2012 Toyota PRIUS | an average guy's review

visit the average guy tested Amazon page to shop for many of my #approved and wish list products: www.amazon.com/shop/themediamart Another honest auto review from an average guy -- the 2012 Toyota PRIUS Lift-back.
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[@Side-Quest-Workshop]

This is the most no-nonsense review of the Prius I've seen. Thank you for bringing up details that none of the other car reviewers bring up.

[@averageguytested]

Sarah Joy Thank you for your kind words :) and for watching my video :)

[@MrTeacher9]

I've been watching a lot of Prius videos on here lately because I'm thinking about getting one. This is one of the best and most informative reviews I've seen so far. Thanks!

[@94SexyStang]

The batteries aren't much of a concern anymore guys, especially if you're mechanically inclined....it's not a hard job. There's so many cheap aftermarket Batteries on ebay, (with warranties), also Junkyards are loaded with spare battery cells...When the batteries fail on the prius, it's NOT the whole battery, it's merely individual CELLS (say you have 12 cells that fail...out of 200!)....so you just swap the dead ones out....or you can pay a private shop to Recharge them.(there's plenty of hybrid shops around willing to do it for a fraction of the price). Basically all the myths about these Hybrid cars are total bullshit...battery failures are very Rare. Also the Prius Taxi's in NYC have 250...and...,500k on them with the STOCK battery still going!

[@averageguytested]

Good to know - I met a guy in Mississippi that recovers and resells the Prius. He shares your sentiments.

[@joshuab1707]

Mike Fu wow thanks for that. I was so worried about buying a used Prius for that reason alone, I was considering getting a brand new one.

[@mikefly562]

I rented a 2013 Prius Two for a 3200 m ile road trip. Car was awesome, and very comfortable, and had plenty of power. I was even able to go 80+ on steep mountain passes. With 3200 miles, I averaged 49.7 miles per gallon in all types of traffic and highway driving. After I turned in the rental car, I drove my old car to the Toyota dealership and bought a new 2013 Prius Four w/ sunroof. Car is awesome!

[@DanielCruz-pv2wo]

My 2012 Prius consistently gets between 55 and 60 mpg.

[@willillybab6425]

SOLUTION to the car's quietness near kids on bikes = Roll down the car's windows and crank up the car's radio; that works.

[@13robj]

Wow! First time coming across your channel, really great review! Concise, informative, entertaining! Keep it up! 👍🏻

[@averageguytested]

Thank you!!!

[@cgrisetti87]

Really loved your review. Purchasing one of these in about 2 months.

[@57geronimo]

Thanks for the great video I read the first page of comments and have heard them all. Don't really agree with all of the comments, but oh well. Funny story; I sold my 2000 Jeep TJ that had a Chevy V8 and no longer needed a pulling vehicle so we traded in my 2011 Dodge Ram Sport crew cab for a 2012 Prius 2 to save a little cash on fuel. I had run the numbers and expected to save $2000 for 12,000 miles in one year, and accomplished the goal. The max we got was 72.4 MPG, and on a weekly basis we get around 50 MPG. My wife and I love the car, It has changed our driving style (ok mine) for the good. I wish everyone drove a Prius, it would be a lot safer out there. Thanks for your time. MDG

[@averageguytested]

Thank you! I loved driving the PRIUS! Thanks for watching my video!

[@averageguytested]

my thoughts exactly! I love the prius! Thanks for watching my video and for your cool comment! Tony

[@averageguytested]

I hear the cost comparisons - but there's something really cool about the PRIUS. and I literally did not fill up the tank all day when driving from NYC to Rochester. I gotta get over to your channel and check out your new vids

[@maroney72]

Thank you for the excellent review. We are considering purchasing a 2013 Prius 3 and just test drove one. I went in thinking "glorified golf cart"...I left thinking "Wow, quality car...with a ton of safety features" ....That dare I say was....Fun to drive. Oh and as you may have mentioned.....50 miles per gallon!.. Haha Thanks again.

[@Susazeu]

For years I was a sucker for the VW Beetle whirring sound. It'd shake me to the core. Now I'm loving the whirring of the electric engines. Bravo for the video!!!

[@averageguytested]

I agree with you 100% 👍🏽

[@pedrof830]

Tony, great review, tell me how is that engine shut off diff from stop/start system in some new cars?

[@averageguytested]

I hear that the Prius C is sluggish, but the PRIUS is pretty cool! Thanks for watching my video!

[@MATTHXWZ]

Watching this in 2021…this video made me want this car even more …

[@averageguytested]

It’s a great vehicle- I still think about it.

[@averageguytested]

interesting to see what comes next! thanks for watching my video :) Tony

[@sabiqoon]

I loved this review. Thank you for posting this stuff.

