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What to expect from the next model year Prius - READ ONLY

311 messages,  Last post on Apr 26, 2009 at 6:43 AM

You are in the Hybrid Vehicles - Archived Discussions Forum.

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

Messages Page 15 of 31

#141 of 311 Re: 2009 [xhe518] by kdhspyder

Feb 21, 2008 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: xhe518 (Feb 21, 2008 1:40 pm)
Toyota is notoriously zipped-lipped about new offerings unless it suits their purposes to generate new interest.
 
The Prius has a very very loyal owner/fan base that's chomping at the bit to get some tidbit of real data on the next generation. All that Toyota has said is that they decided to delay implementation of the Li-Ion batteries until more validations could be done. I believe that they stated these would be at least 2 more years down the road. 2011 MY?
 
But they also denied that there was any delay in the production of the next Gen. Implying that it would be coming out 'on schedule' - whatever that is. The normal schedule for Toyotas is 5 years. That would put the next Gen coming here in mid-Oct of this year. Speculation but I'd feel confident of it.
 
My own speculation is that the body is somewhat redone but it's still a 5 door hatch which is one of the best features of the vehicle. I'd guess that it will use the 1.6L 1ZR engine that's already in use in Japan with improved electrics and gearing for somewhat more power and better fuel economy. The new HH has both an EV and an ECON mode. I can see the next Gen Prius having both as well.
 
Fuel economy? + 10-20% using the new EPA numbers.
 
There may also be a small Prius sedan with either really high fuel economy or one that has the same fuel economy as the 5 door hatch but a much lower price. There could also be a third version as well, pickup, small minivan, small utility vehicle? All speculation.
 
Interesting sidenote: When the first Prius' went on sale here in 2000 they were sold to a specific clientele . These buyers had to register with Toyota to be get on the list for one of the first ones to arrive here. These first buyers were called the Pioneers. When this current Gen was being brought to market in June/July of 2003 these Pioneers were given the opportunity to be the first ones to buy the new Gen. If you know one of these Pioneers you might keep an ear open to see if they receive an early offering from Toyota. I sold one of the first of the first back in July of 2000. This buyer also bought one of the first of the first of this current Gen.

#142 of 311 To Buy Now Or Not To Buy?! Help! by akg

Apr 14, 2008 (7:49 am)

Here's the deal...I have a 2006 Subaru Outback with 32,000 which gets around 21-23 on the curvy roads and hills and 26-30 on the highway. I drive about 16,000 a year. I live rurally. I own my car outright. I would rather have better fuel economy than the AWD.
 
I can now sell my car for only a couple thousand less then what what I paid for it (I bought it barely used from a friend and I live in an 'Outback' high demand area) and buy a barely used '07 Prius. The difference with sales tax will be around $3,000.
 
Should I just wait a year and buy the new model, or do it now before my car starts to de-value rapidly, as the seem to do? ALSO, does anybody have an idea what the new Prius will look like? Thanks!

#143 of 311 Re: To Buy Now Or Not To Buy?! Help! [akg] by 210delray

Apr 14, 2008 (7:59 am)

Replying to: akg (Apr 14, 2008 7:49 am)
My seat-of-the-pants advice is to keep what you have. Is the $3000 difference in price realistic, and even if so, you can buy a lot of gas for $3000?
 
I would also think "barely used" Priuses would be hard to find and not much cheaper than new.
 
There were some photos earlier of what the 2009 Prius might look like, but I think these were photoshopped expectations and not the real deal. Basically the same overall shape, but swoopier.

#144 of 311 Re: To Buy Now Or Not To Buy?! Help! [210delray] by akg

Apr 14, 2008 (3:24 pm)

Replying to: 210delray (Apr 14, 2008 7:59 am)
Thanks! I am sort of feeling the same way. I was hoping they would modify the style a little, but we'll see. When do you think they'll come out with the plug-in option? I know the technology is rapidly progressing, but still $$ out of reach and would compromise the warranty for an after market plug in.
 
