My New Car!!

[Thai]

You know, I have to be deadly honest. I'm thinking, this is a 4Runner's forum, who the F cares about the Prius......... and why is this thread 8 pages long???

Well, let me clarify this one...thru the years, whatever car i have, i create a thread about it. Then as information comes in, i just add to the thread. So, instead of spamming the forum with different threads about a similar topic, i create just one. This is mostly for MY benefit because if i need to re-read a topic or show someone an article about my car, then i just have one place to look instead of using the search function.

But, cool, you like the rental Prius...trust me, with a little more practice (see this excellent video: Prius 2010 MAX MPG Secrets - YouTube), you can easily get better than what you're getting now!!

BTW, if 2012 Prius is like mine, the top-of-the-line Prius has extra rear wheel well insulation to decrease road noise. (This insulation is NOT listed in the brochure.)

 

[CookieRoe]

Well, let me clarify this one...thru the years, whatever car i have, i create a thread about it. Then as information comes in, i just add to the thread. So, instead of spamming the forum with different threads about a similar topic, i create just one. This is mostly for MY benefit because if i need to re-read a topic or show someone an article about my car, then i just have one place to look instead of using the search function.

Good idea actually.

But, cool, you like the rental Prius...trust me, with a little more practice (see this excellent video: Prius 2010 MAX MPG Secrets - YouTube), you can easily get better than what you're getting now!!

Thanks for the link!

BTW, if 2012 Prius is like mine, the top-of-the-line Prius has extra rear wheel well insulation to decrease road noise. (This insulation is NOT listed in the brochure.)

At 65mph, my Civic produces approximately 78-81 db of noise. The Prius about 70db of noise and this is the base model. Starting to get convinced!!

But the sunroof thing is huge for me........sigh.....

I've adjusted the way I drive according to the link and have noticed an increase in mpg. I find myself constantly paying attention to the ECO graph and trying to keep it in electric mode. (it's a like a game, hahah). Tough to do on the Highway. I saw a youtube video saying that at highways speeds, "gas and coast" really doesn't do much.

At 27 miles, I'm getting 61.4mpg, averaging 55 mph. Wow, I'm impressed!

 

[Thai]

I've adjusted the way I drive according to the link and have noticed an increase in mpg. I find myself constantly paying attention to the ECO graph and trying to keep it in electric mode. (it's a like a game, hahah). Tough to do on the Highway. I saw a youtube video saying that at highways speeds, "gas and coast" really doesn't do much.

At 27 miles, I'm getting 61.4mpg, averaging 55 mph. Wow, I'm impressed!

Follow the video and you will get better...as you get use to driving a Prius. That's the thing, you should be able to get BETTER mpgs than me because the top-of-the-line Prius has more rolling resistance (due to wider tires) and more weight. So, yeah, expect to get mid-50's or higher consistently!!

Just in case you missed it from earlier in this thread, there will NEVER be a sunroof on Prius Five because of weight issue...sunroof + Prius Five = put it in the next weight category. Your best bet (if sunroof is a MUST) is to get a IV + solar roof + the new Performance pkg (if you want the sporty look). But, this means that you won't get the radar cruise, pre-collision stuff, and sportier steering (and unique suspension).

The good news for you (and other potential buyers) is that gas prices are low these days...so, more haggling room to negotiate pricing on a new Prius. Back April last year (2010), i got my Prius during a similar low in gas prices and was able to negotiate with the dealer.

The Prius is a different type of sports car...instead of seeing how fast you can go to 60 mph, you are seeing just how much better you can do each day with your fuel economy! But, to be honest, i don't do much of that these days. For me, since the Prius already gets excellent mileage no matter what, i drive pretty fast and aggressively and don't pay much attention to the monitor...because on my worst day, i am still better than the best of today's subcompacts! Try getting 37mpg at 85 mph in ANY subcompacts! You can't.

Here is a car that has plenty of room and cargo space (equivalent to some midsize cars), decent power (enough to get out its own way on the highway/merging), and has tons of technological stuff that are not seen in cars costing less than $50,000! Oh yeah, it also gets top-rated crash scores...something that cannot be said about most other Toyotas and Hondas!

