In answer to a question a few days ago, I continue to "fill" the tank with 8-8.5 gallons when the last indicator is blinking. This has happened on 4 fillups, since I purchased the vehicle. I also wonder how frequent the problem is. Aside from the bladder hyperbole so often seen here, I just don't know whether to assume I have 3 gallons in reserve or not. I'm not too concerned about trip range, and don't mind standing in the cold to fill up (just in case xcel was wondering!) I have not noticed a big change in capacity as air temps have lowered considerably in Mass.
On Nov 22 I ordered Salsa Red w/ pkg 7 and have recently been informed of expected delivery the first week of Jan. Pkg 7 includes Smart Entry/Start. As cold weather is already here in Northern Virginia, I'm curious about starting the car to let it warm up, and stepping out, with the key fob still in my pocket, to scrape the frost/snow from my windows. Does the Prius keep running, even though at some points walking around the car I may be outside the sensing range?
"Does the Prius keep running, even though at some points walking around the car I may be outside the sensing range?"
Absolutely. Don't forget to put the car in park!
Incidentally, in contradistinction to a few recent opinions expressed here, I find the Smart Entry system extremely useful. Since I usually approach the car with a child in one hand and some other small object (diaper bag, etc) in the other, it is very nice to be able to slip a finger around the door handle and unlock all the doors at once. My only beef is the replacement cost for the fob($232)!
In all fairness color representation is largely a result of your monitor's ability to reproduce the colors accurately. In higher end graphics software you typically are required to calibrate the monitor so that it will display the colors as accurately as the hardware allows. You also end up calibrating the printer which has the same requirements.
That being said the Prius printed marketing pamphlet is not very accurate either. I was able to see the silver, the blue, and the gold at a dealer in St. Louis and the colors are significantly different than the pamphlet represents. Seeing the silver was what caused me to choose the Driftwood Pearl (gold) with the tan interior. The silver was more muted than I wanted and the gray interior was much lighter than I thought from the brochures. I was interested in the gray interior for hiding dirt/wear until I saw it's more of a white with gray in it. My point being that it's nearly as light in color as the tan and I thought the gold/tan combination was preferable in my case.
> Almost any current color monitor can reproduce colors > very accurately.
However, BRIGHTNESS and CONTRAST personal preferences cause inaccuracy.
That's why some monitors now offer a "SB" mode. So you can work with darker (easier to view for long durations) and quickly toggle to bright to verify accuracy. Unfortunately, not everyone has that option. And to make matters worse, a battery saving technique for portables is to dim the screen.
Color monitors can and will display color incorrectly. Number of pixels and number of bits allocated for color definition have nothing to do with color temperature bias being slightly off.
CRT types are especially subject to this but LCD/flat panel also.
Also remember that PC monitors are "sourcing" light, whereas objects in real life are selectively reflecting sunlight. And I dare you to show me a PC monitor that will convey the color effects of the paint that looks of a different color from different angles.
Our Prius (Tideland Pearl, AM/#7 package) is supposedly arriving next week. The dealership doesn't seem to be in any hurry to do any paperwork/payments yet; in fact, I had to call to find out that the car was coming.
I'm wondering what we should watch out for when we go in to buy the car. What kind of potential sales tricks should we expect and how should we handle them? We were promised $500 off of MSRP back in August when we put down our deposit so hopefully that settles most of the negotiation ahead of time. But I'm worried about add-ons, manadatory accessories, financing tricks (should I just use my credit union?), etc. Considering the demand for the car, I expect them to pull something last-minute to squeeze more money out of us.
Yeeeeaaaaah!!!!! That is how excited I was when I picked up my blue 2004 Prius last night. Had put down a $500 deposit back on Oct. 17, and my saleswoman said she was going on vacation for a month and that her manager would handle everthing when it came in. I had orderd a AG pkg #4 or atleast the smart entry in any color but white. Figured it was my best chance to get one as soon as possible. Well then yesterday around lunch time I'm looking at the calender wondering if it would be coming in at all. Then not less than a minute later my cell phone rings and the sales manager says my Prius is in!!!! I got a blue with pkg#6 BI $1280, paid msrp. Just like my wife did two months ago on her 2004 Sienna, Toyota has some vehicles right now that are high demand and low supply. I haven't been exited in so long about getting a car. Since my last car was a 1996 Hyundai Accent with no air, no pw/l, no auto. So since seeing it back when it came out on the auto show I've been reading up on it and seeing john1701a web site, great site! I just couldn't wait. And it drives great the smart entry is the best, just walk up and open the doors and push the start button. Only thing I thought it would have a locking glove box. Any how now I look foward to getting in my car and driving is now much more pleasurable.
I had the chance to check out a Seaside Pearl vehicle last night, and thought the up-close and personal version matched the blue dot in the brochure very well. Obviously, it was just BIGGER. There was also a Salsa Red on the lot and it too looked darned close to the dot.
