300km Door Handle cover popped lose.
9000km Rear Passenger Door would not lock
Dealer requested to replace the whole door (WHY?)
Hybrid Synergy Drive is an EXCELLENT technology.
CVT should never be used on ANY CAR! It is good for fuel economy, but makes the car feel slower.
The advertised fuel economy of 5.7L/100km City/Highway is achievable if you drive in rush hour traffic ON HIGHWAY where quick acceleration is not needed. On average, on highway, expect 6.0-6.5L/100km if you drive 110km/h. In city, 7.5L is not unusual in stop and go traffic.
The amount of eletrical components in the car makes me never want to buy one used.
Interior looks great.
Interior is quiet even at highway speed.
JBL Sound System is Great.
Front visibility can be POOR due to large rearview mirror.
Rear visibility is poor while backing up.
Drives like a Lincoln. The suspension is a bit too soft.
The biggest problem with hybrids is the outrageous cost of repairs. A recent article cited a case in which the transaxle failed on a Prius just out of warranty, and the cost to repair it came to nearly HALF the purchase price of the car. The added complexity makes for some scary possibilities down the road.
I've known people who had to replace the battery packs, and had to shell out several grand or buy "rebuilt" batteries (which may be just as good. I've bought rebuilt parts and had no problems).
There seem to be an awful lot of used hybrids for sale in our area, and I suspect the main reason is that they are now out of warranty, and the owners feel pretty vulnerable facing tens of thousands of dollars in possible repairs.
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