Prius - Is it for me?

gooner99

Hi.Just want to throw this out to see if you think a prius would suit me.

We currently have 2 cars a 2004 vw golf 1.4l with 150k miles on it. Not a bother with it from new apart from usual servicing and suspension and brake parts. The other car is a 2000 mazda 323 1.3l with 150k miles on it also. I''ve had the golf from new, so know it has a very good history. The wife use it and probably puts about €40 into her every week.The mazda has been a great servant too and the engine is still fine, but the body has seen better days. I will try to NCT it again in a couple of months, but she just made it through last year,so might be a struggle this time round. Put about €30 into her weekly and use it to travel to work and back, which is approx round trip of 30km.

Assuming the Mazda does not pass the test and is not worth fixing I'm trying to see what my best options are. It's won't be worth much, maybe a couple of hundred or scrap, so will be looking to replace it and run the replacement as the primary car and keep the Golf as the second car.

I suppose I have a few options.

1. Buy another mid sized petrol engined 2008+ as the primary car and use the savings on tax to help fuel it, assuming there are any post 2008 tax benefits from petrol engined cars.

2. Buy a mid sized diesel as the primary car, but with and average millage of 15k miles/24k kms it might be a bit too low and might not make sense given the higher up front price and the potential for engine problems.

3. Buy a prius mk2 or mk3 as the primary car. My millage would probably suit it better than a diesel and the general mix of country driving at low/mid speeds may be ok to get decent mpg from it too. One problem is that even though I've been driving for 20 years I have never driven an automatic car and there seems to be a scarcity of prius around my neck of the woods, so hard to get a good long test drive to see if I like it .

What do you guys think given my yearly mileage. Would a prius suit the type of driving I do?

I live a fair bit from a Toyota dealer and would need to take a day off work just to get it serviced. I take it that when it would be out of warranty that a indy could service the ICE part of the engine, but it would still need to go back to Toyota yearly for battery and other checks?

toyotaavensis

I think the type of driving you do would suit a prius nicely and would give you good mpg.

I think servicing is once every 10000 miles. Most dealers will open saturdays if that suits. Others will do early morning servicing. I know a former toyota main dealer who used do a workmans special. Bring your car in at 0700 and be out the door before 0800.

Service included free scones.

Gooner99, I do 40k to 45K kms in the Prius per year and average 4.4 L/100kms in Summer and 4.6-4.8 in winter which is pretty damn good for a petrol automatic using 10 year old technology in the MK II.

Most diesels of equivalent size and even smaller that are manual cars have trouble reaching those figures which are real calculated mostly by pump reading.

It does take time and practice to get the most out of the hybrid system and it's far more involving to drive if you want.

Maintenance on the prius is as simple as general oil change and filter every 10 k miles or 15k kms. and sparks every 60,000 or so.

No timing belts only 1 belt for the water pump.

The hybrid system requires 0 maintenance this included the high voltage traction battery.

The gearbox oil is recommended by enthusiasts to be changed every 100,000 miles as independent studies on the priuschat U.S forum found the oil change to be highly recommended. And I'm glad I did mine as the oil was manky the garage that did mine said, so they said they will be recommending it for any prius they get in. The gearbox houses the traction motor and generator.

There have been a few recalls for the steering, accelerator and water pump and the recent one which I've heard nothing about. You must check this has been done.

Nothing has failed on my MK II in 112,000 miles.

I bet that if you buy one you will not want to go back to diesel.

If you can stretch to the MK III it is nicer inside and it's engine is a lot quieter to accelerate. But most of the time it's quiet anyway and in town silent.

Don't be tempted to hit the EV button as it will drain the battery within 1 mile, it's best to use ev mode at lights when the engine refuses to switch off mainly due to the cabin heat up too high, I usually find 20 deg comfortable sometimes 19 but that's me.

