Anything you would do differently???

[Rangerdavid]

My wife and I just picked up our 2006 silver pine mica, package #5 from Toyota of Boone here in N.C. They got three new Prii in yesterday, and actually have a black one that's not sold yet. The purchase experience was excellent. Our salesman was Joey Campbell, and he never tried to sell us anything "extra" and took over a half hour explaining to us the various features on the car. Our wait was about 6 weeks.

I was wondering, hence this post, since my car now has 8 miles on it, is there anything any of you would have done differently (looking back on it now) when you first picked up your car? Anything you may suggest I do with mine that may be of benefit after the miles add up?? (other than just drive and enjoy, which we are already doing!!!!) I have already read in anticipation about the tire pressure, oil changes, etc. that have been posted here.

Anyway, we're very happy to "officially" be amoung the Prius family and look forward to continuing to read all your experiences and suggestions and posts.

WHOOOoooPEEeeeee!!!!! I got a PRIUS!!!!!

[Rancid13]

I wouldn't do anything differently, except possibly have my husband take more pictures of me in and around my new purchase the night we picked it up.

Just drive it, definitely enjoy it, and get used to the feel of it. The Prius is an amazing car and an excellent piece of technology. Then make a list of any mods or extras you want to add to the car (mud flaps, all weather mats, window tint, etc) and start checking things off the list as your Prius gets personalized.



Congratulations!!

[onerpm]

I'd have installed my mudflaps right away. That's it!
rpm

[daniel]

I'd probably have replaced the OEM tires right away instead of waiting 9 months. Better tires are a safety feature. I'm not sure there's a big difference between brands, but get the top-of-the-line tire in your favorite brand. I use Michelin HydroEdge all-season tires. I stay home if the weather is really nasty, so I don't need full-blown snow tires in winter.

[Godiva]

I would have held out and waited for a Black with gray interior.

I would have drilled and installed the third screw on the inner corner of the rear mudflaps. One of mine is broken now. I'll have to take the tire off and do it now.

[TheForce]

I would get the 3M clear bra installed professionally first thing.

[Bill Merchant]

I would NOT have bought the pre-paid maintenance. The Finance guy scared me with their price of 15K, 30K, 45K and 60K service ("The pre-paid maintenance pays for itself with the 45K service alone!") but I waited too long to cancel. Now I understand the Prius almost doesn't need anything more than oil changes. And it always burns me that the service ticket says 5 quarts of oil used, though they have always filled it correctly.

I concur with the 3M clear paint protector, better tires, and mud flaps.

Be sure and turn off the MFD sometime and just drive. Congratulations and welcome to the cult, er, club!

[Rangerdavid]

Thanks, excellent suggestions all !! I had not thought about the mud flaps at all, and I've only read about the 3M clear paint protectors (rather expensive i hear). I had only thought about the all weather mats and cargo net as immediate options, but these protective additions seem much more logical choices now to keep the car looking new.......... I didnt' buy the prepaid maintenance plan, glad I didn't ... I might go back and get the extended warranty though, but I have 3 yrs. (or 36000 mi) to do that I understand.

thanks everybody

[HokieHybrid]

As far as the 3M protection, I've seen the price range vary much too much. I got mine from VA Clear Tech in Christiansburg, VA (not too far from Boone, NC if I remember correctly). The entire front end was $550 and took about 3 hours. The prices I had been quoted in northern Virginia were in the range of $1000-1200, so I was more than happy to wait the month until my trip back to VT to get it installed and save half the money.

Personally I still haven't had anything happen that screams wow it saved me...but every time my dad washes my car he mentions he thinks it will be worth every penny.

[PriusRos]

I would have gone for a higher option package instead of the basic #3 so that I would have had VSC, navigation, and 6-disc CD changer. I didn't think I needed the the last two (probably because I have survived so far without them), but it would have been nice. The VSC sounds like something that should have been included. I should have also gone for the clearcoat protection.

I felt that these options were not worth the extra money being charged. However, if one can afford them, they are really nice to have. It's kind of like buying a new computer -- go for the best that you can afford.


I might have also gone for the magnetic grey instead of the silver (too light, too common).