erk5- Santa Monica Toyota says it gets the most Prius of anyone in the country (they sell more). They get at least 8-10 a month. Alas, there is still a 5 month waiting list there. If you can't find one anywhere else, they will be more than glad to take your $1000 refundable deposit to wait in line.
mara (#2964) 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 don't want to burst Santa Monica Toyota's bubble, but 8-10 Priuses a month is no where close to being the most Prius sales of any dealer in the country. My local dealer in the Twin Cities gets 10 a month, and they only claim to be the 5th largest dealer in sales volume in the Chicago region. I read a newspaper article recently about Prius sales in California, and there was a comment about a dealer that gets 30 a month.
After 8,000 miles, I still love my 2004 Prius and will never buy another car that doesn't have hybrid power.
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.
I have not ever noticed any difference in ride quality with 2 or four passengers. Even the power feels the same, but I rarely ever push the car. I would check your tire pressures and that may be the culprit. I changed the OEM tires a few weeks after I got my Prius. Hated them. I gave them away to someone on the Yahoo boards.
Hi gang, 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
Thanks for the tips about the tires; I'll try adding some air. Here's something else I've noticed after 8,000 miles: The back end of the car gets dirty very fast, but the sides and top hardly ever get dirty. Anyone else notice this?
I decided to go ahead and rent a Prius this weekend. I'm taking a trip down to a lake and thought it would give me a chance to drive it all over and test it thoroughly. It's an amazing car, but I want to make sure it fits my style! With gas at $2.25/gallon, 50mpg fits me well!
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.
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.
Here in Phoenix Toyota dealers are also charging $3000 above MSRP for the few they get and they are having no trouble selling every one that comes in. I'll pay MSRP but not a cent more. I'll wait until production meets demand. What about leasing? Have any of you leased a Prius? Is the lease price inflated too?
The lease price is the same as the purchase price. To the dealer the deal price (meaning what you agree to purchase the car for) means the same regardless of how the financing is handled.
The new Toyota Prius Owners is club now available on Edmunds.com Owners Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club. I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in Hybrids.
Good software hack on one or more of the 4 32bit Processors. Obviously, since its not the 92nd day of the year.
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.
Doubted it too. I am happy with my 51 avg since the temps went up here in NYC Metro. Wonder why those in line for the Prius aren't lining up for the Corolla. Can we spell B-O-R-I-N-G?? A good alternative to those who are waiting anxiously is the VW Jetta or Golf diesels. Too bad you can't get smarty entry, NAV, Xenons and Toyota reliability. If you aim to save money, just buy a five year old Civic for 6k and easily get 30 MPG. Hmmm.. some people here just don't get it!! People are NOT buying the Prius to save gas!!!! They're buying it for other reasons.
What about using less gas and fewer emissions? Maybe that's very important to many buyers. 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.
And the problem with buying a Corolla and saving all that money compared to a Prius is... you have to drive the Corolla all that time! Have you ever driven one? One of the most uncomfortable driving positions in auto-dom, unless you are short. You won't get the legroom in the back or the hatchback of the Prius either. Anyway, this isn't the place for comparos. There's other boards around here to pick away at the Prius, if that's your pleasure.
___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?
What do you mean by 92nd day of the year? Are you reading something wrong from the screen shot? It is a real achievement. More details are available on greenhybrid website as well. If someone is going to fake, photoshop is much easier way than hacking Prius' software that runs on 4 32bit CPUs.
Keep laughing because you will not be the one who get the last laugh!
It's not the seats, it's the seating position that is the problem with the Corolla. You can read all about it on the Corolla board here. But then you live it, don't you? Did you know about the inadequate driving position on the Corolla before you bought it? I just spent two excruciating days driving one (thanks to Hertz) and I couldn't wait to get out of it. I love driving rental cars; they give me a good chance to find out what it will be like living with a car. The Prius' driving position is far superior for me to that of the Corolla's, the lame single-knob height adjuster on the Corolla notwithstanding. You don't have to measure the seats to figure this out, just drive around in them for awhile. Your body will tell you much more than a tape measure ever could.
___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.
I received 2 dealers names from Edmunds, neither of which had any vehicles or helpful information. The Simi dealership told me that they were not accepting any more names for its waiting list. I called around the county and spoke to agents who did not seem very informed about the 2004, and in fact were not very professional and was told the waiting lists for the various agencies were between 6 and 12 months. The person at Longo Toyota was nice but had no cars.
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.
