Fit Vs Prius
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New Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13
From: Nashville, TN
okay, thanks everyone for their suggestions. we are gonna wait for the '09 Fit coming this fall (SPORT SSM A/T). We would have considered Gen III Prius, but it doesn't look like that will be released anytime soon (by fall 2008).
We might also get the Gen III Prius when it comes out in 2010 or 2011 (or whatever FE car is out there by then) as I'll probably need one myself then and probably get paid more than the peanuts I'm getting now.
but, feel free to continue the discussion about Prius here...
We might also get the Gen III Prius when it comes out in 2010 or 2011 (or whatever FE car is out there by then) as I'll probably need one myself then and probably get paid more than the peanuts I'm getting now.
but, feel free to continue the discussion about Prius here...
New Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 20
From: Toronto,ON,Canada
VietCowboy: What about the middle-way: Honda Civic Hybrid? This is a really nice car, and it's the most efficient hybrid at its price. As you are probably aware, Honda's new model Civics are the safest in their size category. The handling is great and you two will probably fall in love with the auto climate control.
Nevermind the notion of installing a solar panel roof. Such a thing will never generate a useable amount of charge.
Also, don't worry about the future, because it's mostly pipe dreams. What counts are the options you have now. Hybrids are replacing conventional automobiles and it's going to take a long time to achieve widespread adoption. Nearly every auto manufacturer is planning for hybrid models -- Few are holding their breath for fuel cell.
Nevermind the notion of installing a solar panel roof. Such a thing will never generate a useable amount of charge.
Also, don't worry about the future, because it's mostly pipe dreams. What counts are the options you have now. Hybrids are replacing conventional automobiles and it's going to take a long time to achieve widespread adoption. Nearly every auto manufacturer is planning for hybrid models -- Few are holding their breath for fuel cell.
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13
From: Nashville, TN
VietCowboy: What about the middle-way: Honda Civic Hybrid? This is a really nice car, and it's the most efficient hybrid at its price. As you are probably aware, Honda's new model Civics are the safest in their size category. The handling is great and you two will probably fall in love with the auto climate control.
Nevermind the notion of installing a solar panel roof. Such a thing will never generate a useable amount of charge.
Also, don't worry about the future, because it's mostly pipe dreams. What counts are the options you have now. Hybrids are replacing conventional automobiles and it's going to take a long time to achieve widespread adoption. Nearly every auto manufacturer is planning for hybrid models -- Few are holding their breath for fuel cell.
Nevermind the notion of installing a solar panel roof. Such a thing will never generate a useable amount of charge.
Also, don't worry about the future, because it's mostly pipe dreams. What counts are the options you have now. Hybrids are replacing conventional automobiles and it's going to take a long time to achieve widespread adoption. Nearly every auto manufacturer is planning for hybrid models -- Few are holding their breath for fuel cell.
we'll see. like I said, most likely we'll need another car in about 2-3 years, so we're just gonna wait it out for the Gen III prius while getting the '09 fit this fall.
you know honda is planning a unique (as in its not based off of a gasoline powered model) hybrid thats supposed to be substantially cheaper than the prius. Wether or not it is going to be a hatch remains to be seen.
it should be out by the time the gen 3 prius rolls around.
I have my opinion based on all hybrids. Battery powered cars are not as green as u think. The battery usually lasts for a good 4-5 years and then needs replaced (there goes all that saved gas money) and are anywhere from 2000 to 5000 dollars. Put on top of the extra 6000 difference from the fit, that's no money saved. Also, most batteries can't be recycled efficiently so. So from production to end of life the prius doesnt get much better then other cars. I would think a fit would be overall more fun and more reliable.
Hey you know what? We all contribute our opinions and knowledge to this forum. FUD? Sorry gonna have to say when the first hybrids started comin out these were the real issues, cost of technology and the battery life cycles. In I am simply giving information so unless u have something to say about ur side of my argument, STFU and be mature... :wavey:
Last edited by Kuturagi; Apr 7, 2008 at 03:47 PM.
Arisenfury, please don't bring up the battery issue without anything to back it up. Priuses CRASH at greater rates than they wear out batteries, and those few who drive enough to wear one out can find a replacement from a wrecked Prius at a low cost. Many people drive over 150k without ever replacing it.
[edit] I searched some websites and it looks like no one has ever reported having to replace a 2nd gen Prius battery yet. There are probably some people out there but considering it is a top 10 selling vehicle, the numbers are nearly insignificant.
