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Initial thoughts after 250 miles on my 2011 Prius III

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by NineScorpions, Nov 26, 2011.

  1. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    So I tried to get a week under my belt before I opened my mouth about what I think about the car. I have booked 250 miles now. I have high level observations and also some fine tune observations. As someone else has done, I will categorize my feedback by grade (see my signature for car specs). Keep in mind that I am coming from driving a 2004 Nissan Titan with over 300hp.

    Great
    Raw vehicle design: At a glance, the untrained eye would think this is just a small 4 banger car. But once you understand all the technology packed into this car...it is quite amazing. Even my friends who are still looking at me kinda funny...are asking more and more questions about how it does this and how it does that. The technology simply hooks you.
    Power Sunroof: This was a must have...it is easy to work the electronics and even at highway speeds...there is minimal wind noise created. #1 feature for me!
    Regenerative braking: This is just too cool...I never imagined that I would be charging my battery as I slow to a traffic light.
    Driving up to 40mph on the battery: Something else I did not expect to really be able to do in practice, but actually is quite easy. Now when I am at a stop light next to a car pumping out emissions...I am now shaking my head. It makes you feel good about your purchase.
    Aftermarket wheels & Tires: Once I installed my new rims and tires, immediately I could feel the road much more than with the stock rims and tires. I appreciate this...I really like to know what is going on on the road. I think it is too obvious to state that the car cornering is better...less side wall flex.
    Smart Key System: I did not have this on my Nissan...this is a great system being able to lock, unlock, and start the car without ever touching the fob. Big Kudos for this feature.
    Cargo Space: I think this car has an excellent amount of cargo space even without folding the rear seats. I was worried I would not have enough for long trips, but I do not think this will be a problem.
    Power Windows Auto Function: Another must have for me...one click all the way up or down. A small feature, but very much appeciated.
    Paint: Unfortunately, there were no Blizzard Pearl cars near me...so I bought my car blindfolded. When I was actually able to compare my car side by side with the pure white...the metallic Blizzard Pearl finish is beautiful.

    Good
    Vehicle Ride: The ride is fine...however it does tend to "float" on those big side wall 15" tires. It has a lot of body roll and seems to be under-steery. I put this in the "good" category since I know I am driving an oversized lawn mower. I did not expect sports car handling.
    Back up Camera: The camera has good range...excellent visual quality and even at night with the car reverse lights...does help quite a bit.
    Obtaining good MPG's: It takes some practice (and also reading in this forum) about how to get the car to push great numbers...but only being through a half tank of gas...I am getting the hang of it.
    Leather quality: The leather is quite nice...lets see how it holds up.
    Multi-information display: This thing is packed with data and I like it. However, just as with the navigation/receiver software, Toyota needs to rehash the user interface. Improve resolution and use larger fonts when possible since you are looking at this and not the road.

    Fair
    3M paint protection: I read the information that came with the clear paint protection and it stated be careful around the edges of the film so you do not lift it. Well after only 100 miles...I already see a small layer of dirt accumulating at the edge of the film. I will try and clean it...but it seems this condition will only get worse with time. I am sure it will do its job to keep nicks and what-have-you off the front of the car, but I think at some point...it will have to be peeled off or reapplied.
    JBL Sound system (sound only): I am a bit spoiled with my 1400 watt system in my truck...so I was not expecting much. The sound is decent and has decent bass response.
    Voice Activation Feature: I am still struggling with this feature...it normally misses my intended selections...mostly with names. I think I need to spend more time here.

    Poor
    Back up siren (beep, beep): The first time I backed up and heard this, it was kinda neat. After the 5th time, it is just damn annoying. It makes me nervous even. I am sure with time...I will get use to it and then expect it in all cars (which will not happen)
    Hatchback: It takes too much force to close the hatchback. I am sure it takes a good bit of force from the hydraulic system to push it up and hold it up...but with your hands full, it can be cumbersome to get it shut.
    Track changing speed: It simply takes too long for the audio system to switch between tracks when the forward/back button is pressed. It is not related to the iPod...this condition does not exist with my Kenwood receiver. In the Prius...I press the button and about 2 seconds later I get a response. Obviously a minor observations...but annoying nonetheless.

    Bad
    Navigation/Audio receiver software: All I can say is wow...it is quite obvious that Toyota did not invest any time in understanding if their software platform (not sure if it is 3rd party or in-house) is par with today's technology. I have my iPod packed with over 10k songs and in my Titan Kenwood receiver...I can "skip" down the artist or song list to find what I want quickly (I can skip from letter A to letter P in one touch). If you can do this in the Prius, someone please educate me so I can be less frustrated. As it sits...I have to start at "A" and press arrow down about 800 times to get from letter to letter. With that aside, the graphics of the software are extremely poor. Most cell phones have better resolution. Additionally, the overall speed of the software is lacking. The backup camera has great resolution, so that is evidence that the display contains the needed specs for good resolution, they have simply failed to compliment that with great software.

    Suggestions/Additions:
    *Sonar back system
    *Overhaul of navigation software system as well as multi-information display. Work a contract with Apple or someone that knocks software out of the park

    Overall, I grade it a 9 out of 10. If they get their software up to speed...well this car would be pushing near perfect from a design standpoint.
     
  2. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Yay! Thanks for your assessment.

    The continual backup beeping can be disabled but on the 3rd gen requires the use of tools that plug into the OBD2 port. I believe it can only be changed to a single beep and not disabled completely.