I'm overall very happy with it but I'm rather bored of it now after 3 years, I usually like to change every 3 years if I can, I won't be getting another diesel, and hope my next one can be the MK III or Nissan Leaf.

anthony4335

I think that the Prius is the best way to go, at least it seemed that way for me and to be honest not fav car I have ever owned but it is a great car and I do similar mileage to you. My return is around 54mpg winter time and 57mpg during the summer. A guy I work with just purchased his 3rd one, his first was 10 years old, from new 180k miles on the clock without a bother. So if you want reliable ,efficient car I would recommend. As for been an auto the only issue you will have is that you will never want to drive an manual as your daily ever again.

deandean

Yes I am looking seriously at one myself, my budget would be about 10k.

I was very interested in a Leaf but mmitche's tale of woe has really put me off them!

Anyway about the Prius, the main criticism I have heard is that the driving experience leaves a bit to be desired - narrow tyres, relatively heavy car etc. But I have no first-hand experience.

Make sure you drive one before taking the leap.

best of luck!

Idbatterim

of course mad_lad has already arrived LOL. OP a Prius would be good for you if your requirement was a sports car, off road vehicle, people carrier etc... right mad_lad?

Buy another mid sized petrol engined 2008+ as the primary car and use the savings on tax to help fuel it, assuming there are any post 2008 tax benefits from petrol engined cars.

Given that both are currently small petrols, the tax savings moving to emissions will be minuscule. Often the premium for "da cheap tax" for an 07 v 08, could take a decade or more to recoup...

September1

I have no idea if you would like Prius, I do not like it too much. However comparing to my old 1.4 petrol manual car it does indeed save up to 2l per 100kms which means that every km is 3c cheaper or every mile is almost 5c cheaper - that is of course in best case, myabe 2c and 4c are safer numbers. If you can live with limitations then LEAF is way better, but at 24kkm diesel also does not sound bad.

TBi

I was definitely impressed with a mk3 Prius and i drive a Mini Cooper S. Well worth looking at and taking for a spin. I think English models are better spec'd than Irish ones though.

deandean

deandean wrote: »

I was very interested in a Leaf but mmitche's tale of woe has really put me off them!

Anyway about the Prius, the main criticism I have heard is that the driving experience leaves a bit to be desired - narrow tyres, relatively heavy car etc. But I have no first-hand experience.

Make sure you drive one before taking the leap.

best of luck!

Because of one problem with the Leaf you are afraid to touch one now ? one known problem like this in Europe and most of the U.S ?

Of course it's dodgy buying anything 2nd hand but it's covered under warranty.

The Prius also drives fine, and rides well mostly. It drives well for a car of 110 hp and the MK III has 134 total.

September1

September1 wrote: »

I have no idea if you would like Prius, I do not like it too much. However comparing to my old 1.4 petrol manual car it does indeed save up to 2l per 100kms which means that every km is 3c cheaper or every mile is almost 5c cheaper - that is of course in best case, myabe 2c and 4c are safer numbers. If you can live with limitations then LEAF is way better, but at 24kkm diesel also does not sound bad.

You may not like it much now after driving the Leaf but it was good enough before !

Sue I'd rather have a leaf too as the driving experience of high torque instantly available is very satisfying if you can spend the money in the first place.

As for the diesel, if someone is happy with the O'l tech rattle for the super 500 mile range then that's fine too. Each to their own.

toyotaavensis

toyotaavensis wrote: »

I think the type of driving you do would suit a prius nicely and would give you good mpg.

I think servicing is once every 10000 miles. Most dealers will open saturdays if that suits. Others will do early morning servicing. I know a former toyota main dealer who used do a workmans special. Bring your car in at 0700 and be out the door before 0800.

Service included free scones.

Why does someone automatically assume that the Prius suits the OP best because of his low yearly mileage ?

I do 20-25K miles per year in the Prius, I hardly consider that low mileage ?

This mileage can also be done in a Leaf with a 5-10 min fast charge over lunch while doing nothing just enough to get me home granted for now I'm 5 mins away from a fast charger.

toyotaavensis

He said he does lots of short trips as he says work is 15km away.
I never mentioned yearly milage.

toyotaavensis

toyotaavensis wrote: »

He said he does lots of short trips as he says work is 15km away.
I never mentioned yearly milage.

