I seem to reember that, when the car is running totally on the battery, the display shows 100 MPG, and I seem to recall the salesman pointing this out to me and readng somewhere here.
Is that correct?, because when I am coasting, it reads 99.9, never 100. I know this is a petty point, but I think it is pretty cool when it shows 100 MPG to a passenger.
Happy New Year! I have just finished installation and activation of an XM radio kit from Coastal ETech for my new 2007 Prius, Package 2, and am providing you an update as I promised I would.
The system Coastal sent me includes a new Toyota radio with all the factory-provided installation hardware and a cable that allows direct connection to the Display system via the AM channel. The system was designed to place the radio in the rear of the car, and with it came a CD with photos (not completely current) and a brief paper summarizing changes for the 2007 model Prius. That information allowed me to make short cuts that suited me better than the original installation instructions. I chose to use the simplest possible installation location at the front of the car, and I am posting my findings on this forum for others to use. Please forward to anyone you wish.
All told, it took me about an hour to complete this job, but if I were to do it again, I could probably do it in less than half that time. I used the following steps after reading and studying several renditions of how people installed their XM systems. If I had been provided a short (two foot) cable, this would have been even easier. Here is what I did and what I have learned:
1. Remove the lower center console/dash panel by first removing the plastic ribbed pin at the bottom right and gently prying the panel off, pulling straight out. Unhook the wires to the power outlet and set the lower dash panel aside. This provides access to the right center vent panel. 2. Remove the right center vent panel by pulling gently out at the bottom and lifting up (there are hooks at the top, so don’t pull outward). Set it aside. 3. Remove the lower glove box using this same method, opening the glove box and pulling the bottom straight out to loosen. Unhook the damping cylinder on the right end of the glove box and lift the box out. Set it aside. 4. Using a long Phillips-head screwdriver (the only tool I needed), remove the screw holding the white plastic computer wiring bundle in place and shift the wiring module as far right as it will go. 5. Locate the jack at the rear of the radio for the cable. (Note: the photos I was provided were of an older model radio and did not match my 2007 model. The XM jack is between the two existing cables, with all three on the right side of the radio, close to where I was already working). 6. Using the cable bundle provided with the XM kit, unwrap one loop of the cable from the foam end and two loops from the bare end of the bundle; use the end with foam for the main link to the back of the car radio. Re-tie the cable bundle, leaving about 12-15 inches on the bare end. 7. Plug in the foam end of the cable to the car radio by reaching in from the right end; this is easy from this location if the cable is bent at 90 degrees with the guide-latch facing downward. Tuck the remaining cable bundle behind the radio. There’s room to do that if existing cables are tucked toward the front of the radio and care is taken in pushing the bundle to the left. 8. Route the other end of the cable bundle under the computer wiring module and replace the computer wiring module, taking care to lock it into place using the pin in the lower body. Replace the Phillips-head screw and tighten. 9. From here, the user has some choices about where to place the radio. The older system routed the cable to the rear of the car. I chose to the XM unit as close to the main radio console as possible, using the lower glove box as my mounting place. This is how I did it: 10. Using a small knife or other cutting tool, notch the left-hand drain hole at the rear of the lower glove box. This is where the XM cable will enter for connection to the XM set. 11. Replace the lower glove box and route the XM cable up through the rear section of the glove box. Place some of the foam from the mounting kit on all sides of the XM set, then plug in the XM cable. 13. At this point the system is “live” and you can test it by plugging in the antenna and turning on your power (use the auxiliary power setting and test your system with the antenna plugged in from a temporary location). 14. Once you confirm that the system is operational, complete the installation by routing the antenna wire from a spot about 6” in from the right side of the dash, placed where you think it will work best. (I used the upper end of the dash where it meets the display light for the “Passenger Air Bag” warning). 15. Clean the area where you want to mount the antenna, remove the protective paper from the back of the small metal plate and glue it to the top right corner of the dash. Place the antenna on this plate and run the wire to the front of the windshield, tucking it into the front dash area using a small wooden or plastic wedge to push it into place. The foam pieces on the cable help retain it as it goes between the dash and the windshield, hiding it completely but making it possible to remove it easily if reception is a problem (I don’t know about that yet). 16. Route the antenna wire around the dash at the windshield, down under the right small window cover (you can pry it up enough to squeeze the cable in), then down between the front door frame and the dash, under the main dash and up into the right side drain hole at the rear of the glove box. Tie it off and plug it in to the XM set. 17. Re-set the glove box completely into its location, remembering to connect the damper on the right end, and the installation is complete.
