433 messages,
Last post on Dec 02, 2010 at 4:31 PM
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Toyota Prius, Hybrid Cars, Hatchback, Sedan
#424 of 433 Re: Something new every day [jayrider]
by rogue9
Nov 30, 2010 (12:47 pm)
You should definitely get the factory navigation. It works well with the other functions of the vehicle such as the phones bluetoothe and rear camera. You can pull up lists of previous calls incoming and outgoing while driving and make a call with one easy touch. The phones voice recognition also works through the nave system. I wouldn't purchase one without the factory nav. I don't look at the backup camera but I do have the kids watch it when I'm backing up. The nave system adds to the vehicles overall ease of function and convenience.
#425 of 433 Re: Navigation or no navigation.
by rebd
Dec 01, 2010 (3:02 am)
Purchased my 2010 Prius IV yesterday without the Nav. Instead the dealer will be installing an aftermarket (50genk3545) self dimming mirror camera which also has a homelink and compass. The camera screen size on this one is much larger than the factory mirror camera, so it will be quite sufficient.
I seriously considered the NAV, for the reason rogue lists, but decided the Package V with an aftermarket camera would be adequte for my needs, not to mention I do have a gps system and family locator in my cell phone, which I believe is more user friendly and up to date than the Toyota Nav. Thanks everyone for your input. I'll be posting more details in the prices paid discussion.
Dec 01, 2010 (10:14 am)
Still mulling over a Prius purchase so I rented a 2010 for two days to help make my decision. When I test drove a 10 at the dealer, the EV mode was good until 25 MPH---this rental goes to gas mode at 10 MPH. I was able to drive over 10 on one occasion in EV mode however. Anyone have input, I am worried this is one of the electronic issues I have been reading about (although I have not read of this specific issue) ??
#427 of 433 Re: 2010 EV MODE [greenwannabe1]
by bioman
Dec 01, 2010 (12:24 pm)
I have been driving our 2010 Prius IV since August of 2009. The EV mode is there for publicity purposes only, IMO, The Ni-metal Hydride battery can sustain a drive at about 20 MPH of maybe a mile. When the plug in hybrid with the Lithium Ion battery is put on the market the EV mode will have a significant range upgrade. The car has met or exceeded our expectations. This is especially true since I removed the ugly plastic wheel covers hiding aluminum alloy wheels. Mileage has been in the mid to high 40's with an occasional 50+ MPG tankful. The electronic issues you have been reading about concerns an issue involving the ABS and the the switch over from battery regeneration mode to the mechanical braking system, This problem was fixed with a software upgrade in Jan 2010. It affected cars that were made in the early production runs of the 2010 Prius.
Dec 01, 2010 (12:46 pm)
Thanks for the reply, I just drove it to lunch and was able to drive twice to 25MPH----once to 10 MPH. Dont really get it but I have not read the manual. Also was able to switch fro ECO mode to EV mode whilst moving at 22 MPH, go figure. Also unable to use EV when just starting out after the car has been sitting, I suppose that has to do with the battery. I have a 3000 foot driveway and would like to get out to the road on EV as I do that four times every work day. Glad you like your Prius, this is a very tough decision for me as I have always been a truck/suv guy. Happy Priusing !
#429 of 433 Re: 2010 EV MODE [bioman]
by jayrider
Dec 01, 2010 (1:59 pm)
Took my covers off as well. Filled the hole with a 1.5 inch fuse box plug for 95 cents each. Painted them blue -- really like the look.
#430 of 433 Re: Thanks [greenwannabe1]
by jhinsc
Dec 02, 2010 (5:18 am)
I have found the EV mode is only good up to 25 mph with a light foot. If you push for more speed, it will switch out of EV mode assuming that you want more power. I have coaxed my Prius up to 42 mph in ECO mode on electric only with a light foot. Go figure. EV mode won't work until the engine is warmed up. I too have long driveway and would like to use EV mode until I get to the street, but the engine turns on by the time I back out of the garage. Thankfully the engine warms up quickly and by the time I get to the exit gate for my community, the engine shuts off.
#431 of 433 Re: 2010 EV MODE [jayrider]
by volkov
Dec 02, 2010 (10:25 am)
And I thought I was the only one. I was somewhat shocked to find alloy wheels behing those cheap covers. Not the most attractive rims, ok, but better clean than the cheap wheel cover look. Why did they bother? I could understand if they were full covers to remove drag, but that's not the case.
#432 of 433 Re: Thanks [greenwannabe1]
by bioman
Dec 02, 2010 (2:48 pm)
I know what you mean about "tough decision". I went from an 1999 Explorer, in great shape, to the Prius. The hatchback does allow me to carry lots of stuff that would fit in the Explorer, but there are limits. I think about those limits each time I put gas in the Prius and I look at my credit card receipt. The limits just fade away. I still have access to the Explorer because I sold it to my neighbor who is using it for one of his kids.
#433 of 433 Re: 2010 EV MODE [volkov]
by jayrider
Dec 02, 2010 (4:31 pm)
The wheel covers are there to minimize drag. The engineers try to save 1/10 of a gallon.