For 30 km round trip a leaf is more than perfect, but it would have a higher purchase price.

galwaytt

TBi wrote: »

I was definitely impressed with a mk3 Prius and i drive a Mini Cooper S. Well worth looking at and taking for a spin. I think English models are better spec'd than Irish ones though.

.....in fairness just type in 'steering' and 'r65 gearbox' + mini into Google and you'd run away screaming.........but yet they work...........and they sell.

To discount any car - ANY car - on one incident of anything would be daft.

toyotaavensis

I didnt mention the leaf

toyotaavensis

toyotaavensis wrote: »

I didnt mention the leaf

No should have typed that not quoting you, OOPS !

toyotaavensis

Deleted User wrote: »

No should have typed that not quoting you, OOPS !

You, me outside now:D

toyotaavensis

toyotaavensis wrote: »

You, me outside now:D

gooner99

Thanks all for the replies. Having the extra power of a diesel would not bother me. I've only ever driven 1.3 or 1.4 cars and they have been fine for me. Even the 1.4 75hp golf I have seems fine to me, yet loads think its really under powered.

I guess I could be on the lower end of being suitable for diesel. But given that most of my driving is on country roads for shortish runs then it may not give the best mpg. Also I've been put of a bit by the horror stories of DPF and other problems. I suppose when you add in the extra up front cost and extra maintenance, then you probably would need to be doing higher miles every Year.

I do like the idea of the Prius, the low day to day running costs, low maintenance costs and proven reliability.I guess I need to give one a good test drive to see how I like it. But as I have 2 pretty modest cars atm then I don't think it would disappoint. I guess going to the UK to source one may be the best way to go.

Any Prius owners on boards up here in Donegal with one that would be willing to give me a demo?

gooner99

gooner99 wrote: »

Thanks all for the replies. Having the extra power of a diesel would not bother me. I've only ever driven 1.3 or 1.4 cars and they have been fine for me. Even the 1.4 75hp golf I have seems fine to me, yet loads think its really under powered.

The Prius isn't underpowered, the motor gives it decent torque.

gooner99

Deleted User wrote: »

The Prius isn't underpowered, the motor gives it decent torque.

True,what I meant was that anything more powerful that the 1.4l 75hp golf would be a bonus.

TBi

galwaytt wrote: »

.....in fairness just type in 'steering' and 'r65 gearbox' + mini into Google and you'd run away screaming.........but yet they work...........and they sell.

To discount any car - ANY car - on one incident of anything would be daft.

Not really sure your point. I never discounted any car. Also i have an R56 which has none of those issues.

All i said was that i was impressed with the Prius even though i drive a very sporty car known for it's excellent handling. According to all reviews i read about the prius i'm exactly the kind of person who should hate it.

Joe Doe

Has anyone done a proper study into the health risks of sitting on top of bunch a 20kw energy cells and their emitting EMF for a couple of hours every day? Guessing it's not mentioned much in the glossy brochure...

Joe Doe

Joe Doe wrote: »

Has anyone done a proper study into the health risks of sitting on top of bunch a 20kw energy cells and their emitting EMF for a couple of hours every day? Guessing it's not mentioned much in the glossy brochure...

I bet if there is any effect at all (which I doubt) that it would be a million times less harmful than breathing in Diesel exhaust !

And I think you mean more than 20 kw and a lot more for a full ev 4-5 times as much.

TBi

Joe Doe wrote: »

Has anyone done a proper study into the health risks of sitting on top of bunch a 20kw energy cells and their emitting EMF for a couple of hours every day? Guessing it's not mentioned much in the glossy brochure...

I'd say if there were any averse affects from EMF of any sort from anything we'd have heard about it by now.

However I have heard that wearing a tin foil hat can protect you from the EMF.

Quite frankly i'm surprised you're even online, with all the EMF from the electricity flowing around you (cycling 60 times per second at 240 volts!) flowing through switch mode power supplies (also emitting EMF into you). I hope you use DSL and LAN, WiFi and 3G internet would be coursing EMF through you too. Also mobile phones would be a no go either.

