Considering Insight or Prius

[Morgank6]

I hope a thread like this isnt frowned upon, I like both cars and am looking for some real world info.

I just found out the transmission on the car I owe $7550 on is going out, and Id like to at least get the $2k trade in value on it and roll the rest into financing before it totally gives out. Given this situation, Ive narrowed my search down to the Insight or the Prius(was also considering a Jetta TDI, but my girlfriend thinks its too girlie ) I realize this is an insight forum, so your opinions may be a bit skewed, but Id really appreciate any thoughts you all might have.

btw, I drove the Insight today and liked it, though the sales guy I worked with sucked. Probably going to go test drive the Prius tomorrow!

-Morgan

[HybridforCollege]

See whichever dealer gives a better discount. I would say both cars are about equal to me, Prius has better fuel efficiency, and interior, but I like the Insight for its looks.

[galileo5]

Originally Posted by HybridforCollege

See whichever dealer gives a better discount. I would say both cars are about equal to me, Prius has better fuel efficiency, and interior, but I like the Insight for its looks.

Speaking of fuel efficiency, I want to point out that as of 1773 miles, my Insight has a 49.2 MPG average.

I gathered this data manually, and not by what the MID is telling me.

Started at 46.6 MPG as of May 16;
47.6 MPG as of June 1;
48.3 MPG as of June 18;
49.2 MPG as of today.

The point is that my Insight's fuel efficiency is currently averaging what the Prius is advertising.

[stevenvillatoro]

Fuel economy is virtually the same according to owner mileage databases. Insight is much more entertaining to drive, and looks better. Prius has a slight rear-seat advantage. Insight costs thousands less to buy. Prius can sell you more frills.

[psyci]

Wait until after the test drives, you'll probably know soon after.

I really, really loved the Prius on paper. My mom has a Prius and loved it. My wife has a Toyota and loves it. Was all ready to buy a Prius... then I test drove it, and I hated it. Insight just felt much better to me.

Which isn't to say it's a bad car, Prius is an excellent car. The specs are really similar, so just go which one feels better.

[Sluday]

The Insight looks and simplistic interior design is what sold me. The Prius has way to many buttons and displays are cluttered and sometimes confusing. The mileage is almost identical with maybe the Prius squeaking out a couple more mpg's the the Insight.

I would test drive both cars and see what meets your needs best. You won't go wrong with either car. If you like all the tech options then the Prius will make you happy. The Insight rides very smooth, has great visibility,and is whisper quiet if you go easy on the gas pedal. Did I mention the Insight looks better? The Prius is just plain ugly in the front and side views.

[Cobb]

If you love shifting gears and a nice throaty engine, Id get the jetta. The convertible is the girlie car, but I am sure I can rock the early 80s model.

Does you area have the new ultra low sulfur diesel at reasonible prices? Here its about the same as regular.

I was looking at the prius for years, but the dealer seemed mainly interested in selling scions. I just got tired of paying for gas for either my scion or tacoma and they were not interested in a double trade. The honda dealer next door was and the rest is history. Worse tank was 44, best 50 something.

[HybridforCollege]

Originally Posted by galileo5

Speaking of fuel efficiency, I want to point out that as of 1773 miles, my Insight has a 49.2 MPG average.

I gathered this data manually, and not by what the MID is telling me.

Started at 46.6 MPG as of May 16;
47.6 MPG as of June 1;
48.3 MPG as of June 18;
49.2 MPG as of today.

The point is that my Insight's fuel efficiency is currently averaging what the Prius is advertising.

I bet if you drove a Prius the way you drive your Insight, you would get about 55+ mph.

I get about 40 mpg avg on my tanks, 36 overall calculated from my 1414 miles on the odometer and gasoline receipts.

Seriously, you wouldn't drive your insight more fuel efficiently just because it's an insight. You would drive it the same as you would a Prius, and the Prius would have better mpg.

[blippo]

After you test drive a Prius, you'll have a good idea which one you want. Look at both that are comparable equipped.

[mkaresh]

The Jetta is very likely the best car in terms of the driving experience. I hear they're sometimes not easy to find, though. I would ignore "girlie car" BS. I'm sure there are people who say that about all three of these cars.

On paper, the price difference between the Insight and Prius isn't large. But it might be hard to find a Prius that isn't loaded up on dealer lots.

Fuel econ should be a bit better in the Prius. But unless you drive a ton of miles it won't add up to much.

Real-world fuel economy posted here--but not many results for the Insight yet:

Real-world gas mileage survey