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Toyota Prius

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Comments

  • dreasdaddreasdad Member Posts: 276
    When a car comes in it has to be stocked in to the dealers inventory system. Overnight the web site pulls that info to update the inventory online. Someone could have beeen waiting for that car for a year but there is no way to input that info into the computer. Until the car is delivered to the buyer the web site will show it as in stock and availabe. Toyota audits the dealers and if they report cars sold before they are actually finalized the dealer is penalized.
  • rpgolferrpgolfer Member Posts: 157
    cherrysh- When I venture over to "the city" (local term for San Francisco) I see several Priuses zipping around. BTW, Lombard St goes DOWNHILL thru the twisty part, but there are more than enough steep hills just to get there!! The slow speed handling (i.e. Lombard St) of the Prius is underappreciated at times, at driving around some of the narrow streets and alleys in SF give testament to the handling of this great car.
    Thanks,
    Rich
  • mirthmirth Member Posts: 1,212
    On a different topic - anyone know what kind of mileage the Prius GT gets when it's making a 8.5 second sprint to 60MPH?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    on how well the batteries are charged and the method used to charge them. ICE recharging, poor MPG, REALLY POOR MPG. Brake regeneration recharge, STELLAR MPG!
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    I know what you mean about "the city". We had some friends with us from Atlanta and I had to cringe each time they would say "San Fran". ARGH! I didn't have the heart to tell them they might as well be wearing a shirt with big letters that spelled "T - O - U - R - I - S - T" on it. Our trip down Lombard in a rented Buick LeSabre was not a testament to its handling! I wished we had a Prius.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    Not sure what you mean by "Poor MPG", of course I still remember my last fill-up with the Tahoe - $67.00!

    When I rented a Prius a few months ago the batteries were totally drained (some bonehead had left something on inside over a weekend) and they did something to jump the car but when I got in the battery level was at the second bar. On the trip home (mostly freeway) the battery was charged almost completely (meaning the ICE was charging the whole time) and I still averaged 38 MPG.

    Not sure how that can be considered "REALLY POOR MPG".
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    For the Prius.

    If the ICE is used to charge the batteries then that doubles the energy "loss" path. Not very efficient to use the ICE for battery charging and then add the battery resistance loss to that.
  • john1701ajohn1701a Member Posts: 1,897
    Clearly you have forgotten about the PSD. It provides the ICE with the ability to operate at a more efficient RPM, which obviously save fuels.

    If you had done that... then factored in the reality that there isn't such a thing as an absolutely flat highway (so the PSD will continuously be adjusting)... then take into consideration that the battery-pack is virtually never in the need of more than 25% anyway... the conversion becomes so small it is a non-issue. Heck, the density of cold air in the winter is more influential on MPG.

    JOHN
  • rpgolferrpgolfer Member Posts: 157
    mfullmer- Not only would you cringe when your friends would us the "San Fran" reference, but at least they didn't say, FRISCO!! Nothing says tourist more than referring to SF as "Frisco".
      In addition to our Prius, we have an '01 LeSabre and I can only imagine going down Lombard St. in it compared to a Prius. Plus you get to see more of the beautiful flower planters on the sidewalks! But I must give credit to our LeSabre. We just returned from a trip up to Seattle (800 mi each way) and the Buick gave us 32 mpg at one stretch! I really wanted to drive the Prius, but with the excess baggage I had to haul around, (luggage and relatives) it was what we needed.
      The Priuses I saw in San Francisco had no problems with hill-climbing nor acceleration around the buses or cable cars (remember them?). Now, explain to your friends Camino San Pablo, aka Dam Rd....
    Thanks,
    Rich
  • zupzup Member Posts: 15
    I was planning to buy a corolla or civic, but the Prius caught my attention with its mileage. I have read that it gets MPG in the 50s, but I have also heard that its MPG drops in cold weather. I live in Toronto, does anyone know what kind of mileage I would expect from a Prius given the weather here all year round? If it does get good mileage, is it still worth buying over corolla and civic?
  • john1701ajohn1701a Member Posts: 1,897
    Living in Minnesota, I experience similar cold weather. My data reveals an expectation of around 40 MPG for mixed driving. Compare that to other vehicles under the same conditions and you'll be quite pleased by the efficiency.

    Warm up is remarkably fast too. Toyota intentionally designed the engine to capture as much of the waste heat as possible. That allows the emissions system & heater to fire up surprisingly fast. Of course, it does cheat too. There are 2 small electric heaters for rapid window clearing and a 3-liter thermal storage system for retaining heat from the previous time you drove.

