prius

[historian]

Last year i bought a prius foreseeing what was coming. hey tree hugger i heard people yell and so on. Now almost everywhere i stop im asked about it and some even offer to buy it. The dealers are two months behind - they cant keep the things in stock. wonder why gm and ford are going under???
Yeee Haaa

[ET Awful]

1. I bought mine in February, right before the prices on them started going up again.

:P

[historian]

3. price

I only got a good price cause the owner of the dealership is my neighbor otherwise they wont even discuss haggling. Take it or leave and someone else will take it within 10 minutes.

[ET Awful]

5. Sticker was 25.7, I paid 24.5.

There's no dealing now, the price is whatever the dealer says it is, or they'll sell it to the next person in line.

[hamsterjill]

2. Tell me about the car, please

As an actual owner, tell me what you like and don't like about the car, please. I'm curious - and considering a hybrid for my next purchase.

Thanks in advance for sharing!

[historian]

6. prius specs

Personally i think its the best car i have ever owned. If you drive it on hwy at about 65 on cruise youll get around 50 per gallon. Its very comfortable and extremely spacious. The only problem i have with it is rear visibility is not the best so be careful changing lanes to the right.
It has a sensing key - in other words as long as you within 50 feet the car will recognize it. You can leave it in you r pocket and drive away.
All controls are electronic but there is one caveat - anything apart from the usual maintenance has to be done by a dealer - i still havent found a mechanic who knows how to work on them. Its all electronic. Still im relying on toyotas reputation to see me through.
Two other things to bear in mind - you must have good brand name tires since the back is very heavy due to the batteries. also if the batteries die after the warranty it will cost about 2000 to replace. Hopefully by then they will have developed better and cheaper batteries.
Remember you aren't buying a sports car but here in LA it holds its own very well on the freeways.
I fill up approx once every two weeks which is very nice.
You cant go wrong with this one.
goood luck

[bullwinkle428]

10. Spend some time at this site -

http://www.greenhybrid.com/

There are discussions on every model of hybrid vehicle from every manufacturer available in the U.S. & Canada. Lots of excellent information there that should be helpful in making a decision...

[ET Awful]

43. My only complaint, in all honesty . . .

The drivers seat isn't height adjustable. I'd love it if I could drop the height by an inch or so.

[CabalPowered]

47. Several petty complaints

I think the cloth used in the pan of the seats is junk. The stock tires are also junk. Besides that, it's the best car I've ever owned.

[Clark2008]

4. Actually, Ford and GM are going under more due to having to

pay health insurance.

Up until this year, people were still demanding SUVs. Just because you weren't, doesn't mean they weren't still popular. They were.

For the record, I wouldn't own a Toyota - the No. 1 recalled car in the nation.

My Ford gets great gas mileage and costs less to boot.

[ET Awful]

7. Yeah, damn those auto-workers and their need to have health coverage.

The vehicles with the most recalls are mostly American makes:

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/310/the-years-poorest-performing-cars

"Besides a standout number of recalls, we looked specifically for below-average reliability, high depreciation and NHTSA ratings below four stars and/or IIHS results of "Marginal" or "Poor." Of the vehicles that met at least two of these qualifications, we also looked subjectively at other factors, such as fuel efficiency and cost.

Topping the list: The Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Caliber and Dodge Magnum."

. . . .

"In looking purely at the number of recalls by model for 2007, several Chrysler (including Dodge and Jeep) models stood out for having more than just a recall or two. CR's Bartlett wasn't willing to speculate about Chrysler having more recalls, but he said that automakers have been increasingly sharing powertrain and interior components across much of their vehicle lines, and if there are problems it can bring down the entire brand.

That looks to be the case for Chrysler, at least in two instances. A massive recall involving anti-lock braking system control modules affected 11 different Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models, including the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty, which were all on our turkeys list, while another recall concerning automatic-transmission control modules potentially affected eight different vehicles, including the Magnum, Nitro and Liberty."



And, contrary to your claims . . . guess what the car with the highest customer satisfaction is according to J.D. Powers. . .

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/616/69/

I also find it funny that you attack Toyota while defending GM, all the time ignoring that they've had joint ventures going on for years (Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe being one of the most recent examples).

