New Prius Owners - Give Us Your Report

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  • mschrankmschrank Member Posts: 1
    Picked up my Barcelona Red Prius Touring, pkg 6, Beige leather 2 weeks ago. It is a fantastic piece of technology.
    Quiet, tight, good handling, comfortable seats, great room throughout, good forward vision, and of course the MPG. I filled up 2 days ago for 1st time. Over 1/4 left in tank, 433 miles, 53.1 MPG! Couldn't be happier.

    The Prius relaced my 2000 Chrysler 300M with 52,000 trouble free miles, but after months of research decided to go to a Hybrid. The Prius has much more pep and is a generally better vehicle than I expected. A seamless operator. I gave up nothing from the 300M and got a wonderful, fun, and truly exhilerating driving experience in return. Frankly I can't wait to get behind the wheel each day!

    This is a vehicle I can highly recommend and feel good about in the process. It truly brings a smile to my face.
  • nrwymannrwyman Member Posts: 5
    I've had my Prius for only 370 miles and am disappointed in the mpg. I'm averaging about 37 mpg. I read that others are averaging over 50 mpg. I do short suburban trips. The battery never gets fully charged and the gas engine runs almost continuously. As I live in Florida, the AC is on constantly. Could this be a cause of the low mpg?
  • florida_wenflorida_wen Member Posts: 29
    I am no "expert" but I truly believe that this vehicle, just as all other vehicles, needs a "break-in period" !! I know with conventional vehicles that means 1000 or MORE miles. With our Honda CR-V and (when we had) our Acura MDX it was not until way over 2500 miles that we just started to notice improved gas mileage figures close to what was "listed" !! I cannot give you first-hand reply on the Toyota Prius as ours just came into port (Jacksonville, FL) and we are anxiously waiting for the Dealer (Tampa) to call us to pick it up as soon as it arrives and is prepped. He thinks maybe Tuesday or Wednesday of next week (5-15 or 5-16?). I know that not only engine (gas powered) rings and bearings need "break-in" but so many OTHER parts of the drive train such as transmission, wheel bearings, brakes, even the tires, etc. I am sure this is the case with your BRAND NEW Prius !!
    By the way, we live in Plant City, Florida way, way east, near the Polk County line. Where do YOU live in Florida and don't you just HATE those darn "LOVE-BUGS" ?? :mad:
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Short trips will give poor mileage. The engine has to run until it and the cat. is warmed up. The A/C will also cause the engine to run more often, but it does run off the HV battery, so it doen't force the engine to run -all- the time. You will not see a fully charged battery unless you decend a long mountain pass. The car tries to keep some "head room" so it can dump regenerative braking energy into the battery. So that's not why you don't get good mileage. It's the short trips. Suburban driving is where the Prius gets its' best mileage as well. It's just the short trips.

    Don't be too disappointed yet. Your mileage will probably improve. Don't expect 50ish with short trips though. Mid 40s should be possible once you learn how to drive for best economy and the vehicle breaks in. You can also raise tire pressure to 42F 40R (cold - that is, before driving the car very far). Most owners report that makes a difference re mileage.

    Oh, did I mention, it's because of the short trips. ;)
  • malaanmalaan Member Posts: 15
    How far are your short suburban trips?. Yes, as in any vehicle the AC will cause a reduction in mpg, but I do not think such a dramatic reduction as you are experiencing.
    What are your driving habits? Check through the forum and look how others are driving their Priuses to gain most fuel economy. Have you tried to take the prius out for a "long run" yet?

    I live in Kansas, and do a mix of highway and stop and go driving and have averaged 48mph over the last three gas tanks. I have found that you really need a feather touch on the "gas pedal" I have also found that changing my route to exclude going up hills as much as possible helps. Use your consumption screens to see the effect of heavy gas pedal usage. If this is your first prius, it will take a bit of getting used to... I love my car... I have just gone over 5K, and with gas prices here now over $3.15 per gallon the taste gets sweeter everyday. Enjoy your car... :)
  • malaanmalaan Member Posts: 15
    Like you I chose Silver Mica Pine
  • akollerakoller Member Posts: 15
    Hi.

    I bought my Prius in December from David Maus, Sanford, and it has done an average of 50.8 since that day. There is a learning curve, and driving habits count, but your experience is very different from mine. Short trips might make a difference, but so will high speed trips, which dominate my driving. It's probably too early to get too worried, but I would watch it carefully and take it back for an inspection if the mileage doesn't improve. :mad:
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    As you implied, with a car like the Prius it's just not the car that needs a break-in period--it's the driver too. The Prius and other hybrids like it need to be driven a certain way to maximize fuel economy. As a new owner gets a feel for the car, they will learn how to squeeze more miles out of each gallon. For example, with any car, the less you have your foot on the accelerator, the better. But that's especially important on the Prius because of its regenerative braking and its ability to run on electric power at low speeds.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    To reemphasize Pathstar1's commentary. Short trips are death on Fuel Economy

    This can't be emphasized enough. Other than towing a boat with your Prius or carrying the Dolphin front line in your car short trips are the single most detrimental factor in your personal fuel economy.

