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Welcome Ozarkians!!

Discussion in 'Local Prius Club Main Forum' started by efusco, Jun 16, 2004.

  1. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    My name is Evan Fusco. I live in Nixa, MO just outside of Springfield and I'll be heading up the SW MO Prius Club/Interest group here on Prius Chat.

    I've few major plans or ideas other than trying to organize occasional get togethers to compare Prii and maybe do an occasional road trip or road rally to draw attention to the Prius.

    I think it would also be good if we could have a bit of a network formed such that those interested in doing various modifications (EV button, NAV speed sensor disable, installing mud flaps) could get help and advice from others who have done it before. Or a small group could get together to share tools and share the work.

    Also, I've noticed that lots of times one person is getting disappointing gas mileage when others in the same area are doing quite well. We could organize 'ride alongs' or 'car swaps' to try to determine what the cause of the disparity is in expectations. Driving techniques could be demonstrated and shared that otherwise might take a new driver months to figure out on their own.

    Us current owners who've dealt with the local Toyota dealer and service dept. can share our experiences and solutions that we've been able to reach to help others. We can also advise on salespeople we've dealt with and who to avoid and how to avoid last minute scams/schemes that the locals like to use.

    I solicited for locals in the past with no response. If you're a lurker and want to remain that way feel free to e-mail or PM me privately and I can deal with you in that manner if you prefer.

    Anyway, I don't expect this to be a terribly active group right away, but if I can get a couple of interested folks I'd sure like to organize an initial get together somewhere. Why not respond to this post and include a suggestion for our first meeting place.
     
  2. flareak

    flareak Fleet Captain

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    Allo, its me flare, i dont live in SW MO but i live in STL
     
  3. techogurl

    techogurl New Member

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    Since my post was lost *waves* Hit me up for a visit or road trip!
     
  4. eyeguy13

    eyeguy13 Member

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    I live in Warrensburg, MO and I should get my Prius in about two weeks. It arrived in port a few days ago. I can't wait as you can imagine. Central Missouri State University is in Warrensburg and so is Whiteman Air Force Base (well, 10 miles away). I've seen three other Prii in town, two with MO plates and one with Nevada so he's probably passing though. If you can get enough people together, I would love to meet somewhere nearby and share ideas. Since I don't have my car yet, I'm not familiar with it but I did drive a 2005 hail damaged one three weeks ago and it was fantastic! The dealer even wanted full MSRP WITH the hail damage. I drove by the dealer last week and the car was sold. Anyway, your first post here was in 2004 so I hope you check this every once and awhile. I'll check back every few days or so or just PM me. Thanks!
    Doug
     
  5. eyeguy13

    eyeguy13 Member

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    I've had my Prius since Apr 06 and see MANY more around these days. Warrensburg area, Lees Summit. I'd be interested in having a meeting somewhere. I would love to test drive a Prius with the stiffening plate, maybe see the Lock Outs for our MFD, etc... I have a rear hitch and a bike rack people can look at. Post if interested....
     
  6. Guest

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    I live in the Waynesville / FT Wood area and we have a lot of Prius owners around here. I'll be glad to participate if its not to far to drive.
     
  7. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eyeguy13 @ Nov 6 2006, 12:23 PM) [snapback]344560[/snapback]</div>
    I've gone from trying to see one prius per week, to seeing one per day, to counting how many and trying to identify what model year they are when I see them around here.

    Initially I felt a little disappointed that I wasn't unique and special any more, but, upon reflection, this is really what I'd hoped for all along. Wider acceptance and almost a complacency about the commonality of the Prius and hybrids in general. The next goal is to start seeing the gas-only cars become the exception!

    But, one unfortunate side-effect of the commonness of the Prius is that so few people feel they're unique that it's hard to justify get togethers. I'm all for it at some point, but it's going to take someone a tad more gregarious than me to just make a plan, pick a date, and start beating the bushes to bet people to come. I'm happy to do my best to come with my car...it's got many of the mods people are interested in (mud flaps, side moulding, XM integrated, shark-fin antenna, NAV override, BT override, EV button, window tint, stiffening plate, Michellin HydroEdge tires, and more stuff I always forget about when I start making a list like this.
     
  8. priussoris

    priussoris New Member

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    Brought back from the DEAD, this thread that is!

    Hey Evan, the wife and I just bought some Lake of the Ozarks property at mm58 Ivy Bend, Stover , MO.

    I think I gave up here for doing a Mid-MO prius get together.
    So if any new prius owners in Missouri want to do as Evan says in this post well then POST IT HERE

    We will be going to the lake a lot this summer ( hopefully) so not too close too ya but closer than Columbia.
     
  9. mo04prius

    mo04prius New Member

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    When do you all meet and get, together and from mid-missouri area?
     
  10. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TheCleanToy @ Jul 14 2007, 03:35 PM) [snapback]478742[/snapback]</div>
    We don't, or we haven't yet. I think the missing ingredient is a motivated individual who just picks a place, tries to find a time that would work best for most of us and makes it happen. So far no such person has shown up.
     
  11. conv65

    conv65 New Member

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    The wife and I would be interested in a meet or a little road tour sometime so put us on your list. We live in Jefferson City.
     
  12. dragonrand

    dragonrand Junior Member

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    Hello Evan and group!

