View Full Version : Any Toyota Prius Owners ?
Ninanina
12-02-2016, 20:31
I am thinking about a used car to replace my aging Mercedes.. are there any owners of the Toyota Prius on here that would care to give their opinions ?
My wife's work used them as pool cars and no one used them as they were terrible and not nearly as economic as advertised, battery replacement is costly too.
But as with everything others will tell you they are good.
Really need to drive one and see for yourself.
http://m.whatcar.com/car-reviews/toyota/prius-hatchback/summary/25893-5
3/5
I am thinking about a used car to replace my aging Mercedes.. are there any owners of the Toyota Prius on here that would care to give their opinions ?
No, they'll all be tucked up safely in bed by now with their zimmers!! :lol:
;)
Marco.
No, they'll all be tucked up safely in bed by now with their zimmers!![emoji38]
;)
Marco.
Working out that they saved 12p this week on car running costs [emoji14]
walpurgis
12-02-2016, 20:55
Never tried one Bev.
But it may be an idea to bear in mind that they don't use an ordinary battery. As the car has to run partly on battery power, it uses a fairly sophisticated item that is not cheap. Genuine replacements are I believe around £1000 plus fitting and they have been known to fail, despite being supposed to last 100,000 miles. The batteries are also targeted by thieves, as a second hand one can fetch £300.
The electric motors have also been known to fail. That involves changing the whole transaxle and motor assembly at great cost. Maybe £5000 with labour.
Top Gear tested the Prius and were not impressed. They didn't like the driving experience and the fuel consumption they achieved was much lower than the claims. It was thirstier than their VW Polo Bluemotion.
Some people like them, but I wouldn't touch one with a bargepole! :)
Working out that they saved 12p this week on car running costs
Lol... If I ever get like that, shoot me! :D
Marco.
Ninanina
12-02-2016, 21:02
It's not just for the saving in fuel, which I know is not as high as Toyota claim.. but I want to stick with an auto as I've been driving an auto for the last 8 years, and before then, and I just love the ease over a manual especially as I live in a very busy city
It just seemed to me to try and get a decent size car that was auto without the huge cost of fuel that most auto petrols use. I have also considered another Mercedes but I don't like thier build quality and rust problems
I did drive a Prius a few years ago and found it a bit 'odd' but I think it just needs getting used to
walpurgis
12-02-2016, 21:06
Have a look at the Kia Carens diesel auto.
Has it got any personality or 'soul'? ;)
Marco.
Ali Tait
12-02-2016, 21:14
If you like petrol engines, then buy a car with LPG. That way you can have a nice V6 or V8 and it's cheap to run.
walpurgis
12-02-2016, 21:28
If you like petrol engines, then buy a car with LPG. That way you can have a nice V6 or V8 and it's cheap to run.
Yup. And you might find somewhere to fill it up now and then. :lol: ;)
Yup. And you might find somewhere to fill it up now and then. :lol: ;)
And find somewhere to put the shopping?
If you don't like the newer Mercs, Bev, then get yourself a Beemer, Audi or Jaguar - or go Italian and buy a nice Alfa... Life's too short to chug along in a soulless Japanese shopping trolley!! :eyebrows: ;)
Marco.
Ali Tait
12-02-2016, 22:07
Yup. And you might find somewhere to fill it up now and then. :lol: ;)
Most Morrisons have lpg for a start, and looking on the app I have on my phone, there are three stations in Portsmouth, and another couple nearby. ;)
I run 3 new Mercs in my company the oldest being 4 years now and haven't seen a spot of rust on any of them. All are auto's and are great cars to drive.
Ali Tait
12-02-2016, 22:10
And find somewhere to put the shopping?
Granted, the spare wheel well is taken up with the lpg tank, but I have the spare clamped upright at the side of the boot, with plenty of room to spare.
Plus, it costs about 35 quid to fill, from which I get 300 miles. Not bad for a 4 litre..
