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New Owner - Observations

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Curiousgb, Aug 5, 2012.

  1. Curiousgb

    Curiousgb New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2012
    29
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    Location:
    Millington TN
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    We bought a 2011 last week and took it on a 500 mile trip yesterday. Fuel consumption is better than I hoped. It really amazed me to average 50 mpg.

    Due to the lack of insulation in the car road noise is noticeable, not terrible, I suspect this can be decreased with some sound deadening material. Probably the most problematic thing I noticed was that after the car was parked for a while in 95+ temps it took a very long time to cool it down. Most notably was the amount of heat coming from the sun roof (shade was closed). There is no insulation in the shade, so I am looking at a mod for that. Also there was noticeable heat transfer from the windows, here I think tint might help. NAV system is not very good. It seemed to pick routes only based on major highways. Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL via Nashville or Jackson, MS. I had to add destinations to go the correct route. Other than that I am please with the Prius.
     
    #1 Curiousgb, Aug 5, 2012
  2. waprius

    waprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 15, 2005
    24
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    Location:
    Ocean Shores, WA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    You are getting about the same MPG's as my 2005 got. You will see a decrease when the winter comes. You will be running your heater and lights more often which will make the battery charge more often.
    And I could also hear a lot of road noise. I don't know about the sun roof though as I did not have one. I drove it around Arizona for a few weeks with no cooling down issues. It did take maybe 10 minutes to feel cool enough to be comfortable when the temps were above 100 outside.
    My new plug-in has NAV issues too. Seems to avoid the back roads in favor of the freeways. Doesn't matter what I set the map settings too either. I've been using my Garmin and comparing the routes. Garmin always chooses the quickest route based on traffic, not miles.
    Welcome to the Prius family!
     
    #2 waprius, Aug 5, 2012
  3. Whiteyprius

    Whiteyprius Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2008
    389
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    Location:
    North Carolina, USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Welcome to the Prius family! I can't relate to sunroof or nav issues, but I am sure you will enjoy your new ride immensely! Your mileage will jump up a bit when you are seeing more 70's & 80's rather those oppressive 90's. Enjoy the ride!
     
    #3 Whiteyprius, Aug 5, 2012
  4. car compulsive

    car compulsive Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2011
    741
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Welcome to the family. I agree that the Prius is rather noisy on the road. However, I found the AC to be quite strong - certainly stronger than most compact cars plus it doesn't go weak when in stop & go traffic.
     
    #4 car compulsive, Aug 5, 2012
  5. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
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    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
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    Were you in ECO when you were running the AC? It makes the AC more efficient when in this mode thereby making it a little slower to cool.
     
    #5 markabele, Aug 5, 2012
  6. Curiousgb

    Curiousgb New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2012
    29
    4
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    Location:
    Millington TN
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If car makers had a clue they would just offer a docking station for an Android of Iphone. That would take care of all the nav problems.
     
    #6 Curiousgb, Aug 5, 2012
    Golfrius likes this.
  7. Curiousgb

    Curiousgb New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2012
    29
    4
    0
    Location:
    Millington TN
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I may have been. That is something for me to remember. It also seems that the black dash is a huge heat sink. I will buy a sun shade for the window. The solar vent does actually help a lot.
     
    #7 Curiousgb, Aug 5, 2012
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