    I joined the ranks of Prius owners about two months ago -- quite to my surprise. I bought a used 2005 Prius, top-of-the-line with NAV (package #5, I think?), from the well-known Toyota dealer on the east side of Springfield. If I was happy with my car two months ago, I'm even more enthused about it in the last week since discovering this online community.

    Evan, I think your idea is a great one -- I for one would love to meet with other Prius owners and compare notes, driving experiences, and talk about (and maybe do) some mods. I'm also preparing for my first real road trip in December (trekking halfway across the country to do the family Christmas thing) and I have lots of ideas and questions about road-tripping, Prius style.

    I've never organized a group get-together before, but if no one else wants to take the bull by the horns I'm willing. The way I see it, we need (a) a place to meet, (B) a reasonable date with decent forewarning, and ©, an idea of how many people -- and Prii -- are likely to show. I'm open to suggestions on any of these things. Since we'll probably want to check out each other's cars, nice weather would be a definite plus, but the right meeting place could make that less important (perhaps indoor socializing with our cars in clear, close view so we can run out to see/drive them when impulse strikes?) I don't really want to put off meeting until spring due solely to weather concerns -- and "The Prius in Winter" is a great topic for discussion anyway.

    I've got lots more to say, but I won't try to cram it all into one post; this was just a quick, friendly "Hello" to everyone in the SW MO area. And if you're interested in a meeting, let me know!

    DragonRand
     
  13. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Hey Dragon,
    Welcome to the community...there are a heck of a lot of Prii in this area now, but very few have found their way here to PC.

    I'd be thrilled if you got some sort of GTG going...it certainly doesn't need to be anything big, local bar or restraunt is fine.
     
  14. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Hey Dragon,
    Welcome to the community...there are a heck of a lot of Prii in this area now, but very few have found their way here to PC.

    I'd be thrilled if you got some sort of GTG going...it certainly doesn't need to be anything big, local bar or restraunt is fine.
     
  15. sparlin

    sparlin New Member

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    Rolla, MO
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    Bennet Springs is the place to meet.

    Dear Priusee's

    I propose Bennett Springs for an April day trip meeting site. Not March 1! Wait for beautiful weather. There is a reasonable sized parking lot outside the rustic lodge restaurant. Small separate dining room for headquarters, lunch. Fun tour of the hatchery. Swimming pool, hiking trail, fishing, camping. Nearly equal distance from Springfield, Rolla, Ft. Wood, Sedalia, Columbia. Lots of inexpensive rustic cabins onsite and adjacent.

    Souvenir prizes for greatest distance, best MPG, backing through small traffic cones using rear view TV screen only, most modifications to stock car, best modification, worst modification, newest accessory/application, greatest people-miles.

    We can hit up Seeger Toyota for refreshments, perhaps coupons for service at the many Seeger Toyota dealerships.

    There are more than eight Prii near or in Rolla.

    If I can get at least three helpers I will organize the first such event.

    Don Sparlin
    [email protected]
     
  16. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    That sounds like a great time and place!! I can try to help out from over here in Springfield area.
     
  17. sparlin

    sparlin New Member

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    April at Bennett Springs

    Dear Prius persons,

    I propose Saturday, April 19 (after tax day!), or the next Saturday, April 26, for a casual meeting. Cruise on down and meet and greet the good people, the Prius owners.

    Once I get my three helpers, we will decide which weekend and go with it. If you want a vote, get on the working committee. With the date decided I will post an invitation for you to print out and stick under the wipers of every Prius you find in a parking lot. Hope that is legal!

    In the meantime, bring on your thoughts on what is missing for your enjoyment. Post your comments in this thread.

    Don Sparlin
     
  18. Ron Walker

    Ron Walker VP21

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    Prius regeneration

    Hi

    I live in Ozark, Missouri and drive a silver '01 Prius

    For the last six years I've purchased damaged Prius for rebuild. I've put 26 of them back on the road and currently have one for sale.

    I enjoy working on the car and solving any problems. I use 'doner' wrecked Prius' for parts and components. If I had to depend on Prius maintenance and mechanical work I'd starve. They don't seem to break that often.

    Later this year I plan to expand into the '04 - 08 cars but will always have a soft spot for the classic.

    I hope a spring meet can be organized
     
  19. 02 & Blue

    02 & Blue New Member

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    Whew! Thanks Ron, I was beginning to think I was the only one who drove a pre 04 Prius (2002 & Blue 4 door). Bought Mom's 02 when Dad got her a 2007. My wife named it Baby girl and keeps trying to trade me her 2003 Diamonte VRX. I have a 2003 Tundra as well, it hasn't left the driveway except for battery charging since the Prius arrived (Jul 07). Baby girl has 92,500+ miles and gets 46.6 mpg in Summer, Mom and Dad drove her all over the Midwest and East Coast. Dad said I would noticed an approx 9 mpg drop during cold weather, is that normal for the older models? Either way it still beats the 19 mpg in the Tundra.

    I live in Warrensburg and have seen 5-6 07s around town.
     
  20. sparlin

    sparlin New Member

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    Re: April at Bennett Springs

    Fellow Prius owners,
    I am sorry to have to rescend my offer of organizing a gathering due to family conflicts.
    Don Sparlin