The Prius Diaries

[weaktwos]

The drive: So far, I'm loving it. It's very smooth, comfortable, and quiet.
The interface:This is different. I can't get over the fact that my display is digital, and most of my features are all via a touchpad screen. I feel so futuristic. Also, the keyless entry bit is fun.
The fuel economy So far, over 46 miles, I'm averaging 42 mpg. Despite being a gallon of gas down, therefore, my fuel gauge hasn't budged. Either that attests to the fuel economy, or I had a busted fuel gauge from the get-go.
The navigation system: It sure is perty! Right now, I have trust issues with it's accuracy. It keeps trying to send me on the freeway for locations that don't require it. I will have to enlist taogrl's assistance, and we'll have a driving adventure where we follow the navigation system's directions and see where we end up. I'm sure a camera will be involved.

All in all, I'm in love with my new car. This is a good thing, since I've only had it for a day.

Comments

[cotharyus.livejournal.com]

Tell me this - how does it *drive* - I mean, I'm not one of these people that has to have something that will run 150 mph. Lets face it, I drive a 4wd truck right now, and anything over about 85 in anything that sits that high off the ground (and no, it's not lifted, 4wd's just have more ground clearance) is suicidal. However, when I see an opportune hole in traffic, and I'm waiting to pull out of somewhere - when I pull out I want to *go*. So does it feel like it will hold it's own pulling out into traffic, or merging onto the interstate off one of those messed up little short ramps? I've always wondered this about these hybreds, but your the first person I've known that had one....so I'm asking :)

[weaktwos.livejournal.com]

So far, the drive is satisfying. I sometimes end up going faster than I thought I would. But then, my previous car was a toyota corolla, so my relative point may not be the same as yours. However, so far, I haven't had an issue when I hit the freeways.

[torsoheap.livejournal.com]

42 mpg seems pretty low. There were cars in the 70's that averaged that much. Granted they were tin foil CVCC's that had 0 star crash ratings, but I would expect a car whose only redeeming feature is gas mileage to perform better.

What are the gas prices like in Cali? I saw $2.259 here in NY. Weak.

[weaktwos.livejournal.com]

well, it is the first 46 miles of its existence, and I have a feeling it got very poor mpg during it's first four miles due to toyota test driving.

gas gauge, navi

[misterweasel.livejournal.com]

From what I hear, the prius gas gauge is not very linear, nor is it to really be trusted (i.e. it will go from "50%" to "Refill soon" in minutes)

Funny, really, since the computer seems to keep pretty good track in general, that the gas indicator should be so bad.

Navi systems are sometimes pretty stupid. It's not just the Prius in this case, all the GPS tracking navigators I've had have often made some really idiotic suggestions as to what to do. I really don't rely on them for directions to places I know how to go, just for "my location" in case I get off course, so I can see where to get back on course.

Re: gas gauge, navi

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes, I have noticed this in my Prius. It's not an all the time thing, though...and it doesn't happen before you hit 50%. But, after 50%, I often feel like someone has siphoned my gas off because it goes so fast...on the guage, that is.

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Ooooh, you have a new Prius???

Isn't it the most wonderful car in the entire world? Don't you love it???

I have a Prius...a 2002 Prius and I love my car. I adore my car. I would not trade my car for anything in the world.

Apparently, MANY Prius owners feel the same way because my Toyota dealership keeps contacting me (like every month or two) to try to get me to trade mine in because they have no used ones to sell and people want used ones. They've made me incredible offers. They've been doing this since 6 months after I bought her.

I would never get rid of mine. She now has 51,000 miles on her. She'll be three in June. NO CAR REPAIRS. Never. Just one routine maintenance and tires. No tune-up until she hits 100,000 miles, they tell me.

You probably have to break her in to get the higher mileage. I regularly hit 60-70 miles per gallon. I have even hit 100 miles to the gallon before. (I kid you not. Doesn't last long, but it happens.)

I have to be really careful on the freeway, though, cause she'll get up to 80 without any strain before I know it.

CONGRATULATIONS on your car!!!! I hope you love it and enjoy it.

[weaktwos.livejournal.com]

That's good to know...I'm up to 43.8 mpg over the first 60 miles so far...

[clemidia.livejournal.com]

I've had mine one week today:



Can hardly compete on the gas mileage, but it rides like a Lexus. Er--a GOOD Lexus. And lotsa zip.

[weaktwos.livejournal.com]

Which model is that?

How cool! We got new vehicles at about the same time. Awwww. ;-)

This car is a man-magnet, too. They all want a ride in my Prius.

[clemidia.livejournal.com]

It's a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, and the actual color I bought is called Magnesium--a kind of greenish grey shade.

It has a 3.8 engine which rides SO smoothly. I just have to get more used to driving lower; it sits lower than the Town & Country I was used to. Short as I am, I prefer to sit higher.

We'll probably be driving it west to the wedding, so you can see it in person!