[@averageguytested]

Thanks for watching!

[@fkporsche1]

Good fun review.

[@smoothvelvetsinger]

This was a cool review, thanks. I have two Priuses myself. I love the look of the Prius, especially the third generation. The pearly white looks best. I can't understand why anyone would dislike the look.

[@averageguytested]

I agree with you. The ride rocks! If they made it with AWD I’d be in for life 👍🏽

[@timursimon3557]

@@averageguytested they do have AWD Prius now

[@brucelee9941]

2012-2015 Pearl white with the 17 rims is my favorite combo on Prius. I just purchased a 2012 pearl white.

[@averageguytested]

awesome! congrats! I should have gone with the Prius too! I went for the Camry SE - like it a lot - but 50 MPG!!! enjoy your Prius!

[@MarioRoussel]

Like you said with your friends, everybody dislike the Prius or have these preconceived ideas that it's a bad car, but I'm happy to see that you did a nice, honest & Positive review of the car... Good Job !!

[@honkytonk2010]

Great review thanks for sharing.

[@prettylittlephotons]

Thoroughly enjoyed your review!

[@averageguytested]

Thanks for watching 👍🏽

[@trinitystar10210]

Great video Tony!! Im unsure of these cars but I think they are good looking and from seeing you in it looks like there is a lot of room within. Ohh and I love the cubby holes!! (cubby? lol idk) HIII :)

[@averageguytested]

Love the Prius. Do you have the C and V models over there?

[@averageguytested]

and thank you for watching my video!

[@coolgadgetreviews]

the best prius review ever!! other car experts saying bad things about this car but truly this car is awesome and hybrid is the future!!

[@averageguytested]

Thank you! I love the Prius 👍🏽

[@dansaghin1]

great review, thank you!!! I`m looking to buy one myself

[@averageguytested]

You’ll love it.

[@georgeclemenceau7317]

Great review, many thanks and yes I have subscribed...

[@averageguytested]

Thanks!!!

[@averageguytested]

thanks for the input!

[@vladcontact]

Good review, interesting details Thank you!

[@averageguytested]

vladcontact thanks for watching!

[@averageguytested]

Congrats!! I LOVE them!

[@airtouch01]

Very good review of the prius

[@immanuelcarter6713]

Great reviews as always keep it up

[@averageguytested]

Thanks bud!

[@averageguytested]

+thanks!! Immanuel Carter

[@averageguytested]

Thanks Kim! How's your golf game?

[@ryanenstad8928]

Got a promotion at work a couple of years ago but it came with a catch - a 75 mile commute. 😖. Thought a motorcycle was the answer but learned quickly how impractical it can be in 110°+ temps and gale force winds or rain. Started looking into a high mpg commuter vehicle. Prius was at the top of the list. Who's review popped up? 😊 Bought one of these. A 2013 model Prius 3. Everything you mentioned in this review was spot on. Well, except for the mpg. I'm averaging 45mpg. 95% of the commute is freeway tho, so it's still pretty damn good. I'm loving it!! Thanks Tony!!

[@averageguytested]

Good stuff Ryan!

[@MajorSlaughterPR]

Good review!

[@danielbob1973]

i have watched this video for up to 10 times now. best review for a prius

[@averageguytested]

Thanks!!!

[@gene978]

Hey Tony! Ive been waiting for this one I'm not a Prius hater. I actually like the New Look but what I don't like and I think they could really wow the look of the car with really cool wheels. The base wheels on the first 4 level Prius are just hard to get passed. They could do so much better to make the car pop. That said, I remember getting 50-60 MPG With my unsafe 3cyl 60HP Chevy Sprint. I LOVED IT! I had that car 4 years and sold it for more money then I paid almost double in fact. It was

[@brianmcg321]

Awesome review.

[@averageguytested]

brianmcg321 thanks!!!

[@averageguytested]

Thanks Tim. How's it going?

[@brorowcarwiz]

Cool review! What was your average gas mileage? Anywhere near 50? Personally, I don't like hybrids, but thats just me. Do you think that hybrids are worth the price premium? My point being, a 2013 Hyundai Elantra is rated to get 33 mpg combined and 40 mpg hwy, thats less than the Prius' 50, but comparable equipped Elantras are considerably cheaper to buy.

[@audriusa5368]

Awesome review!

[@averageguytested]

Thanks, bro!

[@averageguytested]

I LOVE the Prius! enjoy yours!

[@wailisam2079]

That was a cool review, I have ever seen it and give me more trust to buy this car !!!Thanks

[@averageguytested]

Thanks for watching 👋🏽

[@averageguytested]

Thanks my friend!

