Archives

I found out that my employer has an incentive program that allows it's employees to lock in a low price on a new or used car. My wife has been pining over the new gen Prius, so I gave it a go. We found a new base model in the Blizzard Pearl for $19,570.00, which, from what I've seen, sounds pretty amazing.

Lol, having never driven one before, we decided to at least test drive one at a local dealer, just to get a feel for it. I think my wife was a little overwhelmed at first by all the technology, but overall she really liked it. I was pleased with how roomy it was and I thought the dash wasn't cheap looking at all. I do think they crammed a little too much information on the top tiered dash, but I'm sure anyone will get used to what they're looking at. The ride was great although I found the ECO Mode resistant to allowing the car to move at all. I felt like we were dragging an anchor.

Now we just hope that we can get what we want for our CR-V and get a loan that works for us. If we can get the monthly lower than what we're paying now on the CR-V, we'll get it.

Funny note. You know dealers won't let you leave the lot w/o at least trying to sell you the car. We weren't interested, since the amazing quote we got was from another dealer, not to mention, we were on a date, but we thought we would sit w/ them anyway. The salesman actually tried to steer us away from the Prius and sell us a Camry! I thought that was odd.

Anyway, we're crossing our fingers, but at the same time, trying not to get our hopes up.

Jess

My wife was overwhelmed by the Prius controls and all, but she got over it soon. First thing she tells me now is where her FE is<grin> H

Hi Jess:

You and your wife are going to love it ;)

Pics and details when (or if) you finally do pull the trigger.

Good Luck

Wayne

My wife finds ECO unresponsive so drives in PWR. Still not happy with that though.

I drive in ECO and now tend to find myself a bit heavy on the Civic's gas pedal.

As with any new car, you'll adjust your pedal pressure. People report decent mileage in PWR, but the lack of low-end precision hurts the ability to glide effectively unless you have a very accurate and steady foot.

So far, it's not looking too good. Just had her CR-V appraised at CarMax: $9500.00 and we still owe $12621.00. Should have passed on the extended warranty :(

I've yet to hear from my bank concerning a loan (I just applied this morning). As an employee, I get a special rate plus a limited time only discount. I doubt it will be enough though.

We may have to wait for a Gen IV Prius.

Jess

We decided to hold off and wait on the Prius. Right now, of course, we're about 3k upside down on our loan for the CR-V, so it doesn't make sense yet.

Now I feel like I see a white Prius III everywhere I go. Like they're teasing me. ;)

Jess

The switch came with a bit of a learning curve for us, but no deal breaker... I miss a few things: in a nutshell, the more traditional dash (and clearer/brighter) and controls, but no big deal. Good mileage is much less of a reach, the car seems impervious to things like snow tires, and so on. Don't regret it ;)

Hi Mendel:
You mean your better half actually gave you a smart key! I hardly get to drive ours!I just drove from home to Victoria in our HCH2 with four Tiger Paws snows pressed at 44lbs. on all four, and managed 5.2 ltr. per 100 k's. Pretty happy with that. H:D

Jess - Good choice I think. If I were upside down on a car (and it's not like that's hard) I probably wouldn't buy a new one, either. A CR-V is a good vehicle even if not as FE or techy as you might want. But look on the bright side, a CR-V can't last forever. ;)

Thanks Brick. My wife loves her CR-V, which is great, because I don't have to share my HCH II. :D

Jess

I guess I do not understand the nomenclature here.

Is a Prius III a third generations Prius? And the base model a Prius I?

Is a “base model” Prius III a 3rd generation Prius model III with no add-ons like navigation or sun/solar roof, etc.?

The $19,570 for a 3RD generation Prius III, this is the model III is an amazing price! I wish I could find one with that price tag.

Frank

Prius III is the 3rd generation. What gets more confusing is it is packaged II, III, IV, and V. The one being discussed here is the base model which is packagage II. Nd that is a great price. Locally, it is priced about $21,300.