    Luckily living in FL it's likely that you will not encounter the 2nd most detrimental effect - cold weather.

    To improve your personal FE try to link up trips to make the trips longer but less frequent. BTW this is the same for all vehicles - only it's more pronounced in the hybrids because the ICE doesn't have the chance to be turned off as often as on a longer trip. If you can, try also avoiding the stop sign to stop sign to stop light to stop sign of driving. Steady cruising even at 10-20 mph is far better.
  • nrwymannrwyman Member Posts: 5
    We live in Palm Harbor (near Clearwater, west of Tampa.)

    A break-in period wouldn't surprise me. However, I didn't expect such a huge discrepancy between sticker mpg and actual mpg.

    Keep clear of the smoke. It's been pretty bad here for the past few days. Today seems to be a bit better.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Why do I have experience trying to get good mileage? Why, because I drive a SUV - a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE. It's got lots of power, lots of luxury, and consumes more fuel than I'd like. Try 15 MPG US in the city. It does better on the highway, around 20 MPG. And only Premium fuel allowed.
    :blush:

    Real soon now I'll be driving a Prius. Sooner the better!
  • kivokivo Member Posts: 64
    I'm new to the forum but I was wondering if it's OK to buy a Prius if the car is not driven on a regular basis. Will the battery die? Thanks for the help.
  • keitha3keitha3 Member Posts: 124
    My wife owns and absolutely loves her Prius. I've read posts where no battery has yet died on a Prius. Don't know if that's true, but I've never heard of a case of battery failure.

    How irregularly are you planning on driving it?
  • rcinmdrcinmd Member Posts: 139
    First long trip with my 07 package 2 Touring..

    Started the trip with about 1300 miles on the clock

    First leg, I-81 from Maryland to Salem, VA. Running about 65, no ac. 49 mpg

    Second leg, Salem to Rockingham, NC. Mix of four and two lane. 55 - 65 mph. No ac. 50 mpg

    Then, once on I-95, from SC to Fla, ran an average of about 74 mph, with the AC. Only got 43 mpg. Noticed that there was virtually no battery charging going on during the run.

    Once off the highway in Fla, filled up, and drove about 15 miles at 55 - 60 mph, no ac. Got 52 mpg.

    So, if it's ultra high fuel economy one wants on the interstate, diesel might be the way to go.

    Noticed that using the ac on the highway made virtually no difference in the gas mileage.
  • nrwymannrwyman Member Posts: 5
    I drive it every day, albeit for short trips. The battery has never fully discharged, but it has never been fully charged either.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    37 does seem a little lower than the new rating

    but probably within tolerable limits...heavy foot, extreme climate, short trips, new engine, low tire pressure; plus a possible mechanical issue (probably not though)
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    A Prius can be left undriven safely for a week or two doing nothing. If you were to leave it more than two weeks you should disable the Smart Key sensors by using the button under the steering wheel. If you were going to leave it longer than a month it's recommended that you disconnect the wiring harness from the 12v to the fuse box.
  • florida_wenflorida_wen Member Posts: 29
    kdhspyder.... THANK you very much for this helpful information !! :D
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    There is always some confusion with the term "Prius battery". Remember, there are two, the "traction battery", the HV one that the synergy drive uses, and the 12 V "auxiliary battery", that the cars' electronics and lights run on.

    The 12V auxiliary battery can loose enough charge that it will not power up the car, usually after more than a month of sitting.
    If you plan to leave it sitting for long periods (but shorter than 6 months) you can install a "battery tender" for the 12V auxiliary battery. It's a small charger designed to keep a 12V lead acid battery fully charged but never overcharged. You would need to plug it in, of course. This device can be installed in the car with the 12V battery. All you would need to do is plug it in to activate it. Having this battery go dead is not uncommon. All you have to do is not fully close the hatch, for example, and leave the car for a day or two.