I'll have to agree with the monitor variations. Some friends and I have different laptops with different settings and we have looked at the Toyota site together. Totally different representations. Same eyes!
> and don't mind standing in the cold to fill up (just in case xcel was wondering!)
___I just hope you will eventually receive the capacity and range as advertised At your current fuel capacity and possible mileage, can you even make it to 450 miles? I have to fill up every 3 or 4 days/545 – 650 miles if I like it or not
Practice saying "No, thanks" before going in to pick up the car. Be firm about add-ons (e.g. the rip-off paint protection). Bring any written documentation you have (e.g. printed emails) on the $500 discount. Line up credit union financing (another option you may want to consider if it applies is a home equity loan or line of credit--I will use that for my Prius) but see what the dealer can offer; if you tell them what your credit union can do, they may be able to beat it (that was the case when I bought my last car, not a Toyota).
If you can get it Consumer Reports annual auto issue has tremendous amounts of information regarding the buying process. All previous suggestions posted are valid in my opinion but it never hurts to have info. The info may also be available on their web site. One thing I was surprised to find out a couple of years ago is that dealers will offer to "check" with banks for the best rate and then tack on 1 or 2% to the APR. Didn't ever think about this and I was surprised they don't really have to disclose it. The suggestion about shopping financing ahead of time is a great one so you can have some idea of the market rate in your area going in.
Personally haven't had too much problem with these type of tactics but obviously some are trying them in certain dealerships.
I watched the Japanese presentation video for the Prius that someone posted the link to. I noticed a slide that seemed to indicate some type of IR / UV rating for the 2004 Prius glass. Does anyone have the specific information about this? I'm particularly curious about any UV protection that the glass may offer. Thanks.
I usually keep my FOB in my backpack and forget about it during the week when going to work. As I approach the car it lights up and then I simply raise the handle and unlock the car. When I leave the car I just press the button on the handle and its locked. Starting is a breeze. I throw the backpack in, sit down, press the brake and then press start and GO. It is also great when you're holding packages. No problems so far with the electronics either.
> SE/SS sounds neat but is it really easy or a big hassle?
It eliminates the key. That's a geniune convenience no matter you look at it.
You just pass your hand through the sensing area by a door. If the FOB is within the proximity range, the doors unlock. Not having to touch anything is pretty darn easy.
And of course, just pushing a button on the dash to start is much easier than dealing with a key... especially if you live in the cold north and want to keep your gloves on.
Naturally, you don't ever have to worry about locking the fob in the car, since you don't ever take it out of your pocket.
First, there is no resemblance to a card in shape or function whatsoever. It's called a fob.
Second, if you attempt to lock the car with the fob still inside, an alarm activates. There is no possible way you could miss that sound. The label of "smart" is quite appropriate. You can't lock the fob inside.
Third, unless someone has actually used the push button start for a few days, I don't take their opinion to be objective. It's like reviewing a movie based on a preview, rather than actually watching the whole thing.
My line of work requires me to go in and out of the car as much as 30 times during an 8 hours shift. I would be holding a clipboard on one hand and a tookbag on the other. Now, I don't have to fumble the keys just trying to get it out of my pocket. At one point before, the keys/fob fell into a dirty(I mean nasty dirty) crub gutter and just ruined my day. I do not have to worry about that happening to me again. As to leaving the keys inside and locking myself out, it will only happen if I decide to take off my pants and leave it inside the car.
post # 1645, texassalsa04--- Tony, You said in your posting that you had pictures of your '04 salsa red prius that you could e-mail out. Could you please e-mail those pictures to me. My wife bought a salsa red prius and is unsure that she made a good choice. I have an aqua '03 prius (and had an aqua '01 prius) and wished they stayed with that color. If you can e-mail me the pictures to rats126@juno.com - thank you. Ron
"Some car reviews indicated they often accidently left the car unlocked."
Must have been hard of hearing or near a construction site. There is a distinctive sound rendered when the system is activated.
I have inadvertently tested the system on a recent trip with my wife. We exited the car and I attempted to activate the system with the button on the door handle but the system would not activate. The fob was clearly in my pocket. Her's, however, had fallen out of her bag WITHIN the car. As mentioned previously (post 1700), we really enjoy this feature.
I love the smart entry feature- no fumbling in your pocket to open doors or trunk. I was putting skis in my wife's car the other day, and really missed being able to open the trunk without a key as i ahd to put everything down and find the key to press the unlock button. I've had no problems with the system. When you think about it, the uniqueness of the starting system may make the car very difficult to steal!
Wow! I enabled bluetooth today, joining those that have already sung songs of praise about it.
Now whenever I start my Prius, it automatically searches for my cell-phone zipped away in a difficult to reach jacket pocket. Then it tells me it established a connection. So if I want to place a send or receive a call, I can do it all through the Multi-Display instead. I never have to dig for the phone to use it while in the Prius.
