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Prius Owners w/50K - What We Think Now

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#134 of 198 Re: PRIUS OWNERS W/ 50K : WHAT WE THINK NOW [dstarinieri] by rick294 Jun 27, 2008 (11:44 am)
Replying to: dstarinieri (Jun 26, 2008 1:49 pm) That's the exact temptation I wrestle with these days. My wife won't let me, though, and it's probably for the best in the long run. I hope that the scarcity of available Prii on the open market won't turn into higher theft (and insurance) rates for us. Another thing: there is always the possibility of war with Iran in the near future. Israel is looking like it's going to attack Iran if we won't and the Israeli Prime Minister has said that "Bush is going to do something" before the end of his (Bush's) term. Hmm. Any major upset in the Middle East and you know what happens to the price of oil - I think I'll squash any further thoughts about selling my Prius for a quick profit. Could be the mistake of the century. Replies to this message: dstarinieri (Jun 27, 2008 2:38 pm) stevegold (Jun 28, 2008 8:19 pm) dstarinieri (Jun 29, 2008 7:36 am)
#135 of 198 Re: PRIUS OWNERS W/ 50K : WHAT WE THINK NOW [rick294] by dstarinieri Jun 27, 2008 (2:38 pm)
Replying to: rick294 (Jun 27, 2008 11:44 am) That is what I go back and forth with. With what is going on in the world gas could get much higher and real fast. Then I have the motorhome that gets 11MPG and I offset that with my Prius! What I really want is the next generation with the new battery pack and plug in, would not even mind seeing a diesel Prius as a plug in. Maybe we can get in the 80 MPG range with diesel and a plug in. Replies to this message: stevegold (Jun 28, 2008 8:19 pm) dstarinieri (Jun 29, 2008 7:36 am)
#136 of 198 Re: PRIUS FULLFILLS 99% OF USUAL NEEDS [stevedebi] by janakiram Jun 28, 2008 (7:33 pm)
Replying to: stevedebi (Oct 02, 2007 1:09 pm) I am plenty happy with the headroom and elbow room in my Prius Touring model - even with two big 200lb boys. Where the car falls short is in the seats. I take my Prius on long drives and it saves me a ton of money, but the seats are not very supportive for long rides - I like my seats stiff, like in my last car, a VW Golf. Any ideas how I might bolster the seats? Any of the standard aftermarket products any good?
#137 of 198 K&N airfilters by janakiram Jun 28, 2008 (7:43 pm)
K&N company (www.kandn.com) claims its air filters enhance power and improve gas mileage, and are guaranteed for life. Does anyone have any experience with K&N products?
#138 of 198 Re: PRIUS OWNERS W/ 50K : WHAT WE THINK NOW [dstarinieri] by stevegold Jun 28, 2008 (8:19 pm)
Replying to: dstarinieri (Jun 27, 2008 2:38 pm) I've been waiting 3 years for the next version. Good thing I have a 2004 so I can wait. Toyota is struggling with the Li-ion batteries. Since I live in the mountains, my wish list also includes and electric turbo and 4WD like the Highlander. The plug in feature only helps if most of your driving is real short trips. I can't see how they can get the electric range beyond 5 miles. Right now in EV mode I can go 1/4-1/2 mile max before the ICE comes on. Battery improvements would have to be 10 fold, with some programming changes to make it practical for around town use battery only use. Not likely soon. Maybe 3 years. Don't believe McCain, Clinton, Greenspan, Gore. They don't have a clue. Read Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute. He knows what's possible and when. Replies to this message: dstarinieri (Jun 29, 2008 7:36 am)
#139 of 198 Re: PRIUS OWNERS W/ 50K : WHAT WE THINK NOW [stevegold] by dstarinieri Jun 29, 2008 (7:36 am)
Replying to: stevegold (Jun 28, 2008 8:19 pm) Steve,   What mountains do you live in?