Ninanina
12-02-2016, 22:32
If you don't like the newer Mercs, Bev, then get yourself a Beemer, Audi or Jaguar - or go Italian and buy a nice Alfa... Life's too short to chug along in a soulless Japanese shopping trolley!! :eyebrows: ;)
Marco.
I've had experience of BMW's and while they drive lovely they are not long lasting, same goes for Audi... Jag's I know nothing about apart from they don't seem to do a car that returns good MPG.. I love Alfa's but don't want to run one again (especially on a shoe string!)
Now while you may think that the Japanese stuff is soulless, and you are probably right, they are so very reliable. We have run a Colorado 4x4 and now a lovely Amazon with not a jot of a problem and they are worked quite hard towing 2.5 tons
On a shoe string, which is how I like to run my cars, I think Japaneese, or maybe Korean, is the way to go
I have had my Merc for 9 years and have paid practically nothing to run it... 3 tyres, diesel heater plugs (which we replaced ourselves) and one set of front pads and that's it !! :D
I take your points, Bev, and as they say, each to his or her own. I just prefer a bit of FUN in my life. There's plenty of time for 'practical, sensible and reliable' when you're 70 ;)
Oh, and I would disagree about BMWs and Audis. I guess your experience of them differs from mine. I've got friends with both, who've had theirs for years, and they're still going strong! :)
Anyway, I hope you find something suitable that you like :cool:
Marco.
I run 3 new Mercs in my company the oldest being 4 years now and haven't seen a spot of rust on any of them. All are auto's and are great cars to drive.
Indeed, Nick. There's no rust either on my Brabus Merc C350 CDI (perish the thought), although I dislike the somewhat 'plasticy', 'boy-racer' interiors of the newer Mercs. It's like the company is somewhat unsure of their target market, so they just thought 'let's throw in some cheesy bling, to keep the kids happy' :doh:
I'm talking of course mainly C-Class and below. I don't really like super-posh Mercs, and when they start to look too staid and 'executivey'. I'm a sporty kinda guy :)
Marco.
Ninanina
12-02-2016, 23:13
Indeed, Nick. There's no rust either on my Brabus Merc C350 CDI (perish the thought), although I dislike the somewhat 'plasticy' boy-racer interiors of the newer Mercs. It's like they're somewhat unsure of their target market, so they just thought 'let's fit some cheesy bling to keep the youngsters happy' :doh:
I'm talking of course mainly C-Class and below. I don't really like super-posh Mercs, and when they start to look too staid and 'executivey'.
Marco.
The trouble is I am coming from a W124 Merc and they are widely regarded as one of the best Mercs ever made, and I am inclined to agree, they are very tough and very long lasting. Mine has now done about 320,000 miles. Mine has numerous faults now, which I guess is to be expected for a 26 year old car with such mileage but I would still 100% trust it to travel through Europe if asked to do so
walpurgis
12-02-2016, 23:22
Are you buying new or second hand Bev? Can you quote a budget?
I'm very familiar with the used car market and there are definitely a lot of models to avoid.
Ninanina
12-02-2016, 23:25
Are you buying new or second hand Bev? Can you quote a budget?
I'm very familiar with the used car market and there are definitely a lot of models to avoid.
Absolutely the used market Geoff. I think I am also pretty familiar with the used market and which makes/models to avoid.. I have a very low budget for cars as everything pretty much goes on my hobbies; hifi, boats, cucumbers and lots of holidays.. maybe £3k tops
walpurgis
12-02-2016, 23:28
Hatchback or saloon?
Ninanina
12-02-2016, 23:39
Hatchback or saloon?
Hatchback preferably but won't rule out a saloon
With a hatchback you'll have potentially more room for some 'rumpy-pumpy' with (Colin?)... Could be a deal clincher! :D
Marco.
Ninanina
13-02-2016, 00:03
With a hatchback you'll have potentially more room for some 'rumpy-pumpy' with (Colin?)... Could be a deal clincher! :D
Marco.
