[Guest]

I researched and researched for about 2 months now about buying a
Prius. Well, I finally did it today!

Its loaded with everything that Toyota can put in it. All except the 6 CD changer. Just have the single CD. Fine with me.

I have driven it 115 miles on and off today and It says my average MPG is 55.9 MPG.

Should I expect an increase or decrease as the vehicle breaks in. Seems everyone else is getting around 46-48. My dealer says My model is a pre-2003 mod but still considered a 2002. In that it has new upgrades to the internals. I guess I have to take that for what it is worth. But the milage right off the bat seems to say something, maybe?

Also the dealer had 30 psi in all the tires. I noticed on the tire itself it says MAX 50 PSI. So I put in 46 PSI and when the tires are hot they go up to 48 PSI. I have noticed a slight more bumpier ride. But I use to drive a Blazer, so even if I was to drive a paint can mixer I would still have a smoother ride. <Grin>

I really love the GPS system. I REALLY LOVE THE CAR IN GENERAL!!! Im like a little kid with a new toy. The DVD version is 2001 1.0 on the NAV. Does anyone know how much it would cost to upgrade if they have a new version? Also can I upgrade this myself as far as replacing the DVD?

My only other concern is that it has side air bags. I have read of the dangers (DEATH) of these if you should be leaning against the door and etc. I always drive out of habit with my left elbow on the top of the door panel by the bottom of the window. Especially since there is no arm rests in the car. Should I expect to have my arm blown off in the event of an accident?

Thanks for the new site, Yahoo drives me nuts with all the popups and forced commercials. Cant research without getting mad about the commercials. I would like to see this site have the same info on the cars as Yahoo does and all the happy Prius owners here too.

Thanks for the your time and site space.
TC

 

[Guest]

As for milage, the 55.9 looks about right if you were not running many energy hogging accessories like AC, heater, etc. Your mileage should improve a little after a few thousand miles. If the outside temperature was above 50 degrees and you did most of your driving (In stealth Mode) under 42 MPH, you are right in the ball park. (Use the Consumption screen and if you get considerable readings on the 100 MPG Line, you are doing good) I have a 2002 which I got in December with 3900 miles on it. We went out to dinner today. Drove 40 miles each way total about 80 miles. Temp was about 58 degrees and averaged 55.2. Max speed was 75 on a three mile stretch, and rest was about 1/2 at around 50 to 55 MPH and the other under 42 MPH with traffic lights & stop & go traffic. Also be sure to check out Johns web site for all the great nitty gritty details!!!

regards,
Don Good

 

[Guest]

TC

I forgot to mention, I also have the XL 50 PSI Ponzetta tires. I have been running with them at 42 front & 40 rear cold pressure, and they seem to be doing fine. Anything higher I believe could cause problems because even at 42 they could build up to 48 or 50 in hot weather. On the 3900 miles, I took a good look at them yesterday, and the front ones are worn down considerably more than the rear, however as far as Inside edge, center, and outside edge they look perfect. Based on what other's are saying on this board, and some of the problems mentioned, my dealer suggested I go with the 5,000 mile service interval rather than the 7500 miles. 7500 miles is just too long especially in the winter when the oil can get diluted with sludge & water. Based on looks of my tires I am planning on switching strait front to rear at 5,000 miles. I personally feel extra maintainence pays off in the long run, and my dealer has given me excellent advice so far. My other car is a 99 Buick Regal with the 3800 V6 and I use this mainly for trips and interstate driving. I usually have this car serviced every 3000 miles. The Prius is definitely designed for driving in gridlocked urban traffic so I use it mostly for hacking around, shopping, and trips under 200 miles. I love to travel the back roads and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Good luck with your New Loaded Prius!