This is NOT a tough job, but it is also not an approved location or a particularly professional method. It worked well for me because I wanted access to the XM set for testing, and I can move both the XM unit and the antenna if I decide it isn’t working well. The 2007 Prius has a very large lower glove box with two compartments. The rear compartment is just about perfect for holding the XM unit, so I chose to lodge it there without tying it down. Other locations behind the dash appeared much more difficult to use because of structural restrictions and wiring runs. So far this is working well for me.
If you have other suggestions or comments, I'd be very interested in hearing from you. As I noted, I am very satisfied with Coastal, their prompt delivery of a quality unit, including activation, etc. I love the car and am even more pleased with an integrated XM system that works as well as a factory-installed unit.
This fee was tacked onto my Prius invoice as an extra $610. I was told a man bought the rights to all Toyotas brought into the Southeast port and he gets this fee. It sounded crazy.Does anyone have the facts on this? The dealer said it only applies to the southeastern states! Thank you.
Yes, it's true -- the Southeastern region is controlled by an independent distributor and is notorious for the extra fees. Same is true for the Gulf States region.
So you can either swallow the fees, try to negotiate a lower selling price of the car to compensate, or buy out of state. BTW, my state (VA) is in the Central Atlantic region, and doesn't have these fees.
Two years ago, I rented a Prius for the day while my Tacoma was in the shop. I really, really wanted to like the car, but I couldn't get past the handling. It was soft. The body rolled in turns (and I wasn't driving like an idiot). In crosswinds, the body rocked from side to side. When driving over potholes, the suspension seemed to ALWAYS be a half-step behind. It's hard to describe, but it wasn't anything I could live with.
Fast-forward to this year: I test drove a Prius Touring Edition, and noticed the firmer, more responsive suspension. I ended up buying one, and, now, 1,700 miles later, I'm very happy with it. It exhibits none of the bad behavior of the standard model which I'd rented.
As I understand it, the Touring Edition suspension is the standard setup they use on all non-U.S. versions of the Prius.
I bought my 2007 Prius (package#3 plus leather interior) last week. I can't figure out the kind of adapter Ineed to hook up my MP3 player (a Rio, not an IPod). I went to Circuit City and Radio Shack and they looked at me like I wa nuts ( or maybe they were patronizing sexist pigs: hard to tell!)so now I'm more confused than ever. The adapter that came with the Rio hooks into my computer USB port or into another piece that goes into a standard wall socket. Any one want to help me with this one? Also I am trying to decide about satellite radio: Sirius or XM. I love my car, I only wish I could see the front end:good thing the bumper is high, as I have pulled off bumpers on previous cars going to far forward into cement parking "blocks".
A FM transmitter or a cassette adapter will do the work. The FM transmitter broadcasts the music on you MP3 player and you use your car rado to receive the signal. A cassette adapter feed the signal directly to the cassette player on your car. I am not sure if new car still have cassette player though.
I have the same package (except the leather). In order to use our MP3 player, a Sandisk Sansa M250, I connected a Radioshack 12 inch shielded stereo audio cable P/N 43-2497 into the headphone jack on the player and connected the other end into the jack in the console. It plays thru the stereo when AUX is selected. This setup should work with any MP3. Our Rio took the same jack. Adapters might be needed on the player end depending upon the jack size. As a quick check, just take the headphone jack and plug it into the connector in the console, if it fits, you should be good to go with the cable or similar that I used. Good Luck.
