Toyota Prius

pjyoung

That blog is "FUD-a-licious".

jbollt

I've been reading this forum with interest, as the hybrid technology is fascinating to me. However, the price of entry, for now, has kept me away..probably not for long ...but for now, anyway.

Anyway, silly question, why doesn't the Prius use any solar panels. It would seem to me that they could help charge the batteries (while the car is parked and unattended)

stevedebi

"Anyway, silly question, why doesn't the Prius use any solar panels. It would seem to me that they could help charge the batteries (while the car is parked and unattended)"

1. Solar panels are expensive (main reason), and delicate.
2. No need to charge the batteries - the engine and regernative braking charge the batteries just fine.

larsb

you couldn't really get much power, unless you used the roof, the hood, and the trunk for panels....and it would add a lot of cost....

If you are saying "price is an object" for you with a Hybrid, remember that now you can get decent used 2003 Honda Civic Hybrids with 30K-40K miles for around $15-$16 thousand, and used 2002 Priuses are in the high teens if you can find them.....

That's not really a whole lot of money for most people, for a nice car like these are.....

jbollt

"If you are saying "price is an object" for you with a Hybrid, remember that now you can get decent used 2003 Honda Civic Hybrids with 30K-40K miles for around $15-$16 thousand, and used 2002 Priuses are in the high teens if you can find them....."

Thanks, larsb, but my days of buying used cars are long past. I can afford any car I want, just not quite ready to spend $23-28K on one of these....yet...

gagrice

I agree with the solar panel idea. Toyota should install a small one in the roof to keep the 12volt battery from discharging when the car sits for a couple weeks. If it is in the garage it might be a waste. One dealer here has panels about a foot square that they put on the dash and plug them into the cigar lighter to keep the battery charged. Most new cars have devices that draw current when the car is parked. That would help keep things charged.

molokai

I left my car for 3.5 weeks last August when I went to Europe. Car started like a charm. I did not even turn off the smart key system. My friend keeps his Accord in Fort Lauderdale and has a solar charger on it as he only uses it once a month. The Prius continues to amaze me. I just learned some new tricks with the NAV. I will post the url next Tuesday which gives a verbal lesson on how to use the system.

falconone

Glad to hear you're enjoying the Prius! I will be getting an '06 when they come out. I did read that it is a good idea to start it at least once every three weeks. I also read that someone has rigged an extra battery connection in the event the main battery fails. Pretty cool! I wish I could do that with my car! LOL

rpgolfer

Hi gang,
The bodywork was completed just fine....looks brand new!! During the "stay" at the body shop, the batt died and they recharged it. As I reported the "VSC" light stayed lit on the display and wouldn't clear with any of my efforts. I took the car back to the body shop (Chev dlr) and they tried their diag system check and were unsuccessful. They arranged for me to bring it next door to the Toyota dealership I purchased my car from and they ran it through and diagnosed that the "yaw module" which triggers when the car is tilted too much side to side (probably triggered during batt recharge or when car was jacked up for wheel replacement). Anyway, Toyota ordered me a new yaw module under warranty and next week I'll bring it back in for completion. Thought others may want to hear and learn from my adventure.
Rich

dmaidon

I stopped by the local dealer in Goldsboro, NC yesterday and purchsed a 2005 Prius with package #6 for invoice plus 3%. The have three more on the lot when we left.

My wife and I have driven it for about 150 miles so far and we are loving it.

:shades:

jacqueusi

I would have to think that 3% over invoice is an incredible deal for a Prius at this time. Can anyone share their buying strategies with me as I am in the market for a Prius in the Metro Detroit Michigan area?

Thank you!

gagrice

The secret is to find a dealer with the Prius you want in stock. Then let them know you can go to other dealers and get close to Invoice for that car. If they are not willing to deal WALK out the door. If they think you are set on a car they have they will not budge, at least not till you head for the door. For a car salesman a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. You have to be willing to walk out on them or they will stick it to you. I just bought a new GMC truck. I went to 3 dealers before I got the price I wanted even though it was a nationwide promotion with a fixed set of incentives. There is always room to squeeze them more. Toyota dealers are getting Prius and they are spending more days sitting on the lot. Go get em!

lucas5

Claremont Toyota (I probably went through 6-7 dealers to find out this info). I just paid 25657 for a package 6. Ask for Juan.

