New owner checklist?

1. Check won't bounce.
2. Have insurance.
3. Have key fob.
4. Have driver's license.
5. Sober.

 

Drive around town, once home, with window down, yelling, "I have a PRIME and you don't". (not really but you know you want to)

 

Ok, my suggestions:

PURCHASE

1. Walk around the car and ask,'Where is the charger?' When they show it to you, ask to have the car moved to an outlet and test it by putting charger on the car. Toyota dealers have yet to figure out how to charge the car so you can use this as 'a teaching moment' but more important, to put an initial charge on a car that likely has no charge.
2. Do the paperwork and don't be in a hurry. Let the dealership provide some charge for the car.
3. Go the car and take photos with everyone who helped as they hand you the keys.
4. Adjust the outside rear view mirrors as they are really awesome.
5. Stow the charger and drive home.

MAINTENANCE

1. First engine oil change at 5,000 miles under warranty, pay to have the transaxle oil drained and replaced with a 1/2 liter sample in a clean, dry water bottle. DO NOT APPROVE AN OIL FLUSH, just drain the oil; collect a sample, and; refill.
   1. NOTE: I did the first engine and transaxle oil change at 2k mile and had to pay for the engine oil change. A 'nit', I'll still go in for the free 5k change and bring it in at 7k for just a transaxle oil change. I'm doing an experimental, accelerated transaxle oil change schedule.
   2. Do two more transaxle oil changes, at +10k mile service and +20-30k miles. This will dilute the initial 'debris' and no further changes will be needed for at least 100-150k miles.
2. Investigate 'bonding' windshield coatings that repel water. These provide an air-tight seal so IF a stone puts an initial crack, it won't propagate. This can defer a windshield replacement.
3. If you're not in the EU, fully inflate the tires. The EU has MOT inspections including tire pressure testing so boost it to +10% and hope you can talk your way out of deflating the tires.
4. Stop by a car parts store and buy the highest quality, tire plug kit and needle-nose, vice grips and an LED light. Put these where the existing tire 'repair kit' and pump are located. If you have a leak or puncture, use the plug kit first!. You can always goop-up and buy a new tire and tire pressure sensor in the future.

WHEN THE SILLY GRIN RELAXES

1. You are going to be pretty dang happy for at least a couple of weeks. Enjoy!
2. Sit in the car and figure out how to use the display settings menu. Experiment until you're happy.
3. Do the same with the navigation unit.

Bob Wilson

 

ask them to show you the spare tire.

but seriously, all i do is take a long walk around the car, trying to inspect every detail. same with the interior, make sure i have two fobs, a hatch cover and charger, all the manuals, and head home. relieved to get as far away from those tosser's as quickly as possible.

 

The last car I bought had a cut tire. I spotted it at the dealer, but they can be hard to spot.

 

I don't understand most of bwilson's ideas. Well, I do understand them, but I don't understand why. There are no oil changes paid by the warranty. There are two under the Toyota No Cost Maintenance Plan (actually prepaid as part of the purchase price--there ain't no free lunch), and none at 5000 miles unless that's all you drive in 12 months. Nor any need for an oil change at 5k that I see. I know machinery. I've been a ship's engineer for a 32 year career. I've trained at two diesel engine factories. I've maintained my own cars for the last 50 or so years. And I still see no good reason for what bwilson suggests. I'll follow the owner's manual for recommended maintenance just like I followed my last car's owner's manual for 200,000 miles of good results (a Volvo turbo where I changed the premium oil every 10,000 miles). You should do whatever helps you get a good night's sleep.

 

• Gen-1 Prius - changed transaxle oil at 50k miles and was surprised at how bad it could be: 2003 Prius - Cold Weather and Transaxle
• Gen-3 Prius - first transaxle oil change also showed significant manufacturing and early wear debris along with case sealant beads and silicon leaching: ZVW30 Transmission Oil Analysis | PriusChat
• Prius Prime - first transaxle oil change showed manufacturing and early wear debris but no visible case sealant beads: Prius Prime Plus in my hands | Page 15 | PriusChat

The Gen-1 Prius showed a measurable performance hit with the original oil in cold weather. Subsequent oil changes improved performance. The Gen-3 and Prime changes have been early enough and so little cold weather, I can find no documentation of the reduced drag. Just I know clean lubricants without debris leads to lower transaxle temperatures, improved efficiency, and longer service life. But I'm persnickety about my ride. Drive yours as you wish.

Bob Wilson

 

word choice - What’s the difference between "tire" and "tyre"? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

lol, even the definition is "corrected" and I'm on my PC.

 

has @mr88cet seen this thread?

 

Just now!


iPhone ? Pro

 

As others suggested, you might want to compare notes with my spreadsheet: Checklist Spreadsheet for New P.Prime Delivery | Page 2 | PriusChat

I'll definitely be comparing to comments in this thread!


iPhone ? Pro

 

I think the oil change even with few service miles is a good thing as it gets the leftover manufacturing debris out the engine. I did that with my transaxle at 2k miles. Unlike the engine oil which has a filter, the transaxle has no filter, just a screen to keep any 'chunks' away from the gears.

Bob Wilson

 

I gather that Bob's point is that, as the gears start grinding against each other, debris from manufacturing imperfections will grind off over time and settle in the gearbox oil, which, if not drained out at 5K, will gradually grind away at the gears over time. This is not included in the warranty or regular maintenance schedule. I can't personally vouch for or against this suggestion, but I gather that's what Bob meant.


iPhone ? Pro

 

Thank you!