    The "traction battery" is the NiMH high voltage unit, and it can also self discharge over time. Word is this takes 6 months or more to be a problem. This battery is the one that actually starts the engine (ICE). If it goes dead you have to have the car towed to a Toyota dealer, and they have to order in one of the five or six chargers in the US and the tech from Toyota Corporate to charge it back up. To avoid this, have someone start the car and let it run for 30 min or so every 4 months or so. I haven't heard of anyone running into a fully discharged traction battery, but there are a lot of Prius worriers out there and this is their advice.
  • nrwymannrwyman Member Posts: 5
    I don't believe I have a lead foot and the climate has not been extreme. I have just increase tire pressure to 34psi from 30psi. I don't think this will have a major impact on mpg. perhaps after 2,500 miles or so I'll start to see a dramatic increase.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    I thought only the Prius, Civic Hybrid and Insight qualified for the HOV lane stickers.

    I saw a Toyota Hylander Hybrid with HOV stickers in California.

    Did something change?
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    If you saw a Highlander Hybrid with CA HOV stickers he is breaking the law. They are only for hybrids that get 45MPG or more and All CNG only vehicles. Unless he has a Highlnader that is converted to CNG only. Sounds like someone pulled a quick one. Hope he gets nailed for a big fine. Here is the scoop:

    http://arbis.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm
  • 210delray210delray Member Posts: 4,721
    I really wouldn't sweat the apparent low mileage at this point. It was your first fill-up, right?

    You're right about the tire pressure increase (4 psi) not making a measurable difference.
  • philmophilmo Member Posts: 77
    Yesterday we had our 2007 Prius to the dealer for it's first checkup at 5,000 miles. No real problems to report except that our window washer nozzles on the driver side were wacky and need to be replaced. Curiously, they're not a stocked item and had to be ordered. We also had some plastic "triangles" removed on both front mini-windows that should have been removed when prepped by the dealer. And the A-column speaker on the driver side needed to be re-mounted as the seal was partially folded under the speaker housing.

    With warmer weather our mileage has moved from 47 to 53 mpg. I'm used to the seating position and non-telescoping steering wheel; and have managed to de-beep the seat belt and backup warning sounds.

    My biggest beef with the car is the radio in the supposedly premium stereo system. It sounds awful and the reception vague with stations that are othewise fine in our other, older cars. At least the iPod jack was included as part of the package.

    We'll be taking our first 500+ mile trip later this month and are curious to see how we fare on this mostly non-freeway drive.
  • mmcar2mmcar2 Member Posts: 6
    Pathstar1,
    Thank you so much for this excellent information. I am considering purchasing a Prius, but have had some concerns about the batteries. I did not know there were two! You info is most helpful.

    Regarding the "battery tender", is that something I could purchase from the Toyota dealer & have them install it? If not, where would I purchase one, who could install it or is it easy enough to install myself?
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Do a search on the internet or find a battery specialty company in your area - if you think you would need one. It just connects to the battery - two wires. A battery specialty company can install it for you or you could do it yourself. You would probably want to run the AC power cable so it's accessable from the outside. The Prius 12V aux. battery is in the hatch area on the passenger side (right side), down low. You could run the power cord out through the bottom, have it in the hatch (pull it out and close the hatch over it when you want to use it), or run it out to the front of the vehicle through the firewall into the engine compartment.

    If I install one in my Prius (just finishing off neg. on purchase - FINALLY!!!), I will probably do the latter. Here we use the block heater, and I'll probably wire the battery tender so it comes on when the block heater is used.

    I'll probably buy my battery tender from "Battery World" or one of those places.
  • stevegoldstevegold Member Posts: 185
    Forget about it. I have a 2004 Prius for three years. I had a dead battery once, the first week, when I left a light on overnight. I jumped it from the special terminals under the hood (the auxilary battery is in the back) and it never happened again.
  • oldfordman1oldfordman1 Member Posts: 8
    Here's my two cents worth. The short trips are a problem, but you also have to consider your touch on the accelerator. If someone drives a Prius like they're driven a regular gas car, they will see low mileage figures. I drove our Prius for the first half of the first tank and then my wife drove it for the next few days. Mileage was about 51.5 for the first fill-up. Since then, my wife has driven the car almost exclusively as it is her car. I took the car today and noticed the average mileage is down to about 48 mpg. My wife admits she hasn't learned the lighter touch that is necessary. She's also the kind of driver who brakes at the last minute, so she's losing the advantage gained by coasting in this car as you approach lights. She's trying to adjust her style and I think she'll eventually make it.

    On the other hand, when I drive the car, I always check the average MPG when I get in and again when I bring the car back home. It always goes up when I'm driving the car. Maybe only a couple of tenths, but then I rarely drive the car more than a few miles so I don't really get a chance to make a difference in the MPG.

    I've gotten really good about being able to get the car up to speed, say 40 mph, let off on the accelerator to shut down the gas engine, and then touch the accelerator ever so lightly so I can cruise on the electric engine. I can often drive the car for up to two miles that way before hitting enough of a hill that the gas engine cuts in. I'm working on doing the same thing at 55 - 60 mph, but I'm not having much luck so far. The gas engine just seems to cut back in even if I don't change my foot pressure on the pedal.

