Toyota Prius

railroadjames

It appears there are no takers! That would seem to be a very good sign....AGREED? My Prius has never stalled! Matter of fact, I've not heard of one doing so except by others here on occasions...Who ever they are.

bksward

Toyota recalling 75,000 Prius...

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/051013/prius_recall.html?.v=2

And I remember a year or so ago some people on these forums getting very defensive that there was nothing wrong with the Prius, that it was perfect and in fact turned into a Pizza when you were done driving it.

It does have a problem... about 0.1% of owners have reported it so far.

sammyccc

thanks for the info!!! went to their store today n sure do a lot of dealers' car and their price is some where around $1200...Thanks again!

falconone

Already posted in hybrid news. Everyone knew it was a software update.. where ya been???

midnightcowboy

I think he was stalled by the side of the road

c2rosa

Check out:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20051014/bs_usatoday/somepriusesrecalledforsoftwareglitch- ;_ylt=AoNDCVNYOkJTOLUl5zu_Na.L_bIF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

for more information on the Toyota recall of the Prius

falconone

...in his Honda Accord 6 speed :P

jonnycat26

It's not just a software update. They've also owned up to the improperly sealed connector issue that's killed many a Prius (including mine).

falconone

Please post a link. I didn't read that on any of the sites.

jonnycat26

It's very specifically stated in the notice that they're going to apply a new dielectric grease to a connector which can cause stalling when it gets wet in some conditions. It's what killed my Prius (as well as the Prius of several other early purchasers). One guy on here even had his die a few times while Toyota 'experimented' to find a grease that would seal the connector properly.

falconone

My sister has an early build and never had a problem. I guess you were unlucky. I'd suggest you sell your car now since you're unhappy with it. You can get top dollar and buy a non-hybrid. Good luck to you!!!

falconone

Every car today has a clear coat from the factory. Whatever you paid for on your 300 was a rip off wax job.

peralta

I wonder what would be the feasibility of an AWD prius. I think it will broaden the appeal of the car.

This will attract more buyers who want the following:

1. Better acceleration without fuel efficiency sacrifice.

2. All weather capability, especially for those who drive around frequently regularly to school, grocery and work.

3. This will also make the car more upscale, provided NVH is improved, and height adjustable driver seat added.

peralta

This will also give more competitive edge against the honda civic hybrid. With AWD, it would also be appropriate to increase the "functional" road clearance for mild to moderate snow capability without sacrificing too much the aerodynamic drag.

It would be very interesting how SUV-would-be-buyers will be strayed into looking and finally getting an AWD prius.

midnightcowboy

1. That is a oxymoron since it has such poor acceleration now. The second oxymoron is that ALL AWD systems have less fuel mileage than their equvalent 2WD systems ( both FWD and RWD).

2. With skinny tires and a poor suspension you are not going to get handling , much less all waether handling.

3. Weigh, weight , weight.( sound insulation = weight, power seats=weight, better syuspension= weight sunroof =weight))

Actually, If there is a redesigned new hybrid system that gets away from the current HSD system, it might be possible to have all-wheel drive; look at the Acura RL: direct electric drive on the wheels. However the current HSD system is limited as far as going to an AWD system. The current planetary CVT system is very simple and because of that it would be difficult to add two more wheels in the drive system.

YMMV,

MidCow

peralta

Without going into much details, I will just give you an example. Case in point, Highlander hybrid FWD vs AWD. In another forum database (greenhybrid) the AWD has 27 mpg and the FWD has 26 mpg. The AWD is also quicker 0-60 by more than half second. Go figure, it throws your rationale out the window.

Toyota HSD has different AWD, it uses a separate electric motor to the rear (MG-rear) so there is no parasitic power loss from drivetrain link. Plus, the rear motor has additional 50 horsepower (if the same highlander motor is used).