 

[Quentin]

I test drove a Prius v tonight. First off, I was amazed by how much room it had in the back seats and the cargo area. Interior was very airy and visibility was excellent other than the large D pillar (which was in line w/ the headrests on the back seats, so no huge loss). Toyota's Entune is slick. I'm a fan. Handling is not sporty, but not sloppy. Ride is compliant but not floaty. It is slow, though. But, 44mpg city, 40mpg highway. It is a pretty perfect family car. Right now, it is the front runner for my wife's new car.

 

[Thai]

It is slow, though. But, 44mpg city, 40mpg highway. It is a pretty perfect family car. Right now, it is the front runner for my wife's new car.

Hehehe, it is, but you know, it does not feel it unless you're racing someone or you are trying to see how fast it is. In normal life, the instant torque makes it feel just fine. Not sure about the Prius v, but i don't have much problem at all with merging nor passing someone.

I am SHOCKED that you are able to talk your wife into the Prius v over the CT200h! But, i have one piece of advice...let her buy what she wants or else it will be a short honeymoon with the car. If she does really like the Prius v, then awesome! Take pics when you get it!

 

[Quentin]

Hehehe, it is, but you know, it does not feel it unless you're racing someone or you are trying to see how fast it is. In normal life, the instant torque makes it feel just fine. Not sure about the Prius v, but i don't have much problem at all with merging nor passing someone.

I am SHOCKED that you are able to talk your wife into the Prius v over the CT200h! But, i have one piece of advice...let her buy what she wants or else it will be a short honeymoon with the car. If she does really like the Prius v, then awesome! Take pics when you get it!

She's a very practical minded girl. She was impressed with the space and the Entune. The Lexus has a very superficial lure, but the first time she couldn't fit a stroller in there, she'd be pissed. Plus, she'll still have her MINI to drive around when she wants to be in something unique.

Good to hear about merging. The v has the same drivetrain other than a different final drive ratio, so that should make up for the extra weight. I don't mind slow. My first car was a 1.8L AWD Impreza. It was slooooowwwww. :nerd: We were both pretty impressed with the v, though. Nice faux-leather cover on the dashboard, too.

 

[Thai]

She's a very practical minded girl. She was impressed with the space and the Entune. The Lexus has a very superficial lure, but the first time she couldn't fit a stroller in there, she'd be pissed. Plus, she'll still have her MINI to drive around when she wants to be in something unique.

Good to hear about merging. The v has the same drivetrain other than a different final drive ratio, so that should make up for the extra weight. I don't mind slow. My first car was a 1.8L AWD Impreza. It was slooooowwwww. :nerd: We were both pretty impressed with the v, though. Nice faux-leather cover on the dashboard, too.

Personally, i would wait for the upcoming Honda CRV. The problem with Prius v is that, because it is big (cavenous even), you will load lots of stuff/people in it...how will the powertrain hold up? With a loaded Prius v, can you get out of people's way on the highway or up a mountain pass?? How's the fuel economy when the engine has to strain? The problem is that the specs only show how it does on level ground with no passengers nor gear.

I think that this is where a quality mini-SUV comes in. Or even a station wagon, like Acura SportWagon. The 2012 Honda CR-V is supposed to be quite impressive, at least from early tidbits. Here is an overseas version of the '12 CRV: http://www.motorauthority.com/pictu...-internet-before-la-debut_gallery-1#100368660

 

[Quentin]

Personally, i would wait for the upcoming Honda CRV. The problem with Prius v is that, because it is big (cavenous even), you will load lots of stuff/people in it...how will the powertrain hold up? With a loaded Prius v, can you get out of people's way on the highway or up a mountain pass?? How's the fuel economy when the engine has to strain? The problem is that the specs only show how it does on level ground with no passengers nor gear.

I think that this is where a quality mini-SUV comes in. Or even a station wagon, like Acura SportWagon. The 2012 Honda CR-V is supposed to be quite impressive, at least from early tidbits. Here is an overseas version of the '12 CRV: 2012 Honda CR-V Hits Internet Before LA Debut, Gallery 1 - MotorAuthority

I'd just keep driving my paid-off 4Runner all the time if I were going to buy another SUV. I want something that gets excellent mileage when we don't require as much space or 4WD that I get from my 4Runner. I'm a nerd for tech, so the HSD really appeals to me. Throw in the fact that my wife sits in traffic nearly every morning, a Prius v makes a lot more sense than a $5k more expensive TSX wagon (w/ tech package). I like the TSX, but it just isn't compelling to me. I'd rather have a more pedestrian do everything vehicle and spend that extra $6k on an old Miata or a new Scalpel 29er mountain bike that I can really have fun driving/riding.

