Loving my new 2011 Prius!

Hello!

I picked up my new Prius III about 3 weeks ago, and have enjoyed every moment that I've been behind the wheel. This is my first Prius, so I'll be reading the newbie forum and other links that offer advice to new owners for learning the "dos and don'ts" of this wonderful computer on wheels.

My first 2 tanks of gas have been impressive...52+ for the first and 51+ for the second. What has really surprised me is the relatively large size of this car for such high mileage. You'd expect high mileage from a sub-compact, but this is considered an intermediate sized car. I'm also very pleased with the large storage area, which accommodates my golf clubs and numerous other items very comfortably.

My reason for choosing a Prius was primarily for Toyota's many years of experience developing hybrid automobiles. I felt that they had a distinct edge over the "me, too" companies that are trying to get a foot hold into the hybrid market. My timing for purchasing my Prius was, however, during the gasoline price spike that made supply and demand a problem. Both Toyota dealers in the Fort Wayne, Indiana market decided to essentially revisit the "additional dealer mark-up" practice from a few years ago by adding several thousand dollars to the suggested retail sticker price. That didn't set well with me, so I Googled the internet and found Jordan Toyota in Mishawaka, IN where they promised one-price shopping. They had 2 that had just been delivered, and they were priced $50 below the suggested list price, which sounded good to me when considering the Fort Wayne prices. It was a very pleasant experience dealing with Jordan, and I highly recommend them.

I do have a question concerning the purchase of an extended warranty. I chose not to buy one at the time I bought my Prius, but I've had second thoughts since then that may cause me to rethink that decision. With Prius being such a hi-tech automobile, perhaps the investment would be wise. I'd appreciate any input from members of this forum, and advice as to where I might get a good price on an extended warranty that would be accepted at all Toyota dealers around the country. I look forward to hearing from other Prius owners.

 

Thanks for the welcome, everyone. My Prius is Winter-Gray Metallic, and I'm really liking the color. My first choice would have been Sandy Beach Metallic, but it wasn't in stock. Twittel, you're right. Northern Indiana is very flat, so the hill assist won't be needed here. However, we plan to do a lot of traveling in our Prius, and we'll be needing it on those road trips. There is a lot of helpful information on this forum, and I plan to read most of the posts for insider information.

 

Looks like the Fender head stock is from a Telecaster. I'm assuming that you play. I have a '58 Tele, a '64 Jaguar, and a 67 Coronado XII. Unfortunately, they sit in the closet now. No time to play like I did when I was a young man. Callouses are long gone....oh well!