Questions from a prospective Prius owner

[Matty G]

Hello everyone! Excellent site/forum you have going here. Having read through some of the threads I've already learned a lot of useful information. Looks very useful!

Anyway, I'm very strongly considering (95%+ sure that I'll get one) buying a new 2006 Prius within the next few months. I don't care what the car looks like, but I'm planning on getting it in white because white cars get into fewer accidents because they are more visible than others and because white absorbs less heat from the sun (a significant consideration given that I live in Texas). I plan on getting either package 1 or 4. But I have a few questions, and I'd be most greatful for input from all you knowledgeable/experienced Prius owners.

1) Vehicle Stability Control - The reason why I'm considering package 4 is that it's the cheapest package that has vehicle stability control. I don't particularly want or need the extra audio/smart key system/backup camra, although I wouldn't mind having them - it really comes down to the VSC. While I understand that VSC is estimated to reduce the risk of single car crashes by ~33%, the climate in Texas does not provide for much of the rain/snow conditions in which I gather VSC makes the biggest difference. Do you think that this is worth the extra ~$1175 it would cost me? Has anyone benefitted from the VSC in an emergency situation? Given that I'm concerned enough about safety that I would not buy a car without ABS, side curtain airbags, good crash test scores, good braking, etc, would it be irrational of me to buy one without VSC?

2) MP3s - If I do get package 4, can I transfer MP3s/Podcasts from an IPOD to the Prius? How does this work? Are there any problems with plugging it in?

3) Rear Visibility - When testdriving, I had some trouble with rear visibility, but I think I got used to it to some extent after the first test drive. I don't think this is a dealbreaker type problem or anything and I imagine that I would get even more used to it with experience, but has anyone had any major problems seeing cars behind you?

4) Maximum Gas Mileage - I'd like to get as good gas mileage as possible (heh - . I already know the normal obvious things that apply to all cars (don't accelerate too quickly, don't slam on the breaks at the last minute, don't carry unnecessary weight, tire pressure, etc). What I'd like to know more about are Prius/Hybrid specific tips for increasing gas mileage. I've looked around in the archives and around the web and have seen some references to isolated techniques, but can't seem to find anywhere where all the prius-specific ways to increase gas mileage are listed together and clearly explained. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

5) Price - With minimal effort and only initial inquiries, I've already been able to find a dealer who will put me on a waiting list (I don't particularly want to wait, but am willing to do so for up to several months if it means I can get a better deal and get exactly what I want) and sell for $300 under MSRP. I have a list of the 50 or so dealers which are closest to me (~50 within a ~4-5 hour drive and ~20 within a 1-2 hour drive) and I'm quite sure that I could get a better offer by making them compete for my business, but how low can I reasonably expect them to go? Any input from anyone who has recently purchased in the TX area would be especially nice - also, any dealers to avoid or that anyone would recommend?

6) Tax Credit - As I understand it, as long as I purchase a new '06 prius before the end of the 2nd quarter, I am guaranteed (there is no chance of me being hit up for the alternative minimum tax) a tax credit thanks to the '05 energy bill. Is that correct? I just want to make sure I understand it correctly. <_< And how solid of an estimate is $3150?

7) TT&L - I downloaded Kiloran's excellent Prius calculator spreadsheet (thanks Kiloran! ) but I don't know what the various title fees should be in Texas. I want to make sure the dealer doesn't overcharge me on these last fees at the end. Does anyone know how I can find out what they are in TX (or better yet, what they are)?

Kiloran's spreadsheet lists the following fees:

Passenger Vehicle Registration
Certificate of Title
Transfer of Registration (Plate Transfer Fee)
Original Title Issuance
Record a Lien
Electronic Filing

And what are "Dealer Document Fees?" How much should that be and is it legit?

Thanks,

Matty G.

[EricGo]

Any other questions, matty ?

