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PIP required or not

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by horent135, Sep 27, 2016.

  1. horent135

    horent135 Junior Member

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    I might be buying a PIP and it my first. I live in an apt complex and really no way to charge. Can I drive the car without plug-in forever? Just drive as a normal HV?
     
  2. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Yes. Let me guess: you want HOV access?
     
  3. horent135

    horent135 Junior Member

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    Yes i helps i drive 50 miles around trip per day. I would the plug-in when available. Does it drive and operate the same as HV? Also why is the value PiP is lower than HV
     
  4. Yea Right

    Yea Right Active Member

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    Yes, after the charge is gone it's a HV
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    resale is lower due to toyota incentives and tax credits when new. they are a fabulous deal right now.
     
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yup, that's the beauty of the Prius PHV - it's a fuel efficient Prius after the charge runs out. Although some people have gotten better mpg (depending on your commute) because of the larger battery (probably terrain that lets them take advantage of the extra capacity).

    Just an FYI, if you use a public charger (most are free to use), it only takes 1.5hrs to top up a PiP so if you're shopping or eating, you can take advantage of the short charging time.

    As for values? Probably because people are jumping to the assumption that they can't buy a PiP if they can't plug it in so there's less demand for them. But if they're cheaper on the used car market, it means their value has dropped even greater compared to their MSRP and they still get Prius mpg (plus HOV access) so it makes sense to me.
     
  7. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    No problem.
     
  8. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    Works just fine if you never ever ever plug it in
     
  9. horent135

    horent135 Junior Member

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    If I use HV all the time, would it get better gas mpg or the same as normal prius?
    My commute would be 25miles stuck in traffic one way.
     
  10. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    It will get slightly better mileage than a non-PiP

    Only other difference to know about is the PiP has no spare tire. I suggest you replace your tires before they get bald, and keep a good AAA membership. I also keep a flat repair kit (plugs), pump, gloves and pliers in my car so I can fix my own flat if needed.
     
    #10 Rebound, Oct 1, 2016
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2016