Honda Shuttle 2015 v Toyota Prius 2014

pajosjunkbox

Hi all,

Thinking of changing my Honda FRV 1.8 EX 2008. The tax is high and it recently took my three attempts to pass NCT.

This would be a 2nd car for short runaround trips hence why I'm looking at hybrid. Probably 7 - 8 k km per year.

I have been looking at Jap imports as they seem to be cheaper and prices seem to be falling at the moment. Lots of cars advertised are not moving quickly.

Anybody have any opinions on 2014/ 15 proud versus 2015 Honda shuttle. Will they be hassle free and prove to be ultra reliable for years to come ?

Thanks.

Hellrazer

Id stay away from the shuttle - parts availabilty is crap. They werent sold in Europe so theres no equivalent model if you did need parts.

Theyre based on the Fit and is probably fitted with the dual clutch system - absolute piece of junk and the clutch packs are burning out in them - parts supply is Japan only - could be waiting months.

Stick with the Prius and I say that as big Honda supporter. If youre dead set on a Honda go Insight or any other model that has a Euro equivalent.

Avoid the "Grace"-- theres dealers selling them as "Grace" Civics and they couldnt be further from a civic is they tried. Again no parts available.

pajosjunkbox

Hi Hellrazer ,

Thanks for all the info. I didn't know that about the dual clutch. I thought the fits were ultra reliable. I've had 2 Honda cars with the 1.8 engine and loved them.

I'm set on a hybrid as it would suit my driving so might stick with the Prius. I take it most Taxi drivers can't be wrong !

Hellrazer

Its only the later model Fits that have the problem. 2014 and earlier are ok depending on teh VIN - if it starts with GP1 its ok - If its GP5 its the one Id avoid.

Honda are ultra reliable - its just that if on te eoff chance something went wrong you could be waiting. I got a spate of the dual clutch packs burning out in the Fits and couldnt get bits for them anywhere. Usually it was caused by lack of gear oil changes and thats what did the clutch packs in but when you buy a jap import without a history that where it can cause problems.

Personally I have a 2014 Insight thats been bullet proof.Next car is an Accord Hybrid import.

pajosjunkbox

I heard the insights were bulletproof alright but not a big fan of how it looks. Prefer the look of the Prius. I think prices are starting to drop somewhat so I'll keep looking. Thanks for the info.

Is there anything I should be looking out for regarding the Prius ?

Ben1993

I've had a 2016 Honda Shuttle for the last year now. Driven 32,400km I get 24.3km/l(70% country roads 30% N roads and motorways) . Loads of space with the brilliant Honda magic seats. 7speed gearbox with the electric motor giving really smooth ride. The shuttle can cruise at 90kmph in full electric compared to 60kmph in the prius.

The only thing I have had to lift the bonnet for is to top up washer fluid and the last 2 services. Oil change and filters only costed me 95 euros in the garage down the road from me.

No real issues to get parts as they are common across the range.

Hope this helps