Ex-Insight driver transitions to Prius III...and LOVES it!

Just got my 2010 Black Prius IV with Solar package. Finally got rid of my favorite car so far, my 2001 Honda Insight. Thought I'd share my impressions.

With about 90% city driving, my 2001 Insight averaged 53-54 mpg consistently (I could get 65-70mpg on the freeway but never have the need to drive on the freeway). I loved the sporty ride and the small tossable size/weight of the car. I was planning to keep my Insight til my Aptera 2h arrives in 2012 (?)....until I saw the 2010 Prius and more importantly, saw that I might be able to top my Insights' mileage.


I LOVE the sportier wedge look of the Prius III, and the interior design is simple and classy in my opinion. I was not a fan of the look (in and out) of the previous Prius.

I test drove the 2010 Insight THREE times and averaged no more than 52 mpg each time, which is good but wasn't good enough. I am a hypermiler at heart but couldn't squeeze anymore mpg's out of the new Insight in the LA stop and go traffic.

I found the Prius of my dreams in San Diego, without any wait or mark up (the waiting list I was on in Santa Monica was about 4 months long for the Solar Package) .

I decided to buy the Pruis without even test driving it! Thankfully I have NOT been disappointed.

My first tank yeilded 54.3 mpg, and so far half way through my second tank, I'm at 58.7mpg....all stop and go city driving....I'm determined to break 60mpg, hopefully I will, as the engine breaks in. I'm digging the EV mode the most!

I'm VERY impressed with the luxury, technology and refinement of the Prius. (Especially coming from a bare bones 2001 Insight!)

I miss the manual transmission, the nimble ride and the sporty suspension of the Insight. But have no problem sacrificing any of above for the mileage and refinement of my new Prius.

So far I've tinted the rear windows and hatch, changed all the interior and most exterior lights to LEDs, installed the illuminated sills and painted my rim covers matte black for a "sportier" look. I've also ordered a few metallic accents from Sigmaautmotive.com to further "pimp my ride".

A HUGE "thanks" to everyone at PriusChat.com, all the info and photos in this forum have lead me to my NEW favorite car!

Humble request: A picture of illuminated door sills that shows exactly where they are placed in perspective to everything else. i still dont understand exactly where those go. And.....welcome to the bright side! (honda is the dark side) lol

Keep in mind: EV mode can decrease your overall mileage if you don't use it right...

:welcome:

Please enlighten me! I wanna know more...

Thanks! But I'm still a Honda fan, he he! I will take a pic for you tomorrow.

Welceom to PC and Toyota.

The car looks excellent!

Do you ever venture out of this forum? lol

Check out Rick's writeup on his install. It showcases plenty fo pics for ya mate.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-modifications/63280-lighted-door-sill-installed.html

Probably you got your Prius from the same San Diego dealership as I did. This dealership bought a 2010 Honda Insight so people can test drive and compare both cars. They had it even before the 2010 Prius was available.

So far I've tinted the rear windows and hatch, changed all the interior and most exterior lights to LEDs, installed the illuminated sills and painted my rim covers matte black for a "sportier" look. I've also ordered a few metallic accents from Sigmaautmotive.com to further "pimp my ride".
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What Sigma parts did you order? I'm thinking of getting some, too. Lower rocker panels, grill piece, maybe?

What Sigma parts did you order? I'm thinking of getting some, too. Lower rocker panels, grill piece, maybe?




Yep, the Modellista Grill Garnish and the Lower side moldings....

Bob64, I too like the EV mode. How do I use it right?

Your Darth Prius looks great! Thanks for taking pictures of your painted wheel covers, I was thinking of doing that too and wondered what it would look like. Unfortunately I ended up with a Blue Ribbon rather than the Black I preordered, so it probably won't look as nice as it does on yours. I'm getting the car tinted out on Tuesday so I'll try photoshopping your wheels onto mine to see if I should!

Thanks ! LOVE the name "Darth Prius" !:rockon:

The car looks sweet nupower. I'd love to see a night pic with the led's lit up and a day pic from the front / back.

Thanks! I'm gonna do a full "photoshoot" when my trim pieces arrive....more pics to come!

Which dealer did you buy yours from?

I got mine from Frank Toyota in National City

Very nice. Definitely following this thread for more pics!

Interesting, I had not considered comparing the 2001, automatic, Insight and 2010 Prius:


BTW, it looks like 2010 owners can submit their mileage.

Bob Wilson