Keeping the 05 4R SR5 and getting a 06 Prius

[bamat4rfan]

Hey all...

So, my father got the new RX400h on Friday (company lease, so the credit wasn't an issue). I drove it home and fell in love with the hybrid technology. My wife has an Accord, and we were looking at the new Civic and Accord hybrids, but they didn't make much sense with the higher prices. Looked at the Prius, the dealership let me take it home to show my wife and drive it around...and I was sold when I drove it.

My wife thinks the car isn't very attractive, but she thinks the gas mileage is GREAT, considering we take the t4r to her parent's house (over 120 miles away) every other weekend or so. This car is great, and the same dealership is selling us the Prius. I know it's odd to have a 4Runner and a Prius, but it's hard to pass up 50MPG. Not to mention the $3150 tax CREDIT i'll receive on next years taxes!!!!!

BamaT4RFan

 

[alpha]

nice. always nice to have something that gets great gas mileage. balances out the runner..

 

[rdist]

Congrats on the new car. Giid thing you got to keep the 4runner

 

[Mark86]

Congrats on the new Prius. I don't mind the styling of them. My mom purchased the RX400h in August and it is an awsome car. Whenever I drive it, I hesitate to give it back! Basically, the Highlander Hybrid/RX400h don't get the gas mileage you expect from a hybrid. Those two vehicles are made for performance. On the other hand, the Prius is a "real" hybrid and you can get almost 45mpg. The most important thing here is YOU GOT TO KEEP THE 4RUNNER!!! You have the best of both worlds.

 

[EDGE]

congrats on the new car but RX400h is a beast, I see them all the time hauling azz on the highway, but on the other hand the Prius drivers seem to stop traffic:bash:

 

[Derek]

I don't care for the looks of the Prius, but I did see one a few weeks ago with the Scion tC OEM wheels and it looks much better than the standard ones it comes with.

 

[Uneek]

I've driven the RX400h, very fast SUV and the torque from the motors is incredible.

Honda's hybrid technology the motor acts more like a turbo and kicks in to aid the engine for more power. Honda uses a very fuel efficient engine, thus it's pretty weak by itself (Insight and Civic). Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive has the ability to run either on the motor, engine or both--very interesting to watch the monitor and see what source is powering the vehicle. Two different ways of how hybrid technology is incorporated.

You've mentioned your wife's parents are 120 miles away. You probably wouldn't see as high MPG with strictly highway driving, since the Prius is operating mostly on gas. It achieves better mileage in city with the engine shutting off and alternating between electric and gas.

The styling isn't the best, but for some reason, I don't hate it and actually find myself liking it. It's futuristic looking, but looks a billion times better than the Insight. The styling also helps with its coefficient of drag.

BTW, I don't think it's odd to have both a Prius and the 4R, what extra gas the 4R consumes, compared to say owning two regular cars, the Prius will make up for. And the tax credit helps offset the higher price of a hybrid.

 

[Koz]

The Prius is quicker (allot quicker) and gets better mileage then the accord!

Koz

 

[slyangel9]

I would have bought another 4runner. Don't know about you, but I get a whopping 12 mpg @ NYC price $2.71 a gallon. I love my environmental friendly car.

:driving:

 

[Mashimaru]

i'm curious about the Prius's warranty? how long?
Hope its a good 6+ yr up warranty including powertrain

knowing since its a new technology hybrid engine, maintenance would be costly if something electricaly or mechanicly failed wouldn't it?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I'm keeping my Runner and since money is an issue I've decided to just buy a late '90s Civic EX for about $7k and get 30+mpg and still have decent power to weight ratio and a low car payment for a few years.

I'd love to have a Hybrid but buying the Honda will not break the bank for me.

 

[charlier180]

nice. always nice to have something that gets great gas mileage. balances out the runner..

That is why I use my 1985 Golf Spring/Summer/Fall for daily use. The 30mpg I get for the commute to work helps balance out the 4Runner.
The 4Runner gets weekend towing and Winter driving duties.