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Comments
___It appears that there is quite a bit of misunderstanding in regards to the Corolla discussion here A rather loaded up 03 Corolla LE w/ Auto (Power everything, 4 wheel ABS and EBD, Cold weather package, and cruise) cost me $15,200 incl. destination + TTL before there were any rebates. The 04’s were about $500 less with rebates and the 05’s are ~ the same as my 03 when similarly equipped including the $400 rebate in my locale. Add the Side Air, F&R Curtains, VSC, and TRAC, you are at ~ $16,230 including dest. at $150 over here in Illinois. This is fully optioned out except for the alloys, sun roof, leather, and upgraded stereo system.
___As for ride and handling, the Prius II uses mostly Echo and Corolla suspension and underpinnings. The Prius II does not include the Camry’s 4 wheel independent nor does it include 4 wheel discs. And quality? Both are Toyota’s after all? Unfortunately for both, the Prius II and Corolla supposedly use the same too short front seats
___As for mileage and such, I have taken the Corolla back and forth to work this week for the first time this year and am sitting at 565.3 miles with ~ 1/3 of a tank still left. I should easily hit 700 miles and maybe 50 + mpg from her. This is not in the cards for most but at least EPA estimates are quite easily obtained for a Corolla driver whereas the Prius II driver has a few more hurdles to leap to meet EPA estimates
___Some have mentioned diesel fuel economy the Euro spec’ed Urban and Extra Urban mileage estimates posted on the European automobile manufacturer websites are ~ 10 - 20% more generous then the US’ EPA as that is how they test them so make sure you take that into account. The Euro diesels offer some great mileage in any case however.
___And the NAV If anyone has done research, they would find the maps and capabilities of the PDA based solutions (Mapopolis on an iPAQ 2215 w/ an i.Trek is what I use) exceed that of the in car systems in many regards. The least being the years out of date Navtech’s that are included with most OEM’s vs. the 3 month old Navtech maps I use and the fact that Toyota/Lexus does the NAV screen disable dance while moving.
___Sorry to all if I went to far OT from the original creator’s intent.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___It is a common but nasty little secret that the OEM’s distribute years out of date maps and POI’s in their latest releases. I don’t know exactly how old the Navtech’s in the Prius II are but I know they are at least 1 year out of date given the release date of the automobile and the last major Navtech update time frame. Upgrade discs can be purchased for $150 on up but even those can be as much as 2 years out of date! That being said, you can only update at the whim of the manufacturer. Those with Honda/Acura based NAVI’s have been screwed over for the last 4 years and it is only a matter of time before the manufacturer of the system (Pioneer and Alpine are the major players I believe) as well as the automobile manufacturer stop supporting the updates for a particular automobile as the included built in NAVI tech falls by the way side. Single sided DVD’s in the case of the first Acura systems should provide you with an idea as to how bad it can get in short order PDA based solutions have their issues as well but upgradeability, extremely low costs, and custom personalized programming is not included in the issues I have experienced.
___Anyway, before anyone purchases an OEM NAVI in anything, I would highly suggest that they visit a more searchable forum about the target automobile just in case the built in NAVI isn’t the right option for them. Built in OEM NAVI systems look nice and work quite well in many instances but just make sure you have your eyes wide open before purchase is all
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___I am definitely not saying a built in NAVI system like that available for Prius purchasers is a bad thing in the least. A built in OEM NAVI is not only seamless, it can and does do more then many packages available in other formats whether that is PDA, laptop, or PC based. That being said, all I am mentioning is that there are alternatives that can prove to be far more advanced and prove to be far more useful as time goes on then a very expensive built in OEM NAVI solution no matter the automobile it is installed into. Laptops in an automobile using Garmin HW/SW is not that advanced either imho. Might I suggest you read up on some of the various choices available to you over at GPSpassion.com? There are quite a few and they are getting better all the time
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
I've been reading several acticles about Prius modifications from the website: www.vfaq.net/
They talk about several changes and modifications to make your Prius more versatile. BEWARE: SOME CHANGES/MODIFICATIONS MAY VIOLATE THE WARRANTY !!! But the reading was very interesting to see what others have done. Take a look at it. Something to consider for later.
I asked my local dealer if they offered any Prius merchandise, he said only key fobs. Someone ought to make baseball caps at least!
Thanks,
Rich
They no longer accelerate fast, they no longer go over 65 mph, they look at the display and try to get the highest mileage.
It (the Prius) has gone so far modify one driver's behaviour o that he would drive a maximum speed of 35 mph to achieve 85 miles per gallon after TEN(10) days of continious driving. It is rumored he was a former EPA mileage circuit designer.
Be careful or the Prius will turn you also into a Stepford driver!!
YMMV,
MidCow
Might be one explanation why I always seem to be passing Prius drivers!!
Hmmmmmm hynotic cult like behavior!?
