2004 Toyota Prius

[RweTHEREyet]

Anyone out there own one or have one on order? I saw this hybrid at the car show and have since gone and test driven it and have just fallen in love with it. Curious to know if anyone has actual experience with it so far.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We saw one at our local Toyota dealership. They said they are hard to get and they don't stay long.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

We do not have the Prius but my DH did recently buy a Civic Hybrid which we love. So great on gas!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Yes, I understand you have to get on the list and then when they come in, first person at the top of the list can decide if they want it and if not, next person gets a chance, etc. I understand if you order exactly what you want, that the wait is about 8 months. I know some folks do have them already, so I was hoping maybe someone here could share their experience.

 

[minniecarousel]

Another Honda Civic hybrid owner here - there were plenty of those to choose from when we bought ours last September. I do almost entirely around-town driving, so I really appreciate the MPG!

 

[Jasminesmommy]

How fast do they go?I hear it only does 60mph and not over. I drive 366 miles each weekend so I need to be able to go a little faster on the highway.

 

[sgtdisney]

My brother just ordered one this week. The dealer can't keep them in stock and are pretty much only delivering orders at this point. They told him to expect it in August or September (delivered in Feb!!??) and that because of that estimated delivery date it could possibly be a 2005! They also told him no dealing at all, pay sticker or no car, which is no surprise if they are that popular now.

I don't know a lot about them, but from what I understand they are capable of going over 60. It does have a 1.5 litre engine as well as the electric engine and both run at the same time when they have to.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

well, when I test drove one yesterday I was up to 80 when I came down the on ramp onto the freeway, so yes they go faster than 60, that much I know.

 

[Carl]

We have the 2002 Prius and love it. It goes as fast as most regular cars. I've never had it over 80 myself.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Carl have you had any problems with your Prius or are you totally thrilled with it? Do you feel you honestly save money on gasoline?

 

[clutter]

I ordered one a couple weeks ago!!!! It should be 3 to 4 months for delivery. If I wanted the navigation system (I told the sales man "you want me to pay an extra 3 grand for some woman to tell me where to go?!?!"), it would have been a 6 month wait. I really can't wait to get it, every time I fill the van now, I really can't wait.

But here in VA, I got it because I can drive the HOV lanes as a solo, so I should save time on my commute.... Saving money is a bonus.

 

[minniecarousel]

I have no problem driving over 60 mph on the freeway around here (although I'm not one to drive 80!) - it can get there. The pick up isn't quite what I'm used to, but it gets up there with relative ease!

 

[Carl]

Originally posted by RweTHEREyet
Carl have you had any problems with your Prius or are you totally thrilled with it? Do you feel you honestly save money on gasoline?

We did have the main computer chip go out, which the service manager said was a rare occurrence, but other than that we have loved it and it does get over 40mpg. If we made longer trips, it would do much better. I know someone else who got over 50mpg. He drove over 20 miles each way to work each day. By the way, when the chip went out the dealer towed the car in and gave us a free rental car for the 10 days it took to get the part and install it. No charge to us for anything.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Carl, sounds like you have a good dealer to work with there. My only hang up is right now I have no car payment and that would be a shocker to the pocketbook. Still thinking about it. I understand Toyota is talking about some new features on the 2005, maybe I need to wait and see what those might be. I would hate to wait months for a new car and then the new model come out the next month and be wishing I had that one instead.

I drive about 15 miles one way to work and to Disney World (600 miles) quite a bit, so I think my gas savings would be substantial.