I bought a 2007 Prius package #2 a month ago and has little more than 1000 miles. I like the car and fancy features but I'm disappointed with mileage. So far I'm getting around 43-44 MPG only. I drive in a busy town with lot of stop and go traffic and the mileage is noway close to the advertised 60MPG in city driving. I was wondering if it'll improve gradually. If not I feel its not worth paying so much money for it. Anybody had this issue in the beginning and MPG number improved later? Thanks in advance
I read an article online about a "training day" where people learn how to drive Prius to get good MPG. Some of the advise makes sense, but really requires you to "relearn" how to drive. The biggest one I've noticed is "taking the foot off the gas". When I drive "normal" as I did with my previous car I get about 42-44 MPG. When I make a point of taking the foot off the gas as much as possible with slow accelerations I get around 49 MPG. But that style of driving requires me to think about what I am doing continuously. Phew.
Winter fuel economy will also be lower. Note that you will not get 60 MPG with the Prius except in unusual cases. Many owners get 45-50 but they do have to adapt their driving habits. It takes the car about 5 min to fully warm up and mileage will suffer during this period, so short trips will lower mileage (5 mi or less). Stop and go traffic is where the Prius should do best. Coasting to lights will improve mileage noticably. Use of the heater or A/C will drop mileage.
Welcome to the Forums. Good to see some "real hybrid newbies" on the forum.
First of all, let me state my qualifications for giving this advice:
1. Have been a hybrid owner since July 2004, first a 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid and now a 2007 TCH owner. Also drive a Segway 8 miles per day of my commute.
And piece of info you need to know upfront is that almost NO ONE is getting 60 MPG City in a Prius. Very few people are, and they are extreme "hypermilers" who drive with the sole intent of milking EVERY OUNCE of gasoline for it's best performance. Only about 15-20 people in the USA who I know about can get 60+ MPG in a daily drive Prius.
Let me begin by saying that it's almost a guaranteed certainty that your mileage will improve over time.
This is because you will learn how to drive your Prius more efficiently and how to take full advantage of the great HSD technology in the car.
This is also because your car will "break-in" over the next few thousand miles and you will see a normal, "happens to every car" little MPG boost once the break-in period is complete.
The one question you need to ask yourself is:
"Am I willing to learn how to drive this Prius in the utmost fuel-efficient manner to get full benefit of the technology?"
If that anwser is YES, then you can surely achieve higher MPG numbers in the future and keep them there.
Search the web for a technique called "Pulse and Glide" and you will be able to learn a very handy and revolutionary technique which can milk 5-10 more MPG out of your Prius for every tank if executed perfectly.
If you have bad habits (like most drivers in America) and you GAS IT to the next red light then SLAM the car to a stop then repeat to the next light, you will never get acceptable mileage from your Prius. That's just an awful habit and far too many people have it.
You need to TRAIN YOURSELF to drive more efficiently by using the fuel consumption display (FCD) in your Prius to understand when and how your car is getting the best MPG.
Just by paying a LITTLE BIT of attention to the handling of the accelerator pedal, you can save gas.
Browse around to other hybrid websites and look for tips.
Your car will do fine. Congrats on the smart purchase !! :shades:
I see you chose the Camry hybrid. I almost chose that model ,but went with the Prius instead. Please keep us posted on the mpg that you get.I'm interested in seeing how it does before we get a second hybrid. Thanks.
Just a quick update on my earlier post. After using the system as installed, I decided to move the antenna to improve reception, which was spotty when using the provide metal plate (Aluminum; never a good ground plane). It took me 15 minutes to remove the antenna from the dash, place it on the front center roof, and route the antenna wire across the top and down the side of the windshield, then around the passenger side post and through the passenger door frame, under the dash to the radio. The reception improved immediately, and the channel that runs around the windshield plus the mold lines on the door channel lend themselves perfectly for the thin cable. I will need to use some shim material (foam or small tubing) or some silicon (clear or black) to "permanently" fix the wiring in place. It's easy to do, fast, and invisible.