    If no one is behind me when I pull away from a stop sign or light, I'll just start up on electric and stay on electric as long as I can. If other traffic is around, though, I try to be courteous and get up to speed with the surrounding traffic. Neither my wife or I have had a chance to take the Prius out on a real highway yet and get it up to 65 mph to see what the mileage is then. We regularly drive on a 55 mph U.S. highway that has traffic lights, but no interstate driving yet.

    My 23-year old daughter was home last weekend and tried driving the car. She could not get the gas engine to cut off at all. I imagine it's just a matter of practice for her, though.

    So, the pressure on the accelerator is key as is the length of your trip, the hilliness of the roads, your method of braking, outside temperature, etc., etc. Keep trying. I'm sure you'll get there. Even so, all those gas hogging SUVs would love to be getting 37 MPG!
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Above about 43 MPH the ICE MUST turn. If it doesn't MG1 gets overspun and the computer makes sure that doesn't happen. So you can't stop the ICE from turning above 43 but you can just have it spinning with no fuel being used. One of the MGs spins it, can't remember which one. I think this state (spinning with no fuel) is termed "warp stealth".

    There is an excellant flash demo of this over on Priuschat. You can vary the speed, rpm, etc. and see the effect on the system.
  • stevegoldstevegold Member Posts: 185
    I believe the computer automatically turns the ICE on at around 32 mph for exactly the reason you state. That keeps something else in the sun gear train from over revving. It's part of the power train/CVT mechanism.
    I have the "electric only circuit installed and the ICE comes on at around 30 as expected even if the battery is fully charged.
  • oldsargoldsarg Member Posts: 21
    Great Little Car, but no more.
    I bought my Prius last week and have put about 300 miles on it. I have averaged 51 MPG driving mostly on the freeway to work and back.

    I bought the car specifically for the gas mileage and build quality, not because it is a "midsized" car or because it is "green". I have owned over 40 cars and my 1972 model Plymouth station wagon was the most comfortable riding and driving "midsized" car that I have driven. The Prius cannot compare to that. The fact that it is considered a "green" car does not hold any weight with me either. I have worked on battery systems for the past 25 years and I do not consider the building and disposing of batteries to be, by any shade of the imagination, to be "green". It is just a marketing ploy. Trees produce more "greenhouse" gases than cars do anyway.

    Having said all of that, I bought a Toyota because of the build quality which is top notch, not because it is "green". I wanted a Toyota Avalon, but my wife was more practical. Even I was convinced that gas mileage outweighed comfort. It will save me a considerable amount of money at the pump due to me driving over 500 miles each week.

    The comments about sun glare, can see out of the back window, the cabin is dark at night, and having to reach for controls on the navigation system are all true. The seats would be much better with at least 8-way power adjustment. Also, the gasoline and battery interaction is a little "herky-jerky" when driving on the freeway. I'm glad that I did opt for the leather seats, blue tooth, the navigation system with the JBL audio system, and the smart key, which are nice touches.

    In summary, it would be nice to have my Olds 442 back again (sigh). It was a car with real style and comfort. Too bad that the public does not understand that oil is a natural "green" by-product of the eco system. It is a renewable resource that allowed me to go from the horse-and-buggy days to easy to use personal transportation. However, I will enjoy the small amount of comfort that driving my new Prius affords with the #6 upgrade package.
  • carlstraubcarlstraub Member Posts: 50
    Renewable resource.
    Are you implying that oil is being formed faster than we are depleting the supply ?
    Carl
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    I'm renting a Prius for the weekend.

    I notice several issues, most I already read about. Rear view isn't great, but not as bad it appeared at first glance.
    Driver's seat non-adjustment is annoying. The seat height is ok for my size but I would want to adjust the seat bottom tilt for better comfort. It still needs a 6-8 way adjustment to really get comfortable. A couple extra inches of rear travel would also be good.
    Steering wheel control lighting is so dim as to be almost useless. I have never seen any car with the lighting so dim. They have some shapes and textures you can eventually learn by feel, but why even bother adding illumination at all if it is so dim? You would have to stare at it for several seconds for your eyes to adjust after looking down from the the road (like walking into a dark theater) and that's dangerous.
    Center armrest has soft cloth, but padding is super thin. It is rock hard just beneath the surface and will give you a sore elbow in no time.
    They should have made the MP3 CD playback and aux input standard. Why bother with making it optional when it adds so little to cost and some of the little savings is wiped out in logistics of having some with and some without.
    Gas mileage average is indicated to be about 47 mpg after about 300 miles of mixed driving. The average has been rising and could top 50 mpg by the time it needs to be filled.
    Because of the sloping roof, rear headroom is marginal if you try to lean back and rest your head on the rear seat head rest.
    Radio reception is weak. I got static on stations that are clear on my regular car.
    Standard headlights are pretty bright, so I see no need for the optional HIDs.
    The AC seems like it would be powerful, but the weather wasn't hot enough to see if it can really handle an extremely hot summer day.
    It should have automatic locking doors as long as the also unlock automatically when you park and open the door, but it doesn't have auto-locking doors at all.
  • lcrewslcrews Member Posts: 4
    Yes
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    An even appraisal I'd say.

