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Comments
Normally when we stop the "engine", the display goes out completely except for the "security" or "door open" symbol. I always wait until the engine smybol goes out and yet I still look back thru the window to make sure all is clear. You may try leaving a window open and pushing the button on the door or the key fob to see the dash display better. I have the Driftwood Pearl/#9 Pkg so I've got the smart entry also.
Rich
I've noticed several things, however, that I've wondered might be unique to my car. (1) The very comfortable ride with one or two occupants deteriorates badly when there are four adult occupants. (2) Wind makes an enormous difference in mileage; at 65-70 mph, a strong tail wind can add 5 mpg, and a strong head wind can subtract 5 mpg. (3) I seem to get noticeably better mileage on concrete roads than on asphalt roads.
Have other owners had similar experience?
In addition to what djasonw said about the stock tires, what pressures are you running at? Check out john1701a's website and he gives great advice re tire pressure. Mine still had the dealer's 35-37# psi and I increased them to 42/40. I noticed a slightly stiffer ride but overall, no complaints. I'm still going to average out at least 5 tankfuls before seeing if anything changes in mpg. If you occasionally do transport 4 adults, I'd increase tire pressures for that reason alone. Now that late spring/early summer is here, ice and snow aren't concerns much anymore. Does anyone else have any positive tire replacement experiences?
Rich
I'll update on Monday with my impressions. I've never drive a hybrid before, so my goal is to be 100% unbiased either way.
More to come!
-th
It started Sunday at 4AM when I filled her (EMAXX) to the brim. It ended 30 hours (driving time) later on the side of I-579 in Huntsville, AL with a MIL and a DTC. Luckily I had a 1 gallon of petrol in the trunk for just an occasion.
The stats as per the multidisplay:
85.7 MPG
967 Miles
I took a picture but I don't have the software with me to extract it from the camera. I will post it when I get home.
I ran out of gas climbing up a very steep slope. I'm quite sure that gravity had conspired against me, moving that last 1/3 gallon away from the fuel line intake when I needed it the most. I was sooo close!
Driving tips:
I took Bill G's advice and drove in my underwear. I still haven't figured out how to turn on the AC. I didn't really need it though. It only got up to 88F outside.
Dan
EMAXX
Dennis
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS/Senior Host/Owners Clubs
A 5-speed Corolla CE can be had out the door at less than 14K. Payback time over the Prius is about 10 years. Well maybe only 6.378 if you could really get 85.7 miles per gallon.
Good laugh anyway!
MidCow
Maybe the idea of the car being so hi-tech is a reason.
Maybe the fact that it's practical and reliable is a reason?
People have different tastes. Heck, maybe I don't NEED a reason??? I WANT one. It's like a Hummer...are there any REASONS to buy one? You can, so you do.
___I cannot be sure of this but someone said the 03/04 Corolla’s seats and the 04 Prius’ were duplicates other then the material used I think both seating positions are less then adequate and can only think of Crash ratings for the reason to set the seating positions so far back from the wheel? I haven’t measured the Prius seats and haven’t been in one in 3 weeks so I cannot verify this?
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
Keep laughing because you will not be the one who get the last laugh!
Dennis
___It isn’t the position; it’s the steering wheel distance and the short lower seat length that are the issues. The Insight, the MDX, the Ranger P/U, the Sable, the Accord, the Nissan P/U, the Chevy P/U, and the Previa all had better seats and arrangements then either the 03/04 Corolla or the 04 Prius. And the seat height adjuster is in the better in the Corolla then the Prius Oh yes, you won’t have one in the Prius. If you want to compare, I have over half a million in all of the above and the Prius isn’t that great by comparison You have driven for > 2 days in the 04 Prius to get used to its seats and the rear view right? You might be able to get a TRAC for a day or two to find out for yourself.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
I called Carson Toyota and spoke with the fleet sales manager who was the first person to tell me that the 2003 model I had rented for the week had relatively little in common with the 2004 and so it would not help me decide if I would like the Prius or not. She then told me some had come in that day and I could have one. I drove to Carson at 7pm and drove away with a 2004 Prius at 9pm. It cost $2500 over the MSRP.
I've driven it for only 1 1/2 days and I love it. The Carson Toyota staff were wonderful, helpful and know everything about the Prius, unlike the other agency reps who seem to know nothing about the car and in no hurry to learn.
#1 Seating Position: At first it felt like it sit high (i'm 6' tall), but leaning the seat back gave me my preferred driving position. It's how I normally sit so that wasn't an issue.
#2 Seats: Very comfy. Nice material. I liked that part.
#3 Rear view: Ok, that took about 10 minutes to get used to. The black strip across the back threw me off the first time I looked back. After that, I remembered it was there and got over it. If it still bothers you after 2 days, this isn't the car for you and you're just a little forgetful.
#4 The ride: This hybrid synergy drive is amazing. period. Pickup from a standstill is on the slow side...comparable to an Auto Civic, i'd say. Mid-range pickup is actually quite good...like your average 4-cylinder midsize cars. Higher-end (70mph+) is adequate. Not like I accelerate from 70mph anyways.
The brakes are super-tight to sensitive. But I like that. I have an Audi and the Prius holds its own. Steering is sensitive, but turning radius is amazing.
Ride is quiet...tire noise is the only thing I hear, other than the gas engine at throttle. It's soft, but handles well enough. Makes a few odd noises when turning or braking, but i chalk that up to the regenerative machinery.