4) Evan Fusco wrote a very good overview. If you cannot find it here, hop over to greenhybid.com and look in the articles section.

6) Correct

5) I have read $800 under msrp

1) Very interesting question. If you care to query the database that IIHS uses for their reports, you could probably come up with relative benefit by month.

3) Few people have depth perception as poor as me, yet I reverse and parallel park without a lot of difficulty. Not with the ease I enjoyed with my Honda Civic after a couple of years of getting to know it, but OK.

Dealer Doc fees are junk fees. I ate a $100 fee when I purchased my Prius, and told the dealer to stuff them when I bought my Honda Civic.

All the best, and good luck !

[jbarnhart]

You get my vote as "most prepared prospective Prius purchaser".

[frankie_delaware]

Originally posted by Matty G@Jan 18 2006, 08:30 PM
2) MP3s - If I do get package 4, can I transfer MP3s/Podcasts from an IPOD to the Prius? How does this work? Are there any problems with plugging it in?

[snapback]192944[/snapback]

I don't know if pkg 4 comes with the CD player that plays mp3s, but what I do is copy my podcasts to a CD and play them from the CD player. Easier than using my mp3 player through the Aux audio port (I use that for my XM radio...).

fd

[Tideland Prius]

1) You think you don't want the smart key, but once you have it, you'll change your mind. Trust us. As for VSC, it doesn't have to be wet weather that'll make your car lose control. Sandy roads, oil slicks and what have you (even speed if you want to go there). I'd recommend it.

2) It'll play MP3 CDs and well as songs in your mp3 player. You cannot transfer as there's no HDD in the Prius. All it does is play the songs when you plug it into the AUX Input.

3) It's not that bad actually. The split makes you think that you're missing out but really, it helps block headlights at night. I'm guessing you're gonna tint since you're in Texas, in that case, the backup camera will help at night when it's too dark to see out the tinted windows.

4) Pulse and Glide is one of the best techniques. This means you accelerate briskly past your intended speed, then glide back down to the speed you want to be, then accelerate back up (hence the pulse). Of course, don't do it if there's a lot of traffic behind you cause that'll piss people off. Also, if the road's on a slight decline, just glide, no need to pulse. To glide is when the engine is off and there are no arrows shown on the display. This means you're not using any fuel AND you're not using any battery power either. It's free!

[flynz4]

Personally, when I was going to buy a Prius for my daugther... I was only interested in Pkg #1 because of the safety feature of the side curtain airbags. However... I soon realized (like you are asking)... that VSC was a feature that dramatically improved safety... so #4 became my target.

Then I was torn about the HID headlights... but decided that I probably would not go that far... even though it was a safety consideration. Then at the last minute... I found a dealer that would sell me a Pkg #8 in time for Christmas... so I went with the entire enchilada rather than just wrapping a sales brochure and placing it under the tree.

Bottom line... I think #4 is the sweet spot for someone who is interested in safety.

/Jim

[gjertsen]

My 2 cents as a new owner:

Originally posted by Matty G+Jan 18 2006, 11:30 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Matty G @ Jan 18 2006, 11:30 PM)</div>

I definitely find the AUX input, MP3 capability, and smart key worth it. I test drove a package 1, and the whole inserting the key fob and then hitting the start button is sort of clumsy. Actually makes it more complicated than a normal stick the key in the ignition kind of car.

You can make a disc of MP3s and listen to it as you would a CD. There is sort of an annoying bug with the randomize feature, but overall works well.

In addition, you can plug an iPod into the AUX input with a standard mini audio cable. You have to crank up the volume pretty high because the iPod is designed to drive tiny earbud speakers, but it beats the FM modulator solution, if you can even call that a solution.