    After 45000 mi I actually like the seating on the Prius better than any other vehicle I've had. It just seems to fit me.

    The steering wheel lighting at first was weird but now having learned the 'code' it's irrelevant.

    The armrest has always been a problem more so in that it wears easily and can come unglued off the base.

    I only use the MP3 now and I like the sound a lot but I am not an audiophile. AC is strong when needed. The SKS is very cool. Mechanical keys are so....20th Century.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    Toyota doesn't seem to care or do anything about the shortcomings. Maybe because it was selling so well the first 3 years that they got arrogant since they were selling out as fast as they could build them "no matter what."

    There are some things that Toyota can't fix because of the design such as rear view visibility, however several things are easily fixed, but Toyota has chosen to ignore them.

    It is very easy to put brighter bulbs in the steering wheel control illumination so having the lighting serves some purpose.
    Adding more adjustment to the driver's seat wouldn't be that hard. It wouldn't even have to be power seats. I've seen manual seats that have plenty of adjustment.
    Adding more durable fabric and some foam or gel padding under the center armrest would cost little and show that they are listening to customer complaints.
    At least an AUX input should be standard in the base model, so you can plug in your portable music player. This is a big omission in a "techy" car.
    People say the optional JBL stereo with the standard AUX input and MP3 CD playback capability isn't worth the upgrade because sound quality is disappointing, but I haven't heard it.
    I have also heard owners complain about gas splash back when you fill the tank and that Toyota has done nothing about it even on the new models.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    It is very easy to put brighter bulbs in the steering wheel control illumination so having the lighting serves some purpose.
    Actually I think that this is intentional so as not to be too bright and distracting. JMHO tho.

    Adding more adjustment to the driver's seat wouldn't be that hard. It wouldn't even have to be power seats. I've seen manual seats that have plenty of adjustment.
    This again I believe is intentional since none of the Corolla based vehicles have it nor does the CE Camry. Does it belong in the $27000 trim? Probably.

    Adding more durable fabric and some foam or gel padding under the center armrest would cost little and show that they are listening to customer complaints.
    An omission or misdesign here I'd guess.

    At least an AUX input should be standard in the base model, so you can plug in your portable music player. This is a big omission in a "techy" car.
    Agreed.

    People say the optional JBL stereo with the standard AUX input and MP3 CD playback capability isn't worth the upgrade because sound quality is disappointing, but I haven't heard it
    I like it but it's to an untrained ear FWIW.

    I have also heard owners complain about gas splash back when you fill the tank and that Toyota has done nothing about it even on the new models.
    This is in the owners manual and has to do with the bladder in the fuel tank. I knew about it from the beginning and have never had a problem. Probably the deliverin dealer's fault
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    "It is very easy to put brighter bulbs in the steering wheel control illumination so having the lighting serves some purpose.
    Actually I think that this is intentional so as not to be too bright and distracting. JMHO tho. "


    It is more distracting the way it is because you can't make out what they are without staring at them way too long.
    If you are not distracted by the speedo and the 7 inch screen, how are you going to be distracted by slightly brighter steering wheel illumination?

    Who about a happy medium? They do not have to take it to some over the top brightness extreme.
    How about making it adjustable to your preference with the dash lighting brightness control (which itself is unlit causing me to fish around for it in the dark) so you can set it to your preference?

    "Adding more adjustment to the driver's seat wouldn't be that hard. It wouldn't even have to be power seats. I've seen manual seats that have plenty of adjustment.
    This again I believe is intentional since none of the Corolla based vehicles have it nor does the CE Camry. Does it belong in the $27000 trim? Probably."


    The odd driving position of the Corolla is a big complaint with it. Corolla competitors have more adjustable seats and the Prius is in a price category much higher than a Corolla anyway. You should expect more than what you get on a Corolla at least on the options list.
  • philmophilmo Member Posts: 77
    Radio reception is weak. I got static on stations that are clear on my regular car.