Peace

falconone

The Prius holds its own pretty well and is quite zippy and fun to drive. I don't find the acceleration wanting at all. How often does one floor it from a dead stop? The passing power on the highway is quite ample as well (more so than a 4 cyl Camry). Whenever I drive the Prius I always am the first to pull smartly from a light and I leave cars and SUVs clearly behind. I am not even intending to accelerate rapidly. It just picks up speed so nice and smooth. I don't have to mess with gears and it's a ZEN driving experience. I can't wait for my delivery. Midcow... we all love your participation but let's be honest... you really seem to love the Prius.

midnightcowboy

Falconone said

"... Midcow... we all love your participation but let's be honest... you really seem to love the Prius. "

Yes you are right the Prius is a GREAT car!

* Great mileage
* Great looks
* Great techo gadgetry
* Great relability
* Great utility- hatchback

So there

MidCow

falconone

Why don't you make believe it has a 6 speed?

stevedebi

"I wonder what would be the feasibility of an AWD prius. I think it will broaden the appeal of the car. "

True AWD (from the drive train) would cost MPG - a lot of MPG - in a car the size of a Prius. Using electric motors on the rear wheels would provide limited AWD, but such implementations cannot be full time because the electric motors overheat.

The Prius does fine at what it was designed for - a small 5 door with good MPG. No need for compromises...

jonnycat26

I guess you were unlucky. I'd suggest you sell your car now since you're unhappy with it

I'm not unhappy... I guess you just don't like me pointing out that the car died? Or that Toyota covered up an issue?

falconone

I wouldn't say Toyota covered it up. How can you even say that? It was a pretty quick response for a fix considering the first reports came out in May (at least publicly). If they were covering it up, they would have been sending out a mass mailing to avoid the media blitz. In today's world its very hard to sweep things under the rug. Someone always finds out and the last thing Toyota needs is bad publicity for the Prius.

larsb

Toyota covered nothing up, nor made an attempt to do so.

They were investigating the cause all along.

peralta

"True AWD (from the drive train) would cost MPG - a lot of MPG - in a car the size of a Prius. Using electric motors on the rear wheels would provide limited AWD, but such implementations cannot be full time because the electric motors overheat.

The Prius does fine at what it was designed for - a small 5 door with good MPG. No need for compromises..."

AWD prius version will be on road / bad weather / snow application just like 99% of the SUV's and other 4x4's anyway.

Rear electric motor is what the 400h and HH has so why can't we have it in prius?

Compromise? Review the "actual" or "real world mileage database" at greehybrid.com. HH FWD 26 mpg, HH AWD 27 mpg.

How come that AWD has better mpg despite the added weight? You tell me, maybe more traction motors is more effective on recapturing energy from regenerative braking?

Why better acceleration? Maybe because the rear motor adds 50 more horses? HH AWD beats HH FWD by more than half seconds 0-60.

What's the catch? What's the cost of the rear motor?

Wimpy OEM tires? Check again, second generation have standard size all season tire. It's the same size as my wife's elantra. The first gen had skinny versions.

jonnycat26

I wouldn't say Toyota covered it up. How can you even say that?

I don't think I said they were covering it up... but they never admitted to a problem with improperly sealed connectors. There's one guy on here who had to take his car back multiple times to get the connector sealed, and I had to take mine back twice. I think I said it was good that they finally admitted that the connector was a problem.

dmathews3

I doubt if you will ever see AWD as where would the battery pack go. The Chysler Mini vans never got the fold flat 3rd seat as the Honda had until a complete new van as they also had a AWD option on the Chysler vans which met no room in the floor for the seat to fold into.

peralta

There are many ways to tackle the battery placement. It can be placed inside both rear fenders, or behind the seat, or at the spare tire location (no spare like accord hybrid or Sienna AWD). Or it can be shaped like a step bar / side skirt (ala BMW X3 hybrid).

I definitely would buy an AWD prius. Perfectly suits my needs. Gives confidence for my wife on winter seasons.

stevedebi

"What's the catch? What's the cost of the rear motor? "

I suggest you re-read my original post. You could certainly have rear motors if you wanted, though there is less room under there due to the Prius size. Also, the weight penalty would be proportionately higher for the Prius, which is much lighter than the HH to begin with.