You'd be amazed how convenient it makes using the phone, especially with all the dialing features available via the Multi-Display. And it's safe too. The buttons disable when the wheels are rolling.
It's actually a bit easier to talk with a person that way than someone sitting next to you, since it offers speaker-volume and the microphone faces forward. So you can hear well and you keep your eyes on the road rather than turning your head to acknowledge comments.
Could you pass on more info on BlueTooth in the Pruis...is it compatible with any cell phone company? or must you buy into "BlueTooth" for your cell phone communications...also what is the cost of Bluetooth...I assume nationwide coverage and no overseas?
Hey, there, Prius fans! I'm actually a VW nut and have owned several excellent VW TDI products. I recently test drove the new Prius and was generally quite impressed with the car. Very nice. I still prefer the overall driving experience of my Jetta wagon TDI, however I think you Prius owners are getting a real nice machine. Anyway, aside from my point of posting...I had the opportunity to attend a VW school for 2 days where a main focus of the event was learning about and driving VWs equipped with "ESP", VW's name for their stability control system. I assume this system is similar in operation and intent to the stability control system on the Prius.
For most of an entire day, I drove ESP-equipped cars versus non-ESP equipped cars in a test-track environment with all kinds of road conditions and at all kinds of speeds simulating emergency conditions, with sand, water, different kinds of pavement thrown in, various maneuvers, etc. An ex-Suzuki-rally-team driver was one of my instructors and was quite good. Anyway, let me tell you, I was fairly underwhelmed by the whole stability control idea at first, was concerned about giving up control of the car, concerned about ESP interfering with the driving experience, etc. Well, after a day on the track, was my mind changed. In my opinion, 99% of the time, and with 99% of the drivers, a stability control system will react faster and more appropriately to a difficult situation than a human. Yes, a very well-trained driver in some circumstance may equal the computers and sensors, but I think that would be the rare exception. I left Chicago very convinced that stability control is about the most worthwhile safety advance I've seen on a car. When I got back from the school, I ordered a new 2003 Jetta with ESP to replace our 2002 Jetta without ( not avail for 02 on VW ).
Having driven our ESP-equipped car in the icy/snowy/wet conditions here lately in Kansas City, I must say that I'm quite impressed with the performance of stability control, and for the low price of $280 on my VW, don't think I could have spent a better 300 bucks. It reacts very seamlessly and more quickly and "intuitively" than I would have thought possible.
To end the overly long post ( sorry ), my point is that I HIGHLY recommmend that if you potential Prius owners have a chance to get a Prius with stability control, go for it. If it saves your butt once ( or your insurance deductible even ), well worth it. You will appreciate it more over time of ownership than in a 15 minute test drive on a dry road. I'm intrigued by the "tech" aspect of the Prius and may indeed get one soon to complement our Jetta TDI wagon ( Prius and TDI household would be an ideal meld of strengths of both cars I think ) and if I get the P, it will have stability control for sure. Thought I'd pass along the SC feedback for those of you considering a Prius--GET IT! Enjoy your Priuses! ( Pre-i ? )
Just happened to be researching this yesterday so I thought I chime in on your question to John. The bluetooth technology only requires a device that supports it. There is no additional service charge from your cellular provider. I'm intending to upgrade my phone, service is through Cingular, to a Bluetooth enabled model after receiving my car.
I also have a question for John regarding use. What is the process to initiate/answer a call while driving?
In response to the information request about Bluetooth the following definition is from whatis.com:
Bluetooth is a computing and telecommunications industry specification that describes how mobile phones, computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) can easily interconnect with each other and with home and business phones and computers using a short-range wireless connection. Using this technology, users of cellular phones, pagers, and personal digital assistants such as the PalmPilot will be able to buy a three-in-one phone that can double as a portable phone at home or in the office, get quickly synchronized with information in a desktop or notebook computer, initiate the sending or receiving of a fax, initiate a print-out, and, in general, have all mobile and fixed computer devices be totally coordinated.
Bluetooth requires that a low-cost transceiver chip be included in each device. The tranceiver transmits and receives in a previously unused frequency band of 2.45 GHz that is available globally (with some variation of bandwidth in different countries). In addition to data, up to three voice channels are available. Each device has a unique 48-bit address from the IEEE 802 standard. Connections can be point-to-point or multipoint. The maximum range is 10 meters. Data can be exchanged at a rate of 1 megabit per second (up to 2 Mbps in the second generation of the technology). A frequency hop scheme allows devices to communicate even in areas with a great deal of electromagnetic interference. Built-in encryption and verification is provided.
The technology got its unusual name in honor of Harald Bluetooth, king of Denmark in the mid-tenth century. Among other things, Harald is credited with joining Denmark and part of Norway into a single kingdom before he died in battle in 986 with his son, Svend Forkbeard.