Anyway, why are we talking about this instead of the Prius itself?

audioslave

Hey OP, only today was I shopping for the same. I was looking at importing from NI or UK as the prices here for a 08 are a little steep.
I have noticed that its a car that really has its haters though, I was reading some comments like "its slow, it needs special fuel, you need to change the battery every x miles" etc etc all bull! Theres a video on youtube dispelling myths of the prius..check it out.
Anyway, get in touch if you find a good source or want to chat about it.
best of luck

Joe Doe

I'd say if there were any averse affects from EMF of any sort from anything we'd have heard about it by now.

Yep there was nothing on the news about peoples houses and plyons being built near them vs underground cables, nothing at all, didn't hear nothin.

However I have heard that wearing a tin foil hat can protect you from the EMF.

ahh very tired commentary sir, ah sure its the old tin hats yadayada.

Quite frankly i'm surprised you're even online, with all the EMF from the electricity flowing around you (cycling 60 times per second at 240 volts!) flowing through switch mode power supplies (also emitting EMF into you). I hope you use DSL and LAN, WiFi and 3G internet would be coursing EMF through you too. Also mobile phones would be a no go either.

If you haven't heard of the following simple solutions to all of the above, sure try the googlebot for the following i) grounding rods ii) grounded mouse mats ii) cable based interwebben iii) dongles on 10m cables iv) airtube headsets for mobiles.

Anyway, why are we talking about this instead of the Prius itself?

So the Prius isn't using any type of electric or hybrid based fuel cells, doesn't have a electric motor? All petrol is it? ah sure its my mistake...lol

Good in concept but electric cars are still a long way off being green for you and the environment.

TBi

Joe Doe wrote: »

Yep there was nothing on the news about peoples houses and plyons being built near them vs underground cables, nothing at all, didn't hear nothin.

Lots of news but no facts, no one proving it was bad for you. Basically just a bunch of people who don't like the sight of them who 'think' it's bad for them. No science or medical research to back it up.

I heard a lot of stuff about vaccines on the news, telling me they would make kids autistic. Should i believe that? Or believe the medical scientists who proved it was a bunch of boloney?

Anyway, last comment on this. No point arguing with people who repeat nonsense that has not been scientifically proven. If you are going to reply to my comment then at least have the decency to link to a scientific study backing your assertions.

gooner99

What sort of prices are the main dealers charging for servicing, labour and parts on the prius and did you find it less or more expensive that any regular cars you owned in the past?

Any problems with the main dealers pulling a fast one and carrying out work that is not scheduled/needed, like replacing part worn brake pads which should really be good for many thousands of miles or charging big prices cause they think the customer will expect this given that the prius is and expensive new car that is perceived to be complex and as such should cost more to maintain than a regular car?

Just been reading a few bits on the net and one guy was talking bout the risk of letting the 12v battery go flat and trying to jump start it, which could damage the car and cost thousands to repair.I take it if the 12v goes flat then you need to remove it and charge it or replace it before you can use the car?

Soarer

Joe Doe wrote: »

Has anyone done a proper study into the health risks of sitting on top of bunch a 20kw energy cells and their emitting EMF for a couple of hours every day? Guessing it's not mentioned much in the glossy brochure...

I did. Tis grand like.

Joe Doe

Lots of major studies would say otherwise, below is just one of thousands, again try this new website called 'google' or something for yourself, I ain't to time to list every one for you. Industry will broadcast the other way when baseline profits are anyway affected.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-451238/Dont-build-schools-homes-near-pylons-warn-experts.html
(Report, published by SAGE, a collective of academics, medical charities and representatives of the electricity industry, points to compelling evidence of serious health dangers).

