Prius

Ginny

Looking at picking up a 2008/2009 Prius.
Any advice?
Are the jap imports a complete no no?

colm_mcm

Personally I'd avoid the imports. I'm not anti Japanese imports or anything, but would never recommend getting a Jdm hybrid.

Mk3 (current model 1.8) Prius are making strong money, funnily enough you can get a Lexus CT200h for less money, which is the same basic thing. There is also the auris hybrid which uses the same drivetrain,
You can pick up mk2 (1.5) models cheaper but many have high mileage.

Nemeses2050

I replaced my 03 Passat with 05 Prius recently and so far I like it, it's comfy, easy on petrol and its spacious too, Ok the boot isn't big as Passat's but still spacious enough. I checked with my mechanic and the only big expense would be the cost of replacing Hybrid battery ( but I was told they're for life) - that's my 2 cents.

Oafley Jones

The Mark IV should be on sale soon, so that should help Bring the prices down.

Ginny

Thanks guys, looking at something like this http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/toyota/prius/used-2009-toyota-prius-only-74-00-dublin-fpa-200914454479066650

Currently have a 1.6 petrol 307 station wagon and its costing a small fortune in fuel. Will be doing at least 40kms a day commute. Need something that will fit 2 toddlers and all their crap.
Was looking at hond civic saloon hybrid and Honda insight, but I'm assuming the Prius is a better investment.

BionicRasher

colm_mcm wrote: »

Personally I'd avoid the imports. I'm not anti Japanese imports or anything, but would never recommend getting a Jdm hybrid.

Mk3 (current model 1.8) Prius are making strong money, funnily enough you can get a Lexus CT200h for less money, which is the same basic thing. There is also the auris hybrid which uses the same drivetrain,
You can pick up mk2 (1.5) models cheaper but many have high mileage.

Interested in Prius also and wonder why you say avoid Jap imports. There seems to be some nice deals out there at the moment in Honda and Toyota hybrid but wonder should I avoid looking at imports

colm_mcm

I would avoid them as I wouldn't be certain that the hybrid system and diagnostics can be worked on by Irish dealers. I worked in a Toyota dealer where a Jdm toyota hybrid estima was a financial write off as a fault with the hybrid system developed and nobody could diagnose the problem and even if they could you'd have been looking at buyin parts from Japan for it. now there may be some interchangability between European and jdm models.
if you have a hybrid system issue it's really a main dealer only job.

oregano

colm_mcm wrote: »

I would avoid them as I wouldn't be certain that the hybrid system and diagnostics can be worked on by Irish dealers. I worked in a Toyota dealer where a Jdm toyota hybrid estima was a financial write off as a fault with the hybrid system developed and nobody could diagnose the problem and even if they could you'd have been looking at buyin parts from Japan for it. now there may be some interchangability between European and jdm models.
if you have a hybrid system issue it's really a main dealer only job.

I wouldn't be so negative. The estima / Previa hybrid was iirc not sold in Ireland so fixing it was always going to be a nightmare. Feck all Prius or insights have issues with their batteries in the first instance, and there are people out there who can fix anything, should the highly improbable happen. I will admit I've a vested interest (and my current wife drives a jdm Prius daily) but I've seen some massive miler jdm hybrids go on and on. Op is talking about buying a car for less than 10k I assume ... He / she may well save 4k a year in ownership compared to their current daily driver. That's a bet worth considering surely. That said, I much prefer the insight to drive, it feels more like a car than the boat like Prius of 2009 to me

colm_mcm

I think the Prius itself is a great car, and know that they can do huge miles. I'd just have concerns about bits under the skin being slightly different. Mainly electronic.

OP isn't doing huge mileage on the commute, 12,000km per year. Even at a pessimistic 25mog that's only a shade over €2k a year spent on fuel. Even if the Prius does twice the mpg it's a saving of €1k a year.
Obviously there will be other driving done too, but I think saying €4k a year isn't realistic. Even when cheap tax is taken into account.

Atlantic Dawn

The radio/information unit will be in Japanese or else will have been replaced by an aftermarket unit that will look rubbish, stick to a UK/Irish model.

Barr

colm_mcm wrote: »

I would avoid them as I wouldn't be certain that the hybrid system and diagnostics can be worked on by Irish dealers. I worked in a Toyota dealer where a Jdm toyota hybrid estima was a financial write off as a fault with the hybrid system developed and nobody could diagnose the problem and even if they could you'd have been looking at buyin parts from Japan for it. now there may be some interchangability between European and jdm models.
if you have a hybrid system issue it's really a main dealer only job.

Is there any issue with UK imports , would they have the same diagnostics as Irish cars ?

gooner99

I could be wrong, but I'd imagine UK and Irish models use exactly the same 1.5 ice engine, synergy drive, etc. I'd imagine the only difference would be specs and badges.

