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Toyota Prius

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Comments

  • little_pogilittle_pogi Member Posts: 149
    This is just a clarification on this recall. A brake light switch failure WILL NOT affect the Prius ability to stop. "..can increase the risk of a crash" applies to the vehicle following behind you. The driver may fail to react immediately in the absence of a brake warning light on the car in front of him. You can also get a traffic citation on a faulty brake light.
  • oranuoranu Member Posts: 10
  • oranuoranu Member Posts: 10
    Prius and Civic hybrids have CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which I find desirable for forthcoming purchase of either the Accord Hybrid or the 2006 Toyota Camry hybrid. The Accord does NOT have a CVT (it uses, instead, a 5 speed auto transmission). Will the Toyota Camry hybrid have a CVT? If so, will it be coupled with a 6 cylinder, circa 3 liter engine?

    Oranu
  • xcelxcel Member Posts: 1,025
    Hi Oranu:

     

    ___The Honda uses a completely different CVT then the Toyota/Ford uses. The Prius I, II, and Escape’s CVT are far more bullet proof imho. In any case, the HH and RXh are going to use the same design CVT as the Prius’ and Escape and I see no other way that the Camry would be Hybridized with something other then an HSD unit which will use the same/similar CVT.

     

    ___Good question as to whether the 06 Camry’s V6 or its I4 will be HSD equipped. I would prefer the PZEV based I4 that was atkinsonized as it would give it a nice kick and improve upon its FE in both highway and city envelopes. The issue is if Toyota is going to fall for this performance at all costs scenario that Honda is following with the new Accord Hybrid. Maybe Toyota will offer both an Atkinsonized I4 w/ HSD as a high FE Camry and a hopped up V6 based Camry w/ HSD as the performance version? Wouldn’t that be neat ;-)

     

    ___Good Luck

     

    ___Wayne R. Gerdes
  • yerth10yerth10 Member Posts: 431
    Hi Oranu

     

    Toyota tried different hybrid designs like

    Prius-I (1 motor)

    Estima Minivan (2 motors)

    Crown (Mild hybrid which just shuts/starts the vehicle)

    and finally arrived in

    HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) which contains a

    motor, battery and transmission as 1 unit.

     

    They intend to deploy HSD in HH, RX400 and

    Camry also. But whether it will go in V6 or V4 or both,

    we dont know at this point of time.

     

    But it seems that the battery suppliers could not cope

    up with the demand and that is what is forcing Toyota

    to put this in expensive low-volume vehicles.

     

    Recently Sanyo has joined with Bosch to increase the

    battery production and this may have a big impact on

    the type of models.

     

    Goodluck
  • bob_bbob_b Member Posts: 2
    I have been thinking about getting a new 2005 Prius for months. I first went to a local dealer who wanted $1000 to put me on a waiting list and told me to expect a wait of around 8 months. He would sell the car at $2500 above MSRP. I told him that is a big rip off and said bye.

    Yesterday I found a dealer who had one available now and was selling at MSRP. The dealer is Crystal Toyota in Greenbrook New Jersey

    I now own a new 2005 Prius tideland pearl with the BC option.

    The experience there was very good.

    I paid $26,780 for the car. Besides the BC option it has a few accessories (rear bumper Applique, carpet floor mats and cargo mat,and cargo net).

    WOW what a car. I just want to drive even if I have no place to go!
  • tfilibertitfiliberti Member Posts: 21
    Well here it is another month later and still no $300 rebate check? I called Toyota about this and now they tell me could be another 6 weeks ?? I got this car on 9/22 and still waiting for the rebate . This is the rebate for those who were on wait list before March 04 which i was on the list from Dec 03. I hate these REBATES!! Anyone else waiting this long for their $300 on a 2004 or $700 on a 2005 model ??

    thanks
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I called Toyota about this and now they tell me could be another 6 weeks ??