    Easily my biggest beef with the upgrade. However, it's all about the radio as an iPod and CDs sound good. And I've read that the aftermarket "shark fin" antenna is worse though I haven't tried it.
  • pathstar1pathstar1 Member Posts: 1,015
    Several owners have complained about this, and it was found that the antenna was not properly pluged into the back of the radio. Manufacturing error, not design error. Take it back and ask the dealer to fix.

    Of course, on a rental the rental company would have to care, and I haven't seen one that does.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    I returned the Prius this morning.
    I did not have any major pain or major discomfort from driving several hours, but it was never truly comfortable. There was actually some minor soreness in my elbow from the rock hard center armrest.

    If I had to buy a Prius, I would either get the armrest reupholstered with added padding or maybe buy a gel keyboard wrist pad and lay it on the center armrest so I could use it if I needed to drive the car all day.
    Maybe some kind of portable wedge cushion could help with the driver's seat, but would be so silly to deal with those tacky kludge fixes when they could have easily just built the car with more ergonomics and comfort in mind.

    As soon as I sat in my regular car, I noticed how much more comfortable the seat was because of the extra thigh support it had from being able to tilt the seat cushion up a couple inches.
    It was also so much nicer to be able to rest my elbow into a soft, well-padded center armrest.
    For now I'd rather find ways to cut my driving if I need to save gas than deal with these issues.
    Maybe Toyota will address these long standing complaints going back to 2004 in the new redesigned 2009 Prius or I will be more likely to buy a 2009 Honda Accord diesel.
  • marchinggirlmarchinggirl Member Posts: 1
    Hey-
    I'm in the final stages of my decision to buy a Prius (2007), and one of my concerns is travelling up the Rockies...is your story of passing the F150 something I can expect? (I once had a 4 cyl Jeep, and was always passed on I-70 at Loveland ski area...by semi trucks!)
    Thanks!
  • philmophilmo Member Posts: 77
    If you're already commited to the incline at a lower speed you'll have to be patient with your acceleration. However, if you're already up to speed and need a boost you'll usually get it. The lesson here is don't wait and get trapped behind that semi with the blinkers on -- get in the next lane and punch it.

    I had an '84 Cherokee with the four cylinder which was a sweetheart even as I sold it with 250,000 miles but she never had any sprint in her when you went to the whip. The Prius would blow past that vehicle easily. See my next post...
  • philmophilmo Member Posts: 77
    We finally got our 07 Prius out for a lengthy road trip this past week and are happy to report on several details...

    • Average mileage Denver to Albuquerque, 54 mpg (400 miles). Albuquerque to Denver, 52 mpg. It might have been that stretch just before Santa Fe where I was going 90 mph that dented the return average but more likely due to a net gain in altitude. (The last few miles home take us up to 8,000 ft.)

    • Seating was fine though not nearly as ergonomic as our Volvo's No numb thighs or sore elbows except for the result of wearing a short sleeve shirt against the hideous texture on the door panel. And I think a leather steering wheel wrap is in the future.

    • Crosswinds were evident on both legs of the trip though no more noticeable than in an SUV.

    • Quiet. Really quiet. Which is how I ended up at 90 mph without really trying.

    • One of the most responsive and easy to use cruise-control systems I've used. It always seem to know when to lay off or when to boost the throttle to keep it at your set speed. No obvious overruns or lags. Must be what a CVT brings to the party.

    • Folding down both rear seats results in a surprisingly long cargo area. We kept looking back and likening it to the shape of an old Airstream trailer. Our dog loved it.

    • No apparent affect on performance when using air conditioning.

    The not-so-good...

    • Bad 'thrumbing' when windows are rolled down. You need to 'tune' the windows to make it go away. (Back two windows 3/4 down with front left cracked, or something like that.)

    • I'd like to see a telescoping steering wheel and 8-way seats with a lumbar adjust.

    • Fog lights don't work unless headlights are on. And there's no dashboard indicator for parking or fog lights.

