Hello -
I'm considering one of the new '04s as a daily driver. I test drove an '03 and liked it and I am aware of what's going on with the model change.
But one thing I am going to need to do with the new Prius is to go to the mountains. Specifically, I am wondering how a new Prius would do on a 5 hour drive from Southern California to Mammoth Mountain in the cold and snow with four adults and a hatch full of snowboarding gear, not to mention two to four boards on the roof.
If you are not familiar with the trip, it's a long haul through California's Owens Valley. Very beautiful, but the last 40 miles are a consistent uphill grade from Bishop (el 4100 ft.) to Mammoth Lakes (el 8000 ft.)
I've seen a RAV4 struggle with two people, so I am concerned with all of the cargo, the extra wind resistance from the boards, the cold, and the long grade if this is too much to ask from the car?
Thanks!
I'm considering one of the new '04s as a daily driver. I test drove an '03 and liked it and I am aware of what's going on with the model change.
But one thing I am going to need to do with the new Prius is to go to the mountains. Specifically, I am wondering how a new Prius would do on a 5 hour drive from Southern California to Mammoth Mountain in the cold and snow with four adults and a hatch full of snowboarding gear, not to mention two to four boards on the roof.
If you are not familiar with the trip, it's a long haul through California's Owens Valley. Very beautiful, but the last 40 miles are a consistent uphill grade from Bishop (el 4100 ft.) to Mammoth Lakes (el 8000 ft.)
I've seen a RAV4 struggle with two people, so I am concerned with all of the cargo, the extra wind resistance from the boards, the cold, and the long grade if this is too much to ask from the car?
Thanks!