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Newbie questions, oil changes, seats, etc

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by gnr5, Sep 25, 2012.

  1. gnr5

    gnr5 New Member

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    Other Non-Hybrid
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    Hi everyone,

    I will be soon buying a Prius, I'm DONE and OVER my VW Tiguan, bought it new in '09 and so far have had over 6 major repairs (fuel and engine related), 9 shop visits, towed in twice. Tried speaking to everyone and their mother in VW and all I've got was "you know, sometimes quality assurance people show up to work drunk and you might have gotten a bad car, why don't you trust us with a '12 Tiguan?". I wish I was making this up. Aside from the engine, I really like the interior of my Tiguan, I will miss it.

    Anyways, I'm looking into the Prius, with a new baby on the way I was hesitant at first but I'm really liking the cheap gas plus all cool features. I don't care about my manhood! haha. So I have a few questions:

    1. What oil should I use, what's the factory recommended? I've read both answers before.
    2. Still deciding between the three and the four. Any reviews on the "leather" seats? I'm still not sold on it.
    3. Any major preference between the regular nav and the premium nav?

    Thanks!!!
     
    #1 gnr5, Sep 25, 2012
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
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    Three
    If I had children on the way I would look at the Prius v, getting children into car seats should be easier on parents.

    1) 0w20 synthetic. The brand does not matter so long as you are consistent.

    2) I have cloth in my 3, they are fine in the heat.

    3) Factory Nav will never be as good as a dedicated Nav from Garmin or Tomtom.
     
    #2 JimboPalmer, Sep 25, 2012
  3. gnr5

    gnr5 New Member

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    Thanks! Yes, the baby will play a big part in this decision. I seriously don't find the prius v any pretty, so I'm not attracted to it. About the NAV, its just a "want", I'm pretty good with directions and I have a smartphone. Maybe the Prius 3 with some options might be better than the four.
     
    #3 gnr5, Sep 25, 2012
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    For me anyway, just walking up to the Toyota Parts counter and asking for Toyota 0W20 (& filter) is very easy, and typically the cheapest option.

    We have cloth, seems fine, good quality. Leather might be better though, considering with kids: "There Will Be Spills...".

    An aftermarket GPS is more flexible, adaptable, and much more portable.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Sep 25, 2012
  5. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    1) Toyota 0w20 or Mobile 1 0w20- either will do...
    2) "Leather"= Softex on 2012 Toyota's. The Softex is really nice- mine is 6 mo old now and it looks brand new still- very easy to clean.
    3) Pretty much the consensus is the 2012 NAV is a big step down from the previous versions. Spend $150 and get a Garmin with lifetime maps and traffic- you'll thank me later!
     
    #5 ny_rob, Sep 25, 2012
  6. Chris Hanson

    Chris Hanson New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I have had my 2012 Prius Four (with Solar / Nav Package) for 4 days now, so I admit that I may be in a honeymoon period, but I love this car.

    For me, the "leather" is perfect. I really like the luxury of the leather over cloth and have had a similar option in my last 2 cars and my wife's last 2 cars. Today it was complimented by a coworker who drives a 2012 Infinity. Couldn't be happier with it.

    The upgraded nav is nice. The main difference (as I understand it) is that the bigger screen allows a split screen view with half of the screen showing the map and the other half showing one of: audio, car data, compass, second map, and a few other options. I really like this feature and think I will use it often.

    I also like the HUD that's part of the Solar/Nav package. It allows me to display different information on the main display than on the HUD allowing me to have more information available simultaneously.

    I'm far short of the oil change point, so I don't have much info on that.

    Best Wishes!
    Chris
     
    #6 Chris Hanson, Sep 25, 2012
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