[@averageguytested]

thanks Mario! I know it's generally cool to beat on the Hybrids - but the Prius ROCKS! I seriously thought about buying one - and probably should have! Tony

[@clitheroeant]

Thanks for a well-presented, informative video. Your affirmation, along with several others on KZbin, was enough for me to buy a second-hand 2011 10th Anniversary model, (UK), which I pick up this week. I am looking forward to giving similar positive feedback online soon!

[@averageguytested]

Thank you for watching and for letting me know that my video was helpful. Enjoy your new ride! I'm super jealous.

[@LindaJB2]

I bought a 2012 Prius Two lift-back brand new in June 2012. It appears from the dash on your vehicle that you may also have the "Two" (no GPS or back-up camera). I have been very satisfied with my Prius. I consistently get 35-40 MPG in the city (I'm heavy on the accelerator in getting to work, so use the engine more than the motor) and get about 50-55 MPG on the highway. I work in town and on average fill my tank only once a month. If I had to do it again, I would get the back-up camera (which I believe may be standard in the Prius models after 2012), because of the blind spots on the back side panels, but I've gotten used to them. Thanks for the review!

[@averageguytested]

Thanks for watching- may I ask what lead you to my video? I always wonder why people look at reviews of cars they own. :)

[@liamcritchlow1265]

Good to see a Prius out on the road

[@averageguytested]

Liam Critchlow yup

[@bluemarvel4601]

I'm looking to test drive and hopefully buy one.

[@averageguytested]

It’s a sweet ride!

[@averageguytested]

thanks my friend!! shout outs back @ cha!

[@High2Tension]

bro m getting a 2007 model, should i buy? the question is i really dont know how much the batteries are used n who knows if they need a change after 10k or so? should i but 2007 or not as its 6 years old now. n issue is the batteries

[@averageguytested]

yes - it's a great car! have you driven the Ford Fusion Hybrid?

[@Linn85]

I am thinking about getting a Prius, because of lost of reasons! :) Great review! Toyota is usually good quality!

[@averageguytested]

+Linn Jones Thank you Linn! I love the Prius! Good luck :)

[@cateyes97]

I'm a new owner of a 2013 and I LOVE IT!!!!

[@averageguytested]

Awesome! Good luck and enjoy your new ride!

[@rydervrchota]

best. car review. i’ve ever seen!

[@averageguytested]

Thanks!!

[@averageguytested]

the engine shut off can be a bit strange in the beginning - but you quickly get used to it. I haven't driven a vehicle with a stop/start system yet. I'll let u know.

[@TheAussieBakery]

Hmmm...well, well, well. You know, I was expecting (hoping) to have an opportunity to dis your review of the PRIUS - but dammit, looks like you're more convincing/persausive than I gave you credit for, because I find myself liking it. Not sure that I'd buy it, but I'd definitely consider hiring one - and would definitely put my children in one for a first car. Lookin good Tony, though it always concerns me when you drive off and leave your camera behind....lol.

[@Kim3Chang]

Looks pretty roomy coming from an average guy. I just love the smooth engine, when the car is in motion, you can't even hear it. I have a few friends that drives Prius, sometimes they like to sneak up on me. = ) I rented a 2012 Mazda 6, love the interior & their gadgets. Goes pretty fast, definitely did a lot of changes with their engine. Have a fantastic week T.

[@averageguytested]

yeah Rebecca is pretty darn rockin' :) thank Pedro!

[@mpmceo]

We put our son into a 2010 Prius. Added a little something with tinted windows, alloy rims, subs, etc. He drives like a typical teenager and still gets around 48mpg. He puts a lot of miles on between school and sports practice. When it cost $14 to fill up gotta love it.

[@averageguytested]

Indeed!👍🏽 lucky kid!

[@averageguytested]

awesome! CONGRATS!

[@Dakobah20]

can you or any prius owner tell me how looking in the back window while driving is? it seems that bar would be a distraction/hinderance seeing the cars behind you in the rearview mirror.

[@averageguytested]

Wasn’t a problem for me.

[@teknizian]

Come over to Holland, I see 'em each and every day!

[@averageguytested]

sweet little ride! good luck and let me know when you get it! :)

[@geodeaholicm4889]

i've had my '07 for going on 9 yrs/150k miles, drove it all over the oil patch in addition to visiting 10 states & it has been real reliable. if/when i wear it out i'll git another.

[@averageguytested]

Word - good stuff

[@averageguytested]

I agree about the wheels. love the PRIUS though. thanks Gene!

[@averageguytested]

LOVE the Prius - RIGHT on!

