Finally did it, just got an 08 Touring Model, except for the dealer attempting to sell all kinds of protection plans (which I declined to purchase). Now the fun begins on learning what type of driving gets the best mileage. I've heard 2 options, (1) briskly up to speed then back off, or (2) crawl up to speed attempting attempting to stay on battery mode. Vehicle will have a mix of freeway and city driving, also a lot of 2 lane country roads.
You want to minimize use of the battery. Energy conversions (electrical <-> kinetic <-> chemical <-> thermal) always have losses, and batteries are especially bad.
I have tried both ways on two different tanks of gas. I noted a 0.5 MPG difference favoring the slow crawl. The 0.5 MPG could have been from less wind that week or a butterfly flapping his wings in China. The only thing the slow crawl does is piss off the people behind you. If there is no one behind me I sometimes still do the slow crawl just see the MFD bar on 100 MPG. I think after my next fill up I am going to drive the Prius like I stole it (or what they consider normal in my area). Afterwards I am going to post the MPG's to a new thread. I think others have done similar things on PC, but I would like to see my MPG average after "normal" driving.
I was qouted 27000.00 for a 08 124c prius sedan #6 plus 2225.00 0 deductable 7yr/100ml ex-war it turns out not to have my fav choice leather inside and I am considering the touring which I was not told about--suppose to go sign friday 1000 on cr card to hold only current pruis have in stock but time is not my concern I could wait the 3 to six weeks to get fav's on everything. Could use all the advise thanks ginadee
ginadee, I would spec out the color and package trim you want, place a deposit with the Dealer and wait for the car you want instead of buying one with the wrong color or trim or interior. You don't want to spend $27k for a new car and not have it the way you want it!!!! I would also recommend the Touring model as it will give you a firmer ride, better handling and feel for the road. The standard Prii has a softer suspension and not as much handling response as the Touring. If you can, test drive both and decide which you prefer, then go for it !!!