I love having the radio in the glove box; it's out of the way but accessible, and I was able to get to it and re-route the antenna wire without any further disassembly of anything. The aluminum plate that was stuck to the dash pealed off without leaving any glue residue, so this installation is now complete. The XM radio integrates directly into the display and provides 18 preset channels. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting an XM upgrade and think Coastal did a good job in providing everything needed.
Hi, not sure if this is the right forum for this post, but thought I would try. We're interested in a Prius, but we have a baby on the way. I'm pretty sure one car seat can fit in the back, but how about 2? Does anyone know how many car seats can be strapped in the back of a Prius? This question is more for planning purposes as I wouldn't want to buy this car now, and then in 2-3 years when we have another baby, need to get rid of it for a bigger car. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Two baby or child seats can fit with no problem, but there won't be enough room for a normal-size adult to sit between them (even though there's also a center lap/shoulder belt).
We got our 2007 Prius (pkg #2) last December. We have 2200+ miles on it. We drive 15 miles one way to work each day on county roads (40 mph). My wife & I compete to see who gets the best mpg. Best so far is 62 mpg. We easily get 48-50 mpg when the outside temp. is above freezing. When below freezing, we get 38-45 mpg. Mileage varys with conditions.
Well, from the description of the commute, keeping it under 40 mph is going to keep the HSD system in operation, so they are using a lot of battery power. Sounds like also they have learned how to drive the prius for max mpg.
I have had my Prius a week(fully loaded 2007). Last night I got in, released the parking brake, pushed the power on and moved the gear stick to reverse. The display showed neutral and would not move to reverse. I finally turned the power off and started over. I was able to succeed in getting into reverse, but was shaken by the experience. Has anyone had this happen?
Ok lets try this again....replied and the site said it couldn't pot.... Thanks for the info. I haven't been to this site in over a week. I wrote down all the information and will go to Radio Shack.
The same thing happened to me too.... I am a complete hybrid newbie, and only picked up my 2007 (package 6) Prius a week ago today. You need to remember to place your foot on the brake pedal before pushing the power button... I was expecting to go as soon as I pushed the button, but you have to wait for the ready light to come on, otherwise you cannot select any of the "gears". It is a car that you have to get used to.... so far I love it
Has anyone had problems with incorrect directions, I have been putting in addresses of places I know how to reach just to practice using my new Prius' system and it has not gotten it right yet.
We got our golden 2007 Prius touring edition package #5 last week. After a highway trip and a bit of regenerative braking that we discovered in the last few miles, our new prius averaged 34 for the first gas refill. We are absolutely loving our new car and hoping that the mileage improves with better driving, better temperatures and time.
I've had my 2007 Driftwood Pearl baby now almost a month. I looked up the sites on google regarding using the pulse and glide technique while driving. I have gone from 44 mpg to 51 mpg on my trips from Weston to Hialeah Florida. I can't be the only one who can relate driving a Prius to biofeedback. Keeping an eye on the energy screen you learn almost subconsiously to coast and keep a light foot on the accelerator. I haven't had this much fun driving a car since......well....ever.
In November we got two 2007 Prius Touring w/Pkg#2. Both cars get between 38mpg in town and 42mpg on Interstate at 75mph. Virginia is hilly and the cars get better gas mileage on flat land. I do not foresee the mileage improving. "Pulse and glide" works but is not going to cause the mpg to soar. Don't believe a lot of the high mpg stories.
Secondly, check out your Touring model's grey alloy wheels. Toyota tends to cover up the grey alloys with, believe it or not, plastic wheel covers. Upon discovering this, I asked the dealer to take them off and provide center hubcaps. Both of ours look great.
Use compartment under rear carpet for storage. I hauled bags of lime and seed. The rear loading is just like my old SUV. In fact I can find nothing bad about this car. It is great.
