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Previously it was announced that The CEO of Toyota would have a major announcement next January at the NAIAS about a new Prius and a new stand alone hybrid for Lexus.
Then this today.. from GCC Toyota to jump Prius production for 2009
So reading between the lines..
..we probably won't see a major change in the Prius this Fall;
..we probably will see a major change in Fall 2009 as a 2010 model
..demand is increasing even as the vehicle ages
..fuel prices might be reaching really really painful levels in 2009 so a huge jump in availability is warranted
..pricing may come down somewhat, unless everyone of them is snatched up.
IF the fuel economy is less with the Touring it is practically negligible ... you can find drivers on other boards who have had both and would attest to it.
In addition I like the looks of the wheel covers better on the Touring and the slightly larger spoiler. When I priced out both models in Pkg 6, there was only a $500 MSRP difference ... a dealer may be less likely to negotiate on a Touring though.
Another Touring benefit is you get the HIDs without going with a higher package since they come standard. Another nice part of it imho is that you'd be getting a Prius that doesn't quite look like ALL the rest of them out there.
The Touring isn't exactly sporty in the Prius model, but it does ride more to my liking w/o being stiff. For the record I am a 33-year-old male.
But there are two unique situations that occur while driving. At 41 mph and less the ICE does actually shut off such as while coasting and while at a dead stop and even during EV driving at say 35 mph. At speeds above 41 mph such as on the highway it appears that the ICE shuts off but actually it just goes to idle at about 900 rpms or so, thus it's still spinning.
From a dead stop with a stong acceleration I'm nearly certain that it's MG2 that overcomes inertia to get rolling while MG1 gets the ICE spinning..then the ICE kicks in.
http://eahart.com/prius/psd/
It is this simple brilliant innovation that makes the Prius and all the HSD vehicles so remarkable.
What type of package is good for re-sale? The packages can be expensive (especially in % term, Like $4450(top) / $21760 base). Honestly the only option that I really want is the JBL Audio, and I don't care the HID or NAV or Leather or even the Cruise control much. So I can get a base vehicle and get some nice after market Audio with MP3 and I-pod input and speakers.
Any suggestion?
Also, I did not realize that this car was not equipped with daytime running lights, nor did I see it in the list of options. Is this feature unavailable for this vehicle ? I thought it was pretty much standard in all new vehicles.
If you have an older model garage door opener then it's pretty straightforward in bringing your transmitter up to the Homelink button to transfer the signal as per your owners manual instructions.
If you have a newer model opener then it probably has a 'rolling code' and your have to do several additional steps as per your owners manual.
Sorry, I don't have the web page info anymorer, but you can find it.
I'm like you about the DRLs. I think it is only in the #5 or 6 ^ package. As many safety things as they put on the car, I think that would have been one of the first, cheap to do and high results.
I wonder if anyone knows how the computer deals with MPG when you are stopped with everything shut down (i.e. at a light). A regular car would of course be idling at that time, burning gas and decreasing the MPG. How does the Prius computer compensate for that in it's MPG calculation? If it did not assume something (like an "average" idle burning of fuel) the MPG would only be looking at when you drive an actual distance. If nothing is allowed for this "idle" savings of fuel, the Prius MPG would be lower than it really is in comparison to a regular car.
I would really appreciate any guidance or experience to share! Thanks!
Apparently this issue has been out but kept out under the radar from the general public, including people concerned with health and going green.
Is Toyota addressing this ? If not, they should and should supply their cars with covers as they do on fleets aimed at European (particularly Swiss) consumers.
And what about Consumer Report???
I do have the Navigation system and a bluetooth phone which is great. I also enjoy the extra steering wheel controls for the phone, climate control and sound system. I would like a built in X-M but I use a removable Roady2 and pay for only one X-M subscription.
All of my previous cars had one or sometimes two sunroofs that I NEVER used, so I didn't care about that. I would have ordered leather seats, if available, but for this cold weather, I actually prefer the cloth. The same might be true in very hot climates. I was luck to find a set 4 brand new tires AND wheels that someone had taken off on day one. I'm now using those tires and have used the wheels for snow tires since that first winter. I would love an electric turbo too help with long, steep,straight mountain passes that I take infrequently but I get by.
sc
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/04/can-hybrids-pos.html
http://www.leftlanenews.com/are-hybrids-hazardous-to-our-health.html
The dealer agreed to put in heated seats. I made an appointment and took it back and when I picked it up they told me that they had cracked the panel where the buttons were installed. I also noticed that the interior had smudges on the dash and glove box. They ordered a new panel and told me that they would detail the inside of the car. I took the car back several days later when the part came in and when I got home I noticed that there was a 'foot long' :lemon: :mad: scratch on the left rear panel. I immediately called and took the car back for a third time. They told me they had to re-paint the entire panel. I was really concerned about this but felt I had no choice. They did a flawless job and I was satisfied but when I got home I noticed that the front drivers mat had a grease spot . I called them again and they told me that they would replace the mat. It's been 4 days and I haven't heard back from them as yet.