The Navigation is just a fun toy! Fun to watch. A/C is ice cold. Stereo (JBL) is OK. Average sound quality. I love the touchscreen though.
Only thing I need is leather on the steering wheel. I don't like hard plastic.
Well, I have about 500 miles left. We'll see how this thing is over the longhaul.
BTW, the engine shutoff at a stop is the best thing ever. I love knowing that I'm not spewing fumes and wasting fuel just sitting. WHY DIDN'T ANYONE THINK OF THIS BEFORE?!!?
So far, excellent experience!
-Tim
>I love the touchscreen though.
Sad thing about the stereo, is that it is so integrated into the multi-dispaly that you can't upgrade it except to replacespeakers.
Even the upgraded Prius stereo the JBL as you say is only good, not very-good or outstanding or awesome.
"I love knowing that I'm not spewing fumes and wasting fuel just sitting. WHY DIDN'T ANYONE THINK OF THIS BEFORE?!!?"
I'm sure they did, but for reasons we'll NEVER know it's only appearing now.
fastdriver
In the Prius the electric drive motor is always coupled to the ICE which makes restarting a much simpler, mechanically, process.
One thing that will be of interest as the engine gets older is how well it will survive those starts. It only starts after the electric motor is propelling the car, which may help, I suppose.
Don't give up!! I've spoke to several dealers and they tell me that the factory allocates to dealers at they see fit. I know a dealer in Berkeley, Ca that gets a lion's share where other dealers only get 1-2 per month. I was VERY lucky to get mine in the timeframe I did.... I'd ruffle a few feathers if I said how long it took. But believe us, it's worth it. As per the other reviewers statements, we're doing the right thing. Here in California, gas is topping $2.30/gal. So anything done toward the positive is best for individuals as well as the public. If you're interested in all of the bells and whistles, I hope you can get your hands on a Pkg 8 or 9. A lot of people are getting on several different dealers's lists and then pulling their names only after they finally buy, that's how I got mine. I just saw a Driftwood Pearl (I assume it's also a $9) in my town, so I guess I'm not the only one now.
Good luck,
Rich
Okay here is one from a closed down Exxon station here in Texas ...
Let's assume that you get 51 mpg and that you were getting only 17 mpg before ( fits the 2/3s euation).
If you drive 15,000 miles per year at $2.00 per gallon you can recover you initial $2,500 extra in only 2.125 years.
Yes sir ree Bob, P.T. Barum was right there is one born every minute!!
The ones at Daytona raceway anyway.
That $3+ per gallon was in Santa Barbara, Ca. Up here in the SF Bay Area gas currently is at $2.26,2.36,2.46/gal for regular/plus/super at my local Shell station. Kudos to that dealer who has a good enough sense of humor to post the wording on his sign. It was asked if it were legal to not show prices I would say yes, because the actual negotions are done at the pump where prices are clearly marked. When I look at my display on the Prius and it shows 45 mpg or better for an avg mpg this tankful, I am so greatful to own such a wonderful car! I heard someone mention a bumper snicker (credit Herb Caen for that term) that says "SUV's SUCK, MY PRIUS SIPS" is tempting but I think the SUV's would run me over. I am tempted to put a sign in my back window that says "I'm averaging XX.X mpg", but I'm afraid I might get carjacked or shot.
I saw in today's newspaper that the state of Oregon (which I love to visit) is considering monitoring how many miles you've gone since your last fillup and charging gas taxes proportionate to that. Because hybrid and other high-mileage cars aren't buying as much gas, they are not paying as much in state/local taxes, the state/locals are losing money and trying to make up for lost revenues. Ain't that a load of garbage? I'll try to keep an eye on it and if they pursue this we should all write to the powers that be to express our opinions. We're trying to keep the planet green and what do we get for our efforts?
Thanks,
Rich
I'm not saying it will cause problems, but I know from experience that engines become harder to start as they get older.
The Prius was subject to every type of situation I could think of...Friday evening DC traffic jam, backroads, neighborhoods, interstates, hilly roads, windy winds, rain & storms, hot & humid weather, the grocery store...et al. Not once did I feel like the Prius ever felt "short" of other cars. If the wait wasn't so long, I would be at the dealer right now buying one!
Overall: Averaged only 45mpg (only?). Ran A/C entire time and drove it hard. Acceleration was strong enough to pass on a 2-lane road (got up to 75mph easy). Acceleration from a stop at full throttle is the only negative...a bit loud and slower. Under normal conditions, it's faster than you think.
Good stuff:
The CVT was very smooth. Definite plus.
Turning radius was amazing too. Brakes are strong. Wind noise doesn't exist. Plent of cargo room. Comfy on long hauls. Mostly seemless power transition from gas/electric/combo. Navigation was a fun toy. Attracts LOTS of attention (usually positive) and has many people interested in hybrids.
Bad stuff:
The reverse beeping! Someone make that go away! I had to back down a loooong driveway and I was ready to bash in the little beeper!
Sometimes the electric engine and gas engine couldn't decide what to do...the car would stumble and shake a bit. May just take a different touch on the accelerator.
Gas mileage wasn't up to EPA numbers, but what car is???
All in all, I spent $13 on gas to drive 400 miles. THAT, my friends, is the best thing about the Prius!
I have never driven a car that wasn't able to easily exceed EPA numbers, especially on the highway.