Toyota Prius Hatchback (2004 - 2009) 1.5 VVTi T4 Hybrid 5d CVT Auto (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

More tech, than flash, but it does stand out still. Perhaps a bit of a hippy or just a Cameron Diaz fan. More of a professional, than a fashionista.

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

Amazingly quiet. Cynical at first, but now also looking at hybrids. Surprised by the luggage space. And I still get asked now how I plug it in at night!!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, yes, yes. Such good value to run, so relaxing to drive, all the kit you could want is there and just where you want it. I drive a different hire car every week for a couple of days, across a whole range of brands, but nothing has ever come close to my Toyota.

What are you likely to buy next?

Toyota Prius.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought the car which had been my company car, when I left the company. I had it from brand new, paid very little company car tax on it - due to the hybrid engine, and then bought it for a very reasonable price, knowing everything about it.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It had been my company car, and I bought it when I left the company.

What was the dealer like?

I bought the car which had been my company car, when I left the company. But my experience when the car was originally delivered to me was excellent.

What's it like to drive?

So easy, and relaxing. You can just eat up the miles and not feel tired the other end. But also when you "welly it" it has great acceleration. And I still get average 50-55mpg driving around country lanes and 60mpg when I mix in some A roads. Although it's a relatively big comfortable car, that swallows luggage, it is more eco than a little less substantial car.

What's it like to park?

Sooooo easy! All round vision. Tiny bonnet for a big car. Sensitive but not twitchy pedals. I get in really small spaces people with smaller spaces drive by.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing. It exceeded all my expectations and I am a real advocate (or Prius bore some may say!).

What's most practical about your car?

The CVT engine is fantastically economical, which is helped by the fantastic display screen that help you quickly learn how to get the best out if it. I hate automatics but this system makes the driving really relaxing. But then so does the great stereo, fab dashboard, great all round vision and - on top of it being blissfully easy to drive - and then fun some times when you want it to be, and it has amazing acceleration too.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

As well as the fabulous CVT engine, it has amazing cup holders! I never understood before why people even mentioned cup holders as a feature before - but now I am smitten. They are just where you want them, there are plenty of them and they actually hold insulated mugs or cans or bottles or cartons. Anyone who does not understand this as important does not drive lots of miles frequently.