So far every complaint was addressed and they gave me a rented car to drive. Although nothing mechanical is wrong with the car, it is all related to service department issues. I am definitely going to have the car serviced elsewhere in the future. Can anyone give me any further advice on this matter ??
For those who don't want to follow links, I'll summarize from the article:
"It would be a mistake to jump to conclusions about hybrid E.M.F. dangers, as well as a mistake to outright dismiss the concern,"
Not ONE scientific study was referenced - probably because scientific studies have not found a confirmed correlation between EMF and any illnesses, despite what some "advocacy" groups claim. The EMF discussion has been around for at least 20 years.
The justices, without comment, today turned away an appeal by Toyota, leaving intact a jury verdict favoring closely held Paice LLC of McLean, Virginia. A federal appeals court in Washington upheld the award last year.
Toyota, the world's second-largest automaker, also may have to pay Paice royalties for future vehicles it produces using the disputed technology. The appeals court told a trial judge to revisit his order that Toyota pay $25 for every Prius, Highlander and Lexus RX400h sold. The appellate panel refused to block sales of the infringing vehicles.
The disputed technology involves a microprocessor that accepts torque information from both the internal combustion engine and electric motor.
There are a lot of vultures circling.
I was hoping to get one of the small clean diesels to compliment my Prius. Looks like that plan is on hold. Diesel is $0.85 more than regular now. I don't see diesels taking off anytime soon. Pity. I had my eye on the Subie. I guess I'll make due with my 48.6 mpg Prius for a while. The wife will make due with the Mazda 3.
I hope this is the right place to post this. I was wondering if the Prius is worth it? I'm pretty sure that gas will hit $5 or $6 a gallon by years end. I currently have an 06 Accord that gets decent mileage (about 22-23 mpg). I drive about 28 miles to work round trip each day. I've heard that some people have had issues with the battery and that the "bladder" in the fuel tank takes some getting used to (not sure what that means though). From reading briefly these forums i see that the Prius is going for the high 20's and low 30's (depending on the package) and that supply is really tight. I'm also looking at the new 09 Carolla. I'm trying to find out which one would be better. I also travel to see my in laws (about 197 miles away) every couple months.
I'm trying to get a head start before the big rush sets in when gas goes higher. Thanks for any and all help.
MIKE
First recognize that nearly every vehicle made will be worthless at some point. This is a given.
1...Choose the vehicles that appeal to you. You've done this
2...Decide if you are most interested in the lowest cost of transportation or if certain features are mandatory. An honest inward-looking assessment is needed.
3...Add up all the costs. This takes some work and good estimates of your personal situation.
4...The one that costs the least before the vehicle is worthless is the best buy, this is the one that's worth it. This is easy it becomes obvious.
The fuel bladder issue is just one that's unfamiliar to new drivers after a few weeks of breakin it's a non-issue.
Supply is very tight and discounts are rare. The Corolla can easily be bought at a discount.
PS .. the only ones that have had issues with the battery are the ones who have not bought a hybrid for fear of 'something going wrong'. Check some of the hybrid vehicles sites. There are almost no issues whatsoever.
Cpuple more questions. 1. How big is the trunk space? I know its smaller because of the batteries right? 2. how is the driving and speed? I know its a 4 clylinder but does it run smooth or does it drag?
It's as big inside as a Matrix/Vibe, just configured a little differently. The battery pack takes up little or no space. It's incredibly well designed for utility. You will be able to fit more 'big stuff' in a Prius than you can in an Avalon or Camry or Corolla or Malibu or etc....
Don't tow a boat.
Don't drive at one single speed for the entire breakin period; i.e. don't drive from NY to FLA in a single 1000 mi trip with the cruise set at 70 mph. All new Toyota's need to do a variety of driving from 5 mph to 80 mph during the breakin period.
By all means keep us informed of your experiences both as a new owner and as you get well into the ownership. ( 75600 mi in 30 mo's and counting )
You can expect to get 450 to 500 miles on about 10 gal of gas ( 11.9 gal tank ).
Hey, can anyone tell me if the "Sound Shield" in that 350 dollar package from the ports makes a difference? There are 3 or 4 things attached to that protection package, but I am curious about the sound shield. Please advise.