Just a curious comment from a fellow Virginian, take it or leave it: the max speed limit in VA is 65 mph (except on parts of I-85), so why not slow down a little to pick up some mpg?
Yes it did, I was unable to select drive at this point. I have had another week of driving, without a repeat of the initial experience. everything is good so far.
I went to Radio Shack today with the part number for the cable for my Rio MP32 player. I got the short one for about 4 bucks. Thank you so much for your help. Now I need feedback about satellite radio. XM or Sirius? I want music channels and could care less about Howard Stern. Anyone with preferences?
Make sure your zone map is pointing to the correct area in the US. When we first got our's package 6 Prius,(2 weeks ago today), we tried to enter directions and it kept giving us the wrong state and road name. When I finally figured out the zone map, it has been working fine. One thing to remember though, as with all software, it needs updating (your Toyota dealership should be able to do this for you). Another safety tip, don't use your home address in the Nav System, use a cross street near to where you live, that way if the vehicle gets stolen, the culprits won't know your home address. Let me know if this helps. It takes a bit of getting used to, and the Nav handbook gives a lot of information.
Thanks for your tips. I'll check the zone tomorrow. One of the problems with mine is it won't let me type in listed land line phone numbers to get the address. It will say there's no such number or the next number I need to type in will stay dark so I can't finish the number. Also, when I put in my home address(which I'll remove tomorrow-thanks for the tip on that) it keeps sending me to another part of town or on a convoluted route. I've only had my car a couple of weeks-could it need updating already? One last question-have you ever pulled up to a light and stopped and heard a sound from the rear driver's side? The first time it happened I looked around to see if I'd been nudged by another car. It doesn't always make the sound. Just once in a while. I appreciate any input.
The sound you are getting is probably the venting system, a part of the emmissions system. It certainly does have its own noises doesn't it I had a wierd noise from the passenger front side... did never find out what it was. I was wondering about the GPS Nav... you don't live near a military or airforce base do you.. as these can scramble your GPS receiver... making your location wander around the map... Generally maps are updated every couple of years. The cartographers rely on counties and cities to provide updates. I don't think the mapping software needs updating at this time. New sub-divisions for instance may not appear in map software for a year or so. Hope this helps.
38000 miles and I've averaged 48 mpg over the 14 months I've had it. 51 mpg in the summer and 45 mpg in the winter. One of my friends is on his second. His just turned 3 y.o. last week and the speedo just turned 135,000 miles!!!!
His lifetime average is 48+ mpg also.
A 'neighbor' in the next city, VA Beach, VA has had his since summer and is averaging 63+ mpg over the first 5000 miles with several tanks in the 70+ range.
Weather, length of trips and your direct input have the most effect on the results. As larsb noted above this is a whole 'nother way of driving....and it doesn't mean poking along. Frankly no one but no one gets off from a stop light faster than I do with this vehicle. Well, OK some vehicles have lots more power and can smoke me but it's rare. However when I'm cruising and fully warmed up I often note that I'm coasting by a huge SUV at say 60-65 mpg and I'm getting 50-100 mpg while doing it.
I've been selling them, then bought one, since they first came out in 2000. You hit the nail on the head with the instantaneous bar graph on the right. It is the epitome of biofeedback.
It will teach you to drive better. Keep the bar above 50 as much as possible and voila, your average is 50.
For larsb, on the TCH do you feel that the FE dial on the far left is better than the 1 min bars on the FE chart?
Interesting note on this. A Navy doctor who is now on his 3rd Prius ( wife has a HH ) had me program his 'Home' as the nearest State Troopers barracks to his home.
Good foresight. I've suggested this to lots and lots of new Navi owners since then.
Thank you. I don't think we're near enough to a military base ,but I'll ask around about that possibility.
The inability to type in all phone numbers is really odd too. It simply blanks out certain numbers as if they aren't an option based on numbers already entered-yet I know the number exists as a published land line(versus cell phone).Sometimes it says a number or address exists when it does(and has for years). Could Toyotas' nav software be below parr compared to other dealers? Since I paid a lot extra for it I am really disappointed.
