Calling all Aussies and Kiwis !!

norman · 03-27-2004, 05:24 PM

I placed my order for a Merlot Red - ITech pack yesterday (That's 'Salsa' #9 for US readers).

So far, I've only spotted one other Prius2004 around Melbourne (in a driveway) It seems that the NSW government is chewing up all the import quota. Should get mine in July if all goes well.

ajpalm · 04-06-2004, 08:39 AM

Hi Norman,

Well I'm in Melbourne as well, were abouts did you see the Prius in the driveway??

Could have been ours

Have you joined upto the Aussie Yahoo group yet?

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/australian-prius/

Thinking about doing a Prius drive some day.

Andrew

kenmac · 04-15-2004, 04:12 AM

Hi folks,
Received my new Prius (Silver) on 1st April after 3 month wait.
Haven't spotted any more in Perth so far ( I am told that there are 10).
I am working up to the 1000km free service - only done 450km so far.
My overall driving impression can be expressed in one word - SMOOTH!
In that short time, mainly flat terrain and freeway running, it is showing average 5L/100km (56 mpg).
Once the first service is out of the way I will move out a bit more on to country roads.
I notice many US owners recommend higher tyre pressures (42psi), but I am a bit wary of going away from Toyota's recommended figures, especially in hot weather - we get to >40 degrees C in summer.
Also need to confirm that the 10W30 oil will be OK in those extremes.
I did query Toyota on their Oz website, but they only redirected me to the local distributor - but nobody seems to know enough about it!
Anyway, I have gleaned a lot of info from http//john1701a.com - that guy lives and breathes Prius!

Regards,
Kenmac

norman · 04-18-2004, 05:04 AM

G'day Kenmac,

looks like Toyota's 3 month delivery estimate for me is going to be pretty accurate.

Like I've mentioned above, I've gone for the Merlot Red (with Ivory interior). I have a full FrontEnd mask on the way from the states, and have found a generic rear bumper guard (to avoid suitcase damage out the tailgate).

Picked up some door edge guards for $6, and I am still looking for sheepskin covers which handle the airbags (nothing is OZ by the looks of things). Might also go for some mudflaps from Canada (SuperCheap has some generic contoured ones which I won't know until the car arrives, whether they fit.)

I'm going all out on this car. It's gonna be my obsession.

My wife didn't know I was joking when I said I'm carpeting the garage to keep the tyres warm ;-) She has seen me obsessed on PCs and home theatre, so nothing surprises her any more.

kenmac · 04-18-2004, 10:32 PM

Hi norman,
The wait will be worth it.
I'm still getting to know the car of course, it will be a while before I get used to driving it - I find myself still reaching for the non-existent gear lever!
The brakes are more sensitive than what I'm used to, but that is only a matter of training or re-calibrating the reactions.
Haven't done my first fuel-up yet, so still to experience the much debated problems with that.
Re the mudflaps - do you think that they will affect the airflow to any extent?
I've noticed the buildup of "road stuff" on the body just past the wheel wells, so I was going to look at fitting flaps.
The windscreen is very deep and I haven't found a sunscreen large enough to fit, so I might have to modify one (add to it) to fit.
I was thinking of seatcovers - the airbags are a stumbling block though.
I had a dash cover custom built/fitted (before delivery) plus window tint, both pretty necessary in our climate.
The dash cover is a neat fit, following the contour, held down by velcro, and allowing for airbag release.
I was a bit concerned as to how it would look, but it turned out to be quite good.
I have two minor areas of concern.
One is the problem of bright sunlight on the centre display - during my road test (on a hot day), it tended to be washed out - unreadable!
Toyota maybe should bring out a hood acccessory for this.
You don't really need the display to drive the car - the energy animation is impressive but really only an "extra".
Of course the other screens are required because they contain "touch" controls for climate and radio/CD, some duplicated on the steering wheel.
The other thing is the lack of body protection down the sides - I will be carefull where I park in shopping centres - they supply a small tin of touchup paint, probably expecting the inevitable chips, marks.
I might see if I can find a suitable "stick-on" protection strip for this.
Toyota don't approve of towing so a towbar is not usually fitted.
However, with my previous car I used a towbar fitting to support a light wheelchair, for when I take my elderly mother shopping each week.
Although the wheelchair can be stored inside the car, I would prefer it external, to free up the rear storage space.
A bit further down the track I'll probably consult a towbar expert re the possibilty of fitting a lightweight frame, probably using the two tie-down points under the body.
Depending on your height, the split rear window can take a bit of getting used to - I'm not sure why they did that, they must have had a good reason I suppose, but I would have preferred the full window.
Also, the rear wiper has only 90 degree sweep, so only part of the glass is covered - what was wrong with 180 sweep?
The "under floor" rear storage space is a great idea - I have fitted four clear plastic containers which fit neatly inside, to keep everything together and sorted.
I will need a cargo net to use with the four tie-down rings they have provided.
This is a classy machine, are we tending to be a bit "picky" ?
Toyota have done such a good job in most areas that it is a surprise to find some things that seem to have been missed!

