Toyota Prius Hatchback (2004 - 2009) 1.5 VVTi T Spirit Hybrid 5d CVT Auto (2007/07) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I don't know and I don't really care.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
The petrolheads take the mickey until they realise it does what it is designed to do. Others are curious and they all love the quiet, comfortable ride.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. You cannot fit a towbar and any replacement will need a towbar to fit in with future plans. Otherwise, yes probably.
What are you likely to buy next?
Probably the new Volvo plug-in hybrid if I can get a decent deal or a nearly new one when the Prius starts to need bits replacing. There is no sign of that yet though.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£17,500
When did you buy the car?
August 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Ex-demo at a good price.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Good deal on an ex-demo car.
What was the dealer like?
A bit pushy in the sales dept, but ok overall.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Easy. You need to learn to drive it like a Prius to get the best economy from it. Seamless acceleration which is quite brisk at part throttle, but won't win any drag races or top speed runs. Sits happily at 70mph returning 53mpg or 58 mpg+ at 60. Real world average of 54mpg mixed driving, for me that means over 500 miles to a tank and around 42 litres to fill up. I have had well over 60 mpg whilst bimbling around on holiday. MPG figures were taken from the trip computer which seems to be fairly accurate.
What's it like to park?
An absolute doddle. Light steering, auto transmission and a very clear reversing camera with overlay of where you are going. Of course, you can also just press the button and let it park itself. A gimmick which I find too slow and a pain to set up - I'm told the next generation is better.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
New discs and pads at 110k. Radio replaced after 3 months as it kept shutting down and randomly changing channels. Other than that, just regular servicing and a pair of tyres every 20k.
What's most practical about your car?
Big(ish), comfy, easy to drive and economical too.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The reversing camera and screen.
