Noise on passenger door, removing strip & dealer logo, Smart key replacement?

[local_host]

Just picked up a new 2007 model last week. So far I'm pretty happy with my decision, however not as content with the price I settled with, $27,000. Which included option 3, leather seats & extra mile package. All of these features already built into just about every Prius on the lot, so my choices were slim. Only one model had no options but still had the leather seats and other extras totalling over $2,000, and the option package was one of the main reasons I wanted a Prius (although I only needed #2).

A few issues I'm having are a random noise coming from the front passenger door "area". Can't seem to tell exactly what it is. Sometimes it's very noticeable, other times not so much. My guess is that it's the hard plastic or rubber or whatever material the door is made out of- rattling up against the frame when I drive. I notice that when I push down on it, it makes a similar sound. By the way this material seems kind of cheap compared to other cars I've had. It just kind of feels ecomomy-ish. Seems like cars that have the inside part of the door covered in some type of cloth instead of a hard rubber, doesn't have strange noises because the cushioning prevents things shifting around..? So anyone else have this problem? How in the world could it even be fixed, short of taking the door apart and spraying WD-40 everywhere??

Also, my Prius came with one of those cheesy stripes on the entire length of the sides. Of course it was part of the extras package (already added) and itemized as costing $99 bucks! What a waste! I'd like to have this removed, but too afraid to mess with it myself, fearing I might scratch up the car. Shouldn't the dealer take this off for free? Also I'd like to remove the dealer's name on the back door. I hate it when these places use your car for their free advertising. I refuse to drive around town giving some business free advertising. I mean when they have it on the license plate cover that's one thing, because it's easy to replace. But when it's etched into the car, that's just wrong. Actually it looks like more of a semi-permanant sticker. But again I'm worried about trying to remove it myself, due to potential scratch marks.

Lastly I've noticed that sometimes my electronic key fob doesn't work with the Smart System. I think this might be because the key was manhandled quite a bit by the sales reps showing off the car all day, I can tell because the key looks quite used. I wonder if I'm eligible to receive a replacement for free? I was told that buying a new key is over a whopping $200 bucks! I do have an extra but I would like both keys to work as they should.

[aaf709]

I had a rattle on the passenger's side that happened whenever there was a lot of bass. I popped the forward part of the arm rest (where the window and lock controls are) and inside was a black box. I wrapped a couple of pieces of paper towel around it and that stopped the rattle.

[Pinto Girl]

I think that the interior plastics just aren't that durable. I'm doing my best to try and keep things looking like new, but it's a bit difficult (I've got the tan interior with the leather seats).

Isn't it some sort of EcoPlastic or something...? From what I can vaguely remember, has something to do with better recyclability at the end of the car's lifetime(?)

Or, perhaps, that's just the marketing hype?
[laughing]

In any case, the interior of my '96 RAV4 is much more solid; the door panels don't creak when I open the window and rest my elbow on the sill, for example.

Regarding your key fob...is this car a demo? If so, I'd definitely request a new key.

[Charles Suitt]

"local_host" - ?? - A strange user name.

Insofar as the decorative stripe, It is a decal. I removed a partially-peeling stripe on another car by use of a hair dryer to heat the stripe and pull it off without damage to the paint. I did re-wax over the stripe area after removal of the stripes. Since the Prius paint also has a "clear coat," it's probable that the stripe was applied over the "clear coat." The stripe on my previous Prius [2004 model] was still in excellent shape after over two years of Texas weather and many washings.

How many miles on the odometer when you bought your Prius? Hundreds of miles could indicate a "demo" car. As for the fobs, the fobs on my previous Prius [2004 model] were nearly 3 years old, still had the original batteries and both worked well although one became a bit scratched from carrying it in my pocket. If the salespeople "played" with the fob a lot, the button battery {CR2032} is inexpensive and available at many drug stores and supermarkets, a fairly easy replacement [Instructions in the Owner's Manual].

I always insist that no dealer "decal" or semi-permanent logo be placed on a car I purchase. I expect your comment on a dealer logo on the "back door" means the cargo area hatch. Although that requirement should have been specified prior to purchase, its removal should be done by the dealer without paint damage. I had the salesman write that requirement on the Purchase Agreement. My dealer provided license plate frames which I discarded as soon as the permaent plates arrived.

It's helpful for your Profile and Signature to provide detail on your Prius [Year, Package, Options] and your location so responses can be more accurate.

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Feb 6 2007, 01:18 PM) [snapback]386277[/snapback]</div>

"local_host" - ?? - A strange user name.[/b]

Why don't you just add it to the list of annoyances in your signature??

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---Charles Suitt---Dallas TX---
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I don't read posts with irritating animated
avatars, huge pictures in their signature,
and those in all caps or all lower case. [/b]

[local_host]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Feb 6 2007, 03:18 PM) [snapback]386277[/snapback]</div>

"local_host" - ?? - A strange user name. [/b]

A "local host" is a computer term (for us technogeeks). DEFINITION: Default name describing the local computer address also known as the loopback address of the computer. For example, typing: "ping localhost" in a DOS/Command Prompt, would ping the local IP address of 127.0.0.1 (the loopback address).

