... :p
    [​IMG]

    I'm teasing ya. I'm glad you'll still be around despite the change. Keep us updated on your mpg too. It's cool to see something like the Fiat still roaming the streets!
     
    #2 F8L, Dec 19, 2011
  3. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    :confused: OP...........ummm............OK.
     
    #3 Genoz World, Dec 19, 2011
  4. PriQ

    PriQ CT+iQ

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    I have driven the 2008 Fiat Punto with a 5MT. It had hill assist as a standard feature BTW.
    I don't think the stick added any excitement. The auto-clutch is perfectly fine if you drive like a normal person, and judging by your pride in the fuel economy, I think you have made a great deal.

    But still. Did you just buy a Fiat which is out of warranty? You are truly a thrill seeker!
     
    #4 PriQ, Dec 19, 2011
  5. PriQ

    PriQ CT+iQ

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    OP clearly likes Fiat. While I find gen. 3 Prius beautiful, I must accept that I'm in the minority :cool:
     
    #5 PriQ, Dec 19, 2011
  6. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Good luck with your venture back into the conventional car world, you've got a stronger stomach for it than me. I wouldn't do it again. I hope my next car, years down the road has a plug.

    wow Justin, your car looks nice!
     
    #6 cycledrum, Dec 19, 2011
  7. LIPriusFreak

    LIPriusFreak Can I haz JDM?

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    so you went from a rock solid bulletproof toyota to a FIAT?!?! (Fix It Again Tony)????
     
    #7 LIPriusFreak, Dec 19, 2011
    2 people like this.
  8. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    "Something more stylish"...so you got a Fiat...?
     
    #8 macmaster05, Dec 19, 2011
  9. tv4fish

    tv4fish Member

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    I guess it's true what they say :) "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

    (That is NOT sexy IMO)
     
    #9 tv4fish, Dec 19, 2011
  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Thanks! Now I have to figure out how to fix all of the little scratches and rock chips that have accumulated since last summer. God damn Caltrans and their road construction! :mad:
     
    #10 F8L, Dec 19, 2011
  11. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Lol Prius to Fiat? Soon you'll be ditching the Fiat for the sexiness of a Daewoo.
     
    #11 2k1Toaster, Dec 19, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  12. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    lol, Prius to Fiat? Erm, ok.

    I could understand an Alfa Romeo being sexy but a Fiat Punto? OK. They're good value for money.
     
    #12 GrumpyCabbie, Dec 19, 2011
  13. Rupert B Puppenstein

    Rupert B Puppenstein Active Member

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    If it makes you happy to switch, more power to you. But, not convincing that the car looks better. I know the options we have in the states are not the same everywhere else, and J Lo as the spokesperson has to convince some that they are the most wonderful cars here, but I wasn't very impressed. Now, my Prius, I am impressed with. It isn't the most beautiful of cars, but the fuel economy makes me swoon. ;) If it gets better mileage than the Prius, I understand completely. The prices for gas in Australia are insane.
     
    #13 Rupert B Puppenstein, Dec 19, 2011
  14. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Keeps us posted. You'll be back with another Prius and appreciate the sound of eCVT efficiency.

    Explore as you wish because you are still young.
     
    #14 usbseawolf2000, Dec 19, 2011
  15. mmcdonal

    mmcdonal Active Member

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    Did anyone mention "Fix It Again, Tony?" Okay, I worked on Fiats many years ago when most cars were crap, but seriously, I am not buying the "sexy" thing at all. At all. It still has the suppository styling of the 1990's. Sexy? Really!?

    BTW, I am not saying a Prius is sexy much either, but it still has much better styling. IMHO.
     
    #15 mmcdonal, Dec 19, 2011
  16. mmcdonal

    mmcdonal Active Member

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    Seriously, folks, don't hold me back: You want a sexy Fiat, check this baby out.

    [​IMG]
     
    #16 mmcdonal, Dec 19, 2011
  17. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    You guys are too funny.
     
    #17 macmaster05, Dec 19, 2011
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    la dolce vita!:p
     
    #18 bisco, Dec 19, 2011
  19. J5A

    J5A Active Member

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    mmcdonel: Ahhh, my eyes!! Take it away!!
     
    #19 J5A, Dec 19, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  20. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    Haha Fiat punto! I drove one of those in Gran Turismo!
     
    #20 a_gray_prius, Dec 19, 2011
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