anyone got a Prius or views on them?

Me! Its a rental and a US model (no idea if that makes any difference). I totally love it. Its giving us 50mpg routinely, which in America is like total David Copperfield stuff (American's get excited if you get 30mpg!)

Its got quite decent power, for an automatic too and it appeals to my inner geek. I love driving and trying to get my average up. Its so sad! I read that the battery is generally good for 100K miles.

Thansk GW,

Not too many points of view at the mo ?

I expect you have the newest model but I don't think technically there is much difference, just a slight reshape on the bonnet.

I wonder what the repair costs would be too as it would have to be Toyota garage as opposed to Kwik Fit!

I am very tempted still.

We had one as our rental on holiday in California last year and it was OK. We were surprised at the power it had and the display thingy with where the power was coming from etc appealed to both the geek (H!) and me.

One thing I didn't like was the visibility out of the back window. It took a bit of getting used to, especially compared to my Mini where I can see most of everything.

Great gas milage though (get me, I've gone all native ?)

What about a Mini? They're fab!

We've got one and while it's not the most exciting car, it is comfortable, cheap to run and fits all our junk in it! The display thingy is quite cool :0)

Z

Sorry, didn't see your replies yesterday.

Visibility is a biggie, I have a clapped out old Micra but you can see everywhere as they are high up, whereas I got in a Corsa hire car and it was frightening how little I could see when reversing.

It seems that Toyotas are what I'm drawn to looks wise. Unfortunately a Mini is too small, and possibly overpriced? (not meaning to offend).

Thanks for all your views, its nice to hear from someone who has driven the car.

H has one and is very happy with it. I drive it occasionally and apart from having to be talked though each time on how to start it (it is automatic and I have a manual) it is nice to drive and has good acceleration. It is a bit weird when you start it up and reverse slowly, as it is completely silent until you get to a certain rev count!

What's it like pulling away from junctions, Bobbly?

I rather like a bit of 'go' in a car as I'm used to manual too so you have more control of how much omph you can get IYSWIM?

It does have some go in it - more than you expect, which has made me say "eek!" sometimes!

Ha ha, the 'eek' factor from a Prius? - it could be decision made on that alone.

I must check the price of a new battery though if its time is up at 100k miles as it will be a 2nd hand car if I buy one.

Ok, so you have ascertained that you like Toyotas. There are lots of Toyotas so can I ask what or why the Prius in particlular is of interest?

I have driven the Prius rather extensively but it would help to know your rationale first before I tell you about it.

Ahh, now I have to think......

Obviously the thought of saving on petrol and road tax would be good. The environmental aspect is a consideration but there is the hoo har over the battery manufacturing so this isn't a priority.

That said, I don't do more than 2k miles a year though this would go up if H borrowed it on weekends (he never drives my current car).

I like the size, think it is roomy inside without being too large outside.

Its a bit ugly at the front so not really appealing to me from that perspective although I've seen worse. The inside is pleasant. Toyotas are good runners. Corolla Verso are roughly the same size but not particularly good value either and don't have the financial benefits.

So, all in all, I am compromising on the looks for the financial advantages and is this a good enough reason to buy a car?

So, what's the verdict? Am I a lost cause?

Ok, interesting. To be honest, if you drive less than 2000 miles a year any financial benefits are going to be minimal unless you drive into say the congestion zone every day.

In fact, come to think of it, for that small level of driving, I think having a car makes no financial sense at all as you could take a taxi everywhere and still be better off buts thats by the by.

Pre 2004 Prius' are to be avoided like your life depends on it. Total and utter rubbish. Post 2004 are a better proposition and do actually offer a usable hybrid system.

A prius is not quick and despite the claims of the 'eek' factor, I can only assume that previously they can only have driven a bus as there is no eek, trust me. Handling is Ok although the battery pack does compromise this somewhat and the 1.5 engine is surprisingly refined. Size wise the pirus is comparable with all else in its class although the boot is one of the smallest in class due to the battery. Battery warranty is 8 years/100000 miles and whilst I am no expert in the value side of thigs, I would guess that residual will be hit very badly after this has expired or is nearing the end of the warranty period.

Personally, I think it looks hideous but that is a marmite issue and not necessarily a reason to buy or not buy. For me, with the amount of mileage you are doing, there are a lot better cars out there and financially the savings could be so miniscule that it would be hard to justify owning something so average in virtually every department.

HTH

Lannie have you driven the new 1.8 Prius? We were only considering it because the older Priuses were oustandingly cheap on the company car scheme. The newer ones are less cheap but still not bad.

Not sure that's quite true. We only do 800 miles a year, and still break even compared to taxi fares.

But that is on a much older car, where depreciation isn't really such a factor.

I certainly wouldn't buy a brand new car on this basis. ?

Sadly £24 a day on taxis. Minimum. With no tip. Excluding any weekend trips I may take.

Walking not an option, child's legs are too short, journey would take about 2 hours one way. Stupid hills. Stupid short legged child. Stupid 'non London but might as well be' expensive taxis. Stupid mother of child for visiting it each lunchtime. Stupid piles from pregnancy of said child making push bikes not an option.

Ahem, maybe I'll re-think the car choices.

Thanks though for the info.

I'd consider sorting the piles and getting a bike with a padded seat.