 

[Thai]

I'd just keep driving my paid-off 4Runner all the time if I were going to buy another SUV. I want something that gets excellent mileage when we don't require as much space or 4WD that I get from my 4Runner. I'm a nerd for tech, so the HSD really appeals to me. Throw in the fact that my wife sits in traffic nearly every morning, a Prius v makes a lot more sense than a $5k more expensive TSX wagon (w/ tech package). I like the TSX, but it just isn't compelling to me. I'd rather have a more pedestrian do everything vehicle and spend that extra $6k on an old Miata or a new Scalpel 29er mountain bike that I can really have fun driving/riding.

Ahh, i see. So, your wife is going to keep the Mini...you the 4runner...why a 3rd vehicle that does not have as much room as your 4runner nor is it fun to drive as your wife's Mini?? Yes, you will save gas on the Prius v, but how many miles do you have to drive in the Prius v to see that it pays for itself in the end rather than just let your wife drive the Mini to the ground and get her something else at that time? $30,000 buys a lot of gas for the Mini and 4runner for a very long time! I thought that she was going to trade in her Mini and get the Prius/CT??

 

[Quentin]

Ahh, i see. So, your wife is going to keep the Mini...you the 4runner...why a 3rd vehicle that does not have as much room as your 4runner nor is it fun to drive as your wife's Mini?? Yes, you will save gas on the Prius v, but how many miles do you have to drive in the Prius v to see that it pays for itself in the end rather than just let your wife drive the Mini to the ground and get her something else at that time? $30,000 buys a lot of gas for the Mini and 4runner for a very long time! I thought that she was going to trade in her Mini and get the Prius/CT??

Nah, keep the MINI as our weekend toy. We could trade it in, but it has been a good car and it is very charming. Plus, we'd only get $8k or so out of it. May as well keep it.

The problem with just having the 4Runner and MINI is that we would be driving 25k miles a year in the 4Runner once we have a kid because you just can't get a rear facing seat into the back of the MINI. The MINI is also pushing 7 years old and I'd like her to have something bigger and safer to drive around, especially when she would have the little one. Basically, we'd have 1 car that was great in snow and for my camping/biking, one car that we can have a little fun in, and one car that takes the whole family and about anything we'd need to carry everywhere. We travel 2 weekends a month, on average, of trips over 500 miles. The 4Runner is overkill more often than not on those trips. Basically, I want something I can reliably put on 20k~25k miles a year. By my math, I'll save ~$1k/year in gas w/ a Prius/Prius v versus what we spend now. It certainly won't pay itself off... no car ever does. If minimum paid was the most important, we'd both buy 5 year old Corollas. That said, the comfort and convenience is worth something to me. I've always envisioned us as a 3 car household and I think this is a pretty good mix. We have a reliable 4WD, a reliable daily driver that can fit the family and is very frugal, and a toy.

 

[Thai]

Got it. It is nice to have a 3-car garage...more than once, we had to use our 3rd car because the battery died on one of the other one...thus, no one is late for work.

 

[Qyota]

Just joined the Prius club! Tell me all your secrets, Thai! :cheers:

 

[Thai]

Just joined the Prius club! Tell me all your secrets, Thai! :cheers:

Good taste!!!

No secrets from me...but plenty from this video: Prius 2010 MAX MPG Secrets - YouTube

Did you get NAVI or Advance tech pkg or plain?

 

[Mf Baker]

i know a way to get even better milage that no one has talked about yet.


buy some super lighweight rims, maybe 16x6/7, and stretch some 165/40's on there. then camber them out to about -4/-5 degrees all the way around. with only about half of the 165 touching the road, this should greatly reduce resistance. will be very dangerous at higher speeds or any kind of moisture, but it will definitely help also drop it some, add some smoothie hubcaps and make sure the tires are bald.