You should really take ride comfort into account too. My mom has a Prius and I drive a Fit so I speak from experience--the Prius rides like a cushy sedan while the Fit rides like, well, a hyperactive Honda subcompact. The Toyota is not bouncy or hard at all since it's heavier and has a longer wheelbase. It's definitely a more "mature" car and basically the perfect road trip car. And the seats do not suck, unlike the Fit's.
Build quality on the Prius is absolutely perfect. We've got 70k miles on ours without a single rattle EVER. Our other Prius owning friends have had similar experiences. The ivory interior still looks new, and the paint is terrific. It's basically a maintenance free machine.
When we bought our Prius in 2005, there was a law in CT that exempted us from sales tax so we paid just $22k out the door. We paid $17k out the door for my Fit.
One of the major things that pisses me off about the Prius is the incredibly sluggish throttle response. The electric engine starts first, followed by the internal combustion engine once you add more throttle. Of course my mom (and probably yours too) is never bothered by that, but you do need to plan ahead when trying to jump into spots in traffic. It's depressing to drive after being in my Fit. In places like New York City you have to be aggressive with the gas pedal to get in and out of traffic.
My guess is your mom will be using the car for commuting and not tearing up canyons or weaving quickly through traffic. In that case the Prius is 100% the better choice. Also this may be a controversial statement, but the Prius is to me the classier car for an older person like a parent. You can show up at a really nice restaurant in a Prius and look great, but I feel ridiculous showing up to nice places in my modded Fit. I'll take the Prius out on dates sometimes.
Whenever hybrids are mentioned, someone inevitably goes through the pointless work of figuring out fuel costs to the last penny. That's not the point, many people buy Priuses for their other merits. It's also one reason why Civics and other non-distinct hybrids do not sell as well. Plus, your math is wrong anyways--you're off by 100 gallons for the Fit. I don't like Toyotas in general but I have a huge amount of respect for the Prius.
[edit] I searched some websites and it looks like no one has ever reported having to replace a 2nd gen Prius battery yet. There are probably some people out there but considering it is a top 10 selling vehicle, the numbers are nearly insignificant.
You should really take ride comfort into account too. My mom has a Prius and I drive a Fit so I speak from experience--the Prius rides like a cushy sedan while the Fit rides like, well, a hyperactive Honda subcompact. The Toyota is not bouncy or hard at all since it's heavier and has a longer wheelbase. It's definitely a more "mature" car and basically the perfect road trip car. And the seats do not suck, unlike the Fit's.
Build quality on the Prius is absolutely perfect. We've got 70k miles on ours without a single rattle EVER. Our other Prius owning friends have had similar experiences. The ivory interior still looks new, and the paint is terrific. It's basically a maintenance free machine.
When we bought our Prius in 2005, there was a law in CT that exempted us from sales tax so we paid just $22k out the door. We paid $17k out the door for my Fit.
One of the major things that pisses me off about the Prius is the incredibly sluggish throttle response. The electric engine starts first, followed by the internal combustion engine once you add more throttle. Of course my mom (and probably yours too) is never bothered by that, but you do need to plan ahead when trying to jump into spots in traffic. It's depressing to drive after being in my Fit. In places like New York City you have to be aggressive with the gas pedal to get in and out of traffic.
My guess is your mom will be using the car for commuting and not tearing up canyons or weaving quickly through traffic. In that case the Prius is 100% the better choice. Also this may be a controversial statement, but the Prius is to me the classier car for an older person like a parent. You can show up at a really nice restaurant in a Prius and look great, but I feel ridiculous showing up to nice places in my modded Fit. I'll take the Prius out on dates sometimes.
Whenever hybrids are mentioned, someone inevitably goes through the pointless work of figuring out fuel costs to the last penny. That's not the point, many people buy Priuses for their other merits. It's also one reason why Civics and other non-distinct hybrids do not sell as well. Plus, your math is wrong anyways--you're off by 100 gallons for the Fit. I don't like Toyotas in general but I have a huge amount of respect for the Prius.
coupdetat when talking about a car we consider the whole car. For you we don't talk about batteries though. So do me a favor and don't read my posts, they will just anger you and make you want to hit me :D . As for the Fit and Prius deal, I like the prius as a car and enjoy riding in them, very nice, although not as sporty for sure. If I had to buy one it would have to be new and I would want to trade it in after the battery died.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 349
From: Avon, CT
I and several other members have already said what there is to say about hybrid batteries. You're just spreading misinformation. <--in response to your first post
Oops, didn't see you had a new post. I did not say that nobody has battery problems, but I said the numbers are insignificant. After all, think of how many Priuses your dealership has sold since late 2003. Four of them have had replacement batteries? That and your sister's extremely bad experience hardly allow you to generalize "usually lasts for a good 4-5 years and then needs replaced".