[Clark2008]

8. I wasn't blaming the workers. I was blaming our lack of single-payer healthcare.

And, keep buying foreign cars and ruining our country. Go ahead. It's sad when people refuse to acknowledge that the profits don't stay in this country, whether said Japanese car is made here or not.

My Ford runs CIRCLES around my husband foreign piece of crap that's always in the shop. Mine never is.

P.S. The Prius is one of the ugliest cars I've ever laid eyes on. I'm not Glenda the Good Witch. I don't want to travel in a bubble. I want something that looks NICE. And just how is a bubble aerodynamic, anyway?

[historian]

11. look under the hood

and see how many parts are made in the us. The are all from brazil, china, mexico etc...the criteria for made in usa is that it must be assembled here - the parts are irrelevant.

[Clark2008]

13. Doesn't matter. The profits STAY HERE

Please...

No car is completely made anywhere anymore.

[ET Awful]

17. Those profits you speak so highly of . . . they aren't staying "here"

They're staying in the pockets of the CEO's and to a lesser extent, the stock holders.

[ET Awful]

15. Mmmmhmm. I've owned 2 Nissan Sentras, both had close to 100,000 miles when I traded them in.

One spent a grand total of 4 hours in the shop for repairs the entire 7 years I owned it. The other spent 8 hours in 5 years.

The first, the only problem that ever occurred was a faulty starter.

The second, had both front break calipers freeze.

That's 12 years, and 12 hours of down time.

Sorry, I'm not buying your "foreign cars are crap" argument.

[EOTE]

42. And my Oldsmobile Aurora never saw shop time other than oil changes.

I traded it in at 130k miles and got $3500 for it. I replaced brake pads and rotated and replaced tires on my own. Never even needed a tune up. My girlfriend has an '04 Sentra and I can't stand the thing. She's had to have the front rotors replaced twice and it's got less than 60k on it. The interior is falling apart and she's not hard on it at all. I was amazed at the shoddy quality of the interior as I expected so much more from a Japanese car. But all of this is anecdotal, doesn't mean much.

[Johonny]

24. there is no reason

the US should encourage Toyota to make MORE cars in the US. Indeed many people I know work for both Honda and Toyota. Not in far off in Japan. But right here in the good old USA. They don't work fixing and selling the cars. They work designing and manufacturing the cars. So no, every penny you spend on your Toyota and Honda does not go to Japan. Should you care more about the nationality of the CEO of your multinational company, or should you care more about getting the best companies to design, manufacture and invest right here in the US.

[historian]

9. where do you get your specs from?

ive owned toyotas since 1978 and never had a recall nor expensive repairs. I still have a 91 camry with 240.000 running beautifully. Only had to change the starter once and the usual maintenance.

[Clark2008]

12. Specs?

Personal experience.

My Fords run and run and run, too. Big deal. At least my profit margin stays in the US.

[ET Awful]

21. Here's a little lesson in where your "profit margin" goes

http://www.truthout.org/article/ford-ceo-paid-391-million-four-months

"Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Co.'s new president and chief executive officer, received compensation valued at $39.1 million during his four months on the job last year, according to an analysis of a federal regulatory filing made Thursday."

[Muttocracy]

26. hmm, J.D. Power begs to differ with your personal experience

And I remember it being big news a couple of years ago when Toyota had gone down and Ford had gone up - now they're similar but Toyota (and Honda) still ahead:

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&story=iqsBrand&subject=iqs&referer=advice&aff=national

J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study: Top-Rated Manufacturers

In June 2008, J.D. Power and Associates released its 2008 Initial Quality Study, which lists the top performers in defined car and truck segments within the first 90 days of vehicle ownership. In addition, the study also ranks the best brands for initial quality.
Initial Quality Study: Manufacturer Ratings
The rankings below are based on problems per 100 vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. Click the manufacturer name to view its 2008 models.
Brand Problems Per 100 Vehicles
Porsche 87
Infiniti 98
Lexus 99
Mercedes-Benz 104
Toyota 104
Mercury 109
Honda 110
Ford 112
Jaguar 112
Audi 113
Cadillac 113
Chevrolet 113
Hyundai 114
Pontiac 114
Lincoln 115
Buick 118
Industry Average 118
Acura 119
Kia 119
Nissan 124
Volvo 124
BMW 126
GMC 127
Mazda 127
Volkswagen 128
Hummer 132
Subaru 133
Scion 138
Dodge 141
Chrysler 142
Mitsubishi 149
Saab 149
Suzuki 152
Saturn 157
Land Rover 161
Mini 163
Jeep 167

Scores are based on rounded figures for problems per 100 vehicles.
Isuzu and Smart were not included due to small sample size.

