What I hate about my Prius

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(B Rad @ Jul 10 2006, 01:59 PM) [snapback]283932[/snapback]</div>

I decided to change the rims, and am much happier now. Sure, I lost some MPG, but the new tread is safer, and the new rims look so much better.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(avion @ Jul 10 2006, 09:09 PM) [snapback]284182[/snapback]</div>

Thank you. I was going to say that. I HATE that. I think that there should be some sort of way to sign some sort of waiver, that says you won't hold Toyota responsible for stupid behaviour that results in a accident.

I am glad I have the override in both my Hybrids. It may prove (in the long run) , the one thing that will keep me from trading them in on newer models.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TJandGENESIS @ Jul 10 2006, 09:54 PM) [snapback]284238[/snapback]</div>

Mine is a 2006 model so the known override does not work :angry:

Speaking of lawyers, is there one reading this board by any chance? I wonder if we can force Toyota's hand in some way to fix the software. Class action suit maybe? I am ready to get into a fight with them. Anyone else cares enough about their stupid decision? I am sure you are not going to like the bad publicity.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(avion @ Jul 10 2006, 11:11 PM) [snapback]284254[/snapback]</div>

Pardon my ignorance ... what are you all talking about?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Jul 10 2006, 10:35 PM) [snapback]284265[/snapback]</div>

Toyota decided it is not only an automotive company but also an educator and an enforcer of non-existent laws. While moving, many functions are grayed out, not available. For example, you want to see which gas stations are in the area? You need to stop the car before you can add these POI. Want to see the message that the radio station transmits? You need to stop the car. Your phone did not get connected to the car's bluetooth system? You need to stop the car to do so. I was told they don't even show the caller's number when a call comes in (I need to try this) while driving, but I guess it is OK for you to have to pull the phone out of your pocket and check its display while driving! And it does not matter that you may have a passenger that may do all the button pressing, since the functionality is turned off.

I can see how someone gets into an accident because they had to stop on the expressway shoulder to make a change that is not approved by Toyota's lawyers.

While they do this, why don't they jam the cell phone so no calls can distract you at all. And how about the radio, shouldn't it be locked while driving? Someone may crash while changing channels, you know.

Can you tell I am mad at them?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(avion @ Jul 10 2006, 09:06 PM) [snapback]284281[/snapback]</div>

Yeah, it's too bad that they couldn't have rigged the passenger weight sensor so that if it read over 50 pounds, the NAV would have full function.

Well, you could just cut a couple of wires and install switches. I did that with the BT and it works fine. You lose some information with the Consumption screen, but only for the time it's switched off (it makes the Prius think it's stopped). You also can read the messages that a radio station has.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Jul 10 2006, 11:35 PM) [snapback]284265[/snapback]</div>

For the '06 Prius, the override that you could use in the earlier models, does not work anymore. What is odd about this, is that in the '07 Hybrid Camry, of which I also own, the override not only works, but also you can dial out numbers, and it tells you how long you have been on the call. So, if understand this right, Toyota must think that the average Camry owner will not be
A: Smart enough to figure out the override
or
B: Will not care to.

I understand in Australia, you can also override in the '06 Prius.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Jul 10 2006, 08:35 PM) [snapback]284265[/snapback]</div>

To add to what the others have said, we're talking about the built-in NAV system.

 

Here's a few more for the list...

Handling: Why must we add aftermarket lower body and suspension braces just to get average handling?

Transmission Stalk: Why not use push buttons for D,R,B,N like park?

Start button: Is it necessary? I want to get into the car, put my foot on the brake and simply select reverse,
there's really no need for a seperate ON switch. It should work like a CD player, simply push the play button.

MFD preferences: This is a computer, there could be screens full information and option settings. Nav system voice, chime volume, system functions (oil temp/pressure, water temp, charging/discharging amperage,etc.) 20 or more radio presets, his and her's radio presets. How about a his and her's fobs that store the operators last climate, radio and display settings.



<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(avion @ Jul 11 2006, 12:06 AM) [snapback]284281[/snapback]</div>

I can't agree more. Unknowing, I paid far too much for disfunctional Nav/Radio/MP3/Bluetooth, I want compensation for the disabled functionality.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(avion @ Jul 10 2006, 09:06 PM) [snapback]284281[/snapback]</div>

1. Press the voice nav button on the steering wheel, say "gas stations", voila! Yes, they seem to have opted for more voice nav features to offset the lack of touchscreen. I would also like touchscreen access in the 2006 while driving, but it's not killing me now that I've learned the voice nav more.