Don Good

 

[Guest]

TC

I forgot to mention, I also have the XL 50 PSI Ponzetta tires. I have been running with them at 42 front & 40 rear cold pressure, and they seem to be doing fine. Anything higher I believe could cause problems because even at 42 they could build up to 48 or 50 in hot weather. On the 3900 miles, I took a good look at them yesterday, and the front ones are worn down considerably more than the rear, however as far as Inside edge, center, and outside edge they look perfect. Based on what other's are saying on this board, and some of the problems mentioned, my dealer suggested I go with the 5,000 mile service interval rather than the 7500 miles. 7500 miles is just too long especially in the winter when the oil can get diluted with sludge & water. Based on looks of my tires I am planning on switching strait front to rear at 5,000 miles. I personally feel extra maintainence pays off in the long run, and my dealer has given me excellent advice so far. My other car is a 99 Buick Regal with the 3800 V6 and I use this mainly for trips and interstate driving. I usually have this car serviced every 3000 miles. The Prius is definitely designed for driving in gridlocked urban traffic so I use it mostly for hacking around, shopping, and trips under 200 miles. I love to travel the back roads and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Good luck with your New Loaded Prius!

Don Good

 

[Guest]

Don,

Just to let you know the 50 psi max rating is COLD inflation pressure as molded on the side wall. All tires are designed to account for the pressure increase due to a temperature increase.

Don good said:
> .... Anything higher I believe could cause problems because even at 42 > they could build up to 48 or 50 in hot weather. ......


Doug

 

[Guest]

I just bought my Prius after waiting for just over 6 months. It was worth the wait. So far, I am averaging 44.3 MPG with 760 miles on the odometer. Does anybody else feel a slight "kick" when the gasoline engine takes over? Also, does everyone feel comfortable with the 7500 mile maintenance intervals?
Blue Moon Pearl in NY

 

[Guest]

Dave:

NO! I plan to go with the 5,000 mile plan and also rotate tires every 5,000 because of the amount of extra load on the front. I think 7500 is way too much because you must remember that since the ICE is not running all the time the engine is not running as hot. I believe this is also the reason any oil heavier than 5w-30 is a big NO! NO!
This could be very dangerous in Colder areas, however in Florida and S Calif, the 7500 would probably be o-kay. In my case, I run about 12,000 a year so, it's only about every 5 months.

Don Good (Ephrata PA)

 

[Guest]

I forgot to tell you! Yes, I do feel a slight kick when the ICE kicks in, but it does not feel any more severe than the average 4 speed when it locks in to direct drive in fourth gear; would say it feels about the same!

Don Good

 

[Guest]

Yes, I feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel when the ICE starts up. Yes also to the long maintenance interval. I've had my Prius 18 months now, and just had it's oil changed for the third time. My mileage is low (13,400) so I just have maintenance done every six months. In my opinion I could easily go to a yearly basis based on oil color and great tire wear. When I start changing oil myself I may reuse the oil from my Prius by using it in my lawnmower. Don't take my word for it though, just keep an eye on the color of your oil and judge for yourself.

[%sig%]

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the good info guys......

 

[Guest]

To: TC

Our car too had the single CD player installed when it arrived. I think that option was about $335 or so. We wanted the 6-disc changer which was about $589 or so if my memory is correct. Our dealership removed the single player and installed the 6-disc changer in one day. We paid the ~$589 as they kept the original player. So, if you should decide you want the changer, it's not that hard to get. It's very user-friendly and nice to have.
Enjoy your new car.
Regards,
Jim Henry

 

[Guest]

How does heater work?

Point #1: On one of these sites I read someone's comment that the Prius' heater doesn't use hot water from the engine's cooling system to provide warmth to the car's interior.

Point #2: My co-worker who has an '01 Prius has noted that in cold weather her car's heater is already starting to put out heat before she even leaves the office parking lot.

Questions: How could Prius' low-internal-friction engine produce enough heat to warm up the radiator's coolant in such a short period of time? Is there instead some sort of electric resistance coil which is providing that quick heat? I haven't seen any comments about this yet.

Respectfully,
JimHenry

 

[Guest]

There is an electric heating element to give instant heat. Once the ICE is warmed up the Prius gets it's heat from the cooling system like a concentional car. It even has an electric water pump to circulate the coolant when the ICE is not running.

 

[Guest]

Priustek,
I remember reading somewhere that the Prius uses lighter weight engine parts (to boost efficiency), and has a smaller volume coolant system (to allow the ICE to heat up faster for pollution control). The owner's manual states the cooling system capicity as 4.9L, 5.2qt, 4.3Imp. qt. Any comparison to the Echo cooling system??

[%sig%]

 

[szrice]

Navigational DVD

The navigational DVD for the Prius is $500. The latest version is for the 2001-2002 calendar year. 2003 is not available yet.