 

[Quentin]

Thai - speaking of the AT package, in order to get a moonroof in the v, you have to get the AT package. In the v, it comes along with the premium HDD Nav, Entune, safety connect, dynamic cruise, pre-collision assist, and advanced parking guidance. This option would cost me about $4800 on top of the Five pricing. Thoughts? How much do you actually use your's? My wife really wants the moonroof so our future spawn can enjoy the 2nd pane from the back seats. Her MINI has a similar dual pane moonroof that she very much likes.

 

[Thai]

Thai - speaking of the AT package, in order to get a moonroof in the v, you have to get the AT package. In the v, it comes along with the premium HDD Nav, Entune, safety connect, dynamic cruise, pre-collision assist, and advanced parking guidance. This option would cost me about $4800 on top of the Five pricing. Thoughts? How much do you actually use your's? My wife really wants the moonroof so our future spawn can enjoy the 2nd pane from the back seats. Her MINI has a similar dual pane moonroof that she very much likes.

Quentin, speaking of you, i did check out the Prius v. Wow, it is a freaking cavern in there! The space, esp. the rear seat, is amazing in such a small package! I did not drive it, but i can see the attraction of it! I like that the cargo area has deep hidden compartments AND a spare tire to boot! The dash and upper doors materials are nice...much better than my Prius. The overall design in the front seat seems like a minivan/Honda CRV. Very space efficient with plenty of nooks.

ATP is really good for two major things: Radar cruise and PCS. Radar cruise is pretty nice if you travel the highways a lot (like me) because it cuts fatigue down and basically gives you an extra pair of eyes to avoid crashing into another car. PCS is like the extra pair of eyes PLUS ability to act on its own to avoid the collision. I hope to never have to use PCS, but i am sure glad that it is there all the time to bail me out if my mind wanders elsewhere.

As for PCS saving a life, check out POST #49 on page 4.

The park assist is OK...i have gotten use to it enough that i can activate it in the same amount of time for me to do it manually.

I don't have Entune, but i dislike that it is a subscription service after 3 years. And some of the things that it has are useless to me. I just need USB and/or BT Audio streaming and i am happy. So, if you need those Entune features, then it is worthwhile.

NAVI is nice, but updating it will be difficult and costly. Unlike my DVD NAVI on my Prius, i think that with HDD, you have to go to Toyota dealership and get it updated. With my DVD NAVI, i just buy a used one off Ebay for cheap, which is what i recently did. I paid $100 for a like-new DVD to the latest version. (I also have a Garmin NUVI for backup.)

Not sure about the Prius v, but the regular Prius stock stereo sucks to no end...and i mean it! The JBL upgrade is very very good...at least in my small Prius. Bass is strong...and the sound is full with good soundstage. And i hear that 2012 models have an even more powerful (but efficient) amplifier. To get the same aftermarket, you will have to pay more than $1000 easily, including labor. So, keep that in mind.

But, if your wife wants a moonroof, then you have no choice. Prius v FIVE will be heavy because of the bigger rims, moonroof, radar stuff...so, do not expect to get 44/40 mpg...probably 1-2 mpg less than that on average. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.

 

[Thai]

Thai - speaking of the AT package, in order to get a moonroof in the v, you have to get the AT package. In the v, it comes along with the premium HDD Nav, Entune, safety connect, dynamic cruise, pre-collision assist, and advanced parking guidance. This option would cost me about $4800 on top of the Five pricing. Thoughts? How much do you actually use your's? My wife really wants the moonroof so our future spawn can enjoy the 2nd pane from the back seats. Her MINI has a similar dual pane moonroof that she very much likes.

Quentin, speaking of you, i did check out the Prius v. Wow, it is a freaking cavern in there! The space, esp. the rear seat, is amazing in such a small package! I did not drive it, but i can see the attraction of it! I like that the cargo area has deep hidden compartments AND a spare tire to boot! The dash and upper doors materials are nice...much better than my Prius. The overall design in the front seat seems like a minivan/Honda CRV. Very space efficient with plenty of nooks.

ATP is really good for two major things: Radar cruise and PCS. Radar cruise is pretty nice if you travel the highways a lot (like me) because it cuts fatigue down and basically gives you an extra pair of eyes to avoid crashing into another car. PCS is like the extra pair of eyes PLUS ability to act on its own to avoid the collision. I hope to never have to use PCS, but i am sure glad that it is there all the time to bail me out if my mind wanders elsewhere.