2. Isn't there an 'Audio' button right next to the screen, or perhpas the audio 'mode' button on the wheel? Sorry for guessing here; I seem to see the radio station messages all the time without even trying, while driving and switching between screens.

3. I haven't experienced a BT failure to connect, but I guess that would be annoying. The speaker and mic in the Prius is great and has worked perfectly with my Treo 650 since Day 1.


--foo

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(avion @ Jul 10 2006, 11:06 PM) [snapback]284281[/snapback]</div>

Can you see how easily someone could get INTO an accident trying to do all of the things you describe? I imagine that is why they lock them while the car is in motion....to avoid getting sued when someone gets into an accident doing the very things you want activated.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jul 10 2006, 10:30 PM) [snapback]284327[/snapback]</div>

To be honest, ever since July '05 when I knew about the override, I've needed it maybe 6 times. Normally I enter the information before driving.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(foo @ Jul 10 2006, 09:55 PM) [snapback]284313[/snapback]</div>

What avion means is that when the Audio screen is up on the MFD, and you're on an FM station, there's a MSG button that sometimes lights up. If you're stopped (or you cut the speed sensor wire for the BT),you can read the message. Generally it's the title of the music or a contest.

 

What i hate the most about my Prius is the lack of controls e.g. knobs and buttons.

I hate that the climate control is implimented into the touch screen. If i just want to turn the fan on, i have to go through the touch screen and feel around figuring out where the button is, i really wished toyota just used simple knobs and buttons for climate control. It'd be a lot easier to use, espicially while driving.

 

Proco,

I just stumbled across it by accident. I am a new owner; only 500 of hybrid driving.

Why doesn't the CD information display on the MFD after going to the appropriate track list screen on the MFD? The manual says it sometimes will or will not display. Is it becuase the CD I have is older?

Thanks,

Chris

Things I don't like (just picky items):

1. Armrests need more built in cushioning.
2. Dealer installed pinstripes.
3. Front seats are a little too high for me.
4. I can't drive the 18 miles to work on electric alone.

Can I throw in that the MFD says 65.1 mpg after 47 miles (my second tank of the car's life is starting out well). New owner enthusiasm.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Jul 10 2006, 10:36 PM) [snapback]284223[/snapback]</div>

My 2006 Prius beeps when I push the little door button to lock it. I'm pretty sure that's a setting that you can change yourself. (You can probably search here or in your owners manual.)

(My 2005 also beeped when it locked.)

I just fixed one of your insecurities!!! B)

 

I wish I could have heated seats for the winter.

I hate that I am constantly bumping the windshield wipers and turning them on.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(VABeachPrius @ Jul 11 2006, 07:18 AM) [snapback]284354[/snapback]</div>

It's actually not just because the CD is older. It's because ~95% of CDs that are pressed now-a-days are pressed without "CD-TEXT" (I just made the "95%" number up, but it's not far from the truth). Only CDs that have this "CD-TEXT" written onto them when they are pressed have the capability to display the information on the screen.

This annoys some people so much that they've taken to reburning their CDs a piece of software that can write CD-TEXT (a lot of CD burning software does this, although not iTunes).

Out of the ~50 CDs that I've played in my Prius, ONE of them has had CD-TEXT.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sl7vk @ Jul 10 2006, 03:48 PM) [snapback]284008[/snapback]</div>

Close, but not quite right.

You hold down LOCK and Distress buttons simultaneously.

 

I wish the steering wheel would telescope as well as tilt adjust. It seems too close to the dash for my comfort but sure some would want it that way.

 

There is mostly love for my Prius but a trip to Trader Joe's just reminded me of two annoying little features...when I place a phone call, I can't hang up without going back to the phone screen or taking the phone out of my purse (am I missing some helpful setting here?) and I can't place groceries on the passenger seat with the irritating seat belt warning going off. Normally, the bags go in the hatch but on days like this when the hatch is full of plants.....

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Linny @ Jul 11 2006, 11:24 AM) [snapback]284519[/snapback]</div>

Doesn't the 2006 have phone buttons on the steering wheel? I have a Connect button and a Disconnect button on mine.

The only weight I have on the passenger seat is a passenger.