Had a breakdown on I-94 yesterday morning (2004 Prius, pkg AM, VIN 03664, mileage 2,250)- all warning lights started flashing, the battery showed only one bar, and the mpg showed as 99.6. Got a tow to my Toyota dealership. Transaxle problem which the mechanic fixed - no parts ordered. I've been reading about the transaxle problems on the earliest Priuses. Has anyone else actually had a problem with this? Is a "fix" sufficient or does it really need new parts? I plan to drive from SW Michigan to central Illinois tomorrow and am a little nervous about my ability to get there and back. Feedback, please! Another thing - my 2004 Prius Pocket Reference Guide gives the emergency roadside number as 877-304-6492. THIS IS NOT A CORRECT NUMBER, says the Voice of Experience. The correct number is 877-304-6495. Despite the above, I am truly enjoying the car and do not regret my purchase.
Local Dealers were asking sticker + $200-300 administration fees so I ordered pkg 3 from a dealer 150mi away on Nov 25. The salesman was nice and gave me about $500 off sticker price with only an $89 document/admin. fee. Of course he has to find one. I paid a $1000 dollar,(credit card) refundable,(verbal),deposit and received a copy of the agreement and receipt the next day. Called yesterday, but he seemed to have forgotten, said he had given it to the sales manager. He called right back and said mid to late January for delivery. The deal seems pretty good and the delivery acceptable. But???
I , for the second time, checked out the seat covers mentioned in #1696. I don't care to pay $450.00 for their covers. After talking to my service manager, it would be quite easy to cut out an oval hole in the side bolster instead of paying that amount for seat covers that have NO SIDES. There appears to be nothing to keep them from slipping.
Regarding Bluetooth. I also purchased a "Bluetooth" compatible phone from Cingular. It was expensive ($169.00)and got nothing for my old phone which will end up in the recycling heap. Cingular has another phone that is more expensive and takes photographs.I have energised the phone for bluetooth but have not yet had a chance to return to my dealer to get their assistance in setting up the lcd display for bluetooth.There ARE instructions in the Navigation manual but they look complicated for an oldster like me and I would prefer expert assistance.
> What is the process to initiate/answer a call while driving?
I took photos of every part of the one-time setup to make the cell-phone & Prius connect. So there will be a PDF available fairly soon providing a step-by-step example. It's surprisingly easy once you understand what the heck you are trying to accomplish.
INITIATING a call is simple. Just push the telephone button on the steering-wheel or the one on the Multi-Display. Then a number-pad appears. You can either use that, the directory transferred from your phone, or the in/out log to specify a call number. Then you press dial. Note, while the vehicle is moving only the quick-dial numbers are available; to access everything else you must stop.
ANSWERING a call is just a matter or pushing the telephone button on the steering-wheel or the one on the Multi-Display that automatically appears when the phone rings.
You listen through the audio system speaker by the driver and talk through the voice-recognition microphone hidden in the dashboard.
I have just finished reading your 1st draft of the “Toyota Prius User-Guide.” Thank you for a great document. If you can clarify the following: On page 2, under 12-Volt Jumping, you stated “When all the cable connections are made, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ATTEMPT TO START THE HYBRID SYSTEM. Instead, wait patiently while the auxiliary 12-volt battery is charged.” Is this contradictory to the “Owner’s Manual”?
On page 241, when all jumper connections are made, Step 9 say to “Start the hybrid system.” So, from the “Owner’s Manual” it looks like I can have the car with the booster battery running (around 2000 rpm) and then connect the jumper cables and then start my hybrid system. Am I mis-interpreting their directions? Thanks, Tony.
> Talking on the phone while driving, even a hands-free > phone like bluetooth is still very distracting and is a > bigger cause of major and fatal accidents than drunk drivers.
At this point with cell-phone technology, how different is it from talking to someone next to you?
That text was intentionally put in there to solicit feedback.
What I wanted was input about the other jumping methods. By selecting one of the unusual options and only listing that, I did in fact get the feedback I desired. (Sometimes, you just can't rely on the subtle way providing enough opinions.)
The second draft (not available yet) is different, much like the manual now.
Although it doesn't hit your fuel economy bogey (25 city/32 hwy), the upcoming Corolla XRS comes very close in most other parameters you mention. Due May 1, price TBD but rumored to be under $18K loaded. Seems like a fair deal for the 2ZZ engine tuned for more mid-range torque, 6-speed tranny, suspension work and chassis bracing, brakes (?), wheels, tires, seats (very nice looking sport seats), instruments, body kit with spoiler (yawn), and the Yamaha R&D to tune the whole package to work together. I think it could be the "secret weapon" in SCCA Solo competition next year.
Otherwise, wait for the Scion tC Coupe due next June. It'll have the 2.4L engine in a bigger (European Avensis based) chassis, tuned for comfort and economy with some sport from an available manual tranny. Also very aggressively priced like the rest of the Scion lineup, and the first Scion available nationwide.
...since the brake pads on my 04 will not be used as often as, say, a conventional car, due to regenerative braking, how long can I expect for the pads to last? Does anyone have a guess?