Now that's a thought Marco... :D
used to have a Vauxhall with bench seat and column change that was ideal for that ;)
walpurgis
13-02-2016, 00:18
used to have a Vauxhall with bench seat and column change that was ideal for that ;)
Like a PA Velox? I had one with the Hydramatic auto box and column change. Got a bit annoyed with it trying to keep up with a 426 Dodge Charger (not a chance) about 1971.
Ninanina
13-02-2016, 00:19
Absolutely the used market Geoff. I think I am also pretty familiar with the used market and which makes/models to avoid.. I have a very low budget for cars as everything pretty much goes on my hobbies; hifi, boats, cucumbers and lots of holidays.. maybe £3k tops
Now what naughty person added cucumbers in my post ?? :eek:
Dunno, which bad man that could be.... :confused:
Marco.
Audio Al
13-02-2016, 01:14
" Let's just throw in some cheesy bling, to keep the kids happy "
And Marco IS very happy :)
walpurgis
13-02-2016, 11:18
Something like this?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201601250409492?maximum-badge-engine-size=2.2&postcode=po108hg&sort=default&page=1&transmission=automatic&fuel-type=diesel&search-target=usedcars&radius=30&price-to=3500&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&maximum-mileage=up_to_70000_miles&logcode=p
Mark Grant
13-02-2016, 11:43
.. but I want to stick with an auto as I've been driving an auto for the last 8 years, and before then, and I just love the ease over a manual especially as I live in a very busy city
Make sure you have a good drive of any makes you consider as some Auto gearboxes are absolutely useless, worst we ever had to suffer was a Peugeot 5008 people carrier as a hire car, the auto gearbox took about a second or more to change gear and made our heads nod like a nodding dog with the rough gear change when it did eventually decide to change gear, it was absolutely horrendous to drive because of the gearbox and a manual would have been great as the car was spacious and ideal for a long weekend away.
A few weeks later we had a BMW 320 Diesel courtesy car for a few days with the newer 8 speed auto box and it was the most perfect combination of engine and gearbox ever, gear changes so smooth even under hard acceleration that you never knew it was changing gear apart from looking at the rev counter, we didn't like the car though as too small and cramped feeling for us.
Bev - consider this.
Only two people in fiction drive a Toyota Prius. Brian Griffin in Family Guy and Larry David in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'. Both are tragi-comic characters. What does that tell you?
Although that VW Passat Geoff linked to is only marginally better ;)
This link says it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnFAAdOBB1c
Ninanina
14-02-2016, 04:09
This link says it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnFAAdOBB1c
:rfl::rfl:
One of my favourite South Park episodes :D
Ninanina
29-02-2016, 00:27
Well well well....
Even after all the negative views on the Prius... I went and did it.... :doh:
Actually I was very impressed with the car; forget that it's cheap to run and that it's a reliable car, it is actually very good. I loved the auto box which actually never really changes gear as it's a CVT, it is comfortable and the kit it has is amazing for a car from 2007
The one I've purchased is absolutely immaculate and to be honest looks like a new car from all angles and the inside is just as good. I purchased it from a Toyota garage and it comes with a full 12 months Toyota warranty which is very comprehensive
It's like driving a space craft... and the gadgets are amazing, not that I'm into gadgets but it's got the lot including auto self parking which is just spooky!....don't know if I'll ever use it but you never know
I looked at quite a few cars but I wanted to keep to an auto, I wanted a decent size car and I wanted something that was a bit more economical than the Merc around town... to be honest you'd be surprised how few cars that actually left that I would consider reliable and worth owning...
I know I'm now going to get some flack but I can take it :eek:
If you're taking flak then you are over the target. ;)
Lets have a look at it then...
Lol - at the end of the day, if you like it and it suits your needs, then enjoy! I wish you many safe and happy miles of driving in your Prius :cool:
Marco.
Ninanina
29-02-2016, 19:12
If you're taking flak then you are over the target. ;)
Lets have a look at it then...
