ann m

My inner (and well-hidden) eco-warrior is considering trading in my comfortable bus for a Prius.

They have been around a few years now so:

a) they are more available and affordable, and
b) they have been around a few years now so I wondered how they were wearing.

Reviews that I find are all about the new model as it is released.

Anyone got one, anyone want one, anyone got any views on how they have "worn" over the past five years or so?

Oh, and of course, let the pisstaking begin.

Tangram

Not at all, but I would lean towards a good diesel.

Bill_S

A co-worker has one. He says it performs poorly in Cleveland winter conditions. When it isn't winter the car is just fine.

ann m

Ah.

GavinR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqY8F...eature=related

ann m

Thank you ... I'd seen the first one already.

Bill_S

I should offer some specifics... it's low to the ground, so deep snow is a problem. He lives on a side-street that is slow to be plowed, so getting to a main, well-plowed road in the morning after a snowfall is dicey. Similarly, if the plow truck leaves a berm at the bottom of the driveway it's a problem. Same deal in parking lots. Once the snow has been plowed away, things are much better.

I shift my 4Runner into 4WD and don't have to worry

Edited to add: he's had the thing for a few years and hasn't had any electrical or mechanical problems whatever.

GavinR

I would think that overall a Jetta TDi is more environmentally friendly and just as cheap to run.

GavinR

Also I believe the engine has to run much more in the winter to enable the heater to work.

Novocastrian

Much more than the VW TDi?

GavinR

Of course not, but part of the Prius's great in town fuel efficiency is it's ability to shut off it's engine whilst at a standstill etc. If that's not happening, then most of the gains you see in this particular area are greatly diminished. The Prius actually isn't any more efficient than a TDi on the highway. Diesel is (currently) cheaper too.

Oink

Sorry if this comes across as a little gauche but get what you want. Sod them, you're in Canada it's not your environment.

ann m

That's what my husband is considering.

ann m

Well, there is that ....

GavinR

I guess the other thing to think about is servicing. Brakes and running gear are presumably the same as any other vehicle however any electrical problems you'll be stuck with Toyota for ever and a day. I wonder how long the dealerships will continue to look after the older models. Many dealerships won't touch vehicles over x number of years old. When I worked at VW it was anything older than 8.