On the same line of thinking, since the ICE does not run very often, it looks like I don't have to change the oil until around 6,000 miles. Plan to make my first oil change at 600 miles (Mobil 1) and then 6,000 there after.
MC, Thanks for finally coming out and detailing your needs. I have advice: Toyota isn't making cars for you in the 21st century. You sound like a Pontiac guy. Try the new Grand Prix. For $30k you can also purchase a stripped down Lexus or a mid-level Acura. They have message threads, too. Please go find them. You also overestimate the "ROI" of the luxury midsize market. Toyota is going to Highlanders next with HSD because THAT's where the big sales are.
PT Barnum, If you go back and take the time to read the 1700 posts here, you'll understand how ridiculous you sound. At least Wayne is engaged enough to make lucid points about those two non-competing vehicles you threw out.
Mazda? Bad timing, look at the "staining" issue, i.e. the rust along the door edges. This after both the Miata and the RX8 had seriously overstated horsepower.
HSD will spread, but Prius is already very innovative.
as you all know, most of the Prius' sold today are over sticker. Toyota has now released all their track cars (demos)and have put them up for sale. not only that but they are going for sticker. I just received a call from Toyota of Plano saying that theirs is available. so I guess I need advice, should I go get the "demo" or wait for the one I want???
Well, Toyota claims they've bumped the 2ZZ torque peak lower on the XRS, so that should help overall driveability and smooth the transition to the go-profile cam. Similar to what Honda did to the '04 S2K.
I've owned three Mazdas. Each time the attraction ended after the high-maintenance rotaries ate me alive with maintenance and repair costs, though I know all but the RX-8 are piston powered now. Plus Mazda, being the niche player that they are, take more of a depreciation hit than most of the majors in their segments. Couple that with overblown PR lately (bloated hp claims as mentioned that resulted in some buybacks), periodic financial bailouts, and you have to wonder whether you'll wind up with an orphan.
Oh, since their US debut in 1973 I've heard: "I think the company to watch out for is Mazda!" Still watching and waiting, but for what?
Unless you get a substantial discount. The wear and tear on the engine alone may be more than you might think. I once saw our local Toyota's TRAC demo car accelerate abruptly on a green light by a salesman. This is a no-no especially if the car is under a break-in period. You'll never know what abuses the car may have undergone while on demo.
Looks like only electric cars and alternative fuel cars can get a permanent exemption from the Ohio emissions inspection. Since the Prius does have a gas engine, looks like it's not exempt. Check out:
There's also contact info there to find out if your car would qualify for any other exemption. But I'd think the Web site would have mentioned hybrids if they were exempt.
The Bluetooth feature sounds pretty useful. If it were offered in a less expensive package, I would go for it. But there's things in the packages with Bluetooth I really don't need.
One thing I don't understand is the concerns about safety when using the Prius' Bluetooth phone, if I understand how it works. It appears it can be operated (making and answering calls) just by using the steering wheel thumb-buttons and voice commands. So your hands never leave the wheel and you never have to take your eyes off the road. Based on that, I'd say using the Bluetooth phone is safer than driving while doing the following activities:
* smoking * eating * sipping a beverage * adjusting a stereo (unless the controls are on the wheel, then it's equal) * singing along with the stereo (a bit less safe than talking, especially if you are moving your head while singing) * opening a window or sunroof * following visual directions of a nav system * shifting a manual transmission (takes one hand off the wheel) * talking to someone else in the car (due to tendency to move head in their direction) * holding a regular cell phone in one hand, taking notes with the other hand, and steering with your knees while driving in rush-hour traffic at 70 mph (I actually saw this once!).
Actually I think it would be great if every car came with Bluetooth. And maybe in a few years with the usual drop in cost of technology over time, they will.
What's the "But???"? You got a good deal (anything off on a new Prius these days is good) and almost no wait for delivery. One thing you should do though is send an email to the sales rep or manager asking details on the order. For example, here is the email confirmation the sales rep sent me: Per our telephone conversation of today I have entered an order for a Prius, model #1224, in a Package #3/AF configuration with a color preference stated as follows #1-03Q3 Salsa Red, #2-06S9 Tideland Pearl and #3-08S2 Seaside Pearl. The Sticker Price/MSRP of this vehicle is $21,524 and includes the Destination Charge. Our stated "Best Price" is $21,024 plus the appropriate sales tax, title and license fees. I have entered your order request with our Inventory Manager using the VISA card number you gave me over the phone to cover the required $500 deposit, which is completely refundable should you decide not to take the vehicle when it arrives.
Then print it and archive the softcopy in case there's any misunderstandings later on. Also you might want to call the sales rep or manager to ask what number in line you are--that will confirm your order is "on the board".
Plano - I agree with the others, DON'T get a demo, especially if there is not a substantial price break. You have no idea how the test drivers and sales staff have treated the car ("let's see what she'll do!"). The dealer has received value from the car as a demo model, so they should be willing to reduce the price of it accordingly. Or maybe instead of a discount you could negotiate an extended warranty.