    That's not a lot to gripe about for an 800 mile trip over 4 mountain passes on mostly two-lane US blacktop with wind and the ocassional thunderstorm.
  • oldsargoldsarg Member Posts: 21
    Still Great Little Car ...
    This is a 3 week update. The JBL system is great. I was surprised when I read some criticism about the sound quality. I suspect those who don't like it are looking for a sub-woofer bass enhancement only. The full-range clarity is much better than I expected. I'm still getting about 51-52 MPG. My wife drove it about 120 miles at 70 MPH and was getting about 45 MPG. I agree that one should not drive to get great gas mileage only, that type of driving puts everyone on the road in danger. The same as too fast and too slow drivers. The Prius is designed to be driven according to the flow of traffic, whether on the freeway or in the city. One should not put EGO before SAFETY. The suspension is good for a small car; however, it cannot compare to a full sized car. Actually, my 1962 Ford CocaCola cab-over 12 ton truck had a great suspension--to bad the engine did not measure up. I don't understand what the beef is about using petrol anyway since there is about a 200 year supply of crude oil plus giga-tons of undiscovered crude readily available. By 2500 AD there will be plenty of DON-BLITZ energy capability anyway to replace crude oil and natural gas. Its all the hot air that the politicians emit that causes gas shortages.
  • stevegoldstevegold Member Posts: 185
    Wheelskins.com sell a great leather steering wheel cover. I buy them as gifts for friends that buy a Prius. It takes almost two hours to sew them on. I've done 5 or 6 in addition to my own.
  • stevegoldstevegold Member Posts: 185
    There is an aftermarket replacement to stiffen the connection between the two long frame members. It cost about $150 and was easy to install. I didn't notice a problem to start with but there were many very positive user comments. I'm sure it's still available.
  • jeg607jeg607 Member Posts: 10
    Picked up my new Prius (11 miles on odometer) two days ago (June 07/07) from dealer about 200 miles from where I live. They were the only dealers in NC who had a Prius with a package #6 in one of the three colors I wanted (Mag.Met.Gray).

    On the drive to Raleigh to pick up the car, my Buick LeSabre got 31.2 MPG, and on a 4187 trip two weeks ago to Tucson and back, it averaged 31.72 mpg. Absolutely nothing wrong with that car (wish I still had it!).

    Drove up to the front of NC's second-largest Toyota dealer, and the salesman met me out front with a sad look. Said "Bad news - prep guy jumped into your new car to bring it around front, forgot he had a screwdriver in his pocket, and put a hole in your front leather seat. You'll have to come back (71/2 - 8 hours of drive time) in a week or so to have a new seat cover installed". Hmm...Took the car anyway and bought extra warranty and service plan.

    Before leaving the parking lot at the dealer's place, sales rep couldn't get the Smart Key to lock the doors. Turns out even though the hatch lid was securely closed, you have to really slam it shut to get the system to lock the doors. Hmmmm....

    On the drive home, highest speed was 70 mph, usually 65 mpg, highest mpg was 38.2 over a 200 mile trip on expressways.

    Now have 460 miles on the car, and average mpg over that distance is now 34.1. Hmmmmmm...

    I have been driving in town at 30-35 mph, pulling away from stop signs and lights at such a light touch that cars behind are honking horns to get me to start moving faster. Steady speeds all the time.

    Okay, could be the driver? NOT!!!

    Friend has 2007 Prius, 6 months old, averages 52.5 mpg, has never had any problem with car, only service has been oil changes.

    This afternoon, I drove his car and my new car on the same route, same time of day, same weather conditions, same speeds, same driver. His car? 48.7 mpg, my car? 32.3 mpg. Really big Hmmmmmm...

    Also, so far my 2 day old car has:

    1. Cruise control that "resumes" only about 25% of the time, requires accelerating up to previous speed and re-setting. Totally defeats purpose of cruise and "resume".

    2. Hatch lid that requires "slamming" to get Smart Key to lock car (10 second alarm sounds if not slammed hard enough).

    3. When stopped at light, intermittent "jerking" forward. Gas engine stays running many times at full stop.

    4. A/C never stops running, even when on Auto and temperature is set quite high (70-71 degrees). The only way to get thermostatic control is to set interior temp at 75-76 degrees or higher. Sorta defeats the purpose of A/C.

    5. Steering wheel is about 25% off to the right when driving in a straight line.

    6. Battery has yet to ever be "full" even after long drive. Highest charge seems to be about 75%.

    7. Many times, gas engine runs when in reverse. Owner's manual (yes, I read them front-to-back!) says on page 10 that "When starting or backing up, etc., the vehicle runs on electric power from hybrid battery...". Not this one!

    8. Car is very noisy on the road. Lots of wind noise, and sounds like grinding brakes on an old jalopy while driving down the street.

    9. I'm presuming this is an intentional design feature, but having the low beams only light up to a height of about 3 feet is dangerous, IMHO. Last night, I just about ran over a kid on a bicycle, riding along the side of the street. Shouldn't have to drive with brights on in town, just to be safe.

    Called dealership this afternoon after the road test comparison with friend's car, and explained displeasure. His comment was "Hmmm...we have never had a complaint about a Prius before. Bring it back here and we'll take a look". Another 7-8 hour drive, plus sitting around dealership experience. Hotel stay too???

    Reasons for buying the Prius? Mileage (ha, ha), quality of build (double ha, ha), peace of mind and reliability (not so far!) of brand new car.

    Wish dealer would take back this Prius and give me my Buick back. Huge mistake getting this vehicle.
  • dmaysdmays Member Posts: 7
    Wow... don't give up yet.

