Toyota Prius Hatchback (2004 - 2009) 1.5 VVTi T Spirit Hybrid 5d CVT Auto (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I suppose I have spent a lot of time weighing up what my family need and found the car that is head and shoulders above the rest for us.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They are usually impressed but seem to have other priorities to economy, reliability and comfort. Seems a bit strange to me but I don't say much.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, of course. Toyota seem to have thought through exactly what I want without even asking me (except I need a flag on the front!).

What are you likely to buy next?

Prius Plug-In after depreciation has thoroughly done its dirty work and hopefully before the government load a pile of tax on electricity.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

July 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, I travelled 70 miles to get it, having telephoned Toyota dealers around the country. They dealt with a problem on my part exchange car very fairly. One tyre was subsequently found to be badly worn on the Prius which really they should not have sold me. I missed it at the time.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It is the only car I could find that fitted my need for an automatic petrol car that is economic and made by a manufacturer known for long term reliability.

What was the dealer like?

The salesman was not pushy and answered my questions fairly. I was an easy customer because I virtually knew that I wanted the car from the beginning.

What's it like to drive?

This is where it scores: comfortable, quiet, a beautifully smooth auto box. Easy gear change with a little knob and it won't let you make mistakes. "Park" is a separate button, easy to use at lights etc. Steering is light and precise. In town it really takes out the stress and on the open road it it has all I want. Surprisingly fast when needed. On starting up I am often quicker than the car is in getting ready to get into gear and go. I would like 2 inches more of legroom for driving.

What's it like to park?

Rear camera makes it quite easy and being quite narrow for its length you can get into most spots. I am taking a long time to know where it stops at the front though. I am thinking of asking Toyota for a little flag to stick there, like a Merc.

Have you had any problems with the car?

A squeak comes out of one of the brakes sometimes. I think it is just dust. Otherwise nothing wrong. It is my third Toyota since 1997, done 320 000 miles in them and I have never had problems except in old age with a known fault..

What's most practical about your car?

Miles per gallon! Road Tax! Reliability! And everything in it is well thought out. Just be careful you don't get mesmerised by the screen and forget the road!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Bluetooth, rear parking camera ( it could do with one at the front), amazing sat-nav which I use about a tenth of.