    JOHN
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    Interesting you would mention San Pablo dam. I took them by my old house off of Miner Rd. in Orinda and I casually was talking to my partner in the passenger seat "We'll take the dam road instead of going through Berkeley" (we were coming back from Napa to my parents home in Lafayette). I could see the strange look on their face in the rear view mirror!
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I stopped into the Hilo Toyota dealer. I asked a very pleasant salesman about the waiting list for a Prius. He said they get about 2 per month. They average $25k. No number 9 as no one wants them. What are you going to do with NAV on an island? He had a very wise suggestion. He said I would be better off with the Camry. He would sell me a 4 cylinder Camry for $21k that gets 34 mpg on the highway. He said it handles and rides soooo much betta than the Prius. Save all at money! Nice guy and wise...
  • rpgolferrpgolfer Member Posts: 157
    mfullmer- I just read in the paper that the "community" at the end of Bear Creek Rd (near Martinez) wants to be identified as "Briones" instead of having a Martinez address listing. Bear Creek Rd intersects with Upper Happy Valley Rd to Lafayette just past the dam before you get to "Briones". The Prius performed beautifully on those roads.
    Thanks,
    Rich
  • zodiac2004zodiac2004 Member Posts: 458
    Nothing says tourist more than referring to SF as "Frisco".

    Try "SFO". As in San Francisco Orly airport. Some of my visiting friends thought that meant the city.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    People from So. CA use a lot worse terms to describe the Bay Area, than San Fran or Frisco.
    ;-)
  • rpgolferrpgolfer Member Posts: 157
    Those who don't know the Bay Area can't accurately describe it. The Bay Area is like any other large metropolitan area.
      I just turned 7k miles and due for another oil change. I changed oil/filter at 3k mi and I am debating whether to follow a 3k mile change frequency or let it go to 5k miles. Any suggestions?
    Thanks,
    Rich
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    " No number 9 as no one wants them. What are you going to do with NAV on an island?"

    Well! Now we know where all the non-package 9 Prius are going...
  • crimsono2crimsono2 Member Posts: 31
    Gotta admit, it saves the barge fuel costs if they can drop it off to the nearest U.S. island and it sells ;)

    C
  • zitlowzitlow Member Posts: 10
    Dealer called and said they have have a 2005 Prius with package #9 that will be here by first week in October. I went to dealer and will pay MSRP...no dealer "add-ons", "additional dealer-preparation-markups", No "paint protection package", no "special undercoating-rust proofing", or other B.S.
    Think this is a good price?
  • tim_hooligantim_hooligan Member Posts: 143
    zitlow: on carsdirect.com, it shows the top package as now being package #6 (navi...etc...)...maybe the dealer is just putting it in 2004's jargon? But yes, if you can get one in the color and package in 2 weeks, for MSRP and no BS, it's a deal. Some dealers have a 1-year list. Others want $2k+ over sticker (which is retarded)

    Personally, I have a decision to make...which package to get??? I really like the HID, smart key, and side airbags are a must. But, the stock sound system didn't impress me at all...and I'd like the JBL, but I can't seem to get SAB, smart key, HID, and JBL without navi! And i'm not really sure I can justify Navi costs since it'll be my commuter car!

    Does anyone know if it's remotely possible to upgrade the stock stereo? I read it's impossible since it's all built-in. I really need my music on that 75 mile commute!

    Oh ya, and I've been quoted 30-60 days for delivery for the package/color I choose. Price: MSRP.
  • zitlowzitlow Member Posts: 10
    What cars.direct.com calls package #6 is now categorized by Toyota as package #9: it includes everything! Buying at MSRP has to be a good deal for this vehicle at this time: go to www.edmunds.com and look at the "True Market Value" of a new 2004/05 Prius!! I just got lucky because all other dealers had their little gimmick (actually a BIG gimmick) to order out a 2005 Prius. I just guess it goes to show that using the internet and telephone you can catch dealer's at their own game...by playing one against another. Competition is still the name of the game in our great economy!!
  • tim_hooligantim_hooligan Member Posts: 143
    I totally agree...i've gotten responses of "1 year wait" to $32,000 and not a penny less. But thanks to the Internet, a little knowledge is power. I found a dealer that was willing to order any 2005 with a 30-60 day delivery. MSRP seems to be the best deal due to the supply/demand curve...but there's really not much margin after all and I don't mind supporting the hybrid cause!