I thought ALL Prius owners were computer nerds??!?!??! ;-))


In answer to your questions:

The mileage was 44, so I assume it wasn't a demo. What are 'normal' demo miles? Is it possible the mileage can be manipulated? I'm wondering because the tires look kind of weathered too. Don't ask me why I didn't notice this before I bought it. Long story.

The key fob issue is intermittent, I remember when I was in the sales office, people were coming in and out borrowing the key. It could be the battery but it really just looks all worn and torn. Plus I assume it's been dropped once or 10 times.. Regarding what you mentioned about your 3 year old fob, I think that was before the Smart Key System? I thought that the Smart System was new for 2007 models. Basically it uses a wireless signal to automatically unlock the door when you're in close range, also allows you to drive the car without plugging in the key. So I think these newer keys might be more sensitive to impacts, etc..

Regarding the stripe, I definately don't like it, I think it cheapens the look. I remember stripes were a big thing back in the 70s/80s, just like woodgrain paneling- yuck! So regardless of how long it's able to stay on without peeling off, I'd rather have it removed now. Besides, imagine if it peels off in 5 years and there is a line that is darker colored than the rest of the car?? I guess this issue along with the dealer's name on the hatchback door, is something I should have demanded they get removed before I made the purchase but I just didn't have time. Again, long story. Hopefully they won't try and charge me for these things now.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Feb 6 2007, 02:42 PM) [snapback]386256[/snapback]</div>

I had a rattle on the passenger's side that happened whenever there was a lot of bass.[/b]

Mine happens when I'm just driving, at any speed. By the way, I noticed that the center console speaker (on top of the monitor) screeches at a certain pitch. Almost kind of sounds like a blown tweeter, but it only happens with a certain tone of voice. I'm reluctant to start popping things open and unscrewing things because the car is brand spanking new but I'll give it a try... Did you use any tools to fix the black box door problem?

[aaf709]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(local_host @ Feb 6 2007, 03:13 PM) [snapback]386371[/snapback]</div>

I thought that the Smart System was new for 2007 models. Basically it uses a wireless signal to automatically unlock the door when you're in close range, also allows you to drive the car without plugging in the key.
[/b]

The Smart Key System has been around since 2004. There's even a Smart Key Watch, but it's pretty expensive ($400).

It almost sounds you got a demo Prius. Mine had 4 miles when I got it.

Could you send a picture of your Prius? I would like to see what the stripe is like.

I haven't seen a dealer logo on a California car in ages, only on out-of-state cars. Somehow I got the idea that they were banned some time ago. I remember my father saying a friend of his made them remove the trunk and replace it because it was a plastic logo that had two pins going though the metal.

[local_host]

Ok I thought one of the new things for 2007 was the Smart Key (maybe it was just the electronic stability control new for '07) ... Anyways the key didn't seem to work a couple of times when I was near the door..

I know that my car was probably used to show customers and perhaps test drive around the block (like they did with me) is that considered a demo? I thought demos had a few hundred miles on them and weren't for sale until the end of the year. Maybe it's considered any car that is used by the sales reps to show, rather than a car untouched since the delivery ..

[Orf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(local_host @ Feb 6 2007, 03:04 PM) [snapback]386222[/snapback]</div>

Also I'd like to remove the dealer's name on the back door. I hate it when these places use your car for their free advertising. I refuse to drive around town giving some business free advertising. I mean when they have it on the license plate cover that's one thing, because it's easy to replace. But when it's etched into the car, that's just wrong. Actually it looks like more of a semi-permanant sticker. But again I'm worried about trying to remove it myself, due to potential scratch marks.
[/b]

When I purchased my prius it had the business name sticker on the back window. When I pulled out my cheque book to pay for the car I said to the salesman that I charge $1000 per year to advertise their business and that I was deducting $1000 off the purchase price to cover the first year. The Toyota dealer quickly removed that sticker and I didn't even have to ask.

[JimN]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(local_host @ Feb 6 2007, 07:07 PM) [snapback]386402[/snapback]</div>

Ok I thought one of the new things for 2007 was the Smart Key (maybe it was just the electronic stability control new for '07) ... Anyways the key didn't seem to work a couple of times when I was near the door..

I know that my car was probably used to show customers and perhaps test drive around the block (like they did with me) is that considered a demo? I thought demos had a few hundred miles on them and weren't for sale until the end of the year. Maybe it's considered any car that is used by the sales reps to show, rather than a car untouched since the delivery ..
[/b]

If the dealer logo is a plastic sticker it should just peel off without any trouble. I removed part of the dealer logo from my Olds with a blast of water from the self serve car wash.

We've had the discussion here over how many miles it takes for a "new" car to become a "demo" without coming to a consensus. IMO 44 miles doesn't sound like a lot (that's 44 miles on the ODO not the Trip ODOs) but the tires should still look new and no excuse for worn looking fob as it gets zero wear in an SKS environment.

Voice your concerns to the dealer BEFORE you complete the satisfaction survey. If nothing else include your comments on the survey. You can always call Toyota if the dealer isn't helpful.

I know it's hard to get other these sort of irritating things with a new car but if you give it a chance, the car will grow on you and you'll be happy with the selection. Good luck and enjoy.