Picking up Prius in a few days, what should I look for before signing the paperwork?

Recommended for gen2 was too low for some, based on uneven wear.

 

Sorry, what body plugs are we talking about (picture)? And why wouldn't the factory put them on, along with anything else, especially if shipping across the ocean?

 

I've read that they use the holes on the boat to secure the vehicle - but the port staff and dealerships are not putting the plugs in after arrival.

I had those plugs in my Gen2 glove box for 18 years and didn't know what they were for. Sure wish I had known because I could hear water sloshing around after every heavy rain here in FL.

I cannot find the holes on the Gen 5 and there aren't any plugs in the glove box. I asked my salesman about it at purchase and he had no clue what I was talking about. I started a thread on it (2023 Prius Shipping Anchor Hole Plug) but there hasn't been any replies.

 

^ what he said.

I’m not sure “port staff” exist though, at least not here. Onus is on dealership and they can quickly tick a check list (while doing squat) with the best of them. And charge you close to two grand Pre-Delivery Inspection.

 

Also on the Gen 1's. Tires lasted such a short time that the dealer actually replaced mine at about 15,000 miles. He advised changing the tire pressure, and the second set lasted much better. It was a very early 2001.

 

OK, thanks for the explanation, good to know!

 

As you're sitting there with the salesman signing the paperwork, tell him to put that brand new PRIME on charge because they never do it. Believe me, you'll have plenty of time.
Tell him it's part of the "PREP". You don't want to drive home with that NEW PRIME with no EV, Right ?
Have fun with your new ride, i love mine.

 

Some show explained that the 50psi is for transit to prevent tire flat spots. No idea if that is true or not. Lots of opinions, I'm in the camp of following instructions (well, mostly). Big thing for me was making sure my wife and I could adequately see the instrument screen over the steering wheel. Nearly every youtoober complained about it so I was a bit concerned, but it certainly was fine for me and all the "normal" people on this forum.

Other thing to watch for, but this is post-purchase. WATCH YOUR SPEEDOMETER! With the car having so much extra power and so much less road noise, I was unintentionally speeding a lot the first few days just on local roads not realizing how fast I was going! Nice problem to have, but still...

will

 

It's true. The Prius is made in Japan so they over-inflate the tires to around 50 psi to avoid getting those round spots on the tire from sitting for so long on the ship. During the PDI (pre-delivery inspection) checklist, the technician is supposed to lower the tire PSI to whatever is stated on the driver's doorsill.
But, of course, checklists are only as good as the person doing them so things can get missed.

In all the times we've bought new Toyota's, the only issue was with our 2008 Corolla....someone had forgotten to put a bulb in the light fixture in the trunk. (I replaced it.)

 

I called the sales manager directly earlier today and asked him thrice to make sure mine is plugged in and will be fully charged. They assured me it will be. They said it was fully detailed and is in the pick up area. Looking forward to the New Supersonic Prime XSE. Leaving PA for NE Connecticut hopefully by 0400 tomm morning.

 

The big problem is Toyota removed the tire pressure check from the PDI checklist. I have no idea why, but I think that's why we're seeing so many reports of 50+ psi readings after delivery. If an experienced tech does the PDI, then it gets caught. But the PDI probably goes to the newest tech in most dealerships.

 

I have to turn off that annoying Speed Limit sign on the dash- saw a video on how to do that; hope it works- that thing was in the red the whole time I drove from the dealer yesterday!

 

LOL Others say the G5 likes to run faster and quieter. Looking forward to finding out for myself.

 

Sharol: Yea, if you are migrating from an older Prius, it is a bit of a shock! In my case it was a Gen1 Prius, so an even bigger change.

will

 

This is controlled by the RSA (Road Sign Assist) setting. You can turn it off entirely or set it to not notify you when you exceed the limit. You can also change the setting threshold to be higher than the posted limit (1mph, 3 mph, 5 mph). The information about the settings is on pages 546 and 547 of the owner's manual.

 

Gen5 doesn't have spare tire, just pump/goop, no jack or tools. DOES seem to come with a tow hook- mine did, anyway.

 

Think at least one poster felt the upholstery in the rear seat was poorly done- middle headrest was crooked.

And floor mats- I'm in Canada so not sure what the US is supposed to provide, but some folks say none were provided.

 

Most recently a 2012 gen 3, but I got my first Prius in 2001.

 

I confirmed my tire pressure was exactly where it was supposed to be before I drove off, and the battery was indeed 100% charged. Very good experience from Charles Toyota in Norwich Connecticut.

NYC Traffic sucks really bad FYI!!