Your wait is nearly over.

Regards,
Kenmac

norman · 04-19-2004, 03:25 AM

Kenmac,

there is a product called "ding-guard" that is 2 magnetic rubber strips that you attach to the car in "iffy" car park situations. Around $45US.

http://www.dingguard.com/

Here's a quick list of some other items I've found...

Rearbumper guard (generic)
Supercheap Auto Parts

Door edge guards (long thin strips, silver)
Supercheap Auto Parts

Full Frontend Mask
www.toyotapart.com

Headlight Protectors (they just need the measurements) www.altrex.com.au

Mudflaps
www.anythingtoyota.com (Supercheap has generic fit ones)

Sheepskin Covers (still looking)

Regards.

norman

kenmac · 04-19-2004, 10:31 PM

Hi norman,
Thamks for the info.
Why did you go for the I-tech package?
Seems extremely costly for what you get!
It would have been better if the individual options were available separately I think.
Buyers in US seem to have more choice.

Regards,
kenmac

norman · 04-20-2004, 02:49 AM

kenmac,

This is my last new car B4 I retire so I decided to go for the full kit while I could still make the payments. It's also gonna be my hobby "obsession' so I wanted the full kit to justify the attention.

I 've never had Sat Nav before, so it was too cool and integrated to pass up. (At the time I thought it was speech activated, but I now know that the Aussie version doesn't support it. It must be our accent!!). The JBL system, BlueTooth mobile support, Smart Entry, VSC and the airbags are a bonus.

BTW, the Mask arrived today (only took 5 days).

I found a better deal re: 4 mudflaps set here...
http://www.toyota-parts.ca/index.php?cPath=21

I placed an order today.

Happy Hybriding !!

kenmac · 04-20-2004, 06:08 AM

norman,
I'm already retired a few years so I don't see the value in the I-tech of course.
Re the Mudflaps - you ordered from Canada so what will it cost in $AU, including freight?
Is customs duty payable?
I checked my average L/100km today (as displayed for 700km) and it has dropped to 4.9 (57.5 mpg).
The fuel gauge is gradually dropping and I will probably get a fuel warning soon.

Regards,
kenmac

norman · 04-21-2004, 02:55 AM

I'll let you know the full cost when the mudflaps arrive. I expect it to be around $110 for the set.

From what I've read, your mileage (which is already great) will get better as the car "learns" the scope of the HV battery.

My Front Mask is a "Genuine Toyota" article. Very nice.

I found some sheepskin covers at www.autoanything.com.

I pretty much have everything covered now, in readiness for "the arrival".

