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Well, I'm very seriously considering the 2005 model (which I'll probably really get in 2005, that's a LONG wait!). We currently have a 2003 and I have absolutely zero complaints except for the horrible way it handles in certain wind conditions. The only car I've ever driven which is worse is my 68' VW Bug (Original bugs are always bad, the light front end gets blown around in winds. I never expected anything like that from a modern Toyota!). I've been hearing a lot of complaints here about the 2004 however, and may therefore consider a used 2002/2003. So, 2004 owners, how would you sum-up your major gripes? Here's a couple of things I've read that would really annoy me:
1) The fuel gauge in the 2004s appears to be highly inaccurate. How bad is it? I can routinely drive my 2003 over 400 miles (and sometimes more than 500) before I get the "ding". Is this a problem with all the 2004s? Has anyone figure out how to fix it?
2) The 2003 already cuts the ICE in *way* too early in my opinion. (Hey, wait, that's a second complaint. It's a minor one though). I hear that the 2004 is even worse? What has your experience been?
3) Economy. My dealer is actually honest (go figure). He loves the Prius but says that his "upgraders" are only reporting about a 3mpg difference between their original (01-03 model) Prius and the new one. What has your experience been?
4) Oh, yeah, how is the 2004 in winds? We get a lot of wind off Lake Michigan here...
Any other weird problems you've had that would appear to you to be a design flaw rather than a random issue?
(October 2004 UPDATE): After reading an newer similar thread, I thought I should update: The Prius handles somewhat better with better tires, but still poorly on grooved pavement or in heavy winds. I think it is actually *worse* than my '68 bug in wind conditions, yet I know it is aligned properly - no unusual tire wear, drives perfectly well when wind conditions are good. I think it has something to do with the electric power-steering system - maybe a design flaw.
1) The fuel gauge in the 2004s appears to be highly inaccurate. How bad is it? I can routinely drive my 2003 over 400 miles (and sometimes more than 500) before I get the "ding". Is this a problem with all the 2004s? Has anyone figure out how to fix it?
2) The 2003 already cuts the ICE in *way* too early in my opinion. (Hey, wait, that's a second complaint. It's a minor one though). I hear that the 2004 is even worse? What has your experience been?
3) Economy. My dealer is actually honest (go figure). He loves the Prius but says that his "upgraders" are only reporting about a 3mpg difference between their original (01-03 model) Prius and the new one. What has your experience been?
4) Oh, yeah, how is the 2004 in winds? We get a lot of wind off Lake Michigan here...
Any other weird problems you've had that would appear to you to be a design flaw rather than a random issue?
(October 2004 UPDATE): After reading an newer similar thread, I thought I should update: The Prius handles somewhat better with better tires, but still poorly on grooved pavement or in heavy winds. I think it is actually *worse* than my '68 bug in wind conditions, yet I know it is aligned properly - no unusual tire wear, drives perfectly well when wind conditions are good. I think it has something to do with the electric power-steering system - maybe a design flaw.