[@oscarg14100]

Good review

[@pineapplescrew]

Wow! I loved your review! And you know this car gets dumped on so much and its only because of its look and the stereotype that goes with it! I rented one and I found it to be responsive and comfortable. And hey my regular ride is a Dodge charger. My thought is many people such as myself commute to work; being farely young I tend to travel lightly on weekends and off days and guess what our gas which is a fading resource will become higher and higher so ...

[@averageguytested]

Prius rocks! Thanks for watching my video!

[@watchandjewelryloft4713]

I've been considering getting a second vehicle again. Had an 07 Civic Hybrid in the past, but sold it. I was thinking of getting another this time, but started to compare the Prius. Your video is really solid. There are a lot of videos that are either vague or just plain annoying to watch. Thanks. Any tips for the used market?

[@averageguytested]

I wish I did have some solid aftermarket tips. I met a guy in Corinth Mississippi that buys and sells used Prius models. He said that they are a terrific used vehicle. I can’t find his contact info, but if I do I’ll send it your way.

[@sgsuper1150]

Great review

[@averageguytested]

Thanks!

[@Choice777]

very nice review average guy.

[@averageguytested]

Thanks!

[@averageguytested]

I will soon!

[@ahamedmulthazim4765]

Nice car . I own 2012 model super drive.spacious',very economical

[@averageguytested]

LOVE it - driving a 2014 model right now

[@averageguytested]

Thank you!

[@farhan007]

Do people who say the Prius has power only have driven a Geo metro beforehand?

[@averageguytested]

Thanks man!

[@hokeonglok2067]

I own the same Prius... Average consumption 4.3-4.5 L/100KM. And I am fully satisfy with that!

[@mokumkat]

Is it forbidden by law to have side blinkers in the mirrors of cars in general or is it just not featured on the US-Prius? I own the European edition which has blinkers in the mirrors. I also like my Prius a lot and even use it as a student driver car for my driving school in Amsterdam, Holland

[@averageguytested]

+mokumkat no, there are many autos with side blinkers on the roads here in the US. he Prius is a great vehicle! driving school :) you are a brave man!

[@mokumkat]

Thank you for your comment, yes I did see cars in the US with side blinkers too. Perhaps the ones from Prius are not up to US safety regulations...or it's a matter of taste. I found out the hard way that replacing those blinkers is quite expensive. I never owned a nicer car though.

[@isackhernandez3691]

a "cubby hole" its the same space it just has a large piece of plastic over that space. i hope they can change that center piece and make it more like the Prius v or something like a traditional car. like the BMW i3 spacious interior

[@averageguytested]

thanks my friend :)

[@skhirtladzee]

hi please help me if you can tell me how I can switch fahrenheit to celsius? thanks

[@averageguytested]

It should be in the owners manual. You can google it too.

[@averageguytested]

sweet! love the prius!

[@averageguytested]

The Prius ROCKS!

[@CindyMurphyPDX]

I live in Portland, OR, where there are lots of pedestrians and bike riders. I am aware that walkers and bikers can not hear my car. So, here's my question. If I switch to power mode, will the car make more of a "car noise"?

[@averageguytested]

The answer is no - it’s super quiet all the time.

[@molaroismorais1758]

Great job 👍..

[@averageguytested]

hey there. I met a guy that specializes in used Prius vehicles. I can ask him about the battery issue and get back to you.

[@shawnriv9]

How is the Prius in the snow? I live in northern New England (New Hampshire to be exact) and we get heavy snowfall during the winter months. I currently drive a Volkswagen Golf and I'm all over the road and feel extremely unsafe while driving in snow. Would you recommend the Prius to someone who lives in a state where the weather can become very dangerous during the winter months? Thanks.

[@danielbob1973]

I guarantee you that you will feel more safe in a prius than a golf in snow. However, prius is not a 4 wheel drive

[@averageguytested]

Heavy and low center of gravity because of the batteries.

[@ajhare2]

I always wanted a prius

[@bobbybajwa2270]

What car do you drive Tony?

[@averageguytested]

thanks man!

[@averageguytested]

70 MPG? wow!! Nice!

[@averageguytested]

I haven't driven it in snow - but it does have a low center of gravity and theres a battery pack in the back - maybe @ripdaddy KC can tell us - he just took it on a trip thru colorado

[@StuartKerrison]

Nice review man and I couldn't agree more. I just bought one. :-)

[@averageguytested]

ha ha - careless whisper - I'm a product of the 80's my friend - not the best times for music or cars... I've heard good things about the CMax, but I have yet to test one. What I will say is that I have driven the Ford Fusion Hybrid and it ROCKS! I have yet to test or even see the VW Hybrid, but I hear that their TDI is amazing. Let me know what you decide to do. T

[@averageguytested]

thanks!