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PRIUS PHV TEST RUN Campaign !!! My Experience

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by HAWAIIANBUILT, Mar 1, 2011.

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  1. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    HEY PRIUS CHAT FOLKS !!!

    :)     :):):)

    On February 21, 2011 I was selected to take part in the PRIUS PHV TEST RUN CAMPAIGN !!!

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    I would especially like to thank Doug Coleman / Product Manager Toyota Marketing Department for the opportunity to be part of the Prius PHV Test Run Campaign. I would also like to thank Frank Bain from AMCI as well for the informative briefing and delivery of the Prius PHV to my home here in Southern California.

    All in all I personally was Satisfied with the Prius PHV !!!

    Here are some of my pictures taken ...

    Anxiously awaiting Frank Bain and the Prius PHV through my Front Door ...

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    Quick Gas up prior to dropping off Mr. Bain ...

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    Then upon returning home for the initial Test Run, it was time to take some pictures with HB II !!!

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    Then it was time to take it for the TEST RUN !!!

    Los Angeles here I come !!!

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    Move over Honda Insight !!!

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    Gen III !!!

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    After having the PHV for 3 Days, it was time to get it nice and clean ...

    Because a clean PHV is an Efficient PHV !!!

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    After a Test Run and Evaluation it was time to say goodbye ...

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    Impression:

    I was informed that several of the items within the PHV were not confirmed standard fitment for the US Production model. I did enjoy some of the amenities such as the heated seats (since my Prius III didn't have any).

    As far as the PHV Efficiency: I am sure you are all aware of the 12-15 Mile Distance capabilities from the full 3 Hour Charge. This was a concern for me. However, I rationalized that my commute in the future which would be closer to work/school (within 15 miles) that I could potentially be operating solely on the Electric Capacity.

    Even beyond the exhaustion of the Electric Capacity, the PHV still is a revolutionary PHV at this time. Compared to the Chevy Volt (In regards to it's Leasing Only option / Charging Time) the Prius PHV in my opinion is a winner. And compared to the Nissan Leaf (All Electric) The Prius PHV owner will not worry about the "Charging Anxiety" they face.

    In my opinion the Prius PHV is a wonderful choice !!!

    :):):):)

    Again I would especially like to thank Doug Coleman / Product Manager Toyota Marketing Department for the opportunity to be part of the Prius PHV Test Run Campaign. And also thank you to Frank Bain from AMCI (pictured below) as well for the informative briefing and delivery of the Prius PHV to my home here in Southern California !!!

    I'm SOLD ON THE PRIUS PHV !!!

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    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #1 HAWAIIANBUILT, Mar 1, 2011
    4 people like this.
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Glad to know I'm not the only one who washed and waxed the Plug In while we had it... :)

    Can't wait for it to finally be released!
     
    #2 Paradox, Mar 1, 2011
  3. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    Well that's good. Because now the Toy web site says coming early 2012 for both the Prius c and Prius PHV. This is getting exciting. Maybe I'll have some (self imposed) competition for the CT and Prius v.
    :D
     
    #3 drash, Mar 1, 2011
  4. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Here's to hoping early means January! Doubtful, but hey, one can still wish!
     
    #4 Paradox, Mar 1, 2011
  5. dbennett

    dbennett New Member

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    Hey! My 1951 Buick has heated seats! ☺

    My wife and I are looking at purchasing a Prius this month.
     
    #5 dbennett, Mar 1, 2011
  6. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    It looks like US, Japan and Europe will get it at the same time.
     
    #6 usbseawolf2000, Mar 2, 2011
  7. Ct. Ken V

    Ct. Ken V Active Member

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    Hey, dbennett,

    You're not talking about electrically heated seats like the ones in modern cars, are you? You really mean the big round coil (full of radiator coolant) & the blower motor (in the same housing) under the right front seat (like in my '50 Roadmaster), right? It mainly sucks air in from the top & blows it out towards the rear seat floor area, but I suppose you could reverse the direction of the fan motor & get it to blow up under the front passenger seat for a heated seat

    By the way, have you ever seen the shop manual for that era Buick? It shows you how to re-route the heater hoses to get maximum heat under the seat. That's an auxiliary heat source under the seat anyway. The primary heater is the heater box on the firewall for both floor heat & windshield defrosting. Buick Fireball straight-eights forever!

    Ken (in Bolton,Ct)
     
    #7 Ct. Ken V, Mar 2, 2011
  8. HAWAIIANBUILT

    HAWAIIANBUILT Senior Member

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    HEY PARADOX !!!

    Yeah it just didn't feel right to let it go unclean !!!

    It was given to me that way, and so I had to return the favor !!!

    I have to admit I did get attached to the PHV, and it was sad to see it go ...

    Hurry up 2012 !!!

    I do hope they offer some of the Japan Domestic Market Colors too !!!

    :):):):)

    Rodney
     
    #8 HAWAIIANBUILT, Mar 2, 2011
  9. tpfun

    tpfun New Member

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    Pictures of the battery and associated electrical system would be more revealing.
     
    #9 tpfun, Mar 2, 2011
  10. seal2cc

    seal2cc New Member

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    Just wish they would have a sunroof option...love them and it is kind of a deal breaker for me..
     
    #10 seal2cc, Mar 2, 2011
  11. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    What's the MPG you got?
     
    #11 usbseawolf2000, Mar 2, 2011
  12. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    What the Buicks or the PHV?
    :D

    I used to have a 78 Buick Regal Turbo. The gas mileage didn't really scare me as much as the insurance payments. Think 20 something and a turbo. I didn't keep it long.
    :eek:

    And the constant oil changes.
     
    #12 drash, Mar 2, 2011
  13. lunabelgium

    lunabelgium Member

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    I hope so - LOL - .
    9 "SOLYNDRA" panels in more on the roof.
     
    #13 lunabelgium, Mar 4, 2011
  14. mk1039

    mk1039 New Member

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    OP mentioned "I was informed that several of the items within the PHV were not confirmed standard fitment for the US Production model"

    i was wondering, what are those items. i guess one is Navigation unit which doesnt look properly alligned. what are other ?
     
    #14 mk1039, Mar 5, 2011
  15. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    heated cloth seats, those foglights (which we know is only on the V model in the US), the silver trimmed exterior bits (door handles, rear garnish).
     
    #15 Tideland Prius, Mar 5, 2011
  16. mk1039

    mk1039 New Member

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    what about navigation unit. is it also a temporary one ? doesnt look like properly fitted and alligned in its hole in the dash like the one in 2010 model?
     
    #16 mk1039, Mar 5, 2011
  17. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    In the demo plug in Prius it was not the normal av system either. Remember, it's a demo vehicle so it has a lot of things that may or may not make it into production. Heck, the battery pack may end up being one large pack and not split into multiple cells, it's all an unknown at this point.
     
    #17 Paradox, Mar 5, 2011
  18. basicallyevolve

    basicallyevolve New Member

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    not allowed to talk about the MPG after your test drives :p?
     
    #18 basicallyevolve, Mar 6, 2011
  19. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It's a "lite" Toyota navigation system. You can find a similar system in Corollas and Matrixs and I believe older Toyota models used that design (vehicles that had a double-din opening) before the integrated 7" LCD screen came along. (e.g. 2002-2006 Camry and 2001-2007 Highlander)
     
    #19 Tideland Prius, Mar 6, 2011
  20. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    #20 Paradox, Mar 6, 2011
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