#140 of 198 New Owner Update and Findings by bubkis Jul 09, 2008 (8:49 pm)
Purchased a Touring Prius in April ("Preferenced/Ordered it just before things got crazy with the 2-3 month waiting lists) Took a month but got the color and style we wanted. The dealer has some visibility as to whats coming off the production line in JPN.   Findings: Live in Denver area and are in the Mtns every weekend. 2 adults in front, 2-70lb dogs and a beagle in the back seat. Built a carpeted/wooden platform for dogs in back seat & works great. Story tons of "stuff" in the hatch area & feet area of back seat. This car is replacing a Ford Explorer. while it obviously doesn't do all the Explorer does, with a few mods and a bit of packing planning it is exceeding our expectations and costing 75% less in gas.   It doesn't set any speed records climbing the mtns but it actually does quite well. Engine & CVT transmission revs pretty high sometimes but other than that its just fine climbing.   Weekend Mtn trips - 200 -miles RT - Car averages 39MPG up and 55MPG down. Sometimes at Hwy Speeds on slight downhill grade, a soft foot will find the engine running on Battery only & keeping speeds up. (round trip avg btwn 44 - 47 mpg car fully loaded sometimes AC running) Driving style makes a HUGE difference in MPG. Heavy foot = 35 - 39 MPG around town. Lite foot = 44-50 Mpg.   Options & suggestions: Got option #2, added after market (front)HEATED, leather(front & back) seats thru dealer for $1500. More colors to choose from vs Toyota and didn't have to take Opt 6 to get leather. (Toyota doesn't seem to offer heated seats in Prius) Thru dealer seats are covered under warranty. Added Clear Bra thru dealer - $200. Strongly recommend it. DIY Options - Mud Flaps & 2" receiver/trailer hitch for Bike rack. (Both very easy to install & from Coastal Tech), clear Plastic headlight protectors. (prevents rock chips from pitting or cracking expensive headlight lenses), rubber honey comb cargo area mat. Keeps dirt & grime away. Costo Rubber Floor mats. Tinted Windows - first time to have them and love them. With all that glass area the tint makes a huge difference in keeping the suns heat out. Cost - ~$200. Tires- Spoke with local chain tire store have been using for years & trust them- they suggested when tires need replacing going with 205/55/16's. More choices than the stock 195/55/16's & lower cost too. the 205's are only about 1/3" wider & will fit and minimal/ possibly no hit on MPG. We love the car, no complaints yet after 4000 miles.... Replies to this message: railroadjames (Jul 10, 2008 4:25 pm) rick294 (Jul 11, 2008 7:44 am) bubkis (Jul 14, 2008 12:10 pm) railroadjames (Jul 14, 2008 1:14 pm)
#141 of 198 Similar Scenario But 80K Plus by railroadjames Jul 10, 2008 (4:25 pm)
Replying to: bubkis (Jul 09, 2008 8:49 pm) Our Prius has over 80K miles and we too have little to complain about and much to praise. Our '04 Prius has been exceedingly trouble free with only a slight problem with replacement (3 times) of Hd lt bulbs that are stinkers to get to let alone switch. We too have 2 large dogs (1-100lbs & 1-70lbs). We found useing a fitted twin size bed cover for the dogs to lay on w/ the Rr seats in down position works excellent because the fitted corners stay corners of seats & Rr corners of the Rr mat. As to care of the car and many of the things you felt to address I would only add that I highly recommend "Wheel Alignment" at 35K to 40K. It preserves the tread a great deal. I know this to be true since this was learned the hard way. It's $$$ well spent just like frequent oil changes. Replies to this message: rick294 (Jul 11, 2008 7:44 am) bubkis (Jul 14, 2008 12:10 pm) railroadjames (Jul 14, 2008 1:14 pm)
#142 of 198 Re: Similar Scenario But 80K Plus [railroadjames] by rick294 Jul 11, 2008 (7:44 am)
Replying to: railroadjames (Jul 10, 2008 4:25 pm) Just read your posting, RR James. Thanks for the tip about wheel alignment 35-40k. I know fast tire wear can be an issue with these great cars. (Why is that, by the way?) The twin fitted sheet I will remember, but our dogs don't like riding in the car for some strange reason!? Replies to this message: bubkis (Jul 14, 2008 12:10 pm) railroadjames (Jul 14, 2008 1:14 pm)
#143 of 198 Re: Similar Scenario But 80K Plus [rick294] by bubkis Jul 14, 2008 (12:10 pm)
Replying to: rick294 (Jul 11, 2008 7:44 am) Dear Rick294, I am not entirely sure why the tires wear so quickly other than to point to the Tread Wear Rating number of only 260.... ie. not long lasting Tread wear.

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