I live in central virginia and last month I had to drive about 40 miles to work each way to work, the drive was in mountains where I noticed a big drop in MPG to less than 40MPG, well its winter too. otherwise its around 45MPG. Sofar I had about 3000 miles on my prius and I'm happy with it.
My experience here in Kansas City, where morning temp is at around 10 F right now, is mileage around 42mpg. I expect to get better on warmer days... a couple of weeks ago when we got into the low 40's I averaged around 52mpg.
Toyota quietly puts first incentives on Prius ...... Toyota sold 106,971 Prius models in 2006, down from 107,897 sold in 2005, according to the Automotive News Data Center.
c2rosa, it sounds interesting... Can you provide more details about your saying "Toyota quietly puts first incentives on Prius". So far I don't know Toyota provides any incentives on Prius.. thank you.
Comments
Is that correct?, because when I am coasting, it reads 99.9, never 100. I know this is a petty point, but I think it is pretty cool when it shows 100 MPG to a passenger.
The system Coastal sent me includes a new Toyota radio with all the factory-provided installation hardware and a cable that allows direct connection to the Display system via the AM channel. The system was designed to place the radio in the rear of the car, and with it came a CD with photos (not completely current) and a brief paper summarizing changes for the 2007 model Prius. That information allowed me to make short cuts that suited me better than the original installation instructions. I chose to use the simplest possible installation location at the front of the car, and I am posting my findings on this forum for others to use. Please forward to anyone you wish.
All told, it took me about an hour to complete this job, but if I were to do it again, I could probably do it in less than half that time. I used the following steps after reading and studying several renditions of how people installed their XM systems. If I had been provided a short (two foot) cable, this would have been even easier. Here is what I did and what I have learned:
1. Remove the lower center console/dash panel by first removing the plastic ribbed pin at the bottom right and gently prying the panel off, pulling straight out. Unhook the wires to the power outlet and set the lower dash panel aside. This provides access to the right center vent panel.
2. Remove the right center vent panel by pulling gently out at the bottom and lifting up (there are hooks at the top, so don’t pull outward). Set it aside.
3. Remove the lower glove box using this same method, opening the glove box and pulling the bottom straight out to loosen. Unhook the damping cylinder on the right end of the glove box and lift the box out. Set it aside.
4. Using a long Phillips-head screwdriver (the only tool I needed), remove the screw holding the white plastic computer wiring bundle in place and shift the wiring module as far right as it will go.
5. Locate the jack at the rear of the radio for the cable. (Note: the photos I was provided were of an older model radio and did not match my 2007 model. The XM jack is between the two existing cables, with all three on the right side of the radio, close to where I was already working).
6. Using the cable bundle provided with the XM kit, unwrap one loop of the cable from the foam end and two loops from the bare end of the bundle; use the end with foam for the main link to the back of the car radio. Re-tie the cable bundle, leaving about 12-15 inches on the bare end.
7. Plug in the foam end of the cable to the car radio by reaching in from the right end; this is easy from this location if the cable is bent at 90 degrees with the guide-latch facing downward. Tuck the remaining cable bundle behind the radio. There’s room to do that if existing cables are tucked toward the front of the radio and care is taken in pushing the bundle to the left.
8. Route the other end of the cable bundle under the computer wiring module and replace the computer wiring module, taking care to lock it into place using the pin in the lower body. Replace the Phillips-head screw and tighten.
9. From here, the user has some choices about where to place the radio. The older system routed the cable to the rear of the car. I chose to the XM unit as close to the main radio console as possible, using the lower glove box as my mounting place. This is how I did it:
10. Using a small knife or other cutting tool, notch the left-hand drain hole at the rear of the lower glove box. This is where the XM cable will enter for connection to the XM set.
11. Replace the lower glove box and route the XM cable up through the rear section of the glove box. Place some of the foam from the mounting kit on all sides of the XM set, then plug in the XM cable.