Those "99% other SUVs" with part time AWD will not burn up the rear electric motors if they are used extensively without opportunity to cool down. That is the difference.

By "compromise", I mean that the Prius is designed for High MPG. AWD sedans are designed to enhance handling, generally at the cost of MPG. Hence I said that the Prius is fine just the way it is - a high MPG vehicle. IMHO, if you can't do full time AWD, you might as well not bother with the extra weight.

looking4prius

After reading the messages here, it seems as though my shopping experience has been different. When I contacted the local Toyota dealer, I told him that I had to test-drive a Prius within the week or he would lose the sale.

I test-drove the Prius within 3 days.

His competition was Honda, and I let him know it. My old car is a Honda Accord.

The dealership had two Priuses that they used to ferry drivers with when they were delivering cars. There were 20 'presold' Prii onsite that I was able to look at as far as the different packages. So, now I make the same pitch to Honda...If I don't drive one within the week, he loses the sale.

Has anybody had any experience with Bike Racks and the Prius? I know that there is an aftermarket Bike Rack, but I would like to hear from anybody who has one (or has tried one)

scheil2

The GPS antenna is located just under the roof on front of car in area of rear view mirror.

ekuma

I have just purchased a new 2005 Toyota Prius. Picked it up last night. My husband and I did not go with the exdended warentee on the car through the dealer. They wanted $1269.00 for the warentee. Can we get it cheaper from the Toyota Company or should we go with the warentee from the dealer. I was told I have until the end of this month to get it through them.

Karen

falconone

LIES. You have 3 yrs to decide. There are places that sell it for $985. I suggest you get it to have piece of mind (POM).

ekuma

What are the other places to purchase the warantee from? Does the Toyotal Company themselves send you out something on the warantee for the vehicle? Someone here at work told me the company would be sending us out reminders etc... to get the extended warantee.

Thanks for any info...

falconone

Do a google search on prius extended warranty. There are prius forums that have sponsors that sell it for $985. I am not permitted to post the links here. Sorry.

fmac

When will we see comparative road tests on the '06 Prius vs '06 Civic hybrid?

jrct9454

Well, I suppose that would have to wait for both cars to actually be available.....like Dec '05 at the earliest.

Besides, that kind of test is interesting, but not terribly useful - the cars are so different. The Prius has vastly more room inside, and the hatch adds to utility. The Civic has trunk space compromised by the battery location, and also loses the fold-down seat as a result. The Civic is much less expensive [at least the way most Prius are optioned], and will no doubt handle better. So it depends on what you want, and whether you can afford to buy it, if it's the Prius that you want.

I see the Prius as unique, because of the amount of room and the hatch. The Civic's chief competition is the gasoline version of the same car - a Civic LX sedan with the 5-spd automatic will sell for $17k or less when supplies ramp up, and has 30/40 mpg ratings. For most people, that's the Civic to own if you want a Civic. I just don't see the two hybrids as true competitors.

larsb

If you want a clean emission, high mileage 5-passenger car in the USA, the Prius and the HCH are your only choices.

The Civic LX is INDEED NOT COMPARABLE to the Prius, but the Civic Hybrid IS VERY comparable in that regard - it's one of the two available high MPG choices in the market.

looking4prius

Update: All Honda dealer could do was beg me to wait...he had no hybrid Civics to show me, but he had Accord Hybrids.
Bike racks have taken a back place now in buying, but I would still be interested in what other people's experience has been...

midnightcowboy

Bike Racks-

put a class 1 trailer hitch on and a hitch mounted bike rake you weill be much happier and can drive as fast as you desire with the bike on.

Saw a Prius yesterday with a class 1 trailer hitch so I know it is possible.