It's this one... however I've had the horrible aftermarket chrome handle trims removed since these pics as I hated the bling!..
http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/Prius2.jpg (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/Prius2.jpg.html)
http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/Prius5.jpg (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/Prius5.jpg.html)
http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a450/ninanina2/Prius1.jpg (http://s1036.photobucket.com/user/ninanina2/media/Prius1.jpg.html)
Ninanina
29-02-2016, 19:15
Lol - at the end of the day, if you like it and it suits your needs, then enjoy! I wish you many safe and happy miles of driving in your Prius :cool:
Marco.
Thanks Marco... the way I see it is I have one years trouble free motoring because of the fantastic warranty Toyota provide and after that I'll know the car well enough to either keep it, if it's been as reliable as I expect it to be, or I sell it on if not ;)
had a cvt box, or big elastic band lol.. it was very good once you get used to its quirks. Tested a prius(probably that model as it was around 06) and it was full of stuff, as was the big citreon(forgot the model name but it was just out) before buying a Skoda auto estate... it was super too... good motoring lass:)
Ninanina
29-02-2016, 19:57
had a cvt box, or big elastic band lol.. it was very good once you get used to its quirks. Tested a prius(probably that model as it was around 06) and it was full of stuff, as was the big citreon(forgot the model name but it was just out) before buying a Skoda auto estate... it was super too... good motoring lass:)
Thanks Grant...
The Prius has no elastic bands though it uses a system called eCVT (electronic continuously variable transmission) it also has no alternator or starter motor in the true sense of the word as that's all taken care of by the electric motor. I've read plenty about how it all works but I don't confess to completely understand it :doh:
To be honest I was very impressed with the Prius and I didn't think I would be. It is 'different' to drive but I think you soon get used to it. It actually handles pretty well to which I did not expect... and I will love paying the £10 tax per year, actually I think I'll pay it in one go rather than monthly :eek:
walpurgis
29-02-2016, 20:38
That's still £10 more than I pay! :)
Thanks Grant...
The Prius has no elastic bands though it uses a system called eCVT (electronic continuously variable transmission) it also has no alternator or starter motor in the true sense of the word as that's all taken care of by the electric motor. I've read plenty about how it all works but I don't confess to completely understand it :doh:
To be honest I was very impressed with the Prius and I didn't think I would be. It is 'different' to drive but I think you soon get used to it. It actually handles pretty well to which I did not expect... and I will love paying the £10 tax per year, actually I think I'll pay it in one go rather than monthly :eek:
Aye, mine was the same.. cvt.. was a nissan
montesquieu
01-03-2016, 23:55
Not a huge Prius fan myself - I found it a bit sluggish on the road when I drive one - but I must admit I'm absolutely loving the 40k mikes/2009 Lexus RX400h hybrid I recently got (traded in my much loved Lexus GS430 which itself is one of the finest cars on the road).
I miss the V8 a bit but the 3.3litre V6 is no slouch and it reliably gives 32-35mpg real world (and 40mpg on the morning commute! It drops on the motorway which is bizarre at first). It's fun playing with the various tricks to maximise electric running/recharging etc.
I just love it! Guilt free SUV. (And not a filthy, smelly diesel which I would never touch with a barge pole ever again).
Ninanina
02-03-2016, 19:29
Not a huge Prius fan myself - I found it a bit sluggish on the road when I drive one - but I must admit I'm absolutely loving the 40k mikes/2009 Lexus RX400h hybrid I recently got (traded in my much loved Lexus GS430 which itself is one of the finest cars on the road).
I miss the V8 a bit but the 3.3litre V6 is no slouch and it reliably gives 32-35mpg real world (and 40mpg on the morning commute! It drops on the motorway which is bizarre at first). It's fun playing with the various tricks to maximise electric running/recharging etc.
I just love it! Guilt free SUV. (And not a filthy, smelly diesel which I would never touch with a barge pole ever again).
To be honest after my Mercedes diesel anything is quicker including the Prius :doh:
I've always loved the Lexus RX series, I did look to get one some time ago but the mpg put me off, but the hybrid version sounds very good indeed and your mpg is impressive for such a large luxury vehicle :)
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