Calling all Aussies and Kiwis !!

[kenmac]

norman,
Great !
I'm checking with the local Toyota Parts people to see if they will bring in some mudflaps - waiting for a reply.

Regards,
kenmac

[norman]

Spotted a white '02 today. Seemed to have 2 years worth of bugs splattered across the bumper and over the hood (some people have no respect), at least it shows that someone is doing a lot of highway country driving.

[kenmac]

norman,
In our previous talk re seat covers you mentioned the problem caused by seat airbags, and I just accepted that I would have the same issue, completely forgetting that my "non I-tech" car of course doesn't have that option.
So, now I will be looking around locally for something suitable.
Also, I has assumed that the rear brakes were drums ( I read it somewhere I think - probably US models) but you will be pleased to know we get disks all around.
Tyres fitted are Michelin - the "spare" is one of those "pretend spares" which are only good for limping home!
Incidentally, I still carry the small compact 12V compressor which I used for tyre inflating on my previous car.
It has medium "Croc" clips which normally connect direct to the battery.
I was wondering where it would connect on the Prius - maybe via the auxilliary power socket.
Anyway, I found that the positive lead can be simply clipped onto the "jump start" terminal that Toyota have provided.
This is located in the fuse/relay box under the hood, under the red flip-up cover.
The negative lead clips on to a chassis bolt/nut just above the box - it looks like it was meant to be used - it has a deep round washer fitted, making it all very easy.
I am not sure if the "jump start" terminal has fuse protection, but my compressor has its own fuse, so there isn't a problem.
Just noticed today - the shoulder seat-belt mounts are adjustable in height - they can be slid up/down to suit! (haven't seen that before)

Travelling on flat freeway at 100Kph on Cruise Control - seems to settle at about 3.5L/100km.
Average has already dropped back to 4.8L/100km.
Fuel down to 2 bars now - waiting for alarm.

The Cruise Control is the best I've come across - when you set the speed it locks on immediately, no hunting up/down as some do, (the advantage of full computer control I suppose), making driving a lot easier.

I still use one word for this machine - SMOOTH!

Regards,
kenmac

[kenmac]

norman

Talked to local Toyota sales person today.
Dealers are being driven nuts - plenty of orders but no supply - Perth gets 3 per month on the Toyota ship.
He said a group of doctors have ordered some at the Nedlands branch, plus there is a small fleet order - I forget which firm.
All of this of course makes it almost impossible for the individual prospective buyer!
I think I was fortunate to get in before all this.
I notice that they are no longer advertising, and two reviews ( the tests were done) have not appeared in the local press - I am guessing that Toyota have put a hold on those to prevent further embarrassment.

kenmac

[norman]

Hey Kenmac,

thanks for the info. That freeway mileage sounds fantastic !

Imperial (British) Gallons
L/100km = 282.5/mpg
mpg = 282.5/[L/100km]

therefore....

282.5/3.5/100 or

3.5l/100km = 28.57km/Ltr * 2.852 = 81mpg !!!

Re disk brakes: It's interesting how there are subtle differences between each country. I have read that the UK version has a firmer suspension than the US version (I assume that we'll get the same as the UK in Aus).

I don't want to alrm you, but the next time you experience a 40C day, check the temperature of your dash under the cover. My experience has been that with a cover (to protect from sunlight), the dash is actually much hotter to the touch. I am not sure which is worse, sun or heat. I guess the cover is really about reducing heat radiation into the cabin. I just hope it's not all being absorbed into the dash.

re: delivery. Toyota themselves have quoted 3 months (starting mid-March). I do hope they're not just sticking a wet finger in the air.

re: Jumpstart terminal. I have bought a smallish portable "jumpstarter" and a solar trickle charger incase I have to deal with 12v failure (ie: left the internal light on overnight). In my situation, 12v failure means, no can release park brake, must drag out of garage in reverse with front wheels locked. Not enough room for a towtruck... Better to keep jumpstartbattery solution nearby.