Everyone who's been driving longer knows a lot more than me... For what it's worth I'm averaging 47mpg on my first tank. What I've learned:
1. Brisk acceleration is actually good for mileage. Get up to speed, then lock it in cruise control or feather the gas, hopefully getting to a coast mode (no arrows on energy screen) or an electric only mode (yellow arrows only) for as long as you can.
2. The fewer stops the better (obviously). Let it keep rolling as much as possible.
3. It seems like 65-70mph on the highway can see some higher than expected sustained mpg (in the 40s, sometimes higher if the grading is slightly to your favor). Sometimes you can get in the doldrums at much lower speeds (35 or so) because your engine is not working as efficiently. Takes getting used to.

Wow. I'm impressed. Anything under MSRP sounds good. Everyone around here has exactly MSRP, generally.

<!--QuoteBegin-Matty G@Jan 18 2006, 11:30 PM
6) Tax Credit - As I understand it, as long as I purchase a new '06 prius before the end of the 2nd quarter, I am guaranteed (there is no chance of me being hit up for the alternative minimum tax) a tax credit thanks to the '05 energy bill. Is that correct? I just want to make sure I understand it correctly.  <_< And how solid of an estimate is $3150?

You got it. No one knows how accurate $3150 is, but I haven't heard any other numbers flung around recently. The most it could possibly be would be $3400. You are probably good for the full credit through 3 quarters of 06 at least, from what I've read. For it to end after the 2nd quarter Toyota would have to sell 60000 Prii in this quarter alone. I doubt their production is that high, even if demand is.

Good luck!

[flareak]

Originally posted by flynz4@Jan 19 2006, 12:22 AM
Personally, when I was going to buy a Prius for my daugther... I was only interested in Pkg #1 because of the safety feature of the side curtain airbags.  However... I soon realized (like you are asking)... that VSC was a feature that dramatically improved safety... so #4 became my target.

Then I was torn about the HID headlights... but decided that I probably would not go that far... even though it was a safety consideration.  Then at the last minute... I found a dealer that would sell me a Pkg #8 in time for Christmas... so I went with the entire enchilada rather than just wrapping a sales brochure and placing it under the tree.

Bottom line... I think #4 is the sweet spot for someone who is interested in safety.

/Jim

[snapback]193042[/snapback]

adopt me plz

[Kiloran]

Originally posted by Matty G+Jan 19 2006, 12:30 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Matty G @ Jan 19 2006, 12:30 AM)</div>

I would have gotten a 4 or even a 3 if they were available in my region. <_<
Settled for a #2.

Check with your insurance agent.
You could probably recoup some of the cost through reduced insurance premiums.

You cannot transfer but you can play them directly into the car's stereo.
I have an IPOD Nano and use this feature all the time.

I don't much like how the crossbar obscures the headlights of the car following.
It doesn't sour me on the car, however.
I don't find I have a problem with visibility overall.

The $3150 estimate from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has stood unchallenged for months.
I think the conventional wisdom is that it is well informed and thorough.
I would be very surprised if the IRS approved number comes out much differently.

Texas DMV - Registration and Titling

You're very welcome, Matty G.
I always enjoy hearing when someone is finding it useful.
(Although I can view the download count, there's no way to tell if it's being used or just looked at.)

<!--QuoteBegin-Matty G@Jan 19 2006, 12:30 AM
And what are "Dealer Document Fees?" How much should that be and is it legit?

[snapback]192944[/snapback]

I wouldn't be willing to pay anything above dealer cost on these items.
Processing the sale is what the built in profit margin over MSRP is for after all.

[tracysbeans]

Originally posted by Tideland Prius@Jan 19 2006, 01:07 AM
1) You think you don't want the smart key, but once you have it, you'll change your mind. Trust us. As for VSC, it doesn't have to be wet weather that'll make your car lose control. Sandy roads, oil slicks and what have you (even speed if you want to go there). I'd recommend it.

[snapback]193030[/snapback]

I'll DEFINATLY 2nd that!!! Never really though it was a big deal until I decided to get Package #7 and it came along with it. LOVE IT!! I don't think I could have a car without it now