Well at least they are trying to use turn signals when changing lanes and actually turning?? (NAH)
So here's my question - after waiting this long, any value to wait for the 05's? Has anyone heard of any major additiions, upgrades, such as leather? or other items?
ron
I got unlucky again tonight and was handed a '04 Corolla LE for a rental. One of the most uncomfortable driving positions in a modern car, at least for many people like me of average height. The Prius, on the other hand, fits me and the other drivers in my family just fine. If you go with a Corolla, take it for a LONG test drive before you buy (you and all other drivers of the car). But then that's a good idea with any car, including the Prius.
Yes, yes, yes. Please! Where do you live? I'm looking to trade in my Corolla now just about 9000 miles into my 2004 Prius!
Seriously, I'm curious: How many of you out there OWN (not test drive) a Corolla and a 2004 Prius? I like them both for different reasons but for anyone who owns both, there is simply NO comparison in my opinion.
http://www.euroncap.com/content/safety_ratings/details.php?id1=6&- amp;id2=193
Article
http://www.carkeys.co.uk/features/industry/2004/3488.asp
"The Prius's points score for overall passenger protection equals the best ever recorded in the class, and its child protection score tops the whole Euro NCAP points table."
They tested with Side Air Bags
Why, after all my outrage? Because I analysed my wants vs. my needs. I want it right now. I don't need it right now. Therefore, the operative term in that equation is simply: I want it. I like the technology, I like the handling, and believe it or not, I like the looks. And after test driving it, that was firmly cemented.
If anyone actually cares, my full ramble about the experience is at http://belmikey.livejournal.com/96512.html
One nice feature of the factory nav in my 04 Prius is that when there is a loss of satellite signal, such as when in the Lincoln Tunnel,
the cars computer uses the odometer and steering inputs to show a continuous position which is then recalibrated when reception returns.
It is usually amazingly accurate--sort of what inertial navigation is on an airliner!
Please keep any/all comparisons in the comparison topics. This discussion is about the Prius - features, driving experiences, mechanical issues, etc.
Many thanks.
If you had a Suburban you could have thrown the couch in the back and put the $75 in the tank.... What a pity...hehe
What is it for?
The difference is that recalls typically involve some type of safety issue. This doesn't. Operation of the propulsion-system isn't affected at all.
It is an update for the diagnostic system, hence the title "On-Board Diagnostic".
They will update one of the ECUs so it can better communicate with the ODB scantool the mechanics use. With this, some system faults may not be recognized. In other words, you could get a master warning light without any detail (error codes).
If the dealer is experienced with this type of update (which some are getting good at now, like mine), downloading to the tool, uploading to the Prius, and testing the system takes around 1 hour. And of course, it is free.
I had this update done along with my 15,000 mile service (less the oil change) last week. It took 2 hours total and everything worked out fine.
By the way, there is a standard now for identifying ECU updates. The dealer puts stickers, with details filled in, on the driver's door-jam and under the hood.
JOHN
I bought my '04 Driftwood Pkg #9 in Feb 04 and paid sticker. The sticker with factory add-ons of rear carpet mat, decal etc was $26k and change. With tax, title and license came to just over $28k. Since demand outweighs supply, dealers don't have to dicker with the buyer. If you won't pay sticker, there are 40 people on the list who certainly will. I am not objecting to having to pay sticker price, I've got my Prius.
Thanks,
Rich
http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/roadtest,view,Toyota.spy?arti- - - d=25876&pg=1
Dennis
After awhile though, you instinctively learn to do even better. It is exactly like rollerblading (which I do a lot of). You just naturally pick up on the right thing to do to achieve maximum efficiency.
By the way... right now, after having driven 200 miles on this tank, the value on the Multi-Display is at 59 MPG ...without using cruise-control at all.
JOHN
Usbseawolf2000 #3367 is correct. Those figures convert to 58.8 and 56.05 Miles per gallon city/highway respectively.
YMMV,
MidCow
quote Dennis- This is the first time i've seen a road test review that beats the EPA figures. It is a fair and complete article.- end
The figures are the Toyota Canada mileage estimates, NOT the results of the reviewer.
Toyota Canada estimated fuel economy figures do not equal actual road test review numbers that beat EPA. I feel that I'm communicating to a brick wall right now:(
In another article in the "Hybrid in the News" forum there is reference to an article that indicates the real cost of the Prius is $40K and that Toyota is selling all at a loss.
YMMV,
MidCow
Simply waiting is a big factor. Past 15,000 miles now, the car is broken-in. (All along I've been saying this will help.) Then there's the switch to synthetic oil, filling oil to the proper level, and using 44/42 PSI in the tires. Avoiding short-trips and minimal A/C use helps a lot too.
None of those requires any type of driving technique. So just above the 50 MPG mark should be pretty darn realistic.
JOHN
I was aware of the short trip issues, I thought I read on this forum that the AC did not make any difference in mileage.
In other cars, where the AC is belt drivien off the IEC air conditioning use should be minimized because it can lower mpg by 2-5.
YMMV,
MidCow
I saw a Prius circling the airport (picking someone up) the other day, it was a warm (85 and muggy) day and they had all the windows rolled down. I suspect it wasn't because they loved the warm, humid air driving along at 5 mph, circling the airport.
midnightcowboy "Hybrids in the News" Jun 28, 2004 10:27am