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Originally Posted by MikefromLA
Hi there,
I'm strongly considering getting a new Prius as a replacement for a VW Passat. I am looking at lots of cars and love the Prius' fuel economy and low emissions. Not to mention it's a heck of a lot cheaper than a BMW or Lexus. A few quick questions for you:
1) Does it have enough power to pass on the freeway? I'm sort of concerned, having driven several cars with substantial power over the years.
2) I live in Southern California. Do any of you know of good dealerships in the area?
3) Should I have to pay a premium above MSRP for a Prius? Should I need to go on a waiting list? I am looking to get Black with the nav system and all options.
4) What phones will work with the Bluetooth feature?
5) Anything else I should know?
Thanks so much.
Mike from LA
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I don't think my 10 cents will add much, but I have some strong feelings about some of the questions you have.
1. Plenty of pickup when attempting a pass. You benefit from not have gear ratios to deal with. i.e. no passing gear, just instant torque from MG2. So you feel acceleration much faster than you would if you punched it and then had to wait for the momentary delay until an auto tranny chose a lower gear. I believe that Toyota calls it Torque on Demand, or at least that is probably the best way to describe it if it isn't an official Toyota moniker.
It is not a 3-series or Lexus. It is not a V-8, but it feels so much better than your average 4-cylinder.
2. Sorry can't help you there.
3. You should never have to pay a premium, and if you play your cards right and find a dealer with lot stock, you might be able to get some money off the MSRP. You should not have to go on a waiting list, again find a dealer with lot stock and then tell them what you want. If they don't have it, they have the lot stock to trade for it. Black with package 6 (nav with all options) should be pretty easy to have. I highly recommend the gray interior. I've seen black with beige interior and It just doesn't look right, but that is a personal thing.
4. I have a package 5, no nav, no Bluetooth, but most of what you will be getting, can't help you there.
5. This car is a very different driving experience. Smooth acceleration. I highly recommend a test drive before you commit, unless you know this is for you. If you have come from the world of European horsepower you may not e so happy. If not, you probably won't notice a difference between this and your typical mid-sized sedan.