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Car Talk's Tom and Ray test-drive the '04 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by bookrats, May 12, 2004.

  1. bookrats

    bookrats New Member

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    I noticed that Tom and Ray at Car Talk finally got around to reviewing the 2004 Prius.

    An "Awesome" rating apiece. I am surprised to see them complain about noise at high speeds -- most of the reviews I've seen anywhere have mentioned it's quiet (particularly for its price and size.) Also some complaints about rear visibility.

    They complain towards the end about car dealers scamming multiple $1K over MSRP from customers due to the current demand.

    Also (I believe) some incorrect info: says that the ICE is started when you use the heater or A/C. Thought that was only for the heater -- that the A/C ran off of the battery (until the battery was low enough that the ICE is started to charge it.) Am I correct?
     
    #1 bookrats, May 12, 2004
  2. rflagg

    rflagg Member

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    That's correct - in as far as the A/C goes, I know. The A/C pulls from the battery, which drains it slightly (depending on your temp setting) faster - I'm not sure though about the heater running off the ICE or the Battery.

    I've not noticed loud noises at higher speeds, and personally I like the rear view better than standard cars - being able to see directly behind you is a godsend.

    -m.
     
    #2 rflagg, May 12, 2004
  3. Ray Moore

    Ray Moore Active Member

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    I caught the line about how heavy the batteries were, leading them to cut sound insulation to compensate. That is just silly. The current battery weighs around 100 lbs. I think that 3% of the total weight of the car is not a lot. Insulation is one of the lighter components of the car. I think this is just the trap of thinking that there must be significant compromises involved in hybrid technology. NOPE! Just a great car with lousy seats.
     
    #3 Ray Moore, May 12, 2004
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    You're basicly correct. I think the reality is that the ICE will run a lot more with the AC in use, but certainly with a fully charged battery and minimum demand the ICE will still shut down at times.

    The also showed the EPA hwy number wrong (they said 40mpg), as well as a few other ticky points I'd take acception to (in particular the complaint about needing to use the MFD controls for radio and AC--I almost never use those, I use the ones on the steering wheel!). But overall it's not a bad review. I kinda wish Toyota would give someone like these guys a Prius to drive for 3-6 months so they could really get to know it. I think the thing is that this is so different from the usual car that it takes a little more learning curve and time to really adapt to...but once you do it's hard to go back.
     
    #4 efusco, May 12, 2004
  5. jasond

    jasond New Member

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    My limited experience with the AC suggests that I get better mileage in hot weather with the AC on low, than in cold weather with the heater on low. I got over 55 mpg the other day with the AC on low for the entire drive (72 degree set temp, 80 outside). In contrast, cold days knock me down under 50 for most trips.

    Tip: When using the AC, be sure the air is recycling, and, if you're the only one in the vehicle, shut the two front vents on the passenger side of the car (which greatly increases the cool air that blows right at you).
     
    #5 jasond, May 12, 2004
  6. JB

    JB Junior Member

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    They said:

    "Most of the controls seemed pretty well laid out. We did find the energy monitor display increasingly annoying. At first it's fascinating to watch where the power is coming from, and when it's being regenerated by the brakes. But after a while, you cease to care."

    I think that is a false statement for most of us on this board. :D
     
    #6 JB, May 12, 2004
  7. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    The heater works like the heater in a regular car. Running the cabin heater will force the ICE to keep running.
     
    #7 daniel, May 12, 2004
  8. Price Taylor

    Price Taylor New Member

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    I have had 2 instances of using my Prius during an early morning (3am)test of a wireless service that required me to be in my car. In the Seattle area, it's almost always cool at night here (99% of the time close enough?).

    I had the Prius running in order to have some heat. I started with a good battery charge and it gave me warmed air for about 20 minutes before the ICE kicked in.

    I also agree with the warm vs. cool weather assessment. I have almost 11K miles on my Prius and I've averaged between 42 and 51 mpg per tank (calculated) with worst mileage in the winter. Close to 47 mpg lifetime.

    Price
     
    #8 Price Taylor, May 12, 2004
  9. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    hmmm... i drove a corolla for years and my Prius is a lot quieter. on city streets its no contest. but even on the highway i think the Prius was still quieter.

    oh course my corolla is pushing 17 years old now...
     
    #9 DaveinOlyWA, May 12, 2004
  10. priitis

    priitis New Member

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    Maybe they didn't figure out that the other energy screen is a lot more fun to watch (at least for me) while trying to get better MPG. Of course, we're not supposed to be watching it while driving...
     
    #10 priitis, May 12, 2004
  11. Brian

    Brian Member

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    I watch it all the time!!!! Not really, but I look more than I should. :wink:
     
    #11 Brian, May 12, 2004
  12. Batavier

    Batavier Member

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    And isn't there a way to stop the screen from going back to the energy display? To stay on the screen you select (be it radio, AC or any other?).

    Found it: page 152 of the manual. :)
     
    #12 Batavier, May 13, 2004
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