BTW, on the issue of no parkbrake release without power, there just has to be some kind of hot jumper point to disengage the prawl manually, yet there is no mentiuon in the Emergency Attendence doco. (you know, kinda like arcing across the starter solanoid with a screwdriver, that used to work on my Falcon when the solanoid usstuck on a hot day.)

[ajpalm]

I don't want to alrm you, but the next time you experience a 40C day, check the temperature of your dash under the cover. My experience has been that with a cover (to protect from sunlight), the dash is actually much hotter to the touch. I am not sure which is worse, sun or heat. I guess the cover is really about reducing heat radiation into the cabin. I just hope it's not all being absorbed into the dash.

This isn't the sun its the screen. Even on cold days, after driving for a while the screen is warm to touch and the dash around it and ontop is warm to the touch.

This is the reason why there is a option on the touch screen to turn the display off on those long trips.

Loving the prius, nearly 5k on him average is between 4.8 to 5.2 with A/C or heater on, and driving normally!

getting 900kms roughly per tank. and taking about the 42-44ltrs to fill.

Andrew

[kenmac]

norman,
re the dash mat.
I think that the original use was to prevent those old vinyl covered dashes from splitting open in the direct sunlight.
The current dash is of harder material, but we don't know how it reacts under continuous harsh conditions.
The one fitted on mine is same colour as dash (charcoal) so it probably won't prevent the heat being absorbed - just no direct sunlight.
Might just have to switch off the display on really hot days.
Once the 1000km service is done I'm just going to enjoy the car, without becoming obsessed with mileage checks, but I intend keeping a record of fuel costs.

Regards,
kenmac

[kenmac]

Hi norman and others,
1st tank dropped to 1 bar on the gauge and I decided to refuel at that point - not flashing yet.
Went 858km @ displayed ave. = 4.8L/100.
Tank took 41.98L, so calculated use = 4.89L/100, same as display!
On 2nd tank so far 172km, temp 25 to 30C, flat terrain, max. 100kph, displayed average = 4.3L/100.
That would give 1000km per tank in those conditions.
Going in for free service this week, after which I will start to move further out of the City.

Regards,
kenmac

[norman]

Thanks for the info kenmac,

Those fuel average figures sound great and equate to 66mpg. They can only get better as the ECU "learns" the HV battery dynamics.

My Mudflaps arrived.

Total cost = $91 Aud delivered.

I'm investigating whether canada air charged surface freight cost, but still delivered via airmail (postage was only $10.70cn)

Seat covers are on the way.

Nearly all prepped. Now I just "NEED MY CAR!!"

Still 8 weeks to go and I'm running out of bits to buy in anticipation!!

[kenmac]

Hi norman,
The wait will be worth it.
I learnt a couple more things this week.
After refueling (full tank) I found that the displayed "average L/100" had automatically reset.
First I thought that it had reset when I cleared the TripA reading, but eventually was told (forum) that it occurs automatically.
I haven't noticed it mentioned in the Owners Manual
The car is in for free service today.
This is the first chance to speak to anyone that really knows anything about the car (serviceman).
In discussing the engine oil situation, I discovered that they use a form of "running in" oil for the first 6 months/10,000km.
I am trying to find out if I can use 20W50 oil (GTX2) in lieu of 10W30.
The reason is that I still have plenty of GTX2 left - I did my own oil changes on the Celica.
There isn't a warranty problem - just maybe a small fuel economy penalty, but not sure.
The 10W30 covers the really low range of temperatures which we don't experience, in Perth anyway.
I'm still waiting for an answer from local Toyota re importing mudflaps and will probably do the same as you if they cannot supply.
I bought a set of seat covers yesterday from Super Cheap - not sheepskin, but OK to protect the seats.
One thing has puzzled me about the design of this car - the rear wiper is located on the LHS and only sweeps a 90 degree arc to the centre of glass.
I think that they must have just left it where it is installed for LHD versions, and didn't bother to move it for RHD.
It should have been in the centre anyway. with full sweep of the glass.


Regards,
kenmac