     

    Maybe Toyota is going broke selling the Prius for less than it costs to build them :-)
  • bblahabblaha Member Posts: 329
    Purchased today:

    2005 Millennium Silver/Burgundy

    $540 Delivery, Processing and handling fee

    $20875 MSRP Base

    $5065 Package #6 (BC)

    $262 Preferred Accessory Package (Z1)

    $59 Wheel locks (WL)

    $65 Rear Bumper Applique (EF)

    Didn't place an order for those last three but...

     

    Total MSRP vehicle price...$26866

     

    At purchase...

    $399 "Processing fee for consumer services"

    $817.95 VA Title tax

    $53.73 "Dealer business license tax"

    $10 Purchaser on-line systems filing fee

    $49.50 License and title

     

    Total, out the door price ... $28196.18
  • rfruthrfruth Member Posts: 630
    Toyota sure has a funny way of going broke - snip - Toyota is profitable in the U.S., and has been for the past seven years, say executives from Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. The Japanese automaker has invested substantially in the U.S. in the last seven years and currently is spending $900 ...
  • gmusic7gmusic7 Member Posts: 42
    my 2004 prius with 9200 miles has some sort of an electrical problem. last wednesday, the triangle with the "!" lit up on the dash. took it to the dealer, the service advisor turned the car on and the car was normal again. on saturday morning, i was in the car listening to a cd, the monitor started flashing on and off, and the cd was going and stopping, as if somewhen was flipping a light switch. i drove to the dealer without any problems. The service advisor called later on in the day and said that after doing a full diagnostic check, there is a problem with the power. i don't remember exactly what codes he said came up. the prius technician will look and hopefully repair the car today.
  • gmusic7gmusic7 Member Posts: 42
    update: i didn't get a call from the service advisor so i went to get an update. one of the technicians said they will do more testing tomorrow. the warning light (triangle with the !) appeared. so i think they are starting to see what i was seeing last wednesday night and saturday morning. it could just be the car battery (the regular car battery). the tech also said that the battery isn't as strong as on a regular car, so if you listen to the radio without the car running, the battery can weaken quickly. how could this be? in my parent's minivan, i listen to music for at least one hour while waiting for them and the battery is fine.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    the battery, the ONLY battery, must be "strong" enough to crank the (V8??) engine. In the Prius the hybrid battery is used to "crank" the engine.

     

    The "smallish" 12 volt battery is only there because many automotive accessories only operate at 12 volts.
  • gmusic7gmusic7 Member Posts: 42
    does that mean the 12-volt only powers the accessories? my understanding is that while the engine is running in a regular car, it helps keep the 12-volt battery charged. i now think this doesn't happen with the prius.
  • tfilibertitfiliberti Member Posts: 21
    OK I finally rec'd my $300 Rebate only took 2 letters and finally a phone call to their Experience Center but I got it . Took 3 months to the day ...... so much for customer satisfaction these days .. :-(
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    that when the Prius ICE is running the 12 volt battery is being charged.
  • oranuoranu Member Posts: 10
    Thank you for the information. I've waited for the Accord hybrid to arrive at my local dealer since June, but:

       1) my local dealer jacked the price up more than $1000 over MSRP, didn't get color wanted nor navigation system;

       2) other dealers seem to be in similar situation;

       3) the transmission is not a Continuously Variable Transmisson --a gem-- similar to the one on my 2004 Honda Civic hybrid, but is, instead. a 5 speed autotrans.

     

    So, now I wonder if I should go through the same wait for Toyota's version, supposedly a 2006 model (arriving for sale when--September 2005? December 2005? ??--) ...

     

    ...And, if I wait, what will actually be built? Hence my pleasure with your information. I will be glad if you will continue to inform me (and others) as you get more information from your source.

    Oranu
  • tempusvntempusvn Member Posts: 119
    "does that mean the 12-volt only powers the accessories? my understanding is that while the engine is running in a regular car, it helps keep the 12-volt battery charged. i now think this doesn't happen with the prius."

     

    In the Prius the ICE has nothing to do with directly charging the 12V battery. There is no analog to an alternator on the Prius.