I have one on my shortlist too, along with corolla hatch 1.4 and civic 1.8. I need to get a spin in one, but they are few and far between up here in Donegal. They say they are an acquired taste.

But from what I've read they are about the most reliable cars on the road and cheap to run in every way.

colm_mcm

Barr wrote: »

Is there any issue with UK imports , would they have the same diagnostics as Irish cars ?

they'd be identical

Barr

Is there any value in bringing them in from the UK , the VRT is very low on the Prius.

Atlantic Dawn

Barr wrote: »

Is there any value in bringing them in from the UK , the VRT is very low on the Prius.

With the rate of sterling it doesn't seem worthwhile now. Only thing to watch out for on VRT is leather adds quite a lot.

colm_mcm

I know on the Irish ones, if you get leather you also get a heap of other nice things too.
I never liked Priuss with leather for some reason. It just isn't that kind of car. The self-park is cool though, for a 2004 model car.

corks finest

Ginny wrote: »

Thanks guys, looking at something like this http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/toyota/prius/used-2009-toyota-prius-only-74-00-dublin-fpa-200914454479066650

Currently have a 1.6 petrol 307 station wagon and its costing a small fortune in fuel. Will be doing at least 40kms a day commute. Need something that will fit 2 toddlers and all their crap.
Was looking at hond civic saloon hybrid and Honda insight, but I'm assuming the Prius is a better investment.

As an insight driver,mpg is the same,,,get more car for your money,,both are reliable,,but you can get a good spec insight for far less than a hybrid,, in v happy with mine,,,,,great on juice,reliable,automatic, climate, etc

corks finest

BionicRasher wrote: »

Interested in Prius also and wonder why you say avoid Jap imports. There seems to be some nice deals out there at the moment in Honda and Toyota hybrid but wonder should I avoid looking at imports

Bought an imported Honda insight, spotless, v low mileage,spotless,no difference in my insurance

Ginny

So other the normal service history etc. Is there anything i need to look out for on the prius or insight?

corks finest

colm_mcm wrote: »

I would avoid them as I wouldn't be certain that the hybrid system and diagnostics can be worked on by Irish dealers. I worked in a Toyota dealer where a Jdm toyota hybrid estima was a financial write off as a fault with the hybrid system developed and nobody could diagnose the problem and even if they could you'd have been looking at buyin parts from Japan for it. now there may be some interchangability between European and jdm models.
if you have a hybrid system issue it's really a main dealer only job.

Wrong,,,my car jap import,,Honda insight was worked on diagnostics etc,,Johnson and perrots mahon point,and another Honda garage,,,software updates etc,,,all Prius,insight cars obviously have the same computers on board,be they Toyota,or Honda,,,they do sell June here

corks finest

Ginny wrote: »

So other the normal service history etc. Is there anything i need to look out for on the prius or insight?

Yes they require specifies transmission, and engine oil,,,only thing to look out for is the unusual extra money in your pockets

corks finest

corks finest wrote: »

As an insight driver,mpg is the same,,,get more car for your money,,both are reliable,,but you can get a good spec insight for far less than a hybrid,, in v happy with mine,,,,,great on juice,reliable,automatic, climate, etc

Ginny,,,nice looking Prius,,, years warranty,,,where could you go wrong,,,in my experience hybrids are the way to go

Atlantic Dawn

corks finest wrote: »

Wrong,,,my car jap import,,Honda insight was worked on diagnostics etc,,Johnson and perrots mahon point,and another Honda garage,,,software updates etc,,,all Prius,insight cars obviously have the same computers on board,be they Toyota,or Honda,,,they do sell June here

Eh, why would they be the same computer? They are a separate company and neither car shares any parts that I am aware of.

corks finest

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Eh, why would they be the same computer? They are a separate company and neither car shares any parts that I am aware of.

I meant,Toyota or,Honda in Ireland/Japan have the same Toyota computer as a Toyota or Honda bought in Japan doh

corks finest

corks finest wrote: »

I meant,Toyota or,Honda in Ireland/Japan have the same Toyota computer as a Toyota or Honda bought in Japan doh

Honda in Ireland has exact computer on board as one in Japan etc,etc

corks finest

corks finest wrote: »

Honda in Ireland has exact computer on board as one in Japan etc,etc

Give me strength

corks finest

corks finest wrote: »

Give me strength

Jokeeeee

Atlantic Dawn

corks finest wrote: »

I meant,Toyota or,Honda in Ireland/Japan have the same Toyota computer as a Toyota or Honda bought in Japan doh

Well you should have said that then., doh.

corks finest

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Well you should have said that then., doh.

Just did,doh

Barr

Is the insight as good as a prius?

corks finest

Barr wrote: »

Is the insight as good as a prius?

Don't k,never drove one,from what I read ,you get more bang for your buck ref the insight,one third difference on new price,,,different animal altogether,, share some similarities,,, personally I like my insight better,,more quirky,,sounds like a normal car when driving,not silent,but Toyota is a great brand,I looked at both,picked the insight though,,,one man's meat etc,all I know is the Honda's reliable,economic,automatic,, so it suits me

run_Forrest_run

seriously corks finest, what's the story with the commas?