Comments
Absolutely. Don't forget to put the car in park!
Incidentally, in contradistinction to a few recent opinions expressed here, I find the Smart Entry system extremely useful. Since I usually approach the car with a child in one hand and some other small object (diaper bag, etc) in the other, it is very nice to be able to slip a finger around the door handle and unlock all the doors at once. My only beef is the replacement cost for the fob($232)!
That being said the Prius printed marketing pamphlet is not very accurate either. I was able to see the silver, the blue, and the gold at a dealer in St. Louis and the colors are significantly different than the pamphlet represents. Seeing the silver was what caused me to choose the Driftwood Pearl (gold) with the tan interior. The silver was more muted than I wanted and the gray interior was much lighter than I thought from the brochures. I was interested in the gray interior for hiding dirt/wear until I saw it's more of a white with gray in it. My point being that it's nearly as light in color as the tan and I thought the gold/tan combination was preferable in my case.
> very accurately.
However, BRIGHTNESS and CONTRAST personal preferences cause inaccuracy.
That's why some monitors now offer a "SB" mode. So you can work with darker (easier to view for long durations) and quickly toggle to bright to verify accuracy. Unfortunately, not everyone has that option. And to make matters worse, a battery saving technique for portables is to dim the screen.
JOHN
CRT types are especially subject to this but LCD/flat panel also.
Also remember that PC monitors are "sourcing" light, whereas objects in real life are selectively reflecting sunlight. And I dare you to show me a PC monitor that will convey the color effects of the paint that looks of a different color from different angles.
I'm wondering what we should watch out for when we go in to buy the car. What kind of potential sales tricks should we expect and how should we handle them? We were promised $500 off of MSRP back in August when we put down our deposit so hopefully that settles most of the negotiation ahead of time. But I'm worried about add-ons, manadatory accessories, financing tricks (should I just use my credit union?), etc. Considering the demand for the car, I expect them to pull something last-minute to squeeze more money out of us.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug
I'll have to agree with the monitor variations. Some friends and I have different laptops with different settings and we have looked at the Toyota site together. Totally different representations. Same eyes!
> and don't mind standing in the cold to fill up (just in case xcel was wondering!)
___I just hope you will eventually receive the capacity and range as advertised At your current fuel capacity and possible mileage, can you even make it to 450 miles? I have to fill up every 3 or 4 days/545 – 650 miles if I like it or not
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
-juice
Personally haven't had too much problem with these type of tactics but obviously some are trying them in certain dealerships.
Those of you That have it. Love it or Hate it???
It eliminates the key. That's a geniune convenience no matter you look at it.
You just pass your hand through the sensing area by a door. If the FOB is within the proximity range, the doors unlock. Not having to touch anything is pretty darn easy.
And of course, just pushing a button on the dash to start is much easier than dealing with a key... especially if you live in the cold north and want to keep your gloves on.
Naturally, you don't ever have to worry about locking the fob in the car, since you don't ever take it out of your pocket.
JOHN
First, there is no resemblance to a card in shape or function whatsoever. It's called a fob.
Second, if you attempt to lock the car with the fob still inside, an alarm activates. There is no possible way you could miss that sound. The label of "smart" is quite appropriate. You can't lock the fob inside.
Third, unless someone has actually used the push button start for a few days, I don't take their opinion to be objective. It's like reviewing a movie based on a preview, rather than actually watching the whole thing.
JOHN
Must have been hard of hearing or near a construction site. There is a distinctive sound rendered when the system is activated.
I have inadvertently tested the system on a recent trip with my wife. We exited the car and I attempted to activate the system with the button on the door handle but the system would not activate. The fob was clearly in my pocket. Her's, however, had fallen out of her bag WITHIN the car. As mentioned previously (post 1700), we really enjoy this feature.
P.S. Former winners of the recent past include the BMW Z4 and the Audi TT.
Now whenever I start my Prius, it automatically searches for my cell-phone zipped away in a difficult to reach jacket pocket. Then it tells me it established a connection. So if I want to place a send or receive a call, I can do it all through the Multi-Display instead. I never have to dig for the phone to use it while in the Prius.
You'd be amazed how convenient it makes using the phone, especially with all the dialing features available via the Multi-Display. And it's safe too. The buttons disable when the wheels are rolling.
It's actually a bit easier to talk with a person that way than someone sitting next to you, since it offers speaker-volume and the microphone faces forward. So you can hear well and you keep your eyes on the road rather than turning your head to acknowledge comments.
It's pretty sweet.
JOHN
Thanks,
Mike
Could you pass on more info on BlueTooth in the Pruis...is it compatible with any cell phone company? or must you buy into "BlueTooth" for your cell phone communications...also what is the cost of Bluetooth...I assume nationwide coverage and no overseas?
