Test Drive Comments and Impressions - '12 Prius 4 w/solar

Well, don't know about the Prius model 4, but I know with the Prius v model 5, there is auto lights. I would check which version of the Prius that will support automatic headlights that would fulfill purpose 1. #2, I think that is probably due to a bad assumption on their part, where hud adjustment is like mirror adjustments, you do that before you drive. Of course, not all cars are using HUD displays, so he may have forgotten that fact.

Good

Not surprising as you mentioned her not wanting to deal with the tech nearly as much as well as her concern with the nav display being distracting. Now I am only about 2" shorter than you, but I went with the Prius v because of the driver seat. It sits higher than a sedan and gave a bit more room, this might seat better for you legwise, as I don't believe the handle will be in the way for your leg from the way you describe how you want to sit. However, there is no HUD in the Prius v which may or may not be to your liking.

If you are seriously looking at a Mazda 3, I would also look at the Prius v over the standard Prius. Cause from the sound of this discussion, you looked at a standard Prius Gen 3 sedan/hatchback versus a Prius v wagon.

 

First off, don't capitalize 'v'... It causes all sorts of weird jihads around here.

As for the lights, yea... Although I think again, the dealer probably assumed you would do that yourself, as everyone has their particular desires, some like it, some act like its a horrible, horrible thing.

I remember when my parents got their 2010 Avalon... Listening to some concerns, some justified, some not so justified (Like wondering if the lights should still be one... Although one time, I did notice the interior lights were left on well after 5 minutes of them being done with the car.)

Either way, still up to you where you want to go.

 

I was scared too of the technology, coming from a person that will not nor desires, TV, MP3, i pads, i pods, androids, game sytems, cell phones, blue tooth etc... Prius was on my list to check out but not my 1st choice @1st.
*My dad has the Toyota Camry Hybrid & it was my 1st introduction to Hybrid. My dad loves the TC. Some things you might consider though if you are carrying loads of stuff that the battery is in the back trunk so it does take up room & cuts the cargo capacity down. Deal breaker for me & didn't really consider the regular model since when I measured the trunk it wouldn't fit my gear.
*I found the Mazda 3 pricey, & didn't load my stuff well & Mazda has no hybrid technology even out there so they were off my list.
* I have a Subaru B9 & my dad has a an older Subie Impreza as well. AWD is nice if there is snow but it also cuts down on MPG. I did look a little at the Outback since there were no Impreza's at the lot but no the price & gas was a deal breaker.
* Honda CRV was on my list but no back seat, low ride cut this out.
*Honda Fit was on my list & it did fit my gear. Didn't really fit my DH & I was really hoping that the Hybrid Fit was going to be in the US. Still was a Top 3 on my list but didn't test drive it.
*Toyota Corolla & Prius were the in the Top 3 as well. Prius I had to really sit in & have a hands on demo from my sales persons to get me comfortable with the technology. Though still not 100% there. I had to get my DH in the Corolla (did fit all my gear & o.k. price but @$20,000 not great compared to the Prius). Then the Prius did fit my DH so nicely @6'6". I test drove both & the Prius won on MPG, fits my gear, fits my DH, fits my Price at only $22,000, & Technology is really growing on me & I am not as freaked out about it.