Is The Prius Right For Me?

[Sweens]

Hello all,

I've been following the forum for a while and enjoyed reading all your comments.

I am seriously considering taking the plunge and buying a Gen III T Spirit but I would really like some feedback from other owners as to whether the Prius is the car for me. I have had 2 short test drives, of a T3 and a T Spirit and I was really impressed, but I would be really interested to hear your comments on the following points:-

1. I live in the Peak District and am surrounded by, erm, peaks! I noticed on the test drive that, when going up a steep hill, the engine was quite loud and felt like it was struggling to keep the revs up. Was this my imagination or does the car struggle a little in hilly areas.

2. Interior space. I currently drive a Honda CR-V and I am worried as to whether the relatively shallow boot space would be useable enough. We have a four year old son and 2 spaniels who regularly travel with us. The 4 year old doesn't travel in the boot, but you know what I mean! Do you think I can comfortably fit 1 child seat, 2 dogs and a family's luggage inside. (I would have asked if I could try it at the dealers but thought they wouldn't be too impressed when the spaniels leapt in!!!)

3. Comfort. I drive all over the country for my work and amass a relatively high annual mileage. How do people find the comfort of the driver's seat for long journeys? I am around 6'2 and 15st. It felt very comfy on the test but wonder whether any problems are felt after a few hours at the wheel?

I am genuinely impressed with the car I tested. I love the refinement, the smooth ride, the layout of the dash/displays, the exterior looks and I found my test drives to be very relaxing. It ticks all the boxes and I just need reassurance on the above points before I sign on the dotted line!

Thanks a lot guys.

[ian rooke]

Hi the Gen 3 has a lot more power than the Gen 2 so will go uphill a lot easier

There is more boot space under the boot floor

Although not 6'2 I am 15 1/2 stone and find the car very comfortable on long runs

[Ancient Nerd]

Hello all,

I've been following the forum for a while and enjoyed reading all your comments.

I am seriously considering taking the plunge and buying a Gen III T Spirit but I would really like some feedback from other owners as to whether the Prius is the car for me. I have had 2 short test drives, of a T3 and a T Spirit and I was really impressed, but I would be really interested to hear your comments on the following points:-

1. I live in the Peak District and am surrounded by, erm, peaks! I noticed on the test drive that, when going up a steep hill, the engine was quite loud and felt like it was struggling to keep the revs up. Was this my imagination or does the car struggle a little in hilly areas.

Last September, someone tried following me up Rosedale Chimney in Yorkshire and failed miserably. I don't think the Peak District has many hills quite like that.

Don't confuse engine revs with power to the wheels. The CVT can do very strange things, but it isn't remotely intrusive. And don't forget that when you come down, you recover a fair bit of the energy you use on the way up.

2. Interior space. I currently drive a Honda CR-V and I am worried as to whether the relatively shallow boot space would be useable enough. We have a four year old son and 2 spaniels who regularly travel with us. The 4 year old doesn't travel in the boot, but you know what I mean! Do you think I can comfortably fit 1 child seat, 2 dogs and a family's luggage inside. (I would have asked if I could try it at the dealers but thought they wouldn't be too impressed when the spaniels leapt in!!!)

I can't really say as we don't have dogs any more. You will have to look carefully at where the dogs fit. It also depends on what breed of spaniel. Cockers would be OK, Springers could be more interesting.

3. Comfort. I drive all over the country for my work and amass a relatively high annual mileage. How do people find the comfort of the driver's seat for long journeys? I am around 6'2 and 15st. It felt very comfy on the test but wonder whether any problems are felt after a few hours at the wheel?

No problem. I've done 12,000 since getting the Prius in September and never any problems. I'm only 5'11" and 15st 10, but have plenty of leg and headroom in reserve. If the test drive was OK, you really shouldn't have a problem

I am genuinely impressed with the car I tested. I love the refinement, the smooth ride, the layout of the dash/displays, the exterior looks and I found my test drives to be very relaxing. It ticks all the boxes and I just need reassurance on the above points before I sign on the dotted line!

Thanks a lot guys.

It really is a very relaxing car to drive. I doubt you'll regret it, just make sure it's big enough for the dogs.

[phil4]

1. A few hills round here, none that I've had trouble with. Sure you have to boot it, the engine goes grrrrrrr... (for some reason in the cabin actually sounds like a sporty engine rather than an asthematic 1.4 litre Yaris engine), but you will get up the slope, and as others have said, unlike a manual or normal automatic gearbox, the CVT does some weird things, blending to the two power sources, hence your perception that the engine is out of steam, when in fact it's most likely going well (remember it'll only run out of revs close to the top speed of 110mph).