    I've been debating whether I should wait for the Accord hybrid, but rumors are the price will be upwards of $30k. That just seems a little $$$ for me right now. I could spend the money, but it just seems counter-intuitive.

    I actually rented a Prius for a weekend many months ago, and it was just an amazing car. It wasn't fast , per se. But the torque and CVT combined to make for excellent commuting in traffic. It actually felt as powerful as the I4 Accord/Camry. And honestly, $23k for a nicely equipped Prius is a good deal, IMO.

    I know certain people on here have argued that a Prius or any hybrid isn't worth the extra money. And in the end, I might not save any more money by buying a Prius. But what I have done is make a statement that hybrid technology works. The mass market is ready and eager for it. Look at the Prius demand; the waiting list speaks for itself!

    some people will pay $50k+ for more power and luxury. yet, some people get all upset when someone wants to pay $22-$26k for the Prius or any other hybrid. But when I'm rolling down HOV while you're stuck in traffic, we'll see who's the smart one :-O

    -th
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "I know certain people on here have argued that a Prius or any hybrid isn't worth the extra money. And in the end, I might not save any more money by buying a Prius. But what I have done is make a statement that hybrid technology works. The mass market is ready and eager for it."

    This is just the point, and I couldn't agree more. Enjoy your Prius!
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    But when I'm rolling down HOV while you're stuck in traffic, we'll see who's the smart one :-O

    And most importantly, when you're riding along with a smile on your face because you got the car that YOU wanted for a price that YOU were willing to pay, you'll certainly be the smart one. No sense stressing about how others may feel about your deal.

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • tim_hooligantim_hooligan Member Posts: 143
    Stress??? oh no...not here!

    I've never been one to really care about others' opinions. I prefer to carve my own path.

    FYI, there's a dealer here in VA (Lustine) that just got 3 package #4's and he's selling first-come first-served for MSRP. So if anyone in the DC area is interested, give them a call!
  • ragueroraguero Member Posts: 60
    The 2005 Prius specs are available on the www.toyota.com website now. The packages have changed some, the prices a little bit higher but still a steal. Happy Hunting.
  • vareddevilvareddevil Member Posts: 2
    Just a heed of warning on Lustine...they tack on $670 to MSRP as additional profit. They don't put it on a window sticker and the salesman failed to tell me about it...I had to fight with them about it after the sale but eventually won out. But they are the largest seller of Prius' in Virginia. They seem to usually have 1-2 every week. Usually with package 4, their best seller. They are a good dealer though, so worth checking out. Even at $670 over, they are less than all the other dealers around.
  • subjectivesubjective Member Posts: 62
    Prius pitches like a minivan on secondary roads,brakes marginal at highway speed emergency stops,display can not be seen in bright light,fabrick used on interior doesnt wear well,car sometimes has to turned off and on several times to start,frightful complete loss of power at times while underway. Perhaps every prospective Prius buyer should consider these observations of mine before following a new religion called Toyota Prius.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Subjective, this discussion is for those who have pretty much decided to buy the Prius. Comments about the vehicle other than pricing & buying experiences belong in the regular discussions, so I've moved your post to our Toyota Prius discussion.

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • ragueroraguero Member Posts: 60
    The opposite of Pruis is Navistar CTX, or the "subjective" above. LOL
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Welcome to the discussion. I think most of us that visit this board want to know the good, bad & the ugly about any car they anticipate buying. Nothing is perfect and I am sure the Prius has it's share of imperfections. Look for more problems when they start assembling them in China by the end of this year.

    http://www.iht.com/articles/539083.html
  • john1701ajohn1701a Member Posts: 1,897
    > fabrick used on interior doesnt wear well

    That is an outright "fabrication". I've never seen a post anywhere stating that, nor have I ever witnessed it myself either.

    The fabric is Lexus grade, even better than what they put in the high-end Camry.

    JOHN
  • john1701ajohn1701a Member Posts: 1,897
    > car sometimes has to turned off and on several times to start,frightful complete loss of power at times while underway

    The use of "sometimes" is extremely misleading, try virtually never. In over 80,000 miles of driving, that hasn't ever happened me, nor any of my Prius friends.

    What you are actually referring to is an early model issue that only a handful of owners ever experienced. And they were all upgraded to the newer part.

    JOHN
  • john1701ajohn1701a Member Posts: 1,897
    > display can not be seen in bright light

    What was really meant by that is the Multi-Display, which does *NOT* include the speedometer, cannot be seen well during that brief time in the day where sunlight shines directly through the windshield onto it.