03-27-2004, 05:24 PM	#1
norman Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 77 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Calling all Aussies and Kiwis !! I placed my order for a Merlot Red - ITech pack yesterday (That's 'Salsa' #9 for US readers). So far, I've only spotted one other Prius2004 around Melbourne (in a driveway) It seems that the NSW government is chewing up all the import quota. Should get mine in July if all goes well.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Calling all PS3s	bigdaddy	Fred's House of Pancakes	1	03-24-2007 07:06 AM
London Calling	Stev0	Gen II Prius Main Forum	0	10-18-2006 08:20 AM
Aussies or other Non-U.S. with 2006	augustson	Gen II Prius Technical Discussion	0	10-07-2006 03:04 PM
I am calling for a boycott!	mssmith95	Gen II Prius Main Forum	74	07-06-2006 06:53 PM
Euro/Jap/Aussies: Got floor anchor?	naterprius	Gen II Prius Main Forum	3	12-29-2004 05:27 PM

04-06-2004, 08:39 AM	#2
ajpalm Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 22 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hi Norman, Well I'm in Melbourne as well, were abouts did you see the Prius in the driveway?? Could have been ours Have you joined upto the Aussie Yahoo group yet? http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/australian-prius/ Thinking about doing a Prius drive some day. Andrew

04-15-2004, 04:12 AM	#3
kenmac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 149 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hi folks, Received my new Prius (Silver) on 1st April after 3 month wait. Haven't spotted any more in Perth so far ( I am told that there are 10). I am working up to the 1000km free service - only done 450km so far. My overall driving impression can be expressed in one word - SMOOTH! In that short time, mainly flat terrain and freeway running, it is showing average 5L/100km (56 mpg). Once the first service is out of the way I will move out a bit more on to country roads. I notice many US owners recommend higher tyre pressures (42psi), but I am a bit wary of going away from Toyota's recommended figures, especially in hot weather - we get to >40 degrees C in summer. Also need to confirm that the 10W30 oil will be OK in those extremes. I did query Toyota on their Oz website, but they only redirected me to the local distributor - but nobody seems to know enough about it! Anyway, I have gleaned a lot of info from http//john1701a.com - that guy lives and breathes Prius! Regards, Kenmac

04-18-2004, 05:04 AM	#4
norman Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 77 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	G'day Kenmac, looks like Toyota's 3 month delivery estimate for me is going to be pretty accurate. Like I've mentioned above, I've gone for the Merlot Red (with Ivory interior). I have a full FrontEnd mask on the way from the states, and have found a generic rear bumper guard (to avoid suitcase damage out the tailgate). Picked up some door edge guards for $6, and I am still looking for sheepskin covers which handle the airbags (nothing is OZ by the looks of things). Might also go for some mudflaps from Canada (SuperCheap has some generic contoured ones which I won't know until the car arrives, whether they fit.) I'm going all out on this car. It's gonna be my obsession. My wife didn't know I was joking when I said I'm carpeting the garage to keep the tyres warm ;-) She has seen me obsessed on PCs and home theatre, so nothing surprises her any more.

