[jane032657]

Looking at buying 2014 Prius with Solar Package. Appreciate your comments on your experience with Prius and solar. Does it help keep car cooler? Pros and cons on both. Prius and solar. Thanks

[gamby]

We've had our for 5 years without any problems. A little small for cargo but
we are very happy with it. I would buy another one.

Very expensive for repairs.

P.S. My daughter also has her second one ; She had 250,000 miles at trade in.

[dotti105]

We have a 2007 Prius 2nd generation with 150K miles on it. We have had a slight reduction in mpg. We think it is due to having all season radials. Tires with heavier tread really decrease mpg. (We have been in snow country)

Only maintenance issue was a period of time that the AC (and heater)fan would just cut off. They had a hard time diagnosing it because it would run fine each time we took it in. Finally once diagnosed it was an easy and inexpensive fix.

We love our Prius and will buy another when it's time to trade. They pay for themselves with the gas savings!! Best car we ever had!

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by jane032657

Looking at buying 2014 Prius with Solar Package. Appreciate your comments on your experience with Prius and solar. Does it help keep car cooler? Pros and cons on both. Prius and solar. Thanks

Don't lose sight of the fact that if you have to purchase new batteries
a few years down the road, it will cost you thousands.

If you plan to hold on to the car for a long time, you should
factor the battery cost into the purchase price.

I don't know the exact cost, but I don't think
$6,000-$7,000 is too far off the mark.

[BarryRX]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

Don't lose sight of the fact that if you have to purchase new batteries
a few years down the road, it will cost you thousands.

If you plan to hold on to the car for a long time, you should
factor the battery cost into the purchase price.

I don't know the exact cost, but I don't think
$6,000-$7,000 is too far off the mark.

The expected life span of a Prius is 180,000 miles and the battery is expected to stay perky for that long. Toyota backs that up with an 8 year 100,000 mile warranty on the battery in most states and a 10 year 150,000 mile warranty in a few other states. While a new battery can cost $4,000 (if you would ever need one), there is a large market of used and refurbished batteries that can be had from eBay for $500 dollars or so.

[getdul981]

We have had 3 Priuses (?). A 2005, a 2008 and now a 2010. The 2010 has the solar package that you asked about. I don't know if it really helps to reduce the interior temp or not. I do know that the circulating fan is usually running whenever we get in when it is sitting in the sun. We got this car just prior to moving to FL from VA, so I can't tell if it's better than not havin the solar package in FL, but I have to believe that it has to help. I also try to pop the sun roof to allow the heat to excape, but don't always remember to do it. I don't think the solar package was available prior to 2010. If cargo room is a concern, I suggest that you check out the Prius V. Ours also has a feature to start the A/C before you get in the car, but to be honest, I can't ever remember to do it before we actually get in. You have to be fairly close to do this.

Also check out - PriusChat.

[DeanFL]

We have 2 Prii - a 2010, Gen 3 - and a 2003, Gen 1. The 2003 is for sale (80k miles) - we just moved and don't need 2 cars + the golf cart. She LOVES that car and hates to part with it. Put ad on Craigs list 2 days ago - have 11 responses so far.
My 2010 - one of the first of the Gen 3s made in '09. 50K miles. My first hybrid - and love it. I drive it like a 'regular' car and get 50mpg. Love the utility of the liftback for hauling. ZERO problems (I have the V model with leather and 17" alloys etc - no solar). 2 recalls in the years - both software fixes. Oil changes and tire rotates - that's all. Love it! And would recommend a Prius 100%.
Can't comment re the Solar, but it pulls in ambient outside air into the cabin - not AC. It does have remote/on AC with fob. I know the solar option is $$$$.
Big note - the 2015s are coming out in the fall - Gen 4. The Prius will be redesigned and more aero with better mpg - perhaps 55mpg. I was glad to get the 2010/Gen 3 when they first came out as the design stayed fresh for 4 years.

[jane032657]

Thanks everyone, I did the trade today and got the 2014 with the solar. Don't have it yet but will this week. Appreciate all the input.

[EnglishJW]

Originally Posted by jane032657

Thanks everyone, I did the trade today and got the 2014 with the solar. Don't have it yet but will this week. Appreciate all the input.

Congratulations! Like many of the others who have commented, we love our 2010 with about 50,000 miles and no problems. My wife averages 55 mpg with the car and we expect to buy another in 2015.

[KayakerNC]

2010 Prius with solar here.
Works great with vent visors, which allow the windows to be slightly open for better circulation.

[Villageshooter]

I have 2008 is 164,000miles on it best car i ever owned,44.8 mpg ,,, have only put tires and oil changes EVER.... the 2 best pieces of advice i ever got was,,,,,, just drive it! it is smarter then you are! YOU NOW DRIVE THE UGLIEST Car on the road it looks like a speed bump, but the best thing is YOU DONT HAVE TO LOOK AT IT!..NEVER EVER EVER run out of gas in it you will cause yourself BIG $$ costly problems... as far as service,, there are many great places around the country that ARE not dealers! I have found 1 dealer in Orlando that is very fair honest and cares about customer service. PM me for the dealer..... I can tell you I had a AVALON that need 2 complete new headlight assemblies, that I was quoted $3900 to do the repairs local dealer..... I took the car to Orlando, they did it FREE of charge,,, with zero hassle...... the local dealers service manager and I quote "you should trade that in at a NON-TOYOTA dealer and let them eat the 4k. so enjoy your new car... Be sure to check into a board called PRIUS CHAT ... lots of great info there... almost as many nice folks there as there here.....

[blaZen]

Add some fun and spark to your life, buy a Mini Cooper!

[jane032657]

Originally Posted by blaZen

Add some fun and spark to your life, buy a Mini Cooper!

Just traded my Mini Cooper Roadster S in!!! Lots of fun, not lots of space...it was fun for the year plus I had it. Now I need practicality.

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by jane032657

Thanks everyone, I did the trade today and got the 2014 with the solar. Don't have it yet but will this week. Appreciate all the input.

You're gonna love it!!