[efusco]

I've often remarked the past year driving my 03, that is was like "driving a video". I'm in love with the quiet, often driving without even the radio on. The 04 seems even better, one slight bummer today, my wife told me the check engine light came on after one week. Checked the gas cap, didn't see a problem there. Called the dealership this evening, I plan on taking the car in tomorrow morning. Never have had a check engine light on the 03, but did have the brake problem which by the way is fixed, and now driving like a dream.Geno

Geno,
How many miles? Don't sweat the check engine, in fact, go out and put a good 100 miles on the car today and it will go out. There's some film build up in the early miles in the O2 sensor. You can take it in and they'll clean it out, then they'll drive your car hard for a while and send you home, it may come back on again a couple times. Most people are seeing the light come on at around 80 miles or so and go out again 75-80 miles later.
--evan

 

[moocatdog]

mrv, LOL. When I get mine thats exactly what I plan on doing. Will turn it off as soon as I get home and never put it on again.

I drive with my display turned off fairly often but, as far as I've been able to tell, there are a few heat/defrost and stereo functions that require using the touch screen. I may not have searched long enough, but it seems that you can't adjust all the heater/defrost settings from the steering wheel. You can get around this by using an "automatic" default, but I've found manual adjustments allow me to keep the cabin most comfortable. If anyone knows how to work these from the steering wheel, please advise.
Thanks,
Moo

 

[efusco]

Moo,
I think you're correct, the main controls for audio (mode, volume, etc) and climate (temp, auto on/off, defrost) are available on the steering wheel, but the fine adjusts must be done through the monitor. I don't think you can even do the base/treble/midrange adjust with the controls on the head unit and there are no manual controls for the climate on the dash.

Lemme add that I really never, so far, turn off the display, but don't find it intrusive. Many times I tend to ignore it, but find it handy to use when I get a chance so just leave it on. Plus, being able to access the phone and other stuff is important and I don't want to fumble with turning it on.
--evan

 

[Jerry P]

Got back last night from a 700 mi. round trip to visit our oldest son - the first time we made the trip with the Prius. I have never enjoyed the drive so much and arrived home so relaxed. Came up with a word to describe the feeling - Priusanti - loosely ' the sense of peace with the Prius'. I thnk we are going to have the Prius a LONG time since my wife and I both feel it has a personality of it's own and is a real part of the family.