13. At this point the system is “live” and you can test it by plugging in the antenna and turning on your power (use the auxiliary power setting and test your system with the antenna plugged in from a temporary location).
14. Once you confirm that the system is operational, complete the installation by routing the antenna wire from a spot about 6” in from the right side of the dash, placed where you think it will work best. (I used the upper end of the dash where it meets the display light for the “Passenger Air Bag” warning).
15. Clean the area where you want to mount the antenna, remove the protective paper from the back of the small metal plate and glue it to the top right corner of the dash. Place the antenna on this plate and run the wire to the front of the windshield, tucking it into the front dash area using a small wooden or plastic wedge to push it into place. The foam pieces on the cable help retain it as it goes between the dash and the windshield, hiding it completely but making it possible to remove it easily if reception is a problem (I don’t know about that yet).
16. Route the antenna wire around the dash at the windshield, down under the right small window cover (you can pry it up enough to squeeze the cable in), then down between the front door frame and the dash, under the main dash and up into the right side drain hole at the rear of the glove box. Tie it off and plug it in to the XM set.
17. Re-set the glove box completely into its location, remembering to connect the damper on the right end, and the installation is complete.
This is NOT a tough job, but it is also not an approved location or a particularly professional method. It worked well for me because I wanted access to the XM set for testing, and I can move both the XM unit and the antenna if I decide it isn’t working well. The 2007 Prius has a very large lower glove box with two compartments. The rear compartment is just about perfect for holding the XM unit, so I chose to lodge it there without tying it down. Other locations behind the dash appeared much more difficult to use because of structural restrictions and wiring runs. So far this is working well for me.
If you have other suggestions or comments, I'd be very interested in hearing from you. As I noted, I am very satisfied with Coastal, their prompt delivery of a quality unit, including activation, etc. I love the car and am even more pleased with an integrated XM system that works as well as a factory-installed unit.
Happy New Year everyone!
Al Koller
So you can either swallow the fees, try to negotiate a lower selling price of the car to compensate, or buy out of state. BTW, my state (VA) is in the Central Atlantic region, and doesn't have these fees.
Fast-forward to this year: I test drove a Prius Touring Edition, and noticed the firmer, more responsive suspension. I ended up buying one, and, now, 1,700 miles later, I'm very happy with it. It exhibits none of the bad behavior of the standard model which I'd rented.
As I understand it, the Touring Edition suspension is the standard setup they use on all non-U.S. versions of the Prius.
Hope this helps.
Ed
First of all, let me state my qualifications for giving this advice:
1. Have been a hybrid owner since July 2004, first a 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid and now a 2007 TCH owner. Also drive a Segway 8 miles per day of my commute.
And piece of info you need to know upfront is that almost NO ONE is getting 60 MPG City in a Prius. Very few people are, and they are extreme "hypermilers" who drive with the sole intent of milking EVERY OUNCE of gasoline for it's best performance. Only about 15-20 people in the USA who I know about can get 60+ MPG in a daily drive Prius.
Let me begin by saying that it's almost a guaranteed certainty that your mileage will improve over time.
This is because you will learn how to drive your Prius more efficiently and how to take full advantage of the great HSD technology in the car.
This is also because your car will "break-in" over the next few thousand miles and you will see a normal, "happens to every car" little MPG boost once the break-in period is complete.
The one question you need to ask yourself is:
"Am I willing to learn how to drive this Prius in the utmost fuel-efficient manner to get full benefit of the technology?"
If that anwser is YES, then you can surely achieve higher MPG numbers in the future and keep them there.
Search the web for a technique called "Pulse and Glide" and you will be able to learn a very handy and revolutionary technique which can milk 5-10 more MPG out of your Prius for every tank if executed perfectly.
If you have bad habits (like most drivers in America) and you GAS IT to the next red light then SLAM the car to a stop then repeat to the next light, you will never get acceptable mileage from your Prius. That's just an awful habit and far too many people have it.