Does anyone have advice as to whether the platinum warranty plan is worth it? They gave me a couple of days to think about it.

molokai

Warranty is worth it but don't pay more than $985. I can't disclose the site here, but a Prius chat room does have sponser which will sell it to you for that price. I have piece of mind for the next 5.5 yrs.

jacqueusi

So that's $1K off, correct? Or is that the out-the-door price? Being in the Motor City, not many Toyota dealers I can work with. :-(

dmaidon

I went through the BJ's Wholesale Club Auto Buyers program. Toyota's deal with BJ's is 3% over invoice. I would imagine that Sam's Club would have a very similar deal.

---
2005 Prius
Millennium Silver Metallic
Pkg #6

jacqueusi

After a few days of searching over the Internet, the best I can find is $250 off a Prius. Can anyone else comment on getting a Prius discounting via BJs (which is not in Michigan) or Sam's Club (which is). I'm not a member of either club, but am willing to even make the drive to OH if need be, if it gets me a good enough discount.

Thanks!

molokai

If you are buying a Prius, consider stability control as a must have option:
Here are some interesting links....

http://www.eetimes.com/article/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=51200123

http://tinyurl.com/7ufny

http://tinyurl.com/7m8ta

http://www.esceducation.org/

http://tinyurl.com/6c96m

http://tinyurl.com/85mgp

http://tinyurl.com/9noz2

http://tinyurl.com/bgejg

I will NEVER own a car without it.

toyotaken

Regardless of what a couple of posters here say, in most areas of the country, the Prius is still a very small availablity vehicle. As such, there still has been little discounting in most cases. There may be some variance from that as nothing is set in stone, but $250 off on a Prius seems pretty decent compared to many areas who still have ADM stickers on these vehicles. It all boils down to how much time do you want to spend or how far are you willing to go out of your way to save an extra $100 or two in all liklihood.

Hope this helps.

Ken

jacqueusi

Ken,

Doesn't help that Toyota just announced a price increase of $300 for the Prius effective Aug. 1st. Hmm, that might be the poke that gets me off the fence.

Just relying on the expertise and experience of my fellow posters, like yourself, to guide me in my decision making.

Still hoping for a deal though!

toyotaken

That's fair, and nothing wrong with that. Keep the $300 in perspective though. It's 1.5% of the base price of the vehicle give or take. Still much lower than the overall rate of inflation.

Ken

jacqueusi

It's still $300 though or three trips to Costco, two trips to Home Depot, or two R/T tickets from Detroit to Vegas or Miami. ;-)

I suppose it wouldn't hurt for me to sign-up with Sams Club even if it's just short-term. Looking for more feedback from anyone out there that got a deal!

BTW, have a great weekend everyone, TGIF and all.

railroadjames

Thirty yrs plus ago this option (Stability Cont.) was offered by independent merchandisers. It went nowhere. The Big 3 turned their heads when it was first made available. I see good things in it ...BUT!.... I would prefer much better bumpers that actually were more than cosmetic decorations (ever see what a flimsy bumper is under that thin coat of plastic?). Remember when steel & chrome bumpers were built to protect in a real world?
I've noticed a slight recurring problem with Rr view mirror in my '04 Prius that I'm curious if anyone else might have been aware of......I'm about 6 ft tall and when I come to a 4-way stop the Rr view mirror is located right in line with where a car to my right is obscured by that same mirror. I've raised it as high as I can and still see to the Rr as well as possible but I have several times overlooked a vehicle to my right. It has happened too many times to tell. I've made a mental note to MAKE SURE to look under the mirror as needed but worry that I'll slip back into missing a car to my right just once and have a fender bender.
Railroadjames (missing some things of old)

molokai

Ahh... the old days. I once owned a 63 Oldsmobile that was 23 yrs old when I learned to drive. Nothing could dent those bumpers! The car also got 8 MPG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really!!!

dco1

What was the MSRP on your #6 ??

What options were on it ??

stevedebi

Yeah, my grandfather had a 65 Olds 88 with the 400 cubic engine. Never even checked the MPG, but it sure could move...