Source: J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study

[Clark2008]

27. Hmmm. J.D. Powers isn't parked in my driveway.

[Midlodemocrat]

14. We have a 2004 Camry that hasn't had one single thing wrong with it.

My aunt has always owned them. No problems. Well into 200,000 miles. :shrug:

[Muttocracy]

16. if Toyota has most recalls (which I doubt) it's because they're the biggest sellers.

I'm on my 3rd Honda well over 100,000 miles and can't see myself buying anything but Honda in the future.

[ET Awful]

18. That and Toyota will issue a "recall" for something that GM or Ford would never pay attention to.

The things that GM, Ford, etc. would say is just a customer problem and to deal with it, Toyota will issue a recall for.

Example? My grandmother got a notice several years ago about a "recall" on her Camry. It was for a faulty clamp/clip for the sun visors.

[Clark2008]

33. Bullshit

I got a recall for a hood ornament do-hickey on my Ford.

See... I guess that wasn't in J.D. Powers. :eyes:

[ET Awful]

36. So, what you're really saying is that you just hate the Japanese automakers

Simply because you needs something to hate.

[Ilsa]

23. What kind of Ford do you have? I haven't seen

anything new, other than a Focus, that get great mileage.

[Clark2008]

29. Ford Mustang -

I have a straight-shift, which improves the sticker mileage specifications.

I spend $30 and drive about 200 miles a week.

[ET Awful]

34. Hmmmm

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/02/ford-recalls-43.html

"Ford has issued a recall for 434,593 Mustangs from the 2005-08 model years. . . ."

[Clark2008]

37. Um... mine's turned off.

I am a small female.

And any airbag deployment would kill me - that's an industry problem, not a Ford Mustang problem.

[ET Awful]

41. Do you really want to continue this?

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_recalls/11/ford/mustang/index.html

And, just to throw some more fuel on the fire, let's see what Consumer Reports had to say:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/050309-10.htm

In "Most Satisfying", the models were:

* Small Cars: Toyota Prius, Scion xB, Honda Civic Hybrid, Mazda3

* Family/Large Sedans: Toyota Avalon, Honda Accord

* Upscale/Luxury Sedans: Lexus LS430, Acura TL, Acura TSX, Jaguar XJ

* Sports/Sporty Cars: Honda S2000, Chevrolet Corvette, Mini Cooper, BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, BMW M3, Subaru Impreza WRX, Mazda WX-5 Miata

* Coupes/Convertibles: Lexus SC430, Mercedes-Benz SL

* Minivans: Toyota Sienna

* Small SUVs: Honda Element, Subaru Forester

* Midsized SUVs: Lexus RX330, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Lexus GX470, Toyota 4Runner

* Large SUVs: Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX470

* Pickup trucks: Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

In "Least Satisfying", the models were:

* Small Cars: Saturn Ion, Mitsubishi Lancer, Dodge Neon, Chevrolet Cavalier sedan, Nissan Sentra

* Family/Large Sedans: Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stratus

* Coupes/Convertibles: Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire, Mitsubishi Eclipse

* Minivans: Dodge Caravan (4-cylinder)

* Small SUVs: Mitsubishi Outlander, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki XL-7, Land Rover Freelander

* Midsized SUVs: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Lincoln Aviator (2WD), Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT

* Pickup trucks: Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series

[Sherman A1]

19. I bought a Toyota Yaris for my daily commute in Feb

Just felt the cost v benefit to be better for the Yaris (10k less). Getting about 37-39 mpg in mixed driving. I really wanted to buy an American car but none of them could match the mpg and that was the primary motivating factor. I will say I kept my 1998 Ford Ranger (including all the parts that were made in other countries). So the buy American thing isn't always as it appears.......

