New Prius

September 4, 2005

Hi,

Although I've been hiding in the shadows for a while on this site this is only my second post so forgive me for any mistakes.

I took a TSpirit Prius out for a test drive yesterday - am probably gonna try and strike a deal for one next week - but I have a few issues with the car that I wanted to ask you (from what I've read, the experts) about:

1) I found that the acceleration at the top end was great but from 0-30 it is really slow unless you put your foot down a bit, which kinda defeats the point of things doesn't it - how do you guys get around this or was the demo car a bit off?

2) I got the seat comfortable and how I usually drive but after about 30mins my lower back was aching like mad - has anyone else had problems with back support?

3) The ride quality didn't seem to be too different from my Rav - i.e. I could feel pretty much every bump in the road - something that I am used to now but would prefer not to have - again is that something on all the cars?

Overall though it is a great car - all I have to do now is decide if I want to wait for the hybrid Rav that the dealer told me about!

Thanks in advance to anyone who answers!

September 4, 2005

Welcome Can7ona :thumbsup:

Can't answer your questions on Prius I'm afraid, but I'm sure someone who can will be along soon.

Prius isn't designed to be a quick car, so I would have expected the performance issue you raise. I assume you're doing lots of miles then? Otherwise it will take a long time to recoup the extra cost of the car I would think.

Surprised about the comments on the seat and the ride; Our Toyotas have fine seats and would have thought the Prius would be similar. And would have expected the ride to be OK too.

Tony

September 5, 2005

IMX the accelleration is gentle unless you give it some welly, but that seems fine. It certainly hasn't caused us any problems and it helps me drive in a more sedate manner than with my old Astra (while giving the ability for quick takeoffs if necessary).

I've not had any problems with the seats but my wife has had some lower back problems on long drives. No solution found to that yet.

Regarding ride quality, I've come to it from a '92 vauxhall astra, and the ride quality is far, far better than that car ever was! Some people recommend higher tire pressures for better mpg but that makes the ride rougher. I wonder what the tyre pressures on your demo model were?

Cheers

September 5, 2005

Thanks for the reply guys,

I know the Prius isn't designed to be a quick car but as I said - it is quick enough for me at the top end, i.e. going from 60/70mph upwards but felt like a snail from 0-30mph

I do a lot of mileage in my A3 and not so much in the Rav (its actually my Mum's car) which is only used for the shopping trips and the daily trip into town and back to get my Mum to work - not very economical in a big Rav! - but we do a 200 mile round trip every now and then.

As for the ride quality, the A3 is a Sport version so I feel every bump in the road as with the Rav, the Prius was better than the two but not by as much as I would've hoped! And to be honest I wasn't that impressed with the seats on the Rav - the A3's seats are more firm so give better support - but I guess its more that I have a back problem than the cars have bad seats!

I have no idea what the TP was on the demo car - am getting it overnight on Friday for a better look at it.

September 6, 2005

The Whatcar long-term Prius test reported backache an issue.

September 7, 2005

Might have something to do with your understanding of the accelerator pedal which is totally different in a prius - remember this is drive by wire. Want acceleration at low speed then yes floor it - Its not linked to a fuel release like in a conventional car it is pressure sensitive and the computer handles the instruction. Sure you will use more fuel as the ICE kicks in as well, but the overall consumtion even driven hard is better than most cars under similar loads.

Phil

Hi,
Although I've been hiding in the shadows for a while on this site this is only my second post so forgive me for any mistakes.
I took a TSpirit Prius out for a test drive yesterday - am probably gonna try and strike a deal for one next week - but I have a few issues with the car that I wanted to ask you (from what I've read, the experts) about:
1) I found that the acceleration at the top end was great but from 0-30 it is really slow unless you put your foot down a bit, which kinda defeats the point of things doesn't it - how do you guys get around this or was the demo car a bit off?
2) I got the seat comfortable and how I usually drive but after about 30mins my lower back was aching like mad - has anyone else had problems with back support?
3) The ride quality didn't seem to be too different from my Rav - i.e. I could feel pretty much every bump in the road - something that I am used to now but would prefer not to have - again is that something on all the cars?
Overall though it is a great car - all I have to do now is decide if I want to wait for the hybrid Rav that the dealer told me about!
Thanks in advance to anyone who answers!
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