I can't believe that an innovative company such as Subaru hasn't come up with a Hybrid.

#145 of 311 Re: To Buy Now Or Not To Buy?! Help! [akg] by chadx

Apr 16, 2008 (9:44 am)

Replying to: akg (Apr 14, 2008 3:24 pm)
"I can't believe that an innovative company such as Subaru hasn't come up with a Hybrid. "
 
Subaru developed a hybrid a few years ago but didn't bring it to market because they couldn't meet a resonable pricepoint (read: It cost too much to manufacture). Back in 2005, they were considering using existing Toyota technology and work out a technology trade (toyota hybrid driveline for Fuji Heavy Industries lithiumion battery tech.). However, as of 2006, it looked like they determined they couldn't use existing Toyota drivetrain. See below.
 
"Reuters is reporting that the two automakers have decided to jointly develop a new hybrid system instead. Apparently, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive has proven too complex to simply plug Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system in.
[Source: Nihon Keizai Shimbun via Reuters]"
 
There hasn't been much talk recently, but it still seems a long way out according to this
Subaru Hybrid
 
Even the Subaru website doesn't serve up anything too optimisitc on a reasonable timetable.
Subaru

#146 of 311 Re: To Buy Now Or Not To Buy?! Help! [chadx] by gearhead8

Apr 29, 2008 (9:02 am)

Replying to: chadx (Apr 16, 2008 9:44 am)
I, too have an 06 Outback. Summer time MPG is around 26. During this past cold Chicago winter it was closer to 20 MPG -not good enough with $4 per gallon gas.
So I am looking to buy a Prius, if I could get an 07 Prius for only an extra $3000, I would jump at the opportunity.
I have a very good relationship with my local Subaru dealer. I called him yesterday to ask about a high MPG Subaru. He said all I could do is wait for the diesel that may be in the US in about another 12 months. With diesel fuel selling for about $4.35 per gallon and the efficiency not as good as a good hybrid, I am not anxious to buy an oil burner.
Toyota has recently purchased another large chunk of Subaru parent FHI stock. You would think they would want Subaru to be more successful. Right now, they Subaru dealers are sitting on alot of inventory, even their new and improved Forester. I like the Forester, but with MPG ratings in the low 20s, I just can't justify buying another poor MPG performer.
I even have $900 is Subaru bucks burning a hole in my pocket, but these days, $900 doesn't pay for a lot of gasoline.
gearhead4

#147 of 311 2009 Prius by bond4james

May 07, 2008 (11:23 am)

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=10&article_id=6800
 
 

#148 of 311 Re: 2009 Prius [bond4james] by sr1945

May 07, 2008 (2:27 pm)

Replying to: bond4james (May 07, 2008 11:23 am)
Nice find bond4james
 
Now I wish to find some photos of the interior of the 09. I really wish the interior dash and displays would change. Not really up on what is on the car now. A more normal dash would be to my liking.
 
Also the current Navi is too far out where the sun will hit it causing the view of the screen to be washed out. A none touch screen as well. Too many darn finger prints.
 
Had a Civic 06 touch screen Navi and did not like it much. Now have the 08 Honda Accord with Nav system, no touch screen and it is a joy to use on long trip.

#149 of 311 seats by orangelebaron

May 08, 2008 (12:58 pm)

I sat in the Prius and wasn't surprised that there was no height adjustments for the drivers seat. Steering wheel is too far away, mouse fur cloth covering areas that will get soiled and drum brakes. Typical Japanese stinginess.
 
I will wait for the Jetta Diesel.... much more a driver's car. and won't have to worry about magnetic fields....

#150 of 311 Re: seats [orangelebaron] by kdhspyder

May 08, 2008 (4:51 pm)

Replying to: orangelebaron (May 08, 2008 12:58 pm)
Enjoy less for more $. Your trolling on the Prius boards will be given the due consideration it deserves.

Messages Page 15 of 31

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