Not much news at all about pylons locally recently, yes property prices and views could be obstructed but also there is also major concerns always raised which directly relate to health issues, yes could all be superstition like when you walk under those ladders on friday the 13th...

http://www.thejournal.ie/explainer-whats-happening-with-electricity-pylons-and-why-is-it-such-a-big-issue-1265225-Jan2014/
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/huge-second-wave-of-pylons-planned-29872787.html
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/eirgrid-will-look-at-underground-pylon-plan-as-row-deepens-29779352.html

Similarly many local councils currently will 'legally forbid' mobile (2.4ghz radiation) mast erection within 500 meters of schools, probably again, just loosely based on 'gossip from the pub or could maybe be based on something like voodoo and lucky charms'.

So in summary: sitting right on top of a massive electric battery cell/field, completely risk free? Maybe, but as mentioned before, further study might be good idea.

// Vaccines? completely off topic.

Soarer

Yeah, we'll you can believe them or me.

I know who I believe!

BMJD

gooner99 wrote: »

What sort of prices are the main dealers charging for servicing, labour and parts on the prius and did you find it less or more expensive that any regular cars you owned in the past?

Any problems with the main dealers pulling a fast one and carrying out work that is not scheduled/needed, like replacing part worn brake pads which should really be good for many thousands of miles or charging big prices cause they think the customer will expect this given that the prius is and expensive new car that is perceived to be complex and as such should cost more to maintain than a regular car?

same as a Corolla/Avensis etc, the hybrid system doesn't require anything extra in terms of servicing

I can only speak about the Toyota dealer I bought from and use for servicing, I've had no issues whatsoever with them, they've been great so far.

toyotaavensis

Just to back up BMJD here is a toyota authorised repairers website in Cork with servicing costs
http://www.kearys.ie/servicing/servicingToyota/Toyota-Service-Menu.html

BMJD

Thanks, I couldn't find a price list. It's the same as at least 3 Toyota dealers in Dublin.

toyotaavensis

I assume all toyota main dealers or auth repairers are much the same on prices as if not people would start asking questions.

TBi

gooner99 wrote: »

Just been reading a few bits on the net and one guy was talking bout the risk of letting the 12v battery go flat and trying to jump start it, which could damage the car and cost thousands to repair.I take it if the 12v goes flat then you need to remove it and charge it or replace it before you can use the car?

From what i read that's generally only if you connect the jump leads backwards. The best way to charge the battery is with a trickle charger.

September1

TBi wrote: »

From what i read that's generally only if you connect the jump leads backwards. The best way to charge the battery is with a trickle charger.

I will check manual but I think you can jump start Prius, with only problem of battery being in the boot.

Soarer

Jaysus.

You jumpstart a prius under the bonnet, even though the batttery is in the boot. There's a +ve terminal inside in the fuse box, and an earth just outside. Attach your leads to these, and jump away.

650Ginge

Soarer wrote: »

Jaysus.

You jumpstart a prius under the bonnet, even though the batttery is in the boot. There's a +ve terminal inside in the fuse box, and an earth just outside. Attach your leads to these, and jump away.

Yep and have down it 6-7 times without issue. I think you aren't supposed to jump another car from a Prius.

HandsomeDan

Joe Doe wrote: »

Lots of major studies would say otherwise, below is just one of thousands, again try this new website called 'google' or something for yourself, I ain't to time to list every one for you. Industry will broadcast the other way when baseline profits are anyway affected.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-451238/Dont-build-schools-homes-near-pylons-warn-experts.html
(Report, published by SAGE, a collective of academics, medical charities and representatives of the electricity industry, points to compelling evidence of serious health dangers).

Not much news at all about pylons locally recently, yes property prices and views could be obstructed but also there is also major concerns always raised which directly relate to health issues, yes could all be superstition like when you walk under those ladders on friday the 13th...

http://www.thejournal.ie/explainer-whats-happening-with-electricity-pylons-and-why-is-it-such-a-big-issue-1265225-Jan2014/
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/huge-second-wave-of-pylons-planned-29872787.html
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/eirgrid-will-look-at-underground-pylon-plan-as-row-deepens-29779352.html

Similarly many local councils currently will 'legally forbid' mobile (2.4ghz radiation) mast erection within 500 meters of schools, probably again, just loosely based on 'gossip from the pub or could maybe be based on something like voodoo and lucky charms'.