2. Sorry, no kids and a tiny (Pekingnese) dog, for which it does fine. You probably won't fit anything in the boot with the cover over, but with that tucked up, there's a fair bit of space.

3. Longest trip so far was to Newcastle and back from Oxford... so about 5 hours drive each way. Was fine, got out fresh as a daisy. A nice relaxing drives, seats I find comfy. All good. But then I'm not your dimensions, being 5'10" and a smidge under 16st.

Bit limited on what I can pass back, as different me and circumstances, but hope it helps.

[Sweens]

Hi the Gen 3 has a lot more power than the Gen 2 so will go uphill a lot easier

There is more boot space under the boot floor

Although not 6'2 I am 15 1/2 stone and find the car very comfortable on long runs

Yes I've seen the space under the boot and it's definitely a bonus. It's not the legroom that concerns me for the driving position so much as the back support, but I'm reassured that you have no problem on linger rumns.

Thanks for your advice.

[Sweens]

Thanks for the reply, Phil.

1. A few hills round here, none that I've had trouble with. Sure you have to boot it, the engine goes grrrrrrr... (for some reason in the cabin actually sounds like a sporty engine rather than an asthematic 1.4 litre Yaris engine), but you will get up the slope, and as others have said, unlike a manual or normal automatic gearbox, the CVT does some weird things, blending to the two power sources, hence your perception that the engine is out of steam, when in fact it's most likely going well (remember it'll only run out of revs close to the top speed of 110mph).

2. Sorry, no kids and a tiny (Pekingnese) dog, for which it does fine. You probably won't fit anything in the boot with the cover over, but with that tucked up, there's a fair bit of space.

3. Longest trip so far was to Newcastle and back from Oxford... so about 5 hours drive each way. Was fine, got out fresh as a daisy. A nice relaxing drives, seats I find comfy. All good. But then I'm not your dimensions, being 5'10" and a smidge under 16st.

Bit limited on what I can pass back, as different me and circumstances, but hope it helps.

The engine wasn't going grrrrrrrrrr so much as grrr, grrr, grrr, grrrr! But I definitely take the point about the behaviour of the CVT.

That is similar in length to a lot of my journeys so that's good news. I tend to do a mixture of motorway and A/B road but I'm quite a laidback driver so the style of the car should hopefully suit.

Thanks a lot, mate, it all helps!

[timberwolf]

Erm, I just thought it was worth noting that technically the Prius does not have a CVT gearbox.

I wondering how many drivers here expect to drive at a constant speed regardless of the terrain? My observation of my Gen 2, is that the Prius can be a nice quiet car if you are prepared to adjust the accelerator pedal to suit whether you are going up hill, level or down hill, and that losing a little speed going up hill isn't necessarily a bad thing - if you are willing to get away from the mindset that says you must always do exactly 78 mph or whatever all the time.

[Sweens]

Erm, I just thought it was worth noting that technically the Prius does not have a CVT gearbox.

I wondering how many drivers here expect to drive at a constant speed regardless of the terrain? My observation of my Gen 2, is that the Prius can be a nice quiet car if you are prepared to adjust the accelerator pedal to suit whether you are going up hill, level or down hill, and that losing a little speed going up hill isn't necessarily a bad thing - if you are willing to get away from the mindset that says you must always do exactly 78 mph or whatever all the time.

Good point Timberwolf. But the hill I was talking about on the test drive wasn't a 78 mph one. I was referring to a steep hill on a single track country lane, no more than 20mph. It's the sort of road I have to encounter every day so I needed to sample it.

[Ancient Nerd]

Erm, I just thought it was worth noting that technically the Prius does not have a CVT gearbox.

Hi Timberwolf,

Can you explain?

Toyota describe it as CVT, it behaves like a CVT transmission, it just isn't implemented with the usual variable diameter pulleys and a belt.

Don't take this the wrong way. I'm not flaming, it's just that I haven't heard your viewpoint elsewhere. Also any description I've seen of the Prius 'CVT' mechanism seems too simplistic to describe what really happens. So any links etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Sagitar]

Erm, I just thought it was worth noting that technically the Prius does not have a CVT gearbox.

Hi Timberwolf,

Can you explain?