Mike
For most of an entire day, I drove ESP-equipped cars versus non-ESP equipped cars in a test-track environment with all kinds of road conditions and at all kinds of speeds simulating emergency conditions, with sand, water, different kinds of pavement thrown in, various maneuvers, etc. An ex-Suzuki-rally-team driver was one of my instructors and was quite good. Anyway, let me tell you, I was fairly underwhelmed by the whole stability control idea at first, was concerned about giving up control of the car, concerned about ESP interfering with the driving experience, etc. Well, after a day on the track, was my mind changed. In my opinion, 99% of the time, and with 99% of the drivers, a stability control system will react faster and more appropriately to a difficult situation than a human. Yes, a very well-trained driver in some circumstance may equal the computers and sensors, but I think that would be the rare exception. I left Chicago very convinced that stability control is about the most worthwhile safety advance I've seen on a car. When I got back from the school, I ordered a new 2003 Jetta with ESP to replace our 2002 Jetta without ( not avail for 02 on VW ).
Having driven our ESP-equipped car in the icy/snowy/wet conditions here lately in Kansas City, I must say that I'm quite impressed with the performance of stability control, and for the low price of $280 on my VW, don't think I could have spent a better 300 bucks. It reacts very seamlessly and more quickly and "intuitively" than I would have thought possible.
To end the overly long post ( sorry ), my point is that I HIGHLY recommmend that if you potential Prius owners have a chance to get a Prius with stability control, go for it. If it saves your butt once ( or your insurance deductible even ), well worth it. You will appreciate it more over time of ownership than in a 15 minute test drive on a dry road. I'm intrigued by the "tech" aspect of the Prius and may indeed get one soon to complement our Jetta TDI wagon ( Prius and TDI household would be an ideal meld of strengths of both cars I think ) and if I get the P, it will have stability control for sure. Thought I'd pass along the SC feedback for those of you considering a Prius--GET IT! Enjoy your Priuses! ( Pre-i ? )
I also have a question for John regarding use. What is the process to initiate/answer a call while driving?
In response to the information request about Bluetooth the following definition is from whatis.com:
Bluetooth is a computing and telecommunications industry specification that describes how mobile phones, computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) can easily interconnect with each other and with home and business phones and computers using a short-range wireless connection. Using this technology, users of cellular phones, pagers, and personal digital assistants such as the PalmPilot will be able to buy a three-in-one phone that can double as a portable phone at home or in the office, get quickly synchronized with information in a desktop or notebook computer, initiate the sending or receiving of a fax, initiate a print-out, and, in general, have all mobile and fixed computer devices be totally coordinated.
Bluetooth requires that a low-cost transceiver chip be included in each device. The tranceiver transmits and receives in a previously unused frequency band of 2.45 GHz that is available globally (with some variation of bandwidth in different countries). In addition to data, up to three voice channels are available. Each device has a unique 48-bit address from the IEEE 802 standard. Connections can be point-to-point or multipoint. The maximum range is 10 meters. Data can be exchanged at a rate of 1 megabit per second (up to 2 Mbps in the second generation of the technology). A frequency hop scheme allows devices to communicate even in areas with a great deal of electromagnetic interference. Built-in encryption and verification is provided.
The technology got its unusual name in honor of Harald Bluetooth, king of Denmark in the mid-tenth century. Among other things, Harald is credited with joining Denmark and part of Norway into a single kingdom before he died in battle in 986 with his son, Svend Forkbeard.
Another thing - my 2004 Prius Pocket Reference Guide gives the emergency roadside number as 877-304-6492. THIS IS NOT A CORRECT NUMBER, says the Voice of Experience. The correct number is 877-304-6495.
Despite the above, I am truly enjoying the car and do not regret my purchase.
Regarding Bluetooth. I also purchased a "Bluetooth" compatible phone from Cingular. It was expensive ($169.00)and got nothing for my old phone which will end up in the recycling heap. Cingular has another phone that is more expensive and takes photographs.I have energised the phone for bluetooth but have not yet had a chance to return to my dealer to get their assistance in setting up the lcd display for bluetooth.There ARE instructions in the Navigation manual but they look complicated for an oldster like me and I would prefer expert assistance.
I took photos of every part of the one-time setup to make the cell-phone & Prius connect. So there will be a PDF available fairly soon providing a step-by-step example. It's surprisingly easy once you understand what the heck you are trying to accomplish.
INITIATING a call is simple. Just push the telephone button on the steering-wheel or the one on the Multi-Display. Then a number-pad appears. You can either use that, the directory transferred from your phone, or the in/out log to specify a call number. Then you press dial. Note, while the vehicle is moving only the quick-dial numbers are available; to access everything else you must stop.
ANSWERING a call is just a matter or pushing the telephone button on the steering-wheel or the one on the Multi-Display that automatically appears when the phone rings.
You listen through the audio system speaker by the driver and talk through the voice-recognition microphone hidden in the dashboard.
