Owner Review: Fuel saving and fun driving, I own it all! My Story of Toyota Prius C

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Basic information about my car:

Toyota Prius C

Reasons why I bought this car:

Fully imported (CBU Japan), tax free, hybrid. I am a technology risk consultant, so technology is my life. It was the most advanced car I could afford back in 2012.

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of RM 100k max
• Models that I have considered include: Perodua Alza

Alza for practicality and affordability. But the Prius C was my favorite. RM 96k for a fully-imported car (even tyres are made in Japan). If I chose Alza during that time, I will live with great regret till today.

User Experience

• I have already done 135,000 km.
• My average fuel consumption is 21L/100 km 21 km/litre.

At first, I tried to achieve low fuel consumption, but it is quite pointless because it will stress the hybrid batteries a lot, and the car will be slow. If I was so concerned about the fuel consumption, I might as well get a Myvi/Kelisa. Then I realize this car is very fun to drive, especially when I floor the pedal. The car is powerful, quiet and comfortable. 21L/100 km 21 km/litre is still the average fuel consumption for the past 5 years, even when I don't bother with fuel consumption at all and floor the pedal whenever I like. Still very excited with the car till today (9 years).

Don't listen to the online bullshit about the hybrid battery, master cylinder and inverter! For the hybrid battery, a 2nd hand phone, the Dr. Prius app and OBD2 to override the battery fan to keep the battery below 40C is enough to keep it reliable. Master cylinder and inverter, just regular maintenance will do. I would say the most important way to maintain hybrid cars are: Don't let them expose under the sun 24/7/365. I applied 2 layers of tint (medium price, no need for high end, different vendor and materials) to protect the air cond, hybrid battery and inverter.

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

• Quiet
• Comfortable (surprisingly it is quieter and smoother than the Prius)
• Good fuel consumption
• Reliable (9 years I have only changed 12V battery once and absorber link once, not even brake pads)

Cons

• Small size (only problem)
• Bad resale value

Total Score: 5

Performance: 4

Quality & Features: 5

Space: 2

Ride comfort: 5

Fuel Economy: 5

Price & cost: 3

Summary:

This is a reliable car that I can pass to my kids for their use (6 years to go). IIHS Safety 2012 and CBU Japan quality is no joke. I was involved in a car accident (hit by a drunk driver at a traffic light, then I hit another car in front. My bumpers are dented but there's definitely no need for new bumpers). For the $$ saved from its reliability, I can buy next hybrid (hopefully Camry Hybrid) without trading in my Prius C. I am totally spoiled by it (floor the gas pedal whenever i like and maintain 21 km/litre, where to find?!).

With a low-drag coefficient design, the car is notoriously stable during high speed. Driving 170 km/h is very much like 110 km/h (thanks to its 1.2 tonne curb weight). If I am not in the mood for fast and furious today on the highway, the quietness and comfort with cruise control is pretty enjoyable.

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