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Upcoming versions of Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jnousis, Apr 25, 2005.

  1. jnousis

    jnousis New Member

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    Hello,

    It's my first post here, although I have been browsing the website several months and read thousands of posts...... My name is John Nousis and I am from Greece.

    I am a high-tech fan so the idea of having a Prius gets me very excited. More over the good climate of our country will help to achieve even more milage.

    I consider to buy a Prius but I am not in a high rush to buy it. I can wait for some months and even a year if it's worth it. So my question is if there are any plans for the near future for a new version of Prius. Have anyone heard anything like that?

    Best regards and thank you very much for all the information,
    John Nousis
     
    #1 jnousis, Apr 25, 2005
  2. kidtwist

    kidtwist New Member

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    It's unlikely that there will be any dramatic changes in the Prius till at least 2007. Probably later.
     
    #2 kidtwist, Apr 25, 2005
  3. Tadashi

    Tadashi Member

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    2005 Prius
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    I think they said it runs on 4-5 yr cycles and the last change was in 2004. I would estimate 2008 or 2009 for the next major modification. Until then it will be minor changes here and there to fix bugs, change cosmetics, etc.
     
    #3 Tadashi, Apr 25, 2005
  4. jnousis

    jnousis New Member

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    Thank you very much for the replies. I think it's good time then to buy one. I will send you more details when I get it.

    BTW, any owner from Greece?
     
    #4 jnousis, Apr 25, 2005
  5. craigcush

    craigcush Member

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    Yasoo John

    Welcome, I observed for a long time before posting as there is so much information here.
    From what I read here and other forums It seems just minor improvements if Toyota's history continues. Don't change a good thing.
    Where in Greece do you live?
    I lived in Ano Glyfada for three years and felt the Greeks used their sunny weather better than here. I refer to the solar water tanks on almost every roof and lately more solar electric panels.
    I remember the odd and even license plate restrictions on drivers due to pollution and congestion. I sold my car there because the buses were so convenient, and some of them were electric.
    Is there still a premium tax on imported cars? Do you think if the duty was waived on hybrids there would be more incentive to buy?
    Just curious as the rumors I get may be exaggerated.

    efharisto
     
    #5 craigcush, Apr 25, 2005
  6. jnousis

    jnousis New Member

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    Hi Craig,

    Nice to hear that you were so impressed with our country. It's true that almost every house has a solar panel for water heating. And the sun is nice for other reasons as well (we are already swimming at the sea:):)).

    Well, regarding the hybrid vehicles there is a tax reduction. Some taxes are waived (about 200 euros per year) and you are allowed to enter the center of the city regardless the plate number (so you don't need 2 cars to enter the city every day). I believe that those 2 incentives are very good considering also that if you travel a lot (I make about 3,500 km per month so buying a hybrid would save me about 2,000 euros per year with the price of $5/gallon which is normal here) the savings are fantastic.

    That's why I consider buying a hybrid.

    The import taxes are really high. People want to import BMWs (which are very popular) from Germany like crazy. It's worth it only for some specific cars, I think (not sure) mostly for 1.8L and less than 3 years old.

    If you ever come in Greece again drop by for a coffee!
     
    #6 jnousis, Apr 25, 2005
  7. prberg

    prberg Member

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    Why do you guys say there will only be small changes with the next version of the Prius? That did a pretty big change between the 2003 and 2004. (same gas engine, but different body style, stronger electric motor, more interior room, etc).

    I would guess that there will be some bigger changes than just bug fixes. With the new battery technology it might be possible to install a battery with a larger capacity or faster charging times.

    Also with the 'buzz' over plug-in hybrids maybe toyota will offer a 'Regular' Prius and a 'Plug in Prius'. If they beef up the electric motor so you can go a little faster in the city, and the battery gets better they could make the car a real hybrid. With a true Electric mode what would work in normal city driving (maybe up to 45mph?) and some solar panels the car could be even more efficient.

    I guess I just hope they keep pushing the technology.

    -Peter B
     
    #7 prberg, Apr 27, 2005
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I think they're referring to the mid-cycle update rather than the full blown redesign
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, Apr 27, 2005
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