    (I'm not positive since on the 2nd gen, it can be done w/o any tool and the only two choices are on or totally off.)
     
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  3. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Good write up. Keep in mind it also charges the battery while coasting with foot off the gas and brake, but moreso when you brake.
     
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  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Thanks for the writeup!

    The rear windows take a page out of the Lexus LS. They're variable speed power windows. They slow before they completely close so you get that loud "thump" when the windows hit the frame (but probably as a safety feature too, allowing precious milliseconds to get fingers out of the way).

    Are you using the hand inserts in the black plastic to help pull down the hatch? I found this 3rd Gen easier to close than the 2nd Gen.

    Lastly, I agree with you on the navigation/audio system. The way it scrolls is is painfully slow and the fact that you can skip to a letter is just poor design interface.
     
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  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    It is normal for dirt to accumulate around the edges of the paint protection film. Keep the car clean and it will be a non-issue.

    Use XPEL ppf sealant on the film ($20/bottle, lasts a year or more) at least monthly to keep the film sealed or else it may turn yellow or be etched permanently by bugs.
     
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  6. Pfcardwell

    Pfcardwell New Member

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    My dealer had a one time Courtesy deal were they would change settings for you. The changeable settings are in your manual. I did the backup beep and seatbelt beep.
     
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  7. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    Good point. I have been starting to drag the brake pedal earlier than needed with only light pressure rather than waiting later and applying more. I suppose either way you are getting about the same amount of total charge but in either case not applying enough to activate the friction brakes?
     
  8. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    I found this after less than 200 miles...and the car is as clean as it is going to get. It seems the accumulation is just up under the very edge of the film...I would compare it to dirt just under the edge of your fingernail. It is only in one spot...so perhaps the application in that spot was not as good as it could have been. I am going to tool around with it to see if I can clean it without lifting it more. Thanks for the XPEL product info...I will jump on that right away.
     
  9. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    I am probably making it harder because I use the locking hook to close it. I have tried my best to keep my mits off of the black finish portion of the hatch since I have found that it is a finger printing machine. But perhaps this is the price I pay.
     
  10. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    I don't know when the friction brakes come into play, but I'm sure someone around here knows.
     
  11. tomtomsf

    tomtomsf Junior Member

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    Without a doubt, the easiest way to close the hatchback is by using one of the two built-in handles on the inside of the hatch. It really makes it almost effortless. Once you give a slight tug downward, the hatch will practially close by itself. In the beginning, I resisted using these because they are in an odd and inconvenient place. But, pushing down on the hatch in any other manner just makes it hard to close. Try these handles. I'll bet you'll be surprised how easy it is to close using them.

    Tom G.
     
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  12. Much More Better

    Much More Better Active Member

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    another tip on closing the hatch, in addition to pulling down by the handles:

    let the hatch come within 2-3 inches of closing before dropping it down. The weight of the hatch will suffice, no need to let it slam from high above.
     
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  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I'm not talking about the black rear spoiler (you don't want to put too much pressure on it).

    There are two built-in pull-down assist handles on the inside of the hatch.

    See the above two posts. (tomtomsf and much more better)
     
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  14. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    Thanks guys for the great feedback...let me check this one. I hope you have a quick fix for the audio receiver software too? :confused:
     
  15. Scotty Danger

    Scotty Danger Junior Member

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    Great job on the car! My next purchase will most likely be a 2012 Blizzard Pearl. I have the 17" gunmetal Drag DR-33's on my Gen II, and I love them.

    However, the 18" Five AD rims are calling my name. I dropped mine with an Eibach kit, and the cornering is phenomenal (although I do have to be very careful when entering certain driveways).
     
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  16. NineScorpions

    NineScorpions Economy, Meet Style!!

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    Thanks bro. I was checking all the cars on here with Drag DR-33 wheels...I think I only found two (including yours). And to add some icing...I just ordered my Eibach lowering kit (should be here by Friday). I assume your wheels have a 45mm offset or are they 42mm? Are you rubbing just at the top of the tire or inner fender area? What is the gap in inches after the drop? I have been measuring my car...I found the right side of the car is actualy about a 1/4" higher off the ground than the left (which I did not expect). After the drop, I should have 1" from the top of the tire to fender in the front and 1.5" in the rear (top of tire...flat patch...not side wall area). I cannot wait to take some corners with the new springs!
     
  17. tomtomsf

    tomtomsf Junior Member

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    I find that i don't even need to lower the hatch that much to get it to close easily. I just give it a gentle tug on the handle to about 1/2 way closed. Then weight of the hatch (or something) seems to propel it closed the rest of the way.

    Tom G.


     
  18. Scotty Danger

    Scotty Danger Junior Member

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    Right on - great call on the Eibach kit. My wheels are 45mm offset, and they actually don't rub at all. My only real issue was scraping the front bumper on steep inclines (like a driveway entrance). I started taking these at an angle, and the problem disappeared. I'm haven't measured the remaining wheel gap, but I'll check it tomorrow. The car sits perfectly, such an improvement. That's strange though that one side of the car is higher than the other!

     
  19. Kb2lzh

    Kb2lzh Junior Member

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    My new black 2011 with 700 miles has small scratches in the clear coat, it is driving me crazy. I have owned black in the past without having this scratch issue. Any suggestions?
     
  20. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Well, you have two choices.

    1) Wax it with a wax that containers a ton of fillers, and do it often, to cover up the swirls.

    2) Polish them out with a Griots Garage DA or Flex 3401 and start washing the car meticulously well to prevent wash-induced swirls.
     
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