JOHN
On page 241, when all jumper connections are made, Step 9 say to “Start the hybrid system.” So, from the “Owner’s Manual” it looks like I can have the car with the booster battery running (around 2000 rpm) and then connect the jumper cables and then start my hybrid system. Am I mis-interpreting their directions? Thanks, Tony.
> phone like bluetooth is still very distracting and is a
> bigger cause of major and fatal accidents than drunk drivers.
At this point with cell-phone technology, how different is it from talking to someone next to you?
One push of the thumb is all it takes to answer.
JOHN
What I wanted was input about the other jumping methods. By selecting one of the unusual options and only listing that, I did in fact get the feedback I desired. (Sometimes, you just can't rely on the subtle way providing enough opinions.)
The second draft (not available yet) is different, much like the manual now.
JOHN
Otherwise, wait for the Scion tC Coupe due next June. It'll have the 2.4L engine in a bigger (European Avensis based) chassis, tuned for comfort and economy with some sport from an available manual tranny. Also very aggressively priced like the rest of the Scion lineup, and the first Scion available nationwide.
http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/100691/page016.htm- - - - - l
On the same line of thinking, since the ICE does not run very often, it looks like I don't have to change the oil until around 6,000 miles. Plan to make my first oil change at 600 miles (Mobil 1) and then 6,000 there after.
Tony.
MC,
Thanks for finally coming out and detailing your needs. I have advice: Toyota isn't making cars for you in the 21st century. You sound like a Pontiac guy. Try the new Grand Prix. For $30k you can also purchase a stripped down Lexus or a mid-level Acura. They have message threads, too. Please go find them. You also overestimate the "ROI" of the luxury midsize market. Toyota is going to Highlanders next with HSD because THAT's where the big sales are.
PT Barnum,
If you go back and take the time to read the 1700 posts here, you'll understand how ridiculous you sound. At least Wayne is engaged enough to make lucid points about those two non-competing vehicles you threw out.
Peace.
HSD will spread, but Prius is already very innovative.
-juice
Right thumb button answers the phone.
Left thumb button powers off the audio system.
Both buttons have a dot on them so you can feel for their location, looking down is not required.
JOHN
I've owned three Mazdas. Each time the attraction ended after the high-maintenance rotaries ate me alive with maintenance and repair costs, though I know all but the RX-8 are piston powered now. Plus Mazda, being the niche player that they are, take more of a depreciation hit than most of the majors in their segments. Couple that with overblown PR lately (bloated hp claims as mentioned that resulted in some buybacks), periodic financial bailouts, and you have to wonder whether you'll wind up with an orphan.
Oh, since their US debut in 1973 I've heard: "I think the company to watch out for is Mazda!" Still watching and waiting, but for what?
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/echeck/waiextem.html#whatisthedif- ferencebetween
There's also contact info there to find out if your car would qualify for any other exemption. But I'd think the Web site would have mentioned hybrids if they were exempt.
One thing I don't understand is the concerns about safety when using the Prius' Bluetooth phone, if I understand how it works. It appears it can be operated (making and answering calls) just by using the steering wheel thumb-buttons and voice commands. So your hands never leave the wheel and you never have to take your eyes off the road. Based on that, I'd say using the Bluetooth phone is safer than driving while doing the following activities:
* smoking
* eating
* sipping a beverage
* adjusting a stereo (unless the controls are on the wheel, then it's equal)
* singing along with the stereo (a bit less safe than talking, especially if you are moving your head while singing)
* opening a window or sunroof
* following visual directions of a nav system
* shifting a manual transmission (takes one hand off the wheel)
* talking to someone else in the car (due to tendency to move head in their direction)
* holding a regular cell phone in one hand, taking notes with the other hand, and steering with your knees while driving in rush-hour traffic at 70 mph (I actually saw this once!).
Actually I think it would be great if every car came with Bluetooth. And maybe in a few years with the usual drop in cost of technology over time, they will.
Per our telephone conversation of today I have entered an order for a Prius, model #1224, in a Package #3/AF configuration with a color preference stated as follows #1-03Q3 Salsa Red, #2-06S9 Tideland Pearl and #3-08S2 Seaside Pearl. The Sticker Price/MSRP of this vehicle is $21,524 and includes the Destination Charge. Our stated "Best Price" is $21,024 plus the appropriate sales tax, title and license fees. I have entered your order request with our Inventory Manager using the VISA card number you gave me over the phone to cover the required $500 deposit, which is completely refundable should you decide not to take the vehicle when it arrives.
Then print it and archive the softcopy in case there's any misunderstandings later on. Also you might want to call the sales rep or manager to ask what number in line you are--that will confirm your order is "on the board".
Plano - I agree with the others, DON'T get a demo, especially if there is not a substantial price break. You have no idea how the test drivers and sales staff have treated the car ("let's see what she'll do!"). The dealer has received value from the car as a demo model, so they should be willing to reduce the price of it accordingly. Or maybe instead of a discount you could negotiate an extended warranty.