Prius Gen 1 at a crossroad .. WWYD ??

I had to remove the center portion of the dash (which requires panel removal tools and a light/patient touch. I also spliced into the stock radio wiring (bought the Haynes manual to get the wiring diagram) and mounted it in the space just above the pseudo ashtray (or change holder in my car). It fit really nice. It took a day of my time but it was worth it to me. I would be glad to walk you through it ((270) 303 0084 my name is Phil). The hardest part is removing the center dash panel. Its easy to break the plastic tabs (I broke two but glued them back on with epoxy). I can take a picture of it if you'd like. It is time consuming but worth every minute.

 

Inverters (new) are pricey however, you can usually find a used inverter for a reasonable price. I've never had to replace mine but several on this site have (search inverter). I don't know the exact cost because it would vary by whoever is selling it but I do know that "YOU" can replace it if you're careful and ask for help. I would be willing to take that job on if I need to someday.

As for taking good care of the batteries, It comes down to simply making sure your battery fan is coming on periodically as it should (especially in hot weather). Additionally if you stop to park (say in your driveway or a parking lot) and you hear the battery fan running, don't turn the car off until it (the battery fan) shuts off (the power to the fan cuts off when you turn the key off). This will allow the battery cooling system to cool down your battery to an acceptable level. If you shut it off, cooling stops and the battery will stay at an elevated temp for a longer period of time. Other than that, the electronics will do the rest (as long as they are functioning properly).

 

To avoid confusion, prior to introducing the v wagon, Toyota changed to spelling out the model names (e.g. Five). When they did that, we didn't know why since the v wagon hadn't been introduced yet. Now it looks like they might've just gone to Arabic numerals (e.g. 5) instead, so you should really be asking about 2012 Prius 5 or Five.

As for improved mileage, per Compare Cars Side-by-Side, 3rd gen (2010+) Prius is EPA rated 50 mpg combined. 2001 Prius after adjustment downwards (since EPA testing methodology changed starting w/model year 08), is 41 mpg combined.

You can compare how the current gen Prius compares w/the 01 in CR testing at Most fuel-efficient cars vs. The 200,000-mile question: How does the Toyota Prius hold up?.

 

My 2002 Prius, bought brand-new in Aug 2002, is currently at 237,000 miles and running like a champ. So far, the only "major" repairs have been a new catalytic converter at 130K and front wheel bearings at 150K. My average mileage over the past 15K? 50.1 MPG.

These are wonderful cars, so long as you do what you're supposed to: drive it sensibly, and keep up with your routine maintenance.

That said, you should be able to get a very good trade-in if you choose to go that route; you have relatively few miles on the car, and Toyota dealerships are always looking for a nice used Prius.

 

I chose the Dual XDMA because it fit in the unused space and it had all the functions I wanted at a reasonable price. Plus it was available at my local WalMart for $100. When I spliced the cables, I didn't cut the stock wiring. I simply followed the procedure used by Bulldog Security (Installation manuals) detailed on page 7 of the RS82 manual. By doing it this way, you can keep most of the functionality of the MFD. After I did all the splicing, I did not plug radio plugs back into the stock radio for fear it would cause some problems if I accidently turned the stock radio on while the XDMA was on (I doubt it would cause any problems but, I just didn't want to take the chance. That decision did affect some of the ability to manipulate the MFD with the buttons to the right of the radio (you cant turn the MFD off and if you get the warning lights (ie: Triangle of Death, Batt or PS indicators) you can't return the MFD to display the normal screen while those indicators are on. I also lost my clock on the stock radio but, the XDMA also has a clock so overall, no loss of clock. I will make a copy of the stock radio wiring and post it here for you. I should be able to do that tomorrow.

Here is a detailed instruction on how to remove the center dash panel (Installation Instructions) This is a "how to" to replace the MFD so you only need steps 1-9. On step 9 they casually say to simply pull and the panel will release however this is the step you need the panel removal tool for and, a screwdriver will not work. If you break off any tabs, be sure to glue them back on with epoxy. Your dash panels are old and very brittle and break very easy. U have to baby it. Don't get in a hurry.

I do want to strongly encourage you to use plastic panel removal tools to remove the center panel to avoid breaking off any tabs (and you'll probably still break off one or two). I know I keep saying this but I can't stress it enough.

More to follow

 

I get 55 mpg yearly average with my 2010 II , summers never under 60 mpg, now have 30Kmi on it. The bigger engine and SHM mode on the Gen 3 really help with the mpg. Winters with 4 snow tires, slush and low temps drop me down to 54 or so . Still 55 mpg actual 57 mpg displayed is great for a huge car like this. Too big for me but the MPG is the best. Waiting for the c version .