As for PCS saving a life, check out POST #49 on page 4.

The park assist is OK...i have gotten use to it enough that i can activate it in the same amount of time for me to do it manually.

I don't have Entune, but i dislike that it is a subscription service after 3 years. And some of the things that it has are useless to me. I just need USB and/or BT Audio streaming and i am happy. So, if you need those Entune features, then it is worthwhile.

NAVI is nice, but updating it will be difficult and costly. Unlike my DVD NAVI on my Prius, i think that with HDD, you have to go to Toyota dealership and get it updated. With my DVD NAVI, i just buy a used one off Ebay for cheap, which is what i recently did. I paid $100 for a like-new DVD to the latest version. (I also have a Garmin NUVI for backup.)

Not sure about the Prius v, but the regular Prius stock stereo sucks to no end...and i mean it! The JBL upgrade is very very good...at least in my small Prius. Bass is strong...and the sound is full with good soundstage. And i hear that 2012 models have an even more powerful (but efficient) amplifier. To get the same aftermarket, you will have to pay more than $1000 easily, including labor. So, keep that in mind.

But, if your wife wants a moonroof, then you have no choice. Prius v FIVE will be heavy because of the bigger rims, moonroof, radar stuff...so, do not expect to get 44/40 mpg...probably 1-2 mpg less than that on average. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.

 

[Qyota]

Good taste!!!

No secrets from me...but plenty from this video: Prius 2010 MAX MPG Secrets - YouTube

Did you get NAVI or Advance tech pkg or plain?

Didn't really have a choice, this is a used car, and we got a screamin' deal on it. No nav, no roof, no ATP...so I guess that makes it a "plain" V. JBL stereo is fantastic, and the heated leather keeps the wife happy. My 4-year old is sad because it isn't pink or purple...but I think she'll get over it!

Thanks for the link!

 

[Quentin]

Quentin, speaking of you, i did check out the Prius v. Wow, it is a freaking cavern in there! The space, esp. the rear seat, is amazing in such a small package! I did not drive it, but i can see the attraction of it! I like that the cargo area has deep hidden compartments AND a spare tire to boot! The dash and upper doors materials are nice...much better than my Prius. The overall design in the front seat seems like a minivan/Honda CRV. Very space efficient with plenty of nooks.

ATP is really good for two major things: Radar cruise and PCS. Radar cruise is pretty nice if you travel the highways a lot (like me) because it cuts fatigue down and basically gives you an extra pair of eyes to avoid crashing into another car. PCS is like the extra pair of eyes PLUS ability to act on its own to avoid the collision. I hope to never have to use PCS, but i am sure glad that it is there all the time to bail me out if my mind wanders elsewhere.

As for PCS saving a life, check out POST #49 on page 4.

The park assist is OK...i have gotten use to it enough that i can activate it in the same amount of time for me to do it manually.

I don't have Entune, but i dislike that it is a subscription service after 3 years. And some of the things that it has are useless to me. I just need USB and/or BT Audio streaming and i am happy. So, if you need those Entune features, then it is worthwhile.

NAVI is nice, but updating it will be difficult and costly. Unlike my DVD NAVI on my Prius, i think that with HDD, you have to go to Toyota dealership and get it updated. With my DVD NAVI, i just buy a used one off Ebay for cheap, which is what i recently did. I paid $100 for a like-new DVD to the latest version. (I also have a Garmin NUVI for backup.)

Not sure about the Prius v, but the regular Prius stock stereo sucks to no end...and i mean it! The JBL upgrade is very very good...at least in my small Prius. Bass is strong...and the sound is full with good soundstage. And i hear that 2012 models have an even more powerful (but efficient) amplifier. To get the same aftermarket, you will have to pay more than $1000 easily, including labor. So, keep that in mind.

But, if your wife wants a moonroof, then you have no choice. Prius v FIVE will be heavy because of the bigger rims, moonroof, radar stuff...so, do not expect to get 44/40 mpg...probably 1-2 mpg less than that on average. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.

Awesome info! I'm glad to hear an opinion of the interior space from a current 3rd gen owner (most of the current owners seem to balk at the 44/40 mpg rating and haven't even been in the car).

