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Plan to buy New Prius in the next 3-4 weeks...

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by txl146, Aug 7, 2011.

  1. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    Hello everyone,

    We will soon be proud owner of Prius 2 or 3 model in the next couple of weeks. Our 2005 Matrix XR will be traded in for the new Prius. :)

    Here is a list of questions I have regarding the Prius:

    1. How's paint quality on the front bumper? should I opt for the front bumper film that dealer offers as an option? I find it extremely expensive, but worthy mod since front bumper paint gets easily damaged when driven often on the highway.

    2. I have a set of 15" winter tire/wheel for our Matrix, which I plan to use on the Prius. Can these wheels be used on Prius without the tire pressure sensor installed? I am sure check light will come on, which is not really a big deal for us.

    3. I have always done oil change on my Matrix using either synthetic or high mileage valvoline oils; what's the consensus on the use of aftermarket engine oil on Prius?

    Thanks in advance for your help. I can't wait to buy a new Prius!
     
    #1 txl146, Aug 7, 2011
  2. Prius_2009

    Prius_2009 Junior Member

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    OT here, but what prices are you getting on new ones? I am seeing here all 1-2k above msrp.
     
    #2 Prius_2009, Aug 7, 2011
  3. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    Welcome to PC hope you get your new Prius soon. Answers in bold.

    Hope this helps.
     
    #3 dustoff003, Aug 7, 2011
  4. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    Thank you. I find Prius forum members friendly compared to most other automotive forums.
     
    #4 txl146, Aug 7, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  5. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Get as much of the car covered in 3M or VentureShield film as you can afford. An indy installer is going to be cheaper than the dealer & is probably the same guy doing the work.

    I have full bumper, lights, mirrors, forward front fenders, cups behind door handles, kick plates, & top of rear bumper covered. It all depends on how you use the car & the environment you drive through. If a woman is going to regularly use one of the doors it will get scratched in no time. The 1st time you aren't careful about loading something through the hatch your bumper will show it.

    You may want a piece of black rubber/plastic trim across the top of the bumper instead.

    Toyota doesn't refine oil. I don't know what the dealer buys but you have a couple "free" ones coming your way.

    Attend the dealer's New Owner Party. Some dealers give more coupons.

    Enjoy.
     
    #5 JimN, Aug 7, 2011
  6. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    Thanks for the reply. I definitely want to get front bumper covered in film and black rubber installed on top of rear bumper (that's what we have on our Matrix).

    When we get our car, I plan to get OEM fog light kit for $160 shipped from eBay and do the install myself.
     
    #6 txl146, Aug 7, 2011
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Definitely recommend a film for the bumper. Mine looks like the surface of the moon and the hood, while not doing too badly, is spotted with all my touch-up marks.

    The Prius rims are 15x6J 5x100 so if they're the same on the Matrix, it'll work. I'm surprised 15s work on the Matrix. Isn't the base wheel size a 16"? (205/55R16 I think?). I guess they're using brake parts from the Corolla then. (which has 15" wheels as a base size).
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Aug 7, 2011
  8. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    Yes, base wheel size is 16 (205/55/16), but our winter set is 15" wheel (195/60/15). We do a lot of highway driving, which is why we want to get film covers at least on the front bumper.
     
    #8 txl146, Aug 7, 2011
  9. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    Thanks most of us are not Turbocharged and AWD! I just read your signature line. My last car was before the Prius was a 2005 Saab 9-2x (Saabaru).
     
    #9 dustoff003, Aug 7, 2011
  10. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    Ed, that's great that your last car was Saabaru. How was the transition from AWD/FI to the Prius V? We will be trading in our FWD Matrix for the Prius.
     
    #10 txl146, Aug 7, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Hmm, ours is 65% aspect ratio. I'm not sure what the revs are for a 60% aspect ratio (and whether it's within reason for purposes of speedo display).

    I live in sand country (we use sand instead of salt for snow) so I get pelted all the time from pickup and SUV drivers when they change lanes in front of me
     
    #11 Tideland Prius, Aug 7, 2011
  12. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    We will be traveling to Canada in October to see the foliage with our new Prius.
     
    #12 txl146, Aug 7, 2011
  13. txl146

    txl146 Member

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    I am kind of curious as to why it is taking months for some people to take delivery of new Prius when there are a number of new Prius listed even on eBay?

    Anyway, we plan to go to the biggest Toyota dealer in Norther NJ (have a few Prius in stock) to purchase one instead of going to a local Toyota dealer (0 in stock) since we're not too picky about the option.
     
    #13 txl146, Aug 8, 2011
  14. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    Yeah the 9-2x was a fun car, I enjoyed it scared myself more than once carving up and down trough Kolekole Pass. I have not scared myself yet in the Prius, I was a little rattled the first time the Pre Collision System (PCS) engaged though.

    The transition was seamless, I like not having to shift sometimes here in traffic I would get quite the left leg workout. I prefer AWD on principle but, I don't really notice not having it any more. I am not sure what FI is, I am going to guess Fuel Injection or Fully Independent as in suspension?

    I do push the Prius once and a while and it performs better than I expected. The ride is comfortable and stable not as harsh as the 9-2x, although they do share the same size tires 215/45R17. One major reason I purchased the V/Five is because of the 17" wheels.

    I would love to have a STI but the wife is to lazy to drive a standard XMSN.
     
    #14 dustoff003, Aug 8, 2011
  15. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    They may not refine the oil but they do brand it, package it, and sell it though. IMG_0924.jpg
     
    #15 dustoff003, Aug 8, 2011
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