Toyota describe it as CVT, it behaves like a CVT transmission, it just isn't implemented with the usual variable diameter pulleys and a belt.

Don't take this the wrong way. I'm not flaming, it's just that I haven't heard your viewpoint elsewhere. Also any description I've seen of the Prius 'CVT' mechanism seems too simplistic to describe what really happens. So any links etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

I too lifted my eyebrows slightly at Timberwolf's comment, but I think I know what he means.

I think it is the joining together of the terms "CVT" and "gearbox" that creates the difficulty.

If in talking of the "gearbox" we want to use the conventional interpretation i.e. an input shaft and an output shaft and some set of gears, or variable ratio belt or chain drives, or friction devices within the box. to enable us to vary the ratio of input speed to output speed then it's arguable that the Prius doesn't have one. Instead it uses a planetary gear system in which all the gears remain continuously engaged and retain their constant individual ratios, with multiple inputs and a computer controlling the rotational speed of those inputs to give the required output shaft speed and torque.

Having said that, the result is certainly a continuously variable transmission, since the output shaft speed can be varied steplessly from zero to maximum.

Of all the technology on the Prius I find its CVT the most impressive single element. It's an incredibly elegant and sophisticated piece of engineering.

[johalareewi]

Could you get an extended test drive of a Gen3? Our toyota dealers do 2 or 3 hours. One forum member had one for 48 hours.

The Gen3 has no problems with steep hills. We have a 25% country road hill near us and the Gen3 just powers up it. It has plenty of oomph. You can even accelerate up steep hills if you so wish (your mpg will suffer!). When the petrol engine (ICE) revs up, it can rattle a bit and it sounds worse because you get used to not hearing it.

Back support for the driver is pretty good but you may have to play around to get the right position for you.

The drivers seat can be raised/lowered and has electric powered lumbar support. So plenty of scope for adjustment. I'm 6ft / 15st and regularly do long trips (100 miles+) without any problems.

The boot space is a bit shallow but is longer than a normal hatchback. We have had luggage, 2 dogs, driver and 2 passengers (using the split rear seats) in our gen3. The dogs are smallish though (terrier sized). There are cargo hooks so you can clip the dogs in and strap the luggage down (I got a bungee multipack from Halfords - ideal!).

The underfloor boot space is great for bags and loose stuff but it can get a little warm so don't put your packed lunch there!

Hope this helps.

[johalareewi]

If in talking of the "gearbox" we want to use the conventional interpretation i.e. an input shaft and an output shaft and some set of gears, or variable ratio belt or chain drives, or friction devices within the box. to enable us to vary the ratio of input speed to output speed then it's arguable that the Prius doesn't have one. Instead it uses a planetary gear system in which all the gears remain continuously engaged and retain their constant individual ratios, with multiple inputs and a computer controlling the rotational speed of those inputs to give the required output shaft speed and torque.

Having said that, the result is certainly a continuously variable transmission, since the output shaft speed can be varied steplessly from zero to maximum.

Of all the technology on the Prius I find its CVT the most impressive single element. It's an incredibly elegant and sophisticated piece of engineering.

It's CVT Jim but not as we know it.

Have a look at this...

http://prius.ecrostech.com/original/Unders...gOnAsIDrive.htm

[spacenase]

One thing to check is that your dogs are happy to jump in the back. Since only the backrests fold, it's quite a height for the dog to jump up to.

My dog is getting on a bit, and she can be reluctant to jump up after a long walk. I rarely have people in the back, so I've removed the longer part of the backrest (2 bolts on mine) and she now only has to jump up onto the seat base. She seems happier to do that. I've put and nylon waterproof cover on to protect the base.

You may not have the same problem, but it's worth a check.

KEITH.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

I spend 10 hours a day, mostly round town, in my Prius and no problems with comfort - just make sure you get the right set up first. Also, my passengers love the comfort of the car and often comment on it. In fact, the Prius is a joy and so relaxing to drive.

[timberwolf]

Good point Timberwolf. But the hill I was talking about on the test drive wasn't a 78 mph one. I was referring to a steep hill on a single track country lane, no more than 20mph. It's the sort of road I have to encounter every day so I needed to sample it.

I can't say I can recall driving in quite that situation in my Prius.