[Ilsa]

20. I haven't seen anything in "regular sized" car made by GM, Ford, etc

that comes close to the gas mileage offered by the Prius. They try, but none of them are up there in the 40+ mpg for a car that seats 4 comfortably and safely.

[spinbaby]

22. I bought mine last summer

69.8 mpg on my way in to work this morning.

[Clark2008]

25. OK... I'll just end this.

I HATE FOREIGN CARS.

They're ugly, more expensive to purchase, more expensive to fix and have absolutely no personality.

This is not the 1980s. American cars are just as good, but less expensive. Heck, I can't even afford one of those ugly bubbles. Why would I want to spend MORE money I don't have on something that ugly?

I like sports cars. I like SOME sedans (very few these days, they also look like bubbles). I just don't get the Prius attaction, what-so-ever. I think the Mini-Cooper (as foreign cars go) is much more attractive, but it's still not a sleek sports car.

Sorry, I don't like foreign cars. I never have. I never will.

And, FWIW, my husband's foreign POS is in the shop monthly and mine isn't and his car isn't that old. My ex-husband's foreign POS was in the shop constantly, too. So was my former boyfriend's foreign car. My 1995 Mustang, though, didn't even need breaks until it was 8 years old!! I traded it when the clutch finally went out just because I liked the newer model Mustangs better.

I'm sorry - what personal experience I have with Japanese and German cars has been lousy.

So, I'm out. Until someone makes an AFFORDABLE hybrid that doesn't look like a bouncy ball, I won't be making that purchase.

[Muttocracy]

28. ok, just don't pretend personal preference and small sample size is data. nt

[Clark2008]

30. OK - just don't shove those ugly pieces of crap in my face

and tell me J.D. Powers is the end-all be-all.

It's not.

[Muttocracy]

32. ugly is not = reliability. I'm not shoving anything at you. didn't say JD Powers is everything

Wow, you're really hostile.

[Clark2008]

35. Not hostile

Just tired of this tired old 1980s "Foreign is better than American" bullhockey.

It's not.

[ET Awful]

39. Not hostile?

You're the one hurling profanity and insults.

[LeftyMom]

46. I don't take car advice from anybody who can't spell brakes.

:shrug:

Here's the deal- you like sporty domestic cars. Good for you, that's pretty much the only kind of regular sized car American makes still do a good job with (the other would be large sedans, which are mostly fleet cars anyhow.) Other people buy for reliability, MPG, or other criteria that work better for them, and buy cars that meet those needs. This doesn't make you right or them right, it just means you like different things.

But if you think Ford makes more reliable cars than Toyota, you're going to have to get the rest of us some pictures of your planet.

-LM, happy Saturn owner

[Muttocracy]

31. It's too bad Honda quit making the Insight too - with a little more insight

into the future, they could have seen it would be selling like mad now! Some friends got one of the last ones and they love it.

[rustydad]

38. Prius is a stupid car

The Prius is a very poor technology. Yes it can get 50 mpg. Yes it captures wasted energy from braking. Yes it accelerates great. But and big BUT it is expensive and it's better mileage can be bested by a much simpler design. A pure electric is the answer to provide safe transportation for most people. An all electric car can be made that goes over 100 miles on a charge and still carry four adults and provide some storage. And it can be made for under $15,000. How many people need to go over 100 miles a day? Bob

[ET Awful]

40. None of the reasons you list make it "stupid".

So tell me, if I have an electric car that gets 100 miles to a charge, and I have to drive to Hartford, CT from Lowell, MA and back in the same day, how exactly do I do that?

Won't have time to plug it in and charge it when I get there. Temperatures are going to be over 90 degrees tomorrow, can't run AC in an all electric (that any current technology would allow) and get anywhere close to the trip distance you list.

Until they improve battery technology, hybrids are the best thing there is.

Come back to me in another 5 years after the battery technology can provide me the same travel time between "fill-ups" (whether they be gas or re-charge of a battery) and still allow me to travel in comfort.

[Bluebear]

44. 'The Prius is a very poor technology.' - Eh?

[AlGore-08.com]

45. I got my Prius in 2005 - - had to wait 6 months for it to arrive

I luvs me my Prius...

[postulater]

48. Drove my wife's to work today. 55 mpg.

We bought it just because it was the best available technology. I'd love an electric plug-in.