256 messages,
Last post on Mar 02, 2013 at 8:01 AM
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Toyota Prius Forum.
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Toyota Prius, Hybrid Cars, Hatchback, Sedan
#207 of 256 Yes, keep it simple!
by rick294
May 26, 2010 (9:12 am)
I recall that people were complaining about having to jump through electronic hoops just to change the temp or fan speed, etc. So...for the 2010 models, Toyota took those controls off the screen. Good idea. It does make one weary of the over-the-top techie approach to everything, sometimes. I enjoy driving my old 1996 Toyota T-100 with its ordinary-everything approach. I love our Prius, however.
#208 of 256 Re: Yes, keep it simple! [rick294]
by railroadjames
May 26, 2010 (12:41 pm)
I too think that technology can run amuck when reasonable rational gets lost in the ..."how creatively complex can I make basic controls." I wrote Toyota about my concerns when I had to replace the main screen/computer
a cost of nearly $1,000.00 at 119 K miles (out of warrantee of course). In their letter of response they actually said how they develope and advance technology as if that the more technical the car is the better it is. DUH!!! They can't seem to see the forest for the trees. Get my drift? Simple still makes sense Toyota. Wake up!! You've got a great car in the PRIUS. Don't screw it up!!
#209 of 256 Re: 04 model over 90K now [little_pogi]
by stevegold
Aug 27, 2010 (7:12 am)
Thanks for the nice essay.
Jumping the battery is easy if you use the special terminal under the hood not the actual 12V battery down under in the back. It only has to be connected for a few seconds until the computer starts when the big traction battery takes over.
#210 of 256 Re: PRIUS OWNERS W/ 50K : WHAT WE THINK NOW [railroadjames]
by mickeyrom
Aug 27, 2010 (7:48 am)
I have exactly the same issues.You hit the nail on the head.That dash,especially the speedo are ridiculous when the sun hits it.I mostly use the speed on my GPS(Garmin) to see what speed I'm driving at.Mine is a 2007 and I bought it used.I guess I have a complaint about the City MPG,it's only around 30 although on the highway it's plenty good enough.Always over 45.
Oct 24, 2010 (6:30 am)
Since my last posting (#188), nothing significant happened that require Prius technician service. This summer my mileage did go down to 42mpg average. This probably is a result of the ICE showing some signs of wear, the main battery pack not holding a charge as it used to be, and also the AC was used extensively. At one point, I hear engine knock when I'm going uphill. I switch to premium grade gas which eliminated it but I also notice that my mileage did not go up. I've moved back to regular grade and did not hear any engine knock. I may have filled up with bad gas at that time.
I've replaced another set of tires. The brake pads are still good for another 50k. For those of you that have over 100K miles, check your rear brake shoes or have them replaced.
I do keep a car for an average of 10 years before I replace it with another one. If no major incident happens from now till late '13, I estimate the Prius to have gone way past the 300K miles.
#212 of 256 Re: 200K update [little_pogi]
by mickeyrom
Oct 24, 2010 (6:47 am)
That sounds really great! What year is your geezer Prius?
#213 of 256 PRIUS OWNERS W/150 K- What We Think Now
by railroadjames
Oct 24, 2010 (1:59 pm)
As I close in on 150K I have such satisfaction & praise for this $ saving, dependable hybrid vehicle I must thank my decision way back when so many nay-sayers blasted the Prius as a flash-in-the-pan concept car.
There are some points to share about the Prius worth mentioning. Brakes seem to last forever unlike any car I've ever seen. Old school taught me to change my oil myself but in addition to that and good filters I learned to add a 1/2 can of STP. I was impressed with the story how STP made such a difference during the 2nd World War by the Germans and their mechanized equipment. A product that delivered longevity for serious wear & tear. Just a thought to share w/ you.
#215 of 256 survey request
by kirstie_h HOST
Oct 25, 2010 (10:10 am)
A student group is researching hybrid technologies and marketing trends. If you are a hybrid vehicle owner and would to add your insights and experience to their project, please participate by completing the 10-minute survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7V5BVRL
Jan 26, 2011 (12:24 pm)
My 2006 Prius has 89,000 miles on it. My passenger headlight started flickering and dying about 6 months ago; it does not illuminate now. The driver light is sometimes dying; no flickering like the passenger side used to. I just turn the light off and on in order to get the illumination back (but at a lower brightness). The postings that I've read suggest that Toyota would be willing to pay for, or at least discount my costs for repair. Is it sufficient to deal just with the Toyota dealership, or do I need to talk to Toyota Corp.?
Thanks
David in San Diego