Interesting thread, I'm considering a hybrid for my next car so this is good reading.

Barr

corks finest wrote: »

Don't k,never drove one,from what I read ,you get more bang for your buck ref the insight,one third difference on new price,,,different animal altogether,, share some similarities,,, personally I like my insight better,,more quirky,,sounds like a normal car when driving,not silent,but Toyota is a great brand,I looked at both,picked the insight though,,,one man's meat etc,all I know is the Honda's reliable,economic,automatic,, so it suits me

So an insight costs one third less than a prius when new - that is a lot when there appears to very little between the cars.

I'm surprised the insight are not more popular in that case.

colm_mcm

the insight is neither as advanced or as substantial as the Prius. No disrespect to anyone driving them.

They're both hybrids, but they're very different.

oregano

colm_mcm wrote: »

the insight is neither as advanced or as substantial as the Prius. No disrespect to anyone driving them.

They're both hybrids, but they're very different.

Certainly the Prius feels like there's a lot more modernity going on, I agree. Similar mpg and reliability, the insight is also lower in the drivers seat so the infirm find them harder to get in and out of. I exit a narrow lane from work each day where mummy's like to shove their prams out before looking; the silence of the Prius can catch them unawares, while the insight engine kicks in from start. Stupid reason to prefer it over the Prius, but it matters

BionicRasher

Is the Insight still in production?
Seems there is no availability of post 2012 cars that I can find

corks finest

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

seriously corks finest, what's the story with the commas?

Interesting thread, I'm considering a hybrid for my next car so this is good reading.

,

corks finest

corks finest wrote: »

,

Comma,,,,as in ,pause for thought, after each commaaaaaaaaaaa,,,,get it?,,,,,,,,

Soarer

Not a lot of Insight there!

I'll get me coat.

BionicRasher

Soarer wrote: »

Not a lot of Insight there!

I'll get me coat.

You couldn't Pry us away from this Insightful conversation!!

I already have me coat and wellies and I'm out the gap!

corks finest

Soarer wrote: »

Not a lot of Insight there!

I'll get me coat.

Make sure it's not insight out

acronym Chilli

corks finest wrote: »

Comma,,,,as in ,pause for thought, after each commaaaaaaaaaaa,,,,get it?,,,,,,,,

sort of like....

,,,,,chameleon

corks finest

acronym Chilli wrote: »

sort of like....

,,,,,chameleon

Yep,come to the conclusion,,,, buy a Prius,and an insight

Barr

This is the most commas , I have seen in the one thread …. EVER

corks finest

quote="Barr;97554692"]This is the most commas , I have seen in the one thread …. EVER[/quote]

Ever?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Atlantic Dawn

What is the Prius like to drive? Would it feel pretty much the same as any automatic car or is the gearing all different?

jackofalltrades

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

What is the Prius like to drive?

It's not that bad to drive at all.
I've driven one on windy country roads and thought the handling was alright, if a little dead in feel.
If you put it in power mode acceleration is quite good, especially for overtaking.

Would it feel pretty much the same as any automatic car or is the gearing all different?

It's a CVT, so there's "no changing through the gears" feel that you'd get in a DCT or Torque converter automatic.

Soarer

The gearbox is like a moped. Like one constant gear.

Love the cvt gearbox. Much smoother than a normal auto.

BionicRasher

Still in the market and the Prius is really winning me over at the moment. However there seems to be the same 30-40 cars on the market over the past few weeks.
Would I be better off holding out to purchase a 3rd gen Prius in the New Year considering the 4th gen will be available soon after (Feb I believe) Would there be additional stock floating about then? Would prices change dramatically

(context here is that we are currently down to 1 car as our Picasso has been off the road for 8 weeks getting repaired. we have had the loan of a car to tide us over but we need to purchase sooner rather than later)

oregano

BionicRasher wrote: »

Still in the market and the Prius is really winning me over at the moment. However there seems to be the same 30-40 cars on the market over the past few weeks.
Would I be better off holding out to purchase a 3rd gen Prius in the New Year considering the 4th gen will be available soon after (Feb I believe) Would there be additional stock floating about then? Would prices change dramatically

(context here is that we are currently down to 1 car as our Picasso has been off the road for 8 weeks getting repaired. we have had the loan of a car to tide us over but we need to purchase sooner rather than later)

I doubt we will see any particular drop in resale value. I was at the auction today, the 3rd gen Prius sold for much more than I paid for one last month. The VW diesels sold for dramatically less than previously. Hybrid is the way forward, resale won't be an issue. In my opinion, anyway.

Soarer

Even with Sterling being strong, I'd head to the UK for one.

that's where I got our last 2 Priuses (plural?).