    I have had my 2007 Silver P4 for about 2 months. The only complaint is the fact that it was hit by a shopping cart in parking lot in NJ with only 400 miles on it. I popped the dent out the best I could then bought some 9 dollar pin striping and you can't even tell. My gas mileage has been right around 50 with combined city/highway driving. I do notice that I take it easier on the peddle and watch the screen to see how to maximize fuel economy.

    Now...let's see your questions issues. I'll relate my experience in ALL CAPS - not to yell but to differentiate.

    1. Cruise control that "resumes" only about 25% of the time, requires accelerating up to previous speed and re-setting. Totally defeats purpose of cruise and "resume".

    THIS IS A TOYOTA THING. MY SIENNA DOES THE SAM THING. IT SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT IT IN THE MANUAL, BUT ONCE BELOW 25 MPH, YOU HAVE TO RESET IT AGAIN. IT WILL NOT RESUME.

    2. Hatch lid that requires "slamming" to get Smart Key to lock car (10 second alarm sounds if not slammed hard enough).

    AN ADJUSTMENT MAY BE NEEDED. MINE SOMETIMES LOOKS SHUT, BUT WHEN YOU PULL ON IT, IT IS NOT FULLY SHUT. I CAN USUALLY GET IT TO SHUT WITH A THUD.

    3. When stopped at light, intermittent "jerking" forward. Gas engine stays running many times at full stop.

    MINE JERKS, BUT WATCHING THE READ OUT, IT APPEARS THAT IT IS ENGINE TURNING OFF.

    4. A/C never stops running, even when on Auto and temperature is set quite high (70-71 degrees). The only way to get thermostatic control is to set interior temp at 75-76 degrees or higher. Sorta defeats the purpose of A/C.

    THIS IS ANOTHER UNIQUE THING I HAVE NOTICED. YOU HAVE AUTO CLIMATE CONTROL REGARDLESS IF THE AC IS ON (CLIMATE BUTTON ON DASH AND THEN THE AC IS LIT GREEN ON THE SCREEN). EVEN IF YOU TURN THE AC OFF (GREEN LIGHT OFF), IT WILL STILL LOOK LIKE THE AC IS ON VIA THE DASHBOARD. ODD. MY ACURA HAD A SIMILAR THING. WHEN YOU TURN THE AC OFF BUT THE DASH LIGHT REMAINS LIT, THE SYSTEM IS IN AUTO MODE AND WILL TURN UP OR DOWN THE FAN BASED ON THE TEMP THAT IT IS SET TOO. IF YOU CHANGE THE FAN SPEED DIRECTLY, THE AC LIGHT ON THE DASH WILL GO OUT.

    5. Steering wheel is about 25% off to the right when driving in a straight line.

    YEP MINE TOO.

    6. Battery has yet to ever be "full" even after long drive. Highest charge seems to be about 75%.

    NEVER GOTTEN MINE TO FULL CHARGE EITHER. FIGURE I WILL WHEN I CRUISE THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY DOWNHILL.

    7. Many times, gas engine runs when in reverse. Owner's manual (yes, I read them front-to-back!) says on page 10 that "When starting or backing up, etc., the vehicle runs on electric power from hybrid battery...". Not this one!

    THIS HAPPENS TO ME. IF YOU TURN THE CAR ON AND THEN SIT THERE FOR A MINUTE, THE GAS ENGINE WILL GO OFF AND THEN IT WON'T COME ON WHEN YOU BACK UP.

    8. Car is very noisy on the road. Lots of wind noise, and sounds like grinding brakes on an old jalopy while driving down the street.

    MINE IS PRETTY QUIET.


    9. I'm presuming this is an intentional design feature, but having the low beams only light up to a height of about 3 feet is dangerous, IMHO. Last night, I just about ran over a kid on a bicycle, riding along the side of the street. Shouldn't have to drive with brights on in town, just to be safe.

    WEIRD. THE HIDS HAVE TO BE SET TO SPEC AND IF YOU ARE NEW TO THEM, THEY TAKE A BIT TO GET USE TO. YOU WILL SEE A LINE WHERE THEY ILLUMINATE AND THEN THEY DON'T. TRY DRIVING WITH YOUR FOGS ON. THEY WILL HELP. YOU CAN HAVE THE DEALER OR A LOCAL GARAGE CHECK THEM FOR YOU. SIMPLE TO ADJUST. BEWARE THAT IF YOU CHANGE THEM, AND YOU GET BRIGHTED BY CARS IN THE OPPOSITE LANE, YOU'VE SET THEM TOO HIGH!!
  • stevegoldstevegold Member Posts: 185
    Return the car. You got a lemon!
    Call them to make sure they don't sell the Buick before you get there.
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