Posted by sealed/CA on 4/30/13 4:23am
Msg #467796

Fuel efficient vehicle

I am currently spending about $55.00 a week for gas in my Honda Accord. Although it's not giving me any trouble, it has close to 200,00 miles and I'm considering trading it in. I'm looking for something with high mpg. Do any of you drive a Prius? I think the little Prius C is calling my name but I'm wondering if it will have enough zip for the job.
Love to hear some input.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 4/30/13 7:37am
Msg #467807

My brother is visiting and has a rental pirus. He's cracking me up because he won't take time to read the manual. He likes it, but as I said, you have to read the manual. After having it 3 days, he figured out how to put it in park last night. I don't know how he's been getting it started up until then. Probably his wife sneaking her hand in there while he was distracted and putting it in park. She's read the manual.

Reply by MW/VA on 4/30/13 9:21am
Msg #467821

I have a Ford Escape Hybrid (35+ mpg). You might want to check out the Ford C-Max, it's reported to handle better than the Prius. I think Honda has a hybrid, too.

Reply by jba/fl on 4/30/13 9:28am
Msg #467822

I've been driving the same Prius since 2005. It gives me zip when I need it and I still get 45-48 mpg.

Reply by Larry/IL on 4/30/13 10:19am
Msg #467828

FWIW,

If your interested in a used car strictly for appointments, I drive a 2003 first generation Honda Insight ( 2 seater & small ). It averages 55-65 mpg and only costs me about 12¢ /mile to operate even though I am allowed to deduct 55.5¢ / mile on my taxes, hint hint.

My wife has a new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This is a FULL size car that seats 4 adults & 1 child very comfortably. Extremely quite and smooth, think Mercedes. It averages 38-42mpg and the no touch Blue Tooth connection for your cell phone is phenomenal! I am actually thinking of selling my Insight to buy a second one! Hyundai & Kia, both made in Korea, have 100,000 mile 10 year warranties. That's major consideration for me. The Sonata Hybrid also has life time warranty on the hybrid battery.

A few others for mpg, Sonata & Elantra non hybrids & their Kia counter parts, Ford Focus, Chevy Cruise. I just recently read the Chevy Cruise will start coming with a Diesel with over 40mpg. I would not recommend a Diesel for colder climates, just not worth the hassle.

Again If i am spending any considerable money, the warranty is going to rule the day for me. There are just too may $1500-$5000 items to go bad on newer cars that can break your back if out of warranty.

Just do some research and test drive them all!

Some of the other posters listed good ones as well.

Good luck in your search.

Reply by sealed/CA on 4/30/13 1:36pm
Msg #467876

Thanks everyone for your replies. The good news is that I'm not in a hurry and I will check out all that were mentioned. I love the keyless entry and would also like to have a back up camera. The Prius C does not have the back up camera at this time. Maybe in 2014.
It's always good to get reviews from those that are actually driving these vehicles so thanks again.

Reply by SharonMN on 4/30/13 1:54pm
Msg #467881

I have a Toyota Yaris, which is NOT a hybrid, but it gets 35+ mpg and I got it for $8K with only 20K miles on it. Look into whether paying a premium for the Prius is worth it vs. the higher gas mileage.

Reply by Frank/NC on 4/30/13 2:09pm
Msg #467886

Whether or not you should buy a hybrid vehicle I think should be dictated by the type of driving you are doing. I believe they do much better mileage in city type driving than they do on the highway. I have a 2013 Honda Accord 4 cylinder and do a lot of highway miles and average about 36 mpg. I also think the Accord initial cost is significantly less than the Prius hybrid.

Reply by WenCa on 4/30/13 2:29pm
Msg #467888

I have a Volkswagen Passat and love it! It's a TDI diesel. I get about 35 to 40 mpg. I tried the Prius and felt like I was driving in a fish bowl with no power. Check out the Volkswagen's. The jetta TDI gets even better gas mileage and the prices are great!

Reply by John Tennant on 4/30/13 3:01pm
Msg #467896

A good way to find out the type of handling you want is to rent each model for one day. Test it to the max. Guarantee you will really notice the differences. Then pick the one that best suit's you and go for it.

Reply by sealed/CA on 4/30/13 3:59pm
Msg #467910

That's a great idea John!