What I was thinking was that it is often possible to adjust the accelerator pedal by a very subtle amount (sometimes you might see it referred to as feathering the gas pedal) and it can drop the petrol engine rpm and hence the noise (at least that's the case on the previous Gen 2). Given your speed and presumably a very steep hill, I am guessing that just wouldn't have been possible. It is a criticism that the Gen 2 can be noisy on hard acceleration, but that's compared to a very quiet car at other times. When you are comparing, ask yourself how noisy is the Prius to your current vehicle, both on that particular steep hill and in general - you might find that your current vehicle is also noisy going up that hill but you don't notice it because it is noisy all the time and the increase in level goes unnoticed??

[timberwolf]

..snip..

Of all the technology on the Prius I find its CVT the most impressive single element. It's an incredibly elegant and sophisticated piece of engineering.

It's CVT Jim but not as we know it.

Have a look at this...

http://prius.ecrostech.com/original/Unders...gOnAsIDrive.htm

If you have a Java enabled browser the following is quite fun.

Prius Driving Simulator?

Sagitar, I think guessed where I was coming from. My recollection is that Toyota mostly just like to refer to their Hybrid Synergy Drive, sometimes they might refer to ECVT meaning Electronic-CVT, but I can't remember them using CVT because it is too easy to confuse it with a regular CVT technology.

[johalareewi]

... I can't remember them using CVT because it is too easy to confuse it with a regular CVT technology.

They do on their website toyota.co.uk !!

On the Prius section, under equipment, it says:

Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Traction control (TRC)

I originally thought the Prius had a traditional CVT gearbox until I did more research (on Prius chat) and found it didn't.

[timberwolf]

... I can't remember them using CVT because it is too easy to confuse it with a regular CVT technology.

They do on their website toyota.co.uk !!

On the Prius section, under equipment, it says:

Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Traction control (TRC)

I originally thought the Prius had a traditional CVT gearbox until I did more research (on Prius chat) and found it didn't.

Okay, I'll concede a little that it is used now, although you've only provided an exception, now to disprove my general impression that Toyota like to talk about their HSD technology rather than CVT, I think you'd have to show a frequent use of CVT over HSD

BTW my paper brochure for the Gen 2 under the specifications has "Electronic Controlled continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)". Maybe Toyota has got sloppy with the Gen 3 compared with the previous generations? :)

[The Traveller]

1. I live in the Peak District and am surrounded by, erm, peaks! I noticed on the test drive that, when going up a steep hill, the engine was quite loud and felt like it was struggling to keep the revs up. Was this my imagination or does the car struggle a little in hilly areas.

2. Interior space. I am worried as to whether the relatively shallow boot space would be useable enough. We have a four year old son and 2 spaniels who regularly travel with us. The 4 year old doesn't travel in the boot, but you know what I mean! Do you think I can comfortably fit 1 child seat, 2 dogs and a family's luggage inside.

3. Comfort. I drive all over the country for my work and amass a relatively high annual mileage. How do people find the comfort of the driver's seat for long journeys? I am around 6'2 and 15st. It felt very comfy on the test but wonder whether any problems are felt after a few hours at the wheel?

I am genuinely impressed with the car I tested. I love the refinement, the smooth ride, the layout of the dash/displays, the exterior looks and I found my test drives to be very relaxing. It ticks all the boxes and I just need reassurance on the above points before I sign on the dotted line!

Hi Sweens.

I live just off the Peak District and anticipate no problems. Other contributors in other threads have noted that when the snow was lying thick on the ground they could manage hills that were defeating more conventional vehicles, including 4WD. The combination of low torque and CVT introduces the speed in a more smooth and measured manner than you may be used to, which means less wheelspin when starting on a slippy surface.

Space and comfort. I'm 6' 0" and 17.5 stone. No problems at all although I haven't done a genuinely LONG distance yet. That'll happen when we go to Europe for holidays later in the year. If you want to transport luggage, dogs, kid, etc. you probably want to avoid the solar roof version. That limited boot space you noted, and no ability to use a roof load, might impact your ability to use the solar roofed version for a two-week holiday with the family and all the wife's impedimenta. ;)

I've got the SR version and it's fine for us two, no house-chimps, no dogs. But I'd not recommend it to a family of four or more for the above reason. With only one nipper you might find it alright because you can use the remaining rear area space for your luggage. It depends on how much you can persuade her to leave at home.

[Sweens]

Hi Sweens.

I live just off the Peak District and anticipate no problems. Other contributors in other threads have noted that when the snow was lying thick on the ground they could manage hills that were defeating more conventional vehicles, including 4WD. The combination of low torque and CVT introduces the speed in a more smooth and measured manner than you may be used to, which means less wheelspin when starting on a slippy surface.