     

    The ICE runs the generator(s) which provide High Voltage to the HV Circuit side of the house where the Traction Battery lives. In turn, the power from the big battery is coverted to 12V to power the Auxilliary Circuits, and charge the 12V battery.

     

    The only real purpose of the 12V battery is to 'boot up' the car when it's started (power up the computers enough to bring the big battery circuit online), and to keep minimal power to things like the alarms and door entry circuits.

     

    The actual 'starting' of the ICE is done by the big battery through one of the Motor/Generators. So, there's also no 'starter' on the Prius to worry about.

     

    When the car is running, the big battery is always in the loop on the auxilliary circuits, and is supplying all the headlight, audio, etc. power. (and also charging the 12V battery).

     

    Because the 12V battery has so few responsibilities, it's smaller than normal. It's also a dry cell battery that doesn't out-gas as much as a normal auto battery.

     

    Because it's small, the 12V battery can't power the auxilliary circuits for long by itself. That's why it runs down quickly. However, if you leave the car on, the ICE will only run when the big battery gets low, and the big battery can power those circuits for quite a while if that's the only thing it's doing.

     

    Because it's non-standard, the OEM Prius 12V is more expensive than the average auto battery, but on most Prius sites you can find instructions for replacing it with an alternative for about the same cost as a normal battery.
  • gmusic7gmusic7 Member Posts: 42
    thank you for your responses. so does that mean i shouldn't be listening to radio for long periods of time without the whole car turned on?

     

    update: the service advisor told me yesterday that the tech isn't finished checking the car. it's no problem for me since they gave me a rental, and i always tell the advisor to take their time with the car so that it is fixed and working/running properly. i'll try to provide details on what they did when i get the car back...hopefully today.

     

    also, they gave me a corolla as the rental. smaller interior (i knew that already) but what really bothers me is the smaller driver and passengers seats. definitely not as comfortable as the prius.
  • gmusic7gmusic7 Member Posts: 42
    "It's also a dry cell battery that doesn't out-gas as much as a normal auto battery."

      

    another question: why is a dry cell battery used and not a regular (fluid filled) battery?
  • tempusvntempusvn Member Posts: 119
    You can have the car in three states.

     

    1 Start Button Push without Brakes puts you in Aux Mode burning only the 12V battery. You certainly shouldn't count on a lot of radio time with that.

     

    2 Start Button Pushes without Brakes brings the Big Battery online. It will help keep the 12V circuit alive for a much longer time. You can run lights and A/C and other stuff in that setting too. But, it will also run down both batteries eventually, and it's very hard on the HV Battery to run it down too far. It also takes a special Toyota Charger to attempt to recover it.

     

    Full IGN ON (Start Button with Brake) is probably the way to go. If the battery has juice, the ICE won't run. If the battery gets low, the ICE will automatically come on just long enough to charge it back up and prevent damage. You can sit around forever in that mode as long as your fuel holds out (probably days).

     

    As far as the 12V battery construction, it's not really truely dry cell like a D battery, it's a gel cell as I recall (might be saturated plate but I don't think so).

     

    It's generally called 'dry' because it's designed not to ever require water.

     

    It also has a higher energy density, less outgassing, and won't spill or leak as easily.

     

    Since it's inside the passenger compartment the gas/spill/leak issues are good to consider.

     

    Since weight is inversely proportional to fuel economy, higher energy density is good.

     

    Low maintenance is always good.

     

    The downside of that kind of battery is that overcharging can force enough of the little available liquid out to harm the battery. But, since the Prius has so much brainpower, some of it is devoted to managing the charge state/cycle of the 12V just like it is to the HV battery, so overcharging isn't an issue, unless you do it yourself with a badly applied trickle charger or something.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    As far as the 12V battery construction, it's not really truely dry cell like a D battery, it's a gel cell as I recall (might be saturated plate but I don't think so).

     

    Good information. That explains the $300 replacement charge for the 12V battery that one poster had. Gel cells are more expensive than conventional sealed lead acid batteries.
  • rpgolferrpgolfer Member Posts: 157
    Hi gang,

       Happy holidays to Sylvia and everyone!