04-18-2004, 10:32 PM	#5
kenmac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 149 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hi norman, The wait will be worth it. I'm still getting to know the car of course, it will be a while before I get used to driving it - I find myself still reaching for the non-existent gear lever! The brakes are more sensitive than what I'm used to, but that is only a matter of training or re-calibrating the reactions. Haven't done my first fuel-up yet, so still to experience the much debated problems with that. Re the mudflaps - do you think that they will affect the airflow to any extent? I've noticed the buildup of "road stuff" on the body just past the wheel wells, so I was going to look at fitting flaps. The windscreen is very deep and I haven't found a sunscreen large enough to fit, so I might have to modify one (add to it) to fit. I was thinking of seatcovers - the airbags are a stumbling block though. I had a dash cover custom built/fitted (before delivery) plus window tint, both pretty necessary in our climate. The dash cover is a neat fit, following the contour, held down by velcro, and allowing for airbag release. I was a bit concerned as to how it would look, but it turned out to be quite good. I have two minor areas of concern. One is the problem of bright sunlight on the centre display - during my road test (on a hot day), it tended to be washed out - unreadable! Toyota maybe should bring out a hood acccessory for this. You don't really need the display to drive the car - the energy animation is impressive but really only an "extra". Of course the other screens are required because they contain "touch" controls for climate and radio/CD, some duplicated on the steering wheel. The other thing is the lack of body protection down the sides - I will be carefull where I park in shopping centres - they supply a small tin of touchup paint, probably expecting the inevitable chips, marks. I might see if I can find a suitable "stick-on" protection strip for this. Toyota don't approve of towing so a towbar is not usually fitted. However, with my previous car I used a towbar fitting to support a light wheelchair, for when I take my elderly mother shopping each week. Although the wheelchair can be stored inside the car, I would prefer it external, to free up the rear storage space. A bit further down the track I'll probably consult a towbar expert re the possibilty of fitting a lightweight frame, probably using the two tie-down points under the body. Depending on your height, the split rear window can take a bit of getting used to - I'm not sure why they did that, they must have had a good reason I suppose, but I would have preferred the full window. Also, the rear wiper has only 90 degree sweep, so only part of the glass is covered - what was wrong with 180 sweep? The "under floor" rear storage space is a great idea - I have fitted four clear plastic containers which fit neatly inside, to keep everything together and sorted. I will need a cargo net to use with the four tie-down rings they have provided. This is a classy machine, are we tending to be a bit "picky" ? Toyota have done such a good job in most areas that it is a surprise to find some things that seem to have been missed! Your wait is nearly over. Regards, Kenmac

04-19-2004, 03:25 AM	#6
norman Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 77 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Kenmac, there is a product called "ding-guard" that is 2 magnetic rubber strips that you attach to the car in "iffy" car park situations. Around $45US. http://www.dingguard.com/ Here's a quick list of some other items I've found... Rearbumper guard (generic) Supercheap Auto Parts Door edge guards (long thin strips, silver) Supercheap Auto Parts Full Frontend Mask www.toyotapart.com Headlight Protectors (they just need the measurements) www.altrex.com.au Mudflaps www.anythingtoyota.com (Supercheap has generic fit ones) Sheepskin Covers (still looking) Regards. norman

04-19-2004, 10:31 PM	#7
kenmac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 149 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Hi norman, Thamks for the info. Why did you go for the I-tech package? Seems extremely costly for what you get! It would have been better if the individual options were available separately I think. Buyers in US seem to have more choice. Regards, kenmac

04-20-2004, 02:49 AM	#8
norman Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 77 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	kenmac, This is my last new car B4 I retire so I decided to go for the full kit while I could still make the payments. It's also gonna be my hobby "obsession' so I wanted the full kit to justify the attention. I 've never had Sat Nav before, so it was too cool and integrated to pass up. (At the time I thought it was speech activated, but I now know that the Aussie version doesn't support it. It must be our accent!!). The JBL system, BlueTooth mobile support, Smart Entry, VSC and the airbags are a bonus. BTW, the Mask arrived today (only took 5 days). I found a better deal re: 4 mudflaps set here... http://www.toyota-parts.ca/index.php?cPath=21 I placed an order today. Happy Hybriding !!

04-20-2004, 06:08 AM	#9
kenmac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 149 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	norman, I'm already retired a few years so I don't see the value in the I-tech of course. Re the Mudflaps - you ordered from Canada so what will it cost in $AU, including freight? Is customs duty payable? I checked my average L/100km today (as displayed for 700km) and it has dropped to 4.9 (57.5 mpg). The fuel gauge is gradually dropping and I will probably get a fuel warning soon. Regards, kenmac

04-21-2004, 02:55 AM	#10
norman Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 77 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I'll let you know the full cost when the mudflaps arrive. I expect it to be around $110 for the set. From what I've read, your mileage (which is already great) will get better as the car "learns" the scope of the HV battery. My Front Mask is a "Genuine Toyota" article. Very nice. I found some sheepskin covers at www.autoanything.com. I pretty much have everything covered now, in readiness for "the arrival".