I have had height adjusters in so many cars but I never ever used them. I tended to use the adjustment that cants the seat cushion at an angle that makes the front higher. I like more headroom so I never make the seat higher. I am lucky to be 5'10" and never find the driving position uncomfortable in the Prius. I am sure some people taller/shorter than me wish for more adjustments. I agree with Backy on the Corolla issue. Great rental car, but seating is not too comfortable. I also LOVE the material the Prius uses on their seats.
I've owned many cars that had no seat-height adjustment (a relatively new thing in the low-end car market) and never had a problem with driving position with any of them. Because I test-drove the cars first. Comfortable driving position is one of my main buying criteria. I have no problems with the Prius' driving position or driver's seat comfort, despite its lack of a height adjuster. The other drivers in my family checked it out and found it fine for them also. Some cars that offer a height adjuster, including the '03-'04 Corolla and the *new* '04 Spectra, have a single adjustment that tilts the seat bottom forward as it raises the seat. I almost always find those seats uncomfortable, as I like the front edge of the seat bottom relatively high. So if and when Toyota adds a seat height adjuster to the Prius, I hope it is a dual-knob type (ala Hyundai and some other brands) or a power setup that allows independent adjustment of the back and front of the seat bottom.
Sorry, the 8-10 was for the 2003 models. I checked back with the dealership this morning and they get 40 (Forty!) a month! and still have a waiting list. However, they have 3 used 2004 with about 10,000 miles on them for sale RIGHT NOW. Run down there, call, what an opportunity!
Today is Day 1 of my TRAC Prius experience. Just thought I would chime in first.
#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?!!?
Don't remember where/who, northern europe I think, but this was incorporated in a production car many years ago. I think it was dropped due to high wear rate and the resulting poor reliability of starter motor and bendix gear.
In the Prius the electric drive motor is always coupled to the ICE which makes restarting a much simpler, mechanically, process.
Don't most gas-golf carts have this feature and have had it for many years. It is not a new idea. The reason it isn't in most cars is because the size of the starter is small to the size of the ICE. However, when you have something the size of MG2 in the Prius it acts like a humongous starter motor and probably won't wear out very fast. However, like the batteries , only time will tell.
Why not! I don't have the patience to wait 6-12 months and possibly be faced with the same price anyway. I love the car and particularly like cutting my donation to oil company profits by 2/3.
Golf carts are electric, so they don't compare to an ICE.
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.
OK I ord'd my Prius in Nov cause I was "planning" on a new car in spring anyway. Well in March I was told I was #7 on the list and dealer gets 2 Prius's/month so I was figuring in June ? OK - Well I call now and dealer says I'm #6? No idea what is up with dealers in the Northeast? This dealer happens to be in Newburgh NY. He tells me now they lucky to get 1 car/month. I wonder what is really going on?
tfiliberti- 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
There was a photo in my local paper today of a gas station in California (didn't say where) with premium unleaded at $3.13. Another photo, from North Dakota, showed the gas price signs covered up with signs that said "Arm", "Leg", and "First Born Child." :-) Opposite these photos was an article listing all car models available in the U.S. that get at least 35 mpg highway per the EPA. Locally, the price dropped down to $1.99 today. Whoo-hoo!
The picture I saw was from a different station. Either great minds think alike, or someone stole the idea. I wonder if they can get into trouble for not posting their prices?
With gas over $3.00 a gallon in some places in CA, the recovery is 1.4 years, less if they drive more than 15,000 miles a year. The Prius will have lower emissions than the 17 mpg vehicle too, even if its PZEV since you'd be burning three times the amount of gas per mile. That doesn't sound like a "sucker" to me. However, if it were me I'd pursue other options before paying a $2500 uplift on a Prius--like travel a ways to get one for MSRP.
Hi gang, 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
You just made the 3000th post, cuz. Anyway what's going on here...Prius ...hmmm...there's an 8 month waiting list at my local dealer...later people. Happy May 16th. I'll post serious later.
Sorry, I meant to ask if the golf carts were simple air cooled engines, similar to lawn mowers, which would be somewhat different instant starting than an ICE in a car. It sounds like they are such engines. I don't really think they are representative of what the Prius engine will go through in it's constant restarts.
I'm not saying it will cause problems, but I know from experience that engines become harder to start as they get older.
I just finished my extended weekend with the Prius, and I must say that overall I loved the car! I was skeptical at first about the power and economy, but the sum total of utility, efficiency, and technology made it a winner!
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!
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.