I'm generally very happy with just bluetooth streaming for audio, but built in Pandora would be nice because it lets me up and downrank on the screen. The display audio w/ bluetooth streaming is very slick and shouldn't be impacted by the subscription. I can't find a definitive list of what a lapsed subscription would impact, though. I wouldn't think it would impact anything that doesn't point to Toyota's data servers (which Pandora wouldn't, I don't think). Cost is $150/year, I've heard, which would be far too much unless XM was bundled into that cost.

Your comments on the radio, PCS, and radar cruise are compelling arguments to just go ahead and get the AT package. I do a lot of 200mi drives to my parents (and I'm sure that will increase when I have a child). I'm not sure if you were aware, but the moonroof is actually not glass to specifically keep the weight down. It, unfortunately, does not open, though. Only the sunshades retract. I, on average, get 22mpg out of my 4Runner. I'd expect that 40 would be plenty doable on the v. We're pretty conservative drivers. 40 is plenty enough for me, particularly considering that we'd have to make the "4runner or prius today?" decision a lot less frequently. If I need 4WD or ground clearance, 4Runner, else Prius, since they are so similarly sized. Cargo area is very close between the two amazingly enough.

Quick question: do you have children? Ages? How's the fit in your Prius?

 

[Thai]

Didn't really have a choice, this is a used car, and we got a screamin' deal on it. No nav, no roof, no ATP...so I guess that makes it a "plain" V. JBL stereo is fantastic, and the heated leather keeps the wife happy. My 4-year old is sad because it isn't pink or purple...but I think she'll get over it!

Thanks for the link!

Yeah, JBL rocks man!! For such a simple system (8 speakers), it really sounds good. And sorry about calling your car "plain"...that was not my intention. BTW, have you tried out the LED headlights? They are pointed LOW from factory...if you can live with them that way, then good. But for me, i had to adjust them slightly upward.

Awesome info! I'm glad to hear an opinion of the interior space from a current 3rd gen owner (most of the current owners seem to balk at the 44/40 mpg rating and haven't even been in the car).

I'm generally very happy with just bluetooth streaming for audio, but built in Pandora would be nice

Cost is $150/year, I've heard, which would be far too much unless XM was bundled into that cost.

Quick question: do you have children? Ages? How's the fit in your Prius?

That's bogus! Jealousy from the old model owners! Do a "gallons per mile" comparision b/w 48 mpg (avg for standard Prius) and 42 mpg (avg for Prius v)...and march it out to a year's driving (ex 12,000 miles).

Prius v = 42 mpg
Prius std = 48 mpg

After 12,000 miles, Prius std uses 250 gallons of gas. Prius v uses 285.7 gallons. Difference is 35.7 gallons. Price of gas is $3.50 (worst case over the next 6 months). 35.7 x 3.50 = $124.95. So, in one year 12000 miles, Prius v costs about $125 more to operate than a standard Prius. To me, this is a non-issue given the practicality that the Prius v offers. In addition, if you and your wife skips going out to eat once every few months, then you can cover that cost easily!

Trust me, i had to do these calculations a million times on Priuschat to the dumba$$es who think that 1.5 mpg penalty of a Prius FIVE vs. Prius II-IV is a world of hurt! When you get to high mileage cars, a few MPGs is nothing.

I don't use Pandora...so, if you use it, then is this even a question??!! You need Entunes then! Enjoyment and ease of use (safety too?) more than offset $150 cost/year. I would skip SOS after the trial period (i did)...that should save you money for Entunes.

I have a 4 year old and a 2.5 year old. I have two baby seats in the back of my Prius. No problems. However, remember, i have a Sienna minivan for long trips...so, i don't have to deal with big strollers, diaper bags, mountains of baby stuff, etc. in my Prius. But, yeah, with a good size stroller, my cargo canNOT take a big luggage, unless i have to do some creative stacking...which is bad since my cargo is not low, so cargo can tip over the rear seat and hit my kids! I think that this is where the Prius v comes in handy.

Secretly, after looking at Prius v, i am considering that as my replacement in the future. It did impress me a lot. I did not drive it though...so, that is still a question mark for me. In addition, i am not sure if i really NEED it because i already have a minivan. But, choices are good to have i guess.