2010 Prius: first impressions review

looks like your another happy buyer!!
There's a lot to like. The GEN III is the best yet.:nod:

 

Yeah,I traded A 2009 with 21000 on the clock!
Never looked back, Give it a week or two
and you will forget all about it.
I never say I wish I had my '09 back!
I'm happy

 

The best car that i have had...hopefully, my honeymoon will last forever!

 

Nice write-up, thank you for taking the time to do it!

You wrote:
>The redesigned console takes up more room and I didn't
>think I would like it. I'm getting used to it, though.

That is the sole reason I bought a used 2009 over a new 2010.
I knew the 2010 had many mechanical improvements, but I just
couldn't stand the console. I'm not claustrophobic, but it made
me feel caged in. It also resulted in the large MFD going away.
(Because I am of "reading glasses age," the smaller fonts/displays
on the new instrument panel are harder for me to see.)

One thing still might have tipped me to the 2010, that is, the
redesign was reportedly suppose to include upgrading the traction
battery to Lithium-Ion. Apparently, they didn't get the bugs
out, so it didn't make it into the 2010 model.

 

How can you not like the new console and dash?!! Link:

:cheer2:

 

Just got it last week to replace our 2007 Touring version. The ride seems smoother and quieter. A few annoyances: 1) cannot shut off reverse beep w/out taking it to the dealer;2) cannot turn of sks when the car is "inactive" for a while;3) can't seem to figure out how to open the trunk from outside w/out first having to open the drivers door; 4) miss the back-up camera but didn't want to pay for it.

 

I think that #3 is only on IV and V.

 

Not sure what size water bottle you tried, but all plastic water bottles that I have purchased from gas stations, and grocery stores have fit in the side doors. (the standard size, not the extra large size) I also keep extra napkins, and some corn nuts next to my water bottle.

 

Every time I visit this site, I learn something new. We test drove a fully loaded IV but didn't know the nav screen morthed in to an phone interface and a sat radio interface. Satisfied with our Gen 3 III. Maybe the salesman didn't cover it because the demo probably didn't have a sat subscription or bluetooth phone linked. Enjoyed reading your blog report.

 

Yup, actually for me, i already have a good Garmin NUVI 775. Thus, in-car navigation was not important. However, because i use my cell phone a lot (being on-call often), i need phone book/speed dial feature. In addition, i am a big fan of rear-view camera. Because of these two reasons, i went ahead and got the NAVI option. (ATP also required NAVI too, but ATP was really secondary in my needs.)

 

For #3: For my package IV, so long as I have the key with me, just walk up to the hatch, put your hand underneath and press the button under the black rubber covering and the hatch will unlock and open (might take a split second). Takes a little getting used to.

 

Just got our new model iv Prius on Saturday. It's red with nav and solar roof. We paid $29,900 before tax, which seems reasonable according to Kelly blue book. I was happy with anything under $30,000

Impressions

I like:

1. the choice of normal, eco and power mode. I just found out that you don't have to select a mode, you can remain in normal and that feels best unless you need a burst of power for highway passing.

2. Rear camera - it really gives a clear view behind.
3. Leather seats with lumbar - much more comfortable than our 2005 seats. The electric heat will be great in winter
4. Nav - very accurate. Just as I hit my driveway, it said "You have reached your destination"
5. Moon roof - a nice luxury that makes you feel you are not driving a box. You don't need it, but as the bard said, "Reason not the need"

I don't like:

The stereo is weaker that my 2005 which has the JBL. I don't know why. Just not as good reception or sound.

I will now try to plow through the 400 page owner's manual and the 300 page Nav manual. Talk about work!