     

    I have two questions:

     

    1) If the 12V batt were replaced with a premium batt, say a Sear's DieHard or equiv, would it last longer than OEM? I know the weight difference would be greater, physical size in the batt compartment and exposure to possible hydrogen gas, but would make any sense?

     

    2) I have the Pkg 9 and I've noticed that the rear windshield wiper doesn't flip up all the way like the front wipers do. Is there any way to "free up" the mechanism so window cleaning could be improved?

     

    Thanks,

    Rich
  • seaturtleseaturtle Member Posts: 2
    For people living in Southern California there is a nice article on the Prius in the new issue of Westways magazine "Green Car Issue." This magazine is available to AAA members.
  • gmusic7gmusic7 Member Posts: 42
    i picked up my prius this past wednesday night. the service advisor suggested to drive the car as much as possible. i usually take public transportation to work though. i could at least split time driving and commuting. part of the reason of the low battery power is because of the cool or cold weather. here is what was on the invoice from the technician:

     

    12/18/04: checked for codes on OBD2 no codes stored. checked with OBD 1 found T/M code stating that there's a low power supply.

     

    charged battery and rechecked monday a.m. 12/20/04

     

    12/20/04:

    vehicle dash lights came on but not the ready light.

     

    multi-display also not on. display came on when jumper hooked on when turning power on.

     

    display was reading transmiss park lock mechanism abnormal. also there was no ready light and no shift indicator squared on shift.

     

    checked for code found P3102 in HV ECM information code 581. transmission EMC malfunction.

     

    also found C2300 ACT actuator malfunction.

    C2318 low voltage error in transverse ECM.

     

    checked HEV fuse 13.9 volts (good) resecured fuse.

     

    turned on power switch vehicle now has ready indicator light on. cleared codes and rechecked ok.

     

    fully charged auxillary battery. vehicle stop and starts ok.

     

    i'm sorry for this long post. but i figure it might be helpful information for someone. i am happy to have the car back. many thanks again to all who have sent replies regarding my problem. i've learned quite a bit more about the car.

     

    MERRY CHRISTMAS and SEASON'S GREETINGS TO ALL
  • trombone57trombone57 Member Posts: 1
    My wife and I would really like to trade in our 2000 Audi S4 for a Prius. After driving one, we found the ergonomics not to work for my wife. With longer legs and not much room under the console, the steering wheel is to far from her. This causes almost immediate pain in her shoulders. The seats could also use lumbar adjustment. Is it feasible or possible to make a custom extension to the steering wheel, or do we have to wait for the hybrid Camry?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    FWIW, the Honda Accord Hybrid has a fully adjustable driver's seat and a telescoping steering wheel. But it won't give you the fuel economy or ultra-low emissions of the Prius.
  • cammer2cammer2 Member Posts: 38
    I have been following this board fairly consistently over the past year, and am happy to report that I finally had an opportunity to test drive a new Prius. A few weeks back, I was driving by my closest Toyota dealership when I noticed that they had a Prius sitting at the front of the lot.

     

    I was not really ready to make a car purchase, but really wanted to take one out for a drive. I stopped in the following weekend, only to find that there were 2 Prii on the lot (a 2004, and a 2005).

     

    Took the 2004 for a short spin - both on city streets and a short stint on the freeway. After finishing my drive, it was clear to see WHY there was such a waiting list for this car. There was plenty of room in the front and back, plenty of gadgets if you wanted them, and decent acceleration - all at a reasonable price. And contrary to what some posters have suggested, I had no problem getting the car up to 70.

     

    Was the car as quick as my V6 Camry? No. Was the 4-cylinder as smooth as my V6? No. Having said that, if someone was out shopping for a 4-cylinder, mid-sized sedan (you know - the type that most people actually buy), I would easily consider this vehicle.

     

    Anyway, just wanted to post my impressions.

