Priuses(?) on the Highway

[JacobLeSann]

That is pretty exciting to hear. The Prius definitely seems more common and more efficient, but the Insight looks a bit cooler and could be more fun to drive with the aftermarket Fit parts you’ve mentioned.

If I do double down and get rid of my civic, I’ll miss how fun it is to drive. A Prius is more efficient and safe, but I have heavy doubts that it’ll ever rip around corners like I’d want it to.

[redpoint5]

I don't know what the heck people are complaining about with Prius handling. It's no worse than any other people hauling sedan. Anyone complaining about Prius handling has never even approached the limits of the handling.

According to this, Prius is more nimble than the Insight.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/15-n...-figure-eight/

All that said, slow sedans are boring people haulers, so why bother with which slow and boring car is "sporty"? I'd have more fun on an electric scooter anyhow.

[Autobahnschleicher]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

According to this, Prius is more nimble than the Insight.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/15-n...-figure-eight/

All that said, slow sedans are boring people haulers, so why bother with which slow and boring car is "sporty"? I'd have more fun on an electric scooter anyhow.

That test depends a lot on tire choice.
I could beat a lot of very expensive supercars when I mount proper slicks on my economical fun-car...

[redpoint5]

That was my point, that tire choice makes more difference than anything else. If someone is complaining about handling in a Prius, they should ditch the stock tires and wheels. They should also ditch the idea that they are going to race around in a Prius.

[Vman455]

That's the current Prius and Insight, not the second-gens though. Completely different rear suspension on the current Prius.

I autocross my Prius occasionally, and it's just fine. I have aftermarket springs on it that are, according to the manufacturer, around 10% stiffer than stock and 1.4" lower. But I measured the natural frequency of the front suspension at 2.3 Hz and the rear at 1.8 Hz, which are fairly high for a road car. So they might actually be stiffer than that. The second-gen Prius has more suspension options since it shares components or dimensions with some other Toyotas, such as the Matrix.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

They should also ditch the idea that they are going to race around in a Prius.

I could never understand the amount of Prius owners I've seen that drive like they were in a race. That, and how many have luggage containers on top of their Prius. Sure, maybe they need to get places fast and take a lot of stuff with them and want to get the best fuel mileage possible while doing so. But still, why does it seem that most of them do those kinds of things?

[redpoint5]

I mostly see lifted trucks doing 90 on the freeway, and the Prius drivers going for a new fuel economy record.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

That was my point, that tire choice makes more difference than anything else. If someone is complaining about handling in a Prius, they should ditch the stock tires and wheels. They should also ditch the idea that they are going to race around in a Prius.

Even with sticker tires the 2nd Gen Prius still handles poorly. Soft springs, budget suspension, no feel to the steering, and lots of body roll.

The problem I found with my 2nd gen Prius was the lack of spring options. Anything stiffer than stock was also shorter. I don't want a low-rider Prius, it scrapes enough speed bumps at stock height. Want stiffer struts or shocks? Sorry, those will be custom.

Which is fine - most people don't care but handling is a safety issue to me. I've actually had to do something similar to the "moose test" with a car before to dodge a car that pulled out directly in front of me when I was going 60 mph.

When it comes time to change out suspension components I want the option to improve on the stock parts.

[redpoint5]

I only have experience with Gen III and heard people complaining about handling with it, which is where my comments are directed.

There was a wooden crate in my lane on the Interstate bridge on I-5 one evening. Knowing my surroundings were clear from frequent checking, I swerved at the limit of the car to avoid it. To avoid a collision with the wall I swerved back and instigated a fishtail. The stability control applied brakes at the right time to straighten me out in no time. It would have taken me 3x longer to smooth out that fishtail. Handled as well as I would want an efficient sedan to handle.

Nobody has ever been slowed 'round a corner due to wanting to take them faster than me in my Prius.

[JacobLeSann]

I mean I drive a Honda, I’m definitely somebody who pretends their econobox is a race car

Valid discussion, tho. I’ve seen them on the road but never up close until the other day. Smaller than I expected, should drive like any family car from that period. It actually looks (sort of) nicer in person. An electric scooter is indeed a good idea; I’m going to build a one myself and try to only use my car come winter. In that regard, the Prius’s curb weight makes it a good idea.

I’ve got my car working yet again, so I can keep window shopping and waiting for prices to die down, until whenever it finally blows up lol.

What would you guys charge if you were going to sell your Prius? I want to buy something that’s used, but well-kept. Don’t wanna pay a fortune, but don’t want another lemon.