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'm not a tree hugger, i'm a wallet hugger. Just paid £6.05 for a gallon of petrol, Any one know of an economical automatic to buy, the Prius doesn't sound so stupid now does it Mr Clarkson.

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

Everyone likes it, although some of them knock the Prius because other cars can do this or that better, the main thing they keep forgetting is that it's an Automatic petrol car, oh and it's got an electric motor attached somewhere,.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, i like technology used wisely,.

What are you likely to buy next?

The Nissan Leaf looks interesting, but i need to get over that range phobia. I looked at the Honda Insight, Mmmm, might as well get a Prius..

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Low mileage and low price, don't think the dealer knew what it was.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I do a lot of short distances and town driving and wanted an Automatic that was economical on petrol. There aren't many, so diesel and a flappy paddle gearbox was my other option and paddles are for canoes not cars.

What was the dealer like?

Very helpful.

What's it like to drive?

If you by a Prius your not thinking of taking it to a track day race, it drives as well as the 1.6 Focus i had before and as fast if not faster. Motorway driving is relaxing with cruise control and all controls are on the steering wheel for audio etc.

What's it like to park?

Would have been like any other car, except for the reversing camera, now i can see what i've hit. Only joking, i think they should be standard on every car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Of course not, Toyota built it.

What's most practical about your car?

Everything, i've moved mattresses in it, dining chairs, prams all no problem.The back seats fold flat by the press of a button, you don't need two hands. Passengers sit in comfort with plenty of legroom front and back.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Sat nav (never thought i would need one) hands free bluetooth phone, 6 cd/ipod player, climate control and can all be operated by voice command (just like Jeremy Clarkson does) oh and reversing camera,.