     

    Now on to the question -- this one for people who are actually driving the new Prius. Having just gotten hit with our first winter storm (snow plus a nice layer of ice -- ick), I was wondering how the car handles in typical winter driving? Any responses would be appreciated.

     

    Happy motoring!
  • railroadjamesrailroadjames Member Posts: 560
    Thanks for your favorable comments on the Prius. I think that your comments are true to the hybrid. As to your question concerning winter driving....I would like to say that the Prius gets a B+. I have approx. 12 K on my baby blue 04 and there are several things to point out that you should be interested in knowing.

     

    1. Because of the placement of not one but two drive motors there is more than ample weight on wheels for better traction.

    2. Because of the slight bubble style of the Prius (creating great head & seating room) the car is a bit touchy in cross winds.

     

    3. Questions as to winter rain, slush, and snow invading the electrics of this hybrid creating problems are (so far) unfounded.

     

    4. Only downside I've noticed has been the heater system. This past week we've experienced our first sub-zero temps. The heater seemed to take a long time to get the interior of the car up to a comfortable range. I also noticed the (ICE) engine running considerably longer durations effecting MPG's.

     

      In closing, I'd like to say that my Prius has been, by far, my most enjoyable car. I drive with a since of satisfaction that I only expected from a car of considerable higher costs.

    I thought that my next car would have been a Beemer or a Mercedes but this amazing car sparked my interest when I test drove it not once but three times. Even my wife found favor in the car. I also would like to say that performance of this car is quite exceptional. This is a car of the future today.

    I hope this helped in some small way.

    Culliganman (Hybrids are here to stay)

    P.S. Getting about 45 mpg's this winter
  • cammer2cammer2 Member Posts: 38
    Thanks for the reply.

     

    I was mostly wondering how traction was in snow/ice conditions. With its lighter weight, I had some concern that traction may not be the best. Thanks again!
  • bjrichbjrich Member Posts: 125
    railroadjames;

    excellant forum note and it covered several areas very well.Keep them coming as we wait delivery of our Prius next year.
  • doodoodoodoo Member Posts: 2
    I have ordered a 2005 Prius and expect to wait up to a year to get delivery, which gives me more time to research. Is it possible for me to get a picture and accident report on a recked 2004or2005 Prius ? Thank you.
  • falcononefalconone Member Posts: 1,726
    Waiting a year?? A lot of dealers have 'em on the lot already. Those days are LONG gone. Now the dealers can't be in the driver's seat any longer. Shop around. Good luck doo doo!!
  • yerth10yerth10 Member Posts: 431
    Toyota is NOT GOING BROKE.

     

    If building Prius is expensive, then they can easily

    increase the price with the current demand.

     

    Toyota has designed a new battery that has only 28 modules

    in Prius-II instead of 38 in the Prius-I and yet it gives

    the same power. That is why they are able to price it the

    same as Prius-I

     

    Their objective is to prove that Hybrid does not cost much

    and they have already increased the production from 76,000

    originally planned to 130,000 this year and next year to

    180,000.

     

    For the US market, allocation has been increased from

    47,000 in 2004 to 100,000 in 2005 and I hope this should

    satisfy the demand. But if the oil price shoots up

    again, then there will be another big wait.

     

    America's oil

    consumption has increased from 897 tons to 914 tons while the

    production has decreased from 347 tons to 341 tons.

     

    So hang on guys.
  • brihambriham Member Posts: 33
    Here is another link with a review of the Prius. Hope you find it helpful.

     

    http://www.automedia.com/autoReviews/rts20031101tp/rts20031101tp.- asp?affid=
  • benny5benny5 Member Posts: 13
    Car_Man,

    We're looking to purchase an '05 Prius. Do you have the APRs for Toyota Financial? Do you show what's the longest term (i.e. 60 months, 72 months, etc.) Also, we're in So. Cal. and want to know what to pay for the car. MSRP? Thanks.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    It looks from the TMV here on Edmunds that the California dealers are adding about $2000 to the MSRP. For example a package # 6 Has a TMV of $28,391. I would get on the Internet and search for a better deal. You can buy a ticket anywhere you want to go for that $2000 premium. Many people on this thread are buying at MSRP. Many dealers have them on the lots. Good Luck.