So in summary: sitting right on top of a massive electric battery cell/field, completely risk free? Maybe, but as mentioned before, further study might be good idea.

// Vaccines? completely off topic.

<unhelpful post removed by moderator>

gooner99

gooner99 wrote: »

What sort of prices are the main dealers charging for servicing, labour and parts on the prius and did you find it less or more expensive that any regular cars you owned in the past?

Any problems with the main dealers pulling a fast one and carrying out work that is not scheduled/needed, like replacing part worn brake pads which should really be good for many thousands of miles or charging big prices cause they think the customer will expect this given that the prius is and expensive new car that is perceived to be complex and as such should cost more to maintain than a regular car?

Just been reading a few bits on the net and one guy was talking bout the risk of letting the 12v battery go flat and trying to jump start it, which could damage the car and cost thousands to repair.I take it if the 12v goes flat then you need to remove it and charge it or replace it before you can use the car?

I don't do the service on the prius myself because I can't be bothered and it's only about 110 ish for basic oil and filter change every 10K miles, more if you need sparks.

It also gives it a complete service record, actually I did 2 myself and realised that it's wan't that more expensive to give it to the garage.

They won't con me because I know the car and what it needs. In fact I had to request the gearbox oil be changed !

gooner99

Deleted User wrote: »

I don't do the service on the prius myself because I can't be bothered and it's only about 110 ish for basic oil and filter change every 10K miles, more if you need sparks.

It also gives it a complete service record, actually I did 2 myself and realised that it's wan't that more expensive to give it to the garage.

They won't con me because I know the car and what it needs. In fact I had to request the gearbox oil be changed !

Thanks for that Mad_Lad. When you say they won't con you, did they ever suggest something that wasn't needed or try to over charge?

How much extra for the sparks plugs and gearbox oil?

gooner99

gooner99 wrote: »

Thanks for that Mad_Lad. When you say they won't con you, did they ever suggest something that wasn't needed or try to over charge?

How much extra for the sparks plugs and gearbox oil?

No, but they know I'm not a fool when it comes to cars.

I honestly can't rem the cost of sparks, If I rem tomorrow I'll pull up a few bills.

I think the gearbox oil was 70 Euro's but gives me peace of mind, after all you do not want tiny fragments of metal in there to short out the motor windings and possibly damage the inverter.

I don't believe that any oil never needs to be changed.

BMJD

I'm pretty sure I was quoted €30 per plug from a main dealer a few months back, cuz "they're special ones". I'll be shopping around when they are due.

Edit: on a Gen III

galwaytt

BMJD wrote: »

I'm pretty sure I was quoted €30 per plug from a main dealer a few months back, cuz "they're special ones". I'll be shopping around when they are due.

Edit: on a Gen III

.....not uncommon to see plugs for motorcycles cost that tbh....

BMJD

BMJD wrote: »

I'm pretty sure I was quoted €30 per plug from a main dealer a few months back, cuz "they're special ones". I'll be shopping around when they are due.

Edit: on a Gen III

Irridum plugs are supposed to be good for 100K miles and Platinum about 60K miles.

So whatever price you can get them for.

gooner99

BMJD wrote: »

I'm pretty sure I was quoted €30 per plug from a main dealer a few months back, cuz "they're special ones". I'll be shopping around when they are due.

Edit: on a Gen III

Quick check. an online shop is showing only one option Blueprint Spark Plug @ €31.80 for a mk3 and several options for a mk3 ranging from €9.56 to €25.24 for the mk2

galwaytt

gooner99 wrote: »

Quick check. an online shop is showing only one option Blueprint Spark Plug @ €31.80 for a mk3 and several options for a mk3 ranging from €9.56 to €25.24 for the mk2

Exactly. Don't just buy any old plug. Make sure you buy proper spec ones. It's not as if you can bump start it. ..... computer won't like them either..

BMJD

Fair enough

gooner99

galwaytt wrote: »

Exactly. Don't just buy any old plug. Make sure you buy proper spec ones. It's not as if you can bump start it. ..... computer won't like them either..

True.I think they more expensive ones are long life.