    So during brief moments, that is true. But nothing essential would be missed anyway, especially since many of the same controls (volume, track, temperature, defrost, etc.) are also located on the steering-wheel.

    JOHN
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    I have to agree with John here. While I don't normally like fabric car interiors I found the fabric in the Prius to be the best I've ever found. To top that off, the one I drove was a rental that had 12k miles on it (and was only 4 months old!!!!!) and the interior (upkeep wise) was trashed. The seats, a bit dirty, were in excellent condition, wear-wise.

    I also had the chance to ride in a co-workers 2002 Prius that has 54k miles on it and, although I didn't care for the fabric as much as the '04+, it was in excellent condition.

    Of course, in the SE you can get Leather as an option so that is what I will get when I get one.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    I thought maybe the poster was just really ignorant regarding the Prius and expected the engine to fire up whenever the Start button was pushed. Even I knew better than that.

    I also thought the "frightful complete loss of power at times while underway" was in reference to the engine shutting down while stopped.

    While I think it's stupid to sign up with an new name and start posting trash like this, at least it keeps the dialogue going, I guess.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    And, I now have two vehicles with NAV systems and that is just an occassional occurance on all of them. It's a screen and is subjected to direct light.

    If we were to take this guy seriously we better all send back our monitors and television sets when they get unreadable from glare.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I thought maybe the poster was just really ignorant regarding the Prius and expected the engine to fire up whenever the Start button was pushed. Even I knew better than that.

    You fellows are vicious when someone does not agree that the Prius was sent from heaven. I am assuming that "subjective" owns or has owned a Prius. How else to get experience unless maybe he rented one. Maybe he will respond if not scared off by the vitriolic criticism.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    Your "assumptions" are wrong. I am hardly a "Prius can do no wrong" guy. I was just responding to the comment made. It was pretty generic in its form.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    >The fabric is Lexus grade,
    >even better than what they put
    >in the high-end Camry.

    The IS300 Lexus has Alcantra leather (like suede). The Prius is no where near Lexus quality.

    Several times you have made the statement that the Prius has Lexus grade fabric. Eactly what Lexus model are you referring to since almost all Lexuses are either cow-grain leather or Alcantra leather.

    The statement sounds good, but it just isn't true.

    YMMV,

    MidCow
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Your "assumptions" are wrong. I am hardly a "Prius can do no wrong" guy. I was just responding to the comment made. It was pretty generic in its form.

    It would seem that "subjective" is not speaking from experience. Though I would hate to think we drove him to seeking psychiatric help.
  • john1701ajohn1701a Member Posts: 1,897
    Yes, yours is an early model. And note the "early 2004 model" label on the fix notification you received in the mail.

    The point is that the 2005, which is the only Prius available for sale now anyway, has the fix already.

    JOHN
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    That is an outright "fabrication". I've never seen a post anywhere stating that, nor have I ever witnessed it myself either.

    Good Pun, I liked it. I would think the fabric would hold up for several years, unless someone gets in and out with a screwdriver in his pocket.
  • ragueroraguero Member Posts: 60
    There is quite a difference between a hostile response and a informed response. Our responses are backed with experience and knowledge are are merely that, responses to an obviously skewed opinion. And personally, my sex life is excellent, thank you.
  • john1701ajohn1701a Member Posts: 1,897
    I thought that might be "punny".

    Unfortunately, I have already put that fabric to the test twice now.

    Once I spilled sweet, sticky smoothie all over. It wiped up perfect. (Phew!) And 10,000 miles later, there is no evidence still that any mishap ever took place.

    Another time I accidently rubbed the oily, greasy chain from my bike on the seat. That wiped up perfectly too. (Thank goodness!)

    Wear will take awhile to test. But just by sight & touch, you can tell the fabric is Lexus grade (better than the nicest Camry, as I already stated). Do a compare the next time you are at an auto show or dealer.

    JOHN
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    Read the Rules of the Road please - no personal attacks. That means - no calling each other names, etc.
  • falcononefalconone Member Posts: 1,726
    Many Lexus vehicles don't have leather. The alcantra fabric is what's used.
  • jonnycat26jonnycat26 Member Posts: 101
    Yes, yours is an early model. And note the "early 2004 model" label on the fix notification you received in the mail.

    John -- sorry, you've been reading the wrong guy's mail. I got no such fix notification, because mine was made after the fix was available. Yet, mine still had the problem.

    The point is that the 2005, which is the only Prius available for sale now anyway, has the fix already.
    We shall see.
  • scheil2scheil2 Member Posts: 6
    The 2004 Prius HAS alcantra.
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