     

    http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/toyota/prius/100454051/optionsres- ults.html?action=2&tid=edmunds.n.optionsresults.ntmv.2.1.Toyo- ta*
  • bob_bbob_b Member Posts: 2
    I just recently purchased a new Prius package 6 from a Toyota dealer in New Jersey and financed it with them (Toyota Financial Services).

    I got a rate of 5.9% for 60 months. The longest term they mentioned was 72 months. The APR will vary with your FICA score.
  • toyotaowner1toyotaowner1 Member Posts: 1
    I just have a quick question... Has anyone needed to replace the touch-screen in their Prius? With the 8/100k warranty on the hybrid componenets, I'm not overly concerned about the battery or the hybrid drive, but I am about a component that from what I see controls so many things. Radio, HVAC, Nav, and consumption screens and all are touch controls. How often do they need replacement and how much are they to replace? I'll do some research myself as well, but wanted to get some feedback from current owners before making the investment myself. Thanks.
  • pjyoungpjyoung Member Posts: 885
    My Prius is only a couple of months old, but the touch screen is more for the benefit of the passenger than the driver. All controls for radio, climate, etc are on the steering wheel. In fact, 90% of the time, my information screen is turned off.
  • falcononefalconone Member Posts: 1,726
    Certain function require the use of the screen (fan speed for AC), Navigation, and a few others if I recall. I wouldn't be too concerned. I have a feeling that screen will still be working long after the car is retired.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    only fingertips are used to "touch".
  • cericceric Member Posts: 1,092
    In general, electronic systems used in automobiles are more reliable than consumer electronics. Not to mention that they are more reliable than mechanical parts (wear and tear).

     

    If you are really worried by it, you should arm yourself with ext warranty. 6yr/72K can be had for around $800. That would cover the screen and its related modules.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    see message #1086 in Hybrids in the News .
  • cammer2cammer2 Member Posts: 38
    This popped in my mind the other day after we got pelted with freezing rain.

     

    I had some company whose car was in the drive. As is typical, I went out - started the car - let it run for awhile hoping it would start melting the ice on the windshield.

     

    With a Prius - does that actually work? Will the defroster continue to work since the car isn't moving (i.e., the engine isn't running?)

     

    Again, any comments from current Prius owners would be appreciated.

     

    And Happy New Year to all!
  • stevewastevewa Member Posts: 203
    There was a TSB issued on the 2001-03 cars for a larger battery if the standard one did not hold a charge long enough. There's a kit that comes with a new hold-down assembly and new connectors to fit. I don't know if the replacement is the same battery used in the 2004 or not...

     

    Given the size constraints it will be difficult to fit a larger 12v battery in the provided space in the classic Prius. Where is the 12v battery in the 2004+ model?
  • stevewastevewa Member Posts: 203
    The engine will run to warm the car up to operating temperature (i.e. get the catalytic converter hot enough to work) so you will have heated defrost. I believe there are also supplemental electric heating elements in the ventilation system.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    In the shop manual there is an electric heater provided for cars shipped to appropriate destinations. No word as to what/where that might be. It seems typical of Lexus and Toyota to allocate these cold winter features in Canada but not in the US.

     

    Windshield wiper heaters, Canada only.

    Heated windshield, Canada only.
  • ragueroraguero Member Posts: 60
    With the recent heavy rain in the LA area I had the opportunity to ford a good 6-8 inches of water on one of the freeways. The water was of course higher as the trucks and larger vehicles passes through beside my Prius. I was a little worried about water getting too high but went through with no problem. This being LA, as soon as the cars cleared the water, everyone speed back up to 70 mph. It was good to see that the Little Prius that could, did.
  • falcononefalconone Member Posts: 1,726
    I wonder how deep it could go? If the engine is not running, then the exhaust should not be a problem. I would NOT want to test it though! Glad you made it home fine! Be careful!! Hope your weather improves over there.
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