Space and comfort. I'm 6' 0" and 17.5 stone. No problems at all although I haven't done a genuinely LONG distance yet. That'll happen when we go to Europe for holidays later in the year. If you want to transport luggage, dogs, kid, etc. you probably want to avoid the solar roof version. That limited boot space you noted, and no ability to use a roof load, might impact your ability to use the solar roofed version for a two-week holiday with the family and all the wife's impedimenta. ;)

I've got the SR version and it's fine for us two, no house-chimps, no dogs. But I'd not recommend it to a family of four or more for the above reason. With only one nipper you might find it alright because you can use the remaining rear area space for your luggage. It depends on how much you can persuade her to leave at home.

Hi Traveller,

Yes I read the threads relsting to the snow and the feedback does seem pretty good about the car's ability to cope with slippy conditions, apart from Grumpy Cabbie's point about the low clearance. I'm feeling re-assured about the hills etc, I think my doubts were more to do with being unused to the CVT, rather than the CVT's ability to cope.

I agree about the solar roof version, as I noted that ruled out the use of a roofbox. Your solar roof should be a blessing on a nice trip to Europe though. Enjoy! B)

In real terms, the interior space isn't that much smaller than my CR-V. The back seat space is at least equal, with better legroom if anything. Plus on my CR-V the seats don't fold completely flat, they sort of fold and tumble, which leaves a shorter load area, so I could probably cope with the shallower but longer boot in the Prius.

Th only equipment that I would lose out on from my current car are heated seats (I would miss them - bliss on a cold morning!) , all round sensors and a panoramic roof but there are as many gains.

It's all a question of compromises, I suppose, and the smaller boot is a small price to pay for all the plus points on the rest of the car.

I appreciate all the advice! I think I'll try and get one more drive of a TSpirit to finally confirm my fate!

[Sweens]

One thing to check is that your dogs are happy to jump in the back. Since only the backrests fold, it's quite a height for the dog to jump up to.

My dog is getting on a bit, and she can be reluctant to jump up after a long walk. I rarely have people in the back, so I've removed the longer part of the backrest (2 bolts on mine) and she now only has to jump up onto the seat base. She seems happier to do that. I've put and nylon waterproof cover on to protect the base.

You may not have the same problem, but it's worth a check.

KEITH.

Hi Keith

Good advice. To be honest, I have to lift one of my springers up to get him in my CR-V as he is a bit arthritic, so I'm used to getting covered in mud, snow etc! But the flat backrest is a definite plus for the dogs.

[smot]

Hello all,

I've been following the forum for a while and enjoyed reading all your comments.

I am seriously considering taking the plunge and buying a Gen III T Spirit but I would really like some feedback from other owners as to whether the Prius is the car for me. I have had 2 short test drives, of a T3 and a T Spirit and I was really impressed, but I would be really interested to hear your comments on the following points:-

<snip>

I've just taken delivery of a Gen III TSpirit last weekend and like you, I'm 6'2". There's plenty of room for me, and the remainder of the family are happy with space in the back.

Here in Bucks there aren't too many hills, but going up the side of the Chilterns hasn't been a problem for noise or power in the two journeys to work in it so far.

Also, I've had 59.6mpg on both days on the 30-mile round trip to the office.

Comfort is good - no problems (it's got leather seats).

Overall, on the small sample so far, I'm very pleased. Our old Citroen C5 possibly wins on a few counts: it was certainly smoother to run (the gas suspension helped), auto headlights, and (debatably) more comfortable. But the increase from 41mpg to almost 60mpg means I'll be saving around £70-£80 per month in fuel, road tax and insurance. A replacement top-of-range C5 was pretty much the same price as the TSpirit.

The built-in satnav is not quite as good as my free-standing TomTom 720, as it doesn't have speed camera info and doesn't connect to get traffic info via bluetooth. (It does use bluetooth for calls and contacts, and uses RDS to get traffic info for re-routing). My daughter is quite pleased as she now gets the TomTom in our C3....

These are all fairly trivial minuses though in the face of a very capable car which hopefully is reliable, comfortable and economical. My key aims in choosing it were: efficiency (target is 60mpg) in a car big enough for a family of four to travel in comfort on long journeys with fold-down back seats for transporting stuff at other times.

The boot is larger than you might think - there's a hatch in the floor which comes out to increase the space quite nicely.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with it and would recommend it highly.