And lastly, you got screwed on that premature dead battery. Honda would have replaced it for free.
Oops, didn't see you had a new post. I did not say that nobody has battery problems, but I said the numbers are insignificant. After all, think of how many Priuses your dealership has sold since late 2003. Four of them have had replacement batteries? That and your sister's extremely bad experience hardly allow you to generalize "usually lasts for a good 4-5 years and then needs replaced".
And lastly, you got screwed on that premature dead battery. Honda would have replaced it for free.
Last edited by coupdetat; Apr 7, 2008 at 04:21 PM.
I and several other members have already said what there is to say about hybrid batteries. You're just spreading misinformation. <--in response to your first post
Oops, didn't see you had a new post. I did not say that nobody has battery problems, but I said the numbers are insignificant. After all, think of how many Priuses your dealership has sold since late 2003. Four of them have had replacement batteries? That and your sister's extremely bad experience hardly allow you to generalize "usually lasts for a good 4-5 years and then needs replaced".
And lastly, you got screwed on that premature dead battery. Honda would have replaced it for free.
Oops, didn't see you had a new post. I did not say that nobody has battery problems, but I said the numbers are insignificant. After all, think of how many Priuses your dealership has sold since late 2003. Four of them have had replacement batteries? That and your sister's extremely bad experience hardly allow you to generalize "usually lasts for a good 4-5 years and then needs replaced".
And lastly, you got screwed on that premature dead battery. Honda would have replaced it for free.
exactly!
kurtagi, 4 prius batteries being replaced at one dealer in all of the united states is not very indicative of how long these things last, or how reliable the prius is. other data collections have shown much the opposite.
and your sister could have had a lemon. not to mention the prev gen civic hybrid wasnt' much to right home about.
And we have already shown that the prius in fact DOES NOT cost 6k more than the fit, its base price and what it can be had for are much less.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 35
From: Woodland Hills, CA
Wife drives a Prius and loves it. I don't mind driving it at all. It's not that slow, gets great mileage and is more comfortable than the Fit imo. The storage is back is much more than you'd expect and easy to use.
Other than the price, can't fault the car for what is was designed to do. We got a few thousand off sticker, so not a bad hit. But we mainly purchased it 'cuz my wife wanted one. She's not a car person and typically couldn't tell you the color of what car she has, but she loves this thing so couldn't argue this one, and no regrets. For road trips, we take the Prius.
The Fit is my DD, and it's fine for that but the road noise, less comfortable seats, and lower mileage rule it out on the long drives.
Mark
Other than the price, can't fault the car for what is was designed to do. We got a few thousand off sticker, so not a bad hit. But we mainly purchased it 'cuz my wife wanted one. She's not a car person and typically couldn't tell you the color of what car she has, but she loves this thing so couldn't argue this one, and no regrets. For road trips, we take the Prius.
The Fit is my DD, and it's fine for that but the road noise, less comfortable seats, and lower mileage rule it out on the long drives.
Mark
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 55
From: Sugar Land, Texas USA
Pruis vs. Fit
I test drove a Toyoya Prius before I got smart and bought my Fit. The Prius was ok, speed was not too bad for a hybrid. But unless you just have to wave your green flag to everyone, hybrid vehicles do not make good economic sense, especially Toyota versions. They are priced to high and you will never make you $$ back in fuel savings and when it is time to replace your main battery pack, watch out..
A Fit is much smarter!
A Fit is much smarter!
New Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 20
From: Toronto,ON,Canada
Perhaps you will sing a different tune about cost-effectiveness when the price of gas starts to hurt. The price of gas rising is a given. The price of replacement battery packs will go down with more of them produced.
I am not sure how the maintenance compares. I know some of the mechanics have to get some re-training which is going to make the repair costs a little higher. I am not sure how this will compare in the long run to the fit but it might have a bit of an impact when budgeting in maintenance into the total cost of ownership.
Ok this is a old thread. But battrery is suppose to be replaced at 100,000 by dealer. And there has been a couple of reports done by companys comparing the two. The Fit won for lowest cost to own over time. Yes the prius get better MPG but not a hole lot i average in mine city around 37-41MPG and the Fit is a lot cheaper to buy and maintain. So at the end they broke down how much it would cost for the prius over 5 years and the Fit and the Fit wins. That would sell me.