I'm Wanting a 2009 Prius but have a few questions - Time Sensitive

[nubirdman]

Thanks so far folks.. I'm still looking for more answers to my first questions if at all possible!

[a priori]

I really wanted to have the Bluetooth capability, and I like the durability (and easy cleaning!) of leather seats. I didn't want NAV, but there are only so many packages available.

I really, really like having more controls on the steering wheel than those provided in package #2. I can run the climate control, the sound system, the phone, the NAV, and I can go between the consumption and energy screens -- all just using my thumbs (and no comments from the peanut gallery on that one). Still, when you get package #2, you get the heart and soul of the Prius.

[danl]

OP, your commute is fantastic for the prius. I go about 30 miles to work, three quarters of which are mostly highway, but its a small 2 laner with the limit at 55. So I typically just set the cruise control on 55-60 and when I get to work the MFD shows that I've been mostly going at above 50mpg. The prius numbers are just THAT good, not gimmicks or hype. I'm 5'11 and the front and rear seats are comfortable to me.

[Bob64]

1) My daily commute is approx 20 miles from the Suburbs of Buffalo into the city. Half of my drive is highway driving with 55mph speed limit, the other half is of the 30-40mph variety. Does this sound like a trek worth of a Prius? I do this approx 5 days per week.

Yes, any commute longer then 10 minutes is ideal. I'd say that mileage of about 45mpg to 60mpg is possible if you drive it fairly normally...

2) I make monthly highway trips to the Rochester/Geneseo area (approx 85 miles) 50ish on highway, 35ish on residential roads. This dealer tried to tell me that on the highway, a Prius is no better than a Mazda mileage-wise. Any truth to this?

Doubt it, unless that Mazda has the exact same highway rating, and even if it did, the superior aerodynamics of the Prius will probably give it a run for the money at higher speeds, unless you have a lead foot and a need for speed.

3) Lastly, I live in Buffalo. Yes, let the "Canada" and "loveable loser" jokes fly! haha. But seriously, I know the mileage has to be affected by the cold? How badly? Any tips on keeping the Prius running well in the Winter?

You'll git hit with bad mileage no matter what car you drive, but expect about 25mpg-35mpg for the first 5 minutes or so. As for tips, Block your grill and use an EBH to pre-heat your engine before you start your commute. This'll give your coolant temp a boost and perhaps allow you to enter stage 4 (most efficient stage of hybrid operation) before your out of your community.

[richard schumacher]

What are you trying to accomplish? If you want to minimize total cost of ownership buy a used Civic. If you want maximum MPGs without buying a Diesel, get the Prius.

[edmcohen]

Originally Posted by nubirdman

I'm making the 2009 Prius the first thing I drive tomorrow! I have two weeks to get something done here, and potentially three dealerships to choose from if this one falls through.

I'm hoping on a black 2009, package #2. What do we know about package 2 guys and gals?

I'm in a slightly comparable position, contemplating buying a G2 anywhere between an `07 to an `09--a new one if the current economic situation drives the prices down enough. I live in northern Delaware, where the weather is moderate. I have spent time in Buffalo: I know the conditions.

I will probably look for a package # 2, because that avoids the HID headlights that are one of the few chronic headaches in Toyota cars that have them.

If you go for the Prius, you will definitely have to become adept at grill blocking, and you will have some loss of performance and delay in getting up heat during heavy-duty cold weather. Also, in Buffalo one still wants the car one subjects to the road salt not to represent too big an investment.

In a Prius-size car, I notice that the Honda Civic (what I drive now) and the Ford Focus seem to be equally good products. But the Focus is sold with a much bigger discount new, and it depreciates faster, making for bargains in used, off-lease, etc. That might be the way I would go if I lived where you live,

On the other hand, if the G2 Prius appeals to you as much as it does to me--you only live once!

[a priori]

Originally Posted by edmcohen

I will probably look for a package # 2, because that avoids the HID headlights that are one of the few chronic headaches in Toyota cars that have them.

It is a bit of an overstatement to call the HIDs a "chronic headache" in Toyotas. Clearly, Toyota is backing away from HIDs, but I wouldn't avoid a car because of HID headlights. In fact, I kind of like them!

Originally Posted by edmcohen

In a Prius-size car, I notice that the Honda Civic (what I drive now) and the Ford Focus seem to be equally good products. But the Focus is sold with a much bigger discount new, and it depreciates faster, making for bargains in used, off-lease, etc.

I assume you've been in a Prius more than just a few times, so I find it difficult to understand why you would put it in the same size category as your Civic. Not that it is wildly larger, but I feel it has significantly more headroom and legroom than the Civic and MUCH more storage space. At least the Civic is a great car with great mileage and high reliability. It is hard to even compare the Prius and the Focus.

[Drchuck]

This thread is kind of interesting in the seemingly unlimited number of subjects covered. Therefore, its easy to say about anything and answer someone's post. We bought an '09 black package 5 last month, and with that behind us, and a total of around 1200 miles on the car, we freely admit our limitations and experience.

However, like another reader, we were not dead set on the navigator. We did insist on Bluetooth, since Texas has headed into the hands off realm. San Antonio (our home) has just passed an ordinance against hand held usage in school zones. A statewide law is anticipated sometime in the next 10 years, and that would be well before we anticipate liquidating the vehicle.

We couldn't find less than a package 5 available, in January, in our area, with that option. January was a prime month, because of the incentives on the Prius (at least here). One requirement of the primary driver (wife) was leather. Unfortunately, we could not find that either. To solve this problem the dealer had it installed by a local merchant (in one day) and there is no way to look at it and think it didn't come from the factory. So that was an easy fix.

The vehicle replaced was a 1998 Mercury Mountaineer (gave it to a grand kid) and our mileage went from about 14 around town to around 43 around town (actually I can get a little better than she can so far).

We did wear ourselves out figuring, plotting, scheming on the various packages. We finally figured out we'd get a package 3 with Bluetooth, in white. So, we went to the dealer, and the first thing we saw was this jet black package 5 Touring!

Our recommendation to anyone wanting one is to get it before school lets out, gas goes up, and the lines form again.

Oh yeah, forget what package you want -

[JimN]

IMO 2009's package 2 is the sweet spot. During moderate temps expect 25mpg for the 1st 5 minutes, 50mpg for the 2nd 5 mnutes. You'll want to block the grill, install an EBH and inflate the tires. Primer is white. The paint scratches easily. Get VentureShield plastic film on as much of the car as possible. Your sales friend is feeding you BS either out of ignorance or because he doesn't have a Prius to sell.

[nubirdman]

UPDATE:

So I took the plunge and picked up the 2009 Prius (Black - Package 2) yesterday. I drove a Mazda 3 from the Mazda part of the automall to their Toyota site a few miles away and hated it (very plain IMO). I got in the Prius, when my dealer (the same family friend) admitted it would be a learning experience has he had never been in one and thought that they only averaged 34mpg!!!! So we got in and he let me test drive it approx 20 miles. I fell in love with it. Within a few hours I was cleaning out my 98 Cutlass (with broken computer, engine light on, bad breaks, and leaking transmission) and waiting on the guys at Toyota to give my Prius the royal treatment. With a little bit of negotiation I got the price way down from the 24,000+ sticker price and purchased my Prius! Over the first 60 miles I've put on it I've averaged approx 40mpg in temperatures near 15 degrees. Obviously after the break in period and with the improving temperatures that will improve.

Questions:
1) How do I block the grill?
2) What the hell is an EBH?

Thanks all!