[Guest]

I'm considering buying a prius, but since I've been driving vw diesels for years, I wouldn't get much of a rush from the mileage. I live in Kennewick, Washington, which is a well ventilated area with clean air (except for the person driving behind me-- the tdi has almost 200,000). And I do a lot of freeway driving in windy conditions, where vw's excell. If I lived in Seattle, I'd buy one for sure.

But should I anyway? How good (or bad) is it on the freeway? If it wasn't for the low emisions and the good milage, would you still want one?

 

[Guest]

I assume you're aware that although the TDI gives the Prius a run for its money with regard to fuel economy, it can't touch it for non-CO2 emissions. Until european-style diesel is available in the US, even the TDI is considered a dirty car.

Without the low emissions and economy, I would still be very happy with the car, although I might baulk at $20k for it. Even then, with a $2k tax deduction and three years free servicing, it doesn't come out too bad. The luxury features such as climate control and electric heat are worth something for sure and, boy, is it a pleasure to drive!

I find my Prius to be just fine on the highway. I drove back to Boston from Ogunquit, Maine yesterday at 65 m.p.h. with passing bursts to 72 m.p.h. and couldn't fault it at all. Route 128 was pretty conjested and I had plenty of oomph to get around the inevitable middle lane dawdlers.

Since you do a lot of highway driving, add the Honda Civic Hybrid to your list of options too.

[%sig%]

 

[Guest]

I have driven diesels a fair amount too, but considering the true filth of the diesel, I have to agree totally with Graham. America diesel oil is dirty and a proven carcinogen. So I hope you also do not like the people behind you. Prius by its very nature cannot be used to commit suicide in your garage. You can sit there a real long time without asphixiating :>)...
I guess you might starve first in the garage.

steve d.
02 super white 20800 miles.

[%sig%]

 

[Guest]

Be prepared for VERY LOW (12000 miles) tire mileage. We got 13500, but we drove slow, worked close to home and could afford a flat tire. You can't on the FWY.

Check replacement tire prices. These are a special size, not mass market and not available at SAM's club.

You will get mileage somewhat less than CU's number = 41, with FWY driving.

Finally, if you test drive - pay NO ATTENTION to the display gas mileage. It consistently reads 4-5 mpg high. The real mileage is what you put in the tank (over several tankfuls) divided by mileage.

 

[ricktrue]

Be prepared for VERY LOW (12000 miles) tire mileage. We got 13500, but we drove slow, worked close to home and could afford a flat tire. You can't on the FWY.

Check replacement tire prices. These are a special size, not mass market and not available at SAM's club.

You will get mileage somewhat less than CU's number = 41, with FWY driving.

Finally, if you test drive - pay NO ATTENTION to the display gas mileage. It consistently reads 4-5 mpg high. The real mileage is what you put in the tank (over several tankfuls) divided by mileage.

did you change tire size when you replaced the originals?

 

[mrv]

Be prepared for VERY LOW (12000 miles) tire mileage. We got 13500, but we drove slow, worked close to home and could afford a flat tire. You can't on the FWY.

Check replacement tire prices. These are a special size, not mass market and not available at SAM's club.

You will get mileage somewhat less than CU's number = 41, with FWY driving.

Finally, if you test drive - pay NO ATTENTION to the display gas mileage. It consistently reads 4-5 mpg high. The real mileage is what you put in the tank (over several tankfuls) divided by mileage.

did you change tire size when you replaced the originals?

Actually, some people have found replacement Michelins at Sam's Club... The P175R65 isn't uncommon, it's just that you have to find a tire with the proper load rating and a close rev/mile.

for a comparison of the VW Beetle TDI with a Prius, check out:
http://www.insightcentral.net/compare-h ... sight.html

 

[john1701a]

Re: prius vs tdi (& tires)

TDI is more dirty than the average vehicle. Prius is less. Reducing smog-forming emissions (NOx & HC) was the primary goal of the Prius design. The fact that it also gets great MPG too is an added bonus.


> If it wasn't for the low emisions and the good mileage, would you still want one?

Lots owners love stealth (electric-only driving up to 42 MPH without the engine running). It's a feature only Prius offers. There's a bunch of other advantages too. You'll find them listed here http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-sellingpoints.htm


Check replacement tire prices. These are a special size, not mass market and not available at SAM's club.

I bought my Prius replacement tires at SAM's. Details are available here http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-tires.htm


JOHN
http://john1701a.com