plastic around side-curtain colums

[thockin]

Hey gang,

There are some clear plastic things wrapped around the front window columns on both sides. They are pretty ugly. Can they be removed, or are they there for a reason?

They look like grocery zip ties or something, and are perforated...

[efusco]

Originally posted by thockin
Hey gang,

There are some clear plastic things wrapped around the front window columns on both sides.  They are pretty ugly.  Can they be removed, or are they there for a reason?

They look like grocery zip ties or something, and are perforated...

Ugh, yea, pull them off. Should have been done during dealer prep. Look in the hidden cargo area too, there may be more stuff in there they didn't put on if they overlooked that.

[Gurmail]

Yes, I have them too. My car is 7 days old. I don't think they look very bad though. Dr Fusco, what stuff should be put in the hidden storagre area that might have been overlooked?

[efusco]

Originally posted by Gurmail
Yes, I have them too. My car is 7 days old. I don't think they look very bad though. Dr Fusco, what stuff should be put in the hidden storagre area that might have been overlooked?

There are various plugs, some exterior trim parts and such kept in a bag in there. They may not have been overlooked, but if one thing was I'd start looking for others.

[RobertO]

...the clear film on the threshold of both front or even all 4 door frames: It really saves the plastic underneath from scuffs and scrapes when folks clilmb in and out.

When it starts looking too manky, just pull it off.

My delivering dealer left a bunch of that stuff on the front window pillars, too. I made them remove it; didn't want to reach in with a tool and muck up the dashboard.

Bob

[woemcats]

I bought the car late (arrived at the dealer at 6:30, didn't get out until after 9), and the guy getting the car ready missed the plastic on the tiny front windows, but it pulled right off.

[LeVautRien]

Isn't there a checklist somewhere of these things to check before taking your Prius from the dealer?

[LeVautRien]

Answered my own question. I found a list on one of the Yahoo groups.

The link is: Prius Pickup Checklist

Here's the text of the article, though, if you don't wanna sign up for any of the Yahoo stuff.

Prius Pick-up Checklist
(version 2003-11-30b)
Gathered from messages posted at the 2004 Prius Yahoo Group: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/2004-prius/

Things to think about / do when picking up your new Prius from the dealer. It's your call on whether or not to push on any of these.

These are in addition to things you would normally do when going to your dealer which you can probably find at several car sites or consumerreports.org's virtual dealership.

Basic
check (A) the glove box, ( the center storage, and © the extra space under cargo area for:
rubber plugs that should have been installed (some dealers leave them off on purpose; so I'm not saying they should be installed, but if you find them, ask)
rear lower side spoiler parts (see also predelivery.pdf)

make sure you know what any parts lying around are for (but don't let dealer take any away)
check that the shelf is installed in the upper glove box
check that for spare tire tie-down strap in glove box or trunk
check that the tray is in the center console
check that the antenna is installed on the roof
check the plastic air dam under the front of the car for damage (people have said it cracks easily)
check you have a full tank of gas (window sticker says you are entitled to it)
check that the gas cap is on tight (turned until it clicks; might prevent "Check Engine" light)
check that VIN matches paperwork
if mileage is > N ask the dealer why (where N is 5-50 depending on who you talk to)
bring a copy of predelivery.pdf, 2004peet.pdf, and multi5.pdf

Advanced
look through multi5.pdf and see if you want anything changed (ask if everything is set to defaults?)

check that the oil level is not overfilled (takes 3.9 quarts, not 4)
check tire pressure (35psi front/33 rear is spec, higher is okay, but front should always be 2psi greater than rear)
take it for an initial drive before going too far from the dealer and check for
alignment: make sure steering wheel is centered when driving straight; car shouldn't pull to one side or the other when stopping
Dealer's Pre-Delivery Service
See if they will give you a copy of the pre-delivery service check sheet (2004peet.pdf) that was filled out.

Items from predelivery.pdf

dome lights work (dome fuse installed)
license plate mounting brackets (if dealer not installing license plates)
emergency towing eyelet stored in tool box in luggage compartment; cover installed over hole in front bumper where towing eyelet goes
"one touch" open of power windows works (this is easy to do yourself)
rear lower side spoiler (see PDF)
12v aux battery fully charged (there is no real way for the average customer to test this)

Extended Warranty
you can add it at any time, despite what dealer says

you can get it from any toyota dealer

7 yr / 100,000 mi / $0 deductable can be had as low as $980

7 yr / 75,000 mi / $0 deductable for $835
Things You Should Get
your car ;-)
pad of valet cards (some people report getting none; others only one sheet)

2 key fobs
owners manual (some people reported it comes with a plastic key; some reported that the plastic key came in an "introductory" letter from Toyota, not in owner's manual)
Optional
rain-x and a soft rag (old tee shirt) for application

[LouieNet]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LeVautRien\";p=\"29982)</div>

emergency towing eyelet stored in tool box in luggage compartment; cover installed over hole in front bumper where towing eyelet goes[/b]

How does the little cover come off? I can't seem to easily get behind it to push it out. I'd like to find out before I have to get at it with a screwdriver when I'm already down a ditch or something.

Thanks,
Louie