Going from a 2005 Acura RL to a 2006 Toyota Prius

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NuShrike @ Jul 13 2006, 03:44 PM) [snapback]285827[/snapback]</div>

I would agree that the Prius "feels" slower than it is, but I'm not sure if it's because of some lack of perception of (relatively) constant acceleration. The problem in the Prius is that you can't "feel" the speed of the car. I constantly find that I'm going faster than I think that I am because the normal cues aren't there: the Prius has no shift points to indicate your speed, and engine noise in the Prius is not directly connected to the speed of the vehicle as it is in a conventional vehicle.

 

tyrael

I bought mine from Maroone too; they've been a good dealership so far. I stopped by to see my salesperson last weekeng (Brian Wilson) and saw the 6 Prius' they had in stock. There was a white and black Package 7, which color did you get?

I had an 06 TL out for a demo weekend from Rich Case Acura last year; great car, but not for me. I also test drove an 06 Corvette (rattle box right out of the factory). My Prius is a much luxury and as much of a sports car as I need. I commute to work in my Prius; I still can't wait to drive it somewhere every day.

My modification suggestions:

1. Ditch the trim rings and buy chrome valve stem caps ($1.99 at Maroone)

2. Tire pressure 38 front, 36 rear (I've done a lot of experimenting in South Florida)

3. I hate that you can't use the Navi or Bluetooth to their capacity while moving, but I'm not ready to cut wires yet; I hope Toyota will come to their senses and release a fix, or someone finds a bypass like they did for the 04/05

4. The more I read, the more the EV mod from Coastal makes sense; I'm going to order mine today.

5. Use a small rug as a heel pad; my driver side floor mat was showing wear after a few months. I've already purchased a replacement set of mats from a PriusChat member.

Don't waste your money on premium gas; not needed. Don't expect great MPG's at first; both Prius' I broke in didnt fall into the 47-50 MPG groove until after 5,000 miles (not great for me means around 45-47 MPG). Learn about "Pulse and Glide" and use it. Don't order Florida license plate "48MPG", I reserved it already.

I live in Weston; maybe we'll meet at the dealership someday.

Enjoy your new baby!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tyrael @ Jul 12 2006, 06:18 PM) [snapback]285274[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ Jul 12 2006, 08:30 PM) [snapback]285337[/snapback]</div>

Cheap -- Something I've been wondering about ... wouldn't doing mods to your electronic systems void the warrantees?

Congratulations, Tyrael. That was interesting reading about the contrast in your reactions towards the Camry and the Prius. I hadn't test driven a Camry hybrid, but had tried a Camry when I was car shopping for my last car 7 years ago and didn't like it all (mainly because of the slushy suspension).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bsoft @ Jul 15 2006, 04:46 AM) [snapback]286640[/snapback]</div>

EXACTLY! A lot of "feels fast" is the drag, jerk, surge of other transmissions. For real "feels fast" you need something with so much power it shoves you back in your seat. That isn't most peoples' experienced "feel".
I had to rent a car when my rear bumper was replaced (due to an idiot who apparently didn't know that a line of cars stopped at a red light meant she should stop BEHIND the line (AND ME!!). I ended up with a Mazda 3. HATED IT. MUCH too stiff a ride. Too much off the line torque, though with a little practice, I could control it. But the thing pertinent to this discussion: I always felt I was going faster than I really was when I looked at the speedo thinking I was getting close to the posted speed. When I first got my Prius, I ALWAYS found I was going FASTER than I thought.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Jul 16 2006, 10:11 AM) [snapback]287139[/snapback]</div>

Maybe. The mod would have to be proven to have caused the problem. Yes, the mod can cause a short and that would be your fault. Of course you also want to think about selling the car to someone and if they have a problem they could come after you. I suggest using extra pins to insert into the plugs when you do the mods. That way when you are ready to sell, you can just undo all the mods, give her a good cleaning, and presto good as new.
Also you can look at all the members here who have done mods again and again. Have you heard of anyone having an issue yet from doing mods. Of course it only takes one.



To mod or not to mