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Toyota Prius: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

711 messages,  Last post on Oct 27, 2006 at 3:23 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Hybrid Cars, Hatchback


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#644 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [texvegas] by terry92270
Sep 03, 2006 (12:14 pm)

Replying to: texvegas (Sep 03, 2006 11:07 am)

Well, one would hope, Texvegas, you are changing to snow tires in the winter, given you aren't in Texas or Vegas anymore, and not trying to save a buck without them. That really could be fatal, in any car.
#645 of 711
re: Prius in Snow by ewannama
Sep 03, 2006 (12:24 pm)
What finally sold me on getting a 2005 Prius was seeing them at ski resorts in New England. Now I live in Salt Lake City (admittedly not ice central) and have not had any problem with handling as I tote my skis to the slopes. I doubt that I could get out of a ditch like I could by going 4WD in the old Yukon, but so far have avoided such scenarios by taking obvious winter driving precautions of easy acceleration and stopping.
#646 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [terry92270] by texvegas
Sep 04, 2006 (10:39 am)

Replying to: terry92270 (Sep 03, 2006 12:14 pm)

Thanks for the response Terry. I really don't think that people who buy cars in the Northeast should have to buy snow tires for normal driving. I have successfully driven for over 40 years in this area WITHOUT them. INMHO the Prius is difficult to handle in winter conditions. Each individual hat to make their own decision. I was just giving an honest opinion to those in Upstate New York, where I live.
#647 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [texvegas] by terry92270
Sep 04, 2006 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: texvegas (Sep 04, 2006 10:39 am)

I completely understand. I have relatives living in the area, and did so once myself.
 
However, even a casual review of accident report statistics show that driver confidence in doing without them is misplaced. Most people, including me, just won't put on chains for a "short hop" to the market, and that is when disaster often strikes.
 
As with most bothersome safety precautions, it's hardly worth your life, or that of a family member, especially in areas of the country where lots of snow and ice are the norm, not the exception. Just chat up any State Policeman or Highway Patrol officer...
 
All that said, I have owned several cars and trucks I found problematic in winter driving, even with snow tires or chains. So hardly something the Prius alone displays.
#648 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [terry92270] by pathstar1
Sep 04, 2006 (7:51 pm)

Replying to: terry92270 (Sep 04, 2006 12:18 pm)

I look at it this way:
Four "proper" or "competent" all weather tires, such as Nokian WR, will cost $400 - $600. One accident will cost a lot more! If you escape with your life.
 
The stock tires on a number of different vehicles should not be used in winter. The Prius is one of them, along with the RX-8 and others.
 
I'm putting Nokian WRs on my Prius as soon as I get it. Don't care if the stock tires aren't worn. It isn't worth the risk! The Nokians will stay on year round.
#649 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [pathstar1] by terry92270
Sep 04, 2006 (8:22 pm)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Sep 04, 2006 7:51 pm)

I so agree!
 
When I lived in Maine, I kept an extra set of wheels, on which I had snow tires, and at the end of the season, changed them out. Most people there did. At least those of us who lived out in the sticks, lol.
 
In an accident, even if neither party is totally at fault, even some percentage of "fault" means increased insurance rates, especially if they find out you are driving in the snow and ice without proper equipment. And that is totally fair.
#650 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [pathstar1] by texvegas
Sep 06, 2006 (2:31 pm)

Replying to: pathstar1 (Sep 04, 2006 7:51 pm)

Thanks for the response. The fact still remains that Toyota or any car maker should not sell a vehicle with tires that do not meet standards that affect the area where it is sold.I personnaly feel that stock tires should not be so "generic" that people who pay the price for a car should NOT, repeat NOT have to spend any additional money for tires to make their vehicle safe.This is why I will not go through another winterwithtires that are unsafe. Those who are considering purchasing a Prius in the Northeast should consider this fact and plan on spending another 400 to 600 bucks on tires that should have come with the car. Please, no comments unless you live in Upsate NY. This in my opinion for people who live in my snow belt area.
#651 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [texvegas] by midnightcowboy
Sep 07, 2006 (9:50 am)

Replying to: texvegas (Sep 03, 2006 11:07 am)

Actually to be truthful, there are absolutlely no RWD that are good in the snow. The will kind-of sort-of work when you put snow tires on all four wheels, but RWD and snow don't mix very well.
 
Any FWD car is pretty good in snow, even a Prius. And FWD car is especially good if you put snow tires on all four wheels. Now if you are in a really bad winter area use studded snow tires.
 
Now if you want to try the absolute worst car in snow and ice get a manual shift 1970 odlsmobile 442 with anti-spin ( old name for antilock /traction control). It was RWD had a 455 cubic inch engine with 365 horsepower and so much torque 440 ft-lbs, it would spin the wheel when you slowly let out the clutch. Compared to any other car it is absolutely without a doubt the worst; especially with summer performance tires.
 
Cheers YOMV the opinion express above was mine,
 
MidCow
#652 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [midnightcowboy] by gagrice
Sep 08, 2006 (5:24 am)

Replying to: midnightcowboy (Sep 07, 2006 9:50 am)

Actually to be truthful, there are absolutlely no RWD that are good in the snow
 
That is just NOT true. I will take a RWD vehicle over a FWD in snow any day of the winter. I did most of my first 10 years of Alaska winter driving with a Datsun RWD PU and a Dodge RWD van. My first FWD car was a 1973 Subaru and it was worthless in snow deeper than 4 inches. At the time only Saab made a good FWD snow vehicle. My 1978 Honda Accord was not much better than the Subaru. The very best vehicle for getting around in snow was the old RWD VW Bug. I went through snow a foot deep with highway tires in that Bug. If it was not impossible to keep warm at 20 below I would have kept driving it. After 37 years of snow and ice driving, I prefer a 4X4 Chevy PU or Suburban.
#653 of 711
Re: Prius in the Snow [midnightcowboy] by typesix
Sep 08, 2006 (5:57 am)

Replying to: midnightcowboy (Sep 07, 2006 9:50 am)

It depends on the situation. FWD cars are good as long as there are only 1-2 people riding and not going up steep hills.Put people in the back seat and try going up a steep hill. RWD is best naturally when there's weight in back and would have the advantage going up steep hills with a load in back. Your use of the Oldsmobile is not the typical rear drive car back then, but it is true that most of the rwd cars one would see stuck would be high performance cars, especially the people with fat summer tired Camaros,Firebirds, and Mustangs.

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