You need to TRAIN YOURSELF to drive more efficiently by using the fuel consumption display (FCD) in your Prius to understand when and how your car is getting the best MPG.
Just by paying a LITTLE BIT of attention to the handling of the accelerator pedal, you can save gas.
Browse around to other hybrid websites and look for tips.
Your car will do fine. Congrats on the smart purchase !! :shades:
I love having the radio in the glove box; it's out of the way but accessible, and I was able to get to it and re-route the antenna wire without any further disassembly of anything. The aluminum plate that was stuck to the dash pealed off without leaving any glue residue, so this installation is now complete. The XM radio integrates directly into the display and provides 18 preset channels. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting an XM upgrade and think Coastal did a good job in providing everything needed.
Al Koller
Good Job Roy!! :shades:
The first time I tried to start my Prius, I made that mistake.
I was expecting to go as soon as I pushed the button, but you have to wait for the ready light to come on, otherwise you cannot select any of the "gears". It is a car that you have to get used to.... so far I love it
After a highway trip and a bit of regenerative braking that we discovered in the last few miles, our new prius averaged 34 for the first gas refill.
We are absolutely loving our new car
Secondly, check out your Touring model's grey alloy wheels. Toyota tends to cover up the grey alloys with, believe it or not, plastic wheel covers. Upon discovering this, I asked the dealer to take them off and provide center hubcaps. Both of ours look great.
Use compartment under rear carpet for storage. I hauled bags of lime and seed. The rear loading is just like my old SUV. In fact I can find nothing bad about this car. It is great.
Let me know if this helps. It takes a bit of getting used to, and the Nav handbook gives a lot of information.
One of the problems with mine is it won't let me type in listed land line phone numbers to get the address. It will say there's no such number or the next number I need to type in will stay dark so I can't finish the number.
Also, when I put in my home address(which I'll remove tomorrow-thanks for the tip on that) it keeps sending me to another part of town or on a convoluted route. I've only had my car a couple of weeks-could it need updating already?
One last question-have you ever pulled up to a light and stopped and heard a sound from the rear driver's side? The first time it happened I looked around to see if I'd been nudged by another car. It doesn't always make the sound. Just once in a while. I appreciate any input.
I was wondering about the GPS Nav... you don't live near a military or airforce base do you.. as these can scramble your GPS receiver... making your location wander around the map... Generally maps are updated every couple of years. The cartographers rely on counties and cities to provide updates. I don't think the mapping software needs updating at this time. New sub-divisions for instance may not appear in map software for a year or so. Hope this helps.
His lifetime average is 48+ mpg also.
A 'neighbor' in the next city, VA Beach, VA has had his since summer and is averaging 63+ mpg over the first 5000 miles with several tanks in the 70+ range.
Weather, length of trips and your direct input have the most effect on the results. As larsb noted above this is a whole 'nother way of driving....and it doesn't mean poking along. Frankly no one but no one gets off from a stop light faster than I do with this vehicle. Well, OK some vehicles have lots more power and can smoke me but it's rare. However when I'm cruising and fully warmed up I often note that I'm coasting by a huge SUV at say 60-65 mpg and I'm getting 50-100 mpg while doing it.
It will teach you to drive better. Keep the bar above 50 as much as possible and voila, your average is 50.
For larsb, on the TCH do you feel that the FE dial on the far left is better than the 1 min bars on the FE chart?
Good foresight. I've suggested this to lots and lots of new Navi owners since then.
The inability to type in all phone numbers is really odd too. It simply blanks out certain numbers as if they aren't an option based on numbers already entered-yet I know the number exists as a published land line(versus cell phone).Sometimes it says a number or address exists when it does(and has for years). Could Toyotas' nav software be below parr compared to other dealers? Since I paid a lot extra for it I am really disappointed.
......
Toyota sold 106,971 Prius models in 2006, down from 107,897 sold in 2005, according to the Automotive News Data Center.