YMMV,

MidCow

P.S. - The experienced Prius drivers fold down the rear seat and put their bike i nthe hatch area.

jrct9454

...and you're welcome to it. I just don't see the point of the Civic Hybrid, given its price. The Prius makes sense to me, but the Civic Hybrid doesn't....not at $5k more than an LX sedan.

larsb

I went shopping for a Used 2004 car which was or had:

5-passenger capability
costs less than $20K
55 MPG capable
good safety features
clean (meaning non-diesel)
good creature comfort features (power everything/climate control/alarm/CD/etc)

No other car that I know about fills that bill but the Civic Hybrid. Certainly not the LX, even at the highest loaded level. The Prius is more money than that. The HCH fits a market need of being a high mpg hybrid but not an ultra-loaded midsize like the Prius can be.

Some people DID get a low end Prius for $21K/$22K, but those people are few.

falconone

Anyone considering the Prius should make sure they check off the box for stability control.

http://www.euroncap.com/content/safety_ratings/recommendation.php

koker

I put a class 1 hitch on my prius. I bought the hitch from coastal. I put on a thule bike rack and had some problems with ground clearance. I then modified the bike rack so it would go deeper in the hitch and that solved the problem. The Thule rack I bought sticks out about 1 foot from the car, much more than most of the rack mount bike racks I saw. I would recommend the coastal hitch and that you get a rack that doesn't stick out far from the hitch and you won't have any problems. I have also successfully used allen 2 and 4 bike trunk mounted carriers, but prefer the hitch mount carriers because they are easier to load and are more secure if I need to leave the car somewhere with the bikes on it. YMMV.

scouter66

I've been on a waiting list specifying package #5 (AI) in any of 4 colors for a 2005 Prius since June. I've been told that the AI package is very rare, perhaps 1 out of 60 cars. Finally one came in last week, but in one of the colors I didn't care for, and I turned it down. (I've turned down package #6 a couple of times before as I think the additional $2800 is extremely high for the additional features.)

Is it really true that you can't order a specific model with a color and option package or is my dealer or region playing games?

At this point, should I specify a 2006 model, since we're so late in the 2005 model year?

Thanks.

falconone

Specify a 2006 so you can take advantage of the nice fat juicy tax credit care of Uncle Sam. It still may be difficult to get the package you want. Order now and perhaps you may be surprised. Good luck. I have an order for a fully loaded (blue/silver/white) sans leather. I am expecting early January delivery for $500 under MSRP. WOO HOOOO!!! Go Hybrid!!

kdlu

I'm in the market to purchase a Toyota Prius. I wanted to know if there is really a tax credit in effect in 2006 for the IRS. I was not able to find any info on IRS site other than the tax deduction which will decrease in 2006. I read an article about it somewhere and wanted to know if the tax credit is true. Can anyone confirm? I don't know whether to purchase now or wait till Jan 2006. Thanks. Kelly.

Kirstie_H

Yes - members are discussing it in more detail over in our Tax credits / incentives for hybrids? discussion, so you might have a look there and post if you still have questions.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

twick1

How could you know what price you were going to pay and what color to order? I placed an order for an '06 Prius at the end of Sept., was told there was no info yet on price or colors, and that the wait could be all of 6 months......!!

falconone

Your dealer is not a good dealer then. I DON'T know the exact price. I do know that the price will be 500 less than MSRP. There are tons of info on other sites describing option packages and colors. I can't post the links here. Do a google search and you'll fine them.

kdhspyder

We've had the '06 specs for 10 days now and they've been out here on the 'net for almost a month. Pricing will not be known for a couple of weeks as is typical with Toyota but one can make a very educated guess.

For most Prius buyers the money is not the question though. We already have 10 order for '06's and for delivery AFTER 1-1-06 with prices to be determined when known. One gentleman declined to place an order last week because he was unwilling to put a deposit on a vehicle with an unknown price... even though we told him he could back out if he wished when the prices were known. !!! To each their own I guess.

The '06's are being built as we speak and will be shipped next week or 10 days to the WC and then a few days later to the EC. Arrival expected after Dec 1.

kdhspyder