First week with a Prius in Arizona

[GregAZ]

So, I have now had my Prius for a week. Thank to you all, I went into the buying process educated, and got my car (Salsa Red, Package 6) $1,000 under MSRP. I used the Edmunds.com dealer shopping feature, and what a relief to work with fleet guys as opposed to lesson competons on the floor (crass generalization, I know)!

Anyway, so far I love the car. The annoying part, is having to drive it the way it wants me to, as opposed to the way I want to. But ... it give me what I want in return, so I won't complain. My first tank was over 500 miles (I know, I am brave), and I am confident I can repeat it as I am averaging 50 MPG on this one already.

Here are my questions:

When does the notorious "lurch upwards" come in? When does the MPG improve, once the car is broken in?

Is there a way to make the car unlock all doors when I open the drive door?

Does ANYONE find the voice recognition system useful?

What is this I hear about oil change savings? My dealer told me 5,000 mile service is the norm ... ?

I am sure I have many others, but I don't want to overwhelm you all.

Thank you for the input so far (unbeknownst to you), and I am looking forward to being a part of this community.

Greg in Arizona

Mods so far:
- Tint
- Sunshade on the way
Can you spot a pattern?

=)

[Tideland Prius]

1) Some say 5,000, some say 10,000 some say 3,000 miles. Those are the numbers I've seen floating around PriusChat. I can't say since I got my car in Oct so my improving mileage can also be attributed to the warmer weather.

2) naterprius has made a mod for that.

3) Can't say, didn't get the nav

4) That is the norm for all Toyotas since 2000

[Russ Yost]

Hi, Greg, I'm also from Phx near 16th St and Bethany. I'm getting 40 mpg and am still on my first tank (bought 6 March) Most of my trips are under 10 miles and I use the auto climate control

I got the sun screen; you'll like it, but it takes me a few minutes to unroll it and get it into place.

When I want to unlock the passenger door for a friend, I press the unlock button on the FOB twice. That unlocks all the doors.

[Ray Moore]

The owner's manual describes the procedure for unlocking all the doors with the smart entry system.

I find that 3 quarts puts me right in the middle of the range on the dipstick and I change every 5000 miles but will switch to every 7500 miles after warranty expires. I use Mobil1.

Enjoy.

[DanMan32]

You didn't say what kind of driving you do, but 50MPG is pretty good, especially if most if it is highway.

Short trips are the killer, I seem to see 30-35MPG for first 5 minutes. 35-45MPH is the sweetspot at 60+MPG. Coast to stops, preferably in neutral whether you actually put it in neutral or feather the accelerator until the car is neither dragging or powering. Faster speeds, such as 65-75 will burn more gas. upper 40's is not uncommon at those speeds.

[GregAZ]

Thank you for all the replies!

I do A LOT of driving, which is why the Prius made so much sense to me. For example, I drove 800 miles my first week. Granted, I now usually insist that I am driving, and I am not as hesitant to go places, because it doesn't cost as much anymore!

Most of driving in Phoenix is on the freeway. The freeway systems are good, and during the day, there isn't much traffic. I drive for work (I am in Real Estate), and on top of that I have a 30 mile commute to the office. And yes, I am frequently around 16th and Bethany! I go to that Starbucks once in a while. And I lived on 16th and Maryland for four years!

So, I guess my 50 MPG is good ... I have been driving carefully, "playing the game," and not going over 70 on the highway. I just can't believe that some people are averaging in the 60's. I guess that means NO freeway driving ... which I just can't do. And the "lurch," which I hope is coming soon! Oh well, I am still more than doubling my previous car mileage!

All the best,
Greg in Arizona
Salsa Red Prius - 1,018 miles

[GregAZ]

Another couple of quick questions:

- Where in the owner's manual does it talk about unlocking all doors? I even had a salesperson tell me that he thought it was impossible.

- I saw some people had a link to a website that keeps track of your mileage / averages / etc, what is that? I used to see a lot of people having it as their signature, but now I see none!

Thanks,
Greg

[DanMan32]

www.greenhybrid.com

Smartentry starts on page 23. Page 30 tells you how to change the method of opening the doors. This will only work with SKS, to change the method for wireless, the dealer has to do that with their tool.

Wireless function starts on page 34

"To unlock: Push the “ ” (unlock) switch
once to unlock the driver’s door alone.
Pushing the switch twice within 3 seconds
unlocks all the doors simultaneously. Each
time the “ ” (unlock) switch is pushed, the turn signal lights will flash twice.
This double switch operation to unlock all
the side doors and back door can be
changed to a single switch operation. For
details, contact your Toyota dealer."

[Russ Yost]

Greg, does your last name start with V? I had some contact with a realtor in re property near Tonopah adjacent to I-10. I was a partner in Apollo Investment Group. My email address is rryost@cox.net. Wot say?

[popoff]

- I saw some people had a link to a website that keeps track of your mileage / averages / etc, what is that?

Take a look at www.greenhybrid.com