railroadjames

Chrysler seemed to be daringly successful with the P.T. Cruiser. A car that incorperated old w/ new. It was highly successful. In some ways the Prius is similar....back again with a long wheelbase and flip down seats w/ a hatchback design making it really useful. The slightly elongated bubble design which has actually been around for eons. Let's not forget the never changing V.W. Beetle back again with the new front engine bug.
New & old together makes for an interesting vehicle. The thing that fasinates me the most about the Prius is its ability to use absolutly no gas when I am most frustrated with traffic jams. Here I am sitting in a nightmare of boiling point irritation as we all have so many numerous times. Gritting my teeth in any other car until I realize I'm in "THE SMART CAR" that gets 50 plus miles per gallon (I begin to smile), that I'm in a car that is running in electric mode while everyone around me is sitting still most of the time burning umteen gallons of gas(such a waste)(now I'm really smiling). So my car makes my disposition better as each day that goes by. The Prius is my very own Yoga (kinda like therapy)......Are you getting this? My car, day after day, makes me feel better about it all. In this world of pain & agony this little car seems to bring joy into my life. The world is a better place because of this hybrid and thats the sweet bottom line. Over the years I've own around 50 cars and near 20 motorcycles, of these only a handful gave me something more than just transportation. The Prius has given something that the times have demanded.....Fabulous MPG's and a Contribution to a Better Environment. These days thats good to know. My biggest hope is that you and others see the light. Avoid the ego temptation to own Hummers & Escalades and get back to cars that really are smart for these times. Then you can smile too and, who knows, maybe you'll spread the gospel like me. Just maybe the Prius can fit your needs.
Railroadjames(Prius will free us)

lucas5

I believe it was $26,842 (with the option 6 included). (Although I believe another dealership told me the MSRP was $26,742 and the dealership I purchased from explained the extra $100 as a recent price increase). Edmunds lists the MSRP with option 6 at $26,580.

The biggest Option on a #6 is the navigation system. I do not recall all of the others.

(Note also that they did quote below MSRP on the phone.)

gagrice

The thing that fascinates me the most about the Prius is its ability to use absolutely no gas when I am most frustrated with traffic jams.

I can agree with you on that one. I am getting really used to the engine shutting down at stop lights. Total silence except for the XM Classical stations. The automatic climate control keeps my GMC hybrid PU nice and cool without the engine ever starting. It does not start until I let off the brake when the light changes. I am learning to let off the brake a couple nanoseconds before I floor it to beat the kid in his tuner Acura next to me.

falconone

Have you raced anyone yet Gary? That truck is pretty fast!

drbb

I bought a 2005 Prius in February. Love it. Getting a higher-than-expected 50 mpg after 7000 miles (45 when we got it) of mixed city/hwy driving.

Apparently the software problems causing the stalling were allegedly fixed and new models are coming with updated software. However, I believe that even owners of the affected models (2004 through early 2005 model years) can ask the dealer for the software upgrade.

Find a dealer and salesman with whom you are comfortable. Check other posts on pricing reasonablity. Until early this year, no area dealers where I live were dealing below MSRP because of the low supply, which was due to scarcity of the batteries made by a third-party. The battery problem has been reduced dramatically, so wait times (at one time almost a year in my area) are down to months or even weeks, and may continue to drop. I expect dealers will be more willing to deal on price soon, if not already--but at least after 5 months I love it and would pay full price again (if I had to).

If you are non-techie, expect a long learning curve with navigation system (this may be standard with any car). Also if you plan to use the hands-off phone feature (Bluetooth), make sure your particular phone and service is compatible with Toyota software. My wife found this out the hard way. She has a TREO 650 (SPRINT PCS) and found it didn't work. We understand Palm is working on a fix due out imminently--or so they say.

gagrice

Not my style for the last 40 years. Got too many tickets for speeding prior to my 21st B'Day. Leave that to the guys with the HAH & RH. I even put a Tonneau cover on to try and get better mileage. I have less than 300 miles on it so far, so maybe I'll kick it up after I get a thousand on it. Cruises nice and quiet at 75 MPH.

falconone

Glad to hear that. Enjoy the truck! I'm sure you're going to get good service from it.

railroadjames

Since this is new .......tell us more about it after that 1st couple of K's are under your belt. Pros & cons. Be honest Gary and try to be objective ....I may be in the market for Pick-up soon. Thanks!
Railroadjames
P.S. Unless Toyota comes out with a Prius-like Pick-Up or something similar I'm inclined to look at other options.

jacqueusi

Ok, I know this salesperson is wrong, but I'm getting frustrated by the bad information that's floating around the Internet. This may be a stretch, but I'm posting on this board as it does discuss pricing.

Anyhow, I received an email from a salesperson regarding a 2005 Prius. In the body of the text read, "The U.S. Congress just passed the $4000 tax credit, that's right I said "credit."

Now I ask the group, is this person for real? From the 15 minutes of research, I am finding references to a tax CREDIT, but then the discussion break-down to tax deduction. Basically, the words are used interchangeably, but in tax code lingo a credit and a deduction are definitely two different animals.

Can anyone shed light on this subject.

Thank you.

toyotaken

It's a tax deduction, not a credit. People who don't know what they're talking about with taxes confuse and interchange the terms often.

Deduction, definately not credit.

Ken

jacqueusi

$4,000 or $2,000 deduction?

stevedebi

It is quite possible for the manufacturors to put in the "stop engine when the vehicle is stopped". In fact, I recall an article about a small French vehicle that achieved good MPG by doing this very thing.

Maybe people will catch on. However, the car would probably need a higher voltage electrical system, and therefore use electric a/c, or some other feature to enable the electric air.

gagrice

I will keep you posted. I have not taken it out that much except 2-3 mile trips to Home Depot. I can tell you the AC is way better than the Passat or the old Suburban was. It is all electric and runs when the engine is shut down at the intersections. It takes about 3 blocks driving to charge it enough for the engine to shut down. I filled the tank the other day to have it topped off. The computer showed the exact amount I had used. And the exact 15.9 MPG for the 190 miles we had driven. Not sure if they filled it as full as I did. That mileage only included one quick jaunt up Interstate 8 to see how the power is climbing that steep section. We ran that at 75 MPH for about 15 miles up and back. If I remember when we got back it was sitting on 19.2 MPG. Short trips cut that down to a final of 15.9. I have since put a retracting tonneau cover to see if that improves the mileage. It is very quiet & comfortable and we love the XM radio. Probably sell the Passat when it gets to 7500 miles the legal mileage to sell in CA. It is fun to drive, just too small.

falconone

Gary... how were you able to buy the Passat in CA? Was it used?

stevedebi

"Gary... how were you able to buy the Passat in CA? Was it used?"

I'd like to know that as well.

You should be able to easily get one from a VW dealer. They import them with just over 7500 miles on them. If I'd known that in 2003, I'd probably be driving one now.

gagrice

I bought it in Oregon and licensed to my Alaska residence. I am a legal Alaskan resident. I spend more than 180 days a year out of the state of CA. I have two friends that want the car. Problem is they both know what I paid for it and I would have a hard time living with myself if I made a profit off of a friend. I may just sell for what I paid and buy a new Beetle TDI for running errands. My wife would like a yellow Beetle. Forget buying a hybrid for her she thinks the Prius is ugly and does not like the blind spots in the back. If anyone comes up with a plugin hybrid I would be very tempted.

falconone

The Beetle is not the greatest car either. Terrible rear view and way too ubiquitous. I actually think the Prius is quite attractive. I went to the JD Power site and they rate the Prius over the Beetle. Go figure! And NO Gary... JD Power is NOT owned by Toyota (as CR is)

garden2

According to my "research" it is $2000, if the car is bought in 2005 (rules are changing next year). The good thing is that the deduction is independent of whether you itemize or not. It can be added to the standard deduction.

gagrice

I have not driven a New Beetle or new Prius so cannot comment. It has nothing to do with reliability or who has one. She just thinks it is cute. I would expect the Prius to get better ratings than the Beetle. It is a Toyota & the Beetle is a VW. I would not argue that VW has a bad rep. They are fun to drive and the TDIs get great mileage. The rest is of little importance. If you buy them right they should not cost you much to own. All used TDI VWs are a premium in CA.

backy

She just thinks it is cute.

Typical female! Can't you convince her that the Prius looks cute, too, in, uh, certain light?

gagrice

She does not like any of the cars that the tail end sticks up in the air. Reminds her of a stink bug. She was not sure she liked the Passat until she drove it most of the way home from Oregon. I saw my first S2000 at Costco the other day and would like to convince her that is what we need after the Passat is sold. Maybe the new Civic hybrid will be good looking. We really don't need any more cars.

05azprius

Has anyone tried using better than 87 octane gasoline in their 04-05' Pruis. I have and found that the MPG were greatly reduced; however, the ICE ran much smoother starting up and idling... Any input would be greatly appreciated.

toyotaken

Sorry about not posting earlier. Garden is right though. In 2005, it is a $2,000 deduction. That should be changing for the year 2006.

Ken

railroadjames

WHY? Really!!....Give one reason to use premium gas when the whole logic is to save $$$$$$$$. I've got 22K on my '04 Prius and I would no more put Premium in the tank than I would pay to put hydrogen gas in my tires to get an extra mile or two per gallon. Seems counter productive to me. Hypothetically you can wonder....Me, I'll just do as my Grandpappy use to say....K.I.S.S....keep it simple stupid. "Tis better to be thought of as a fool than to put premium in my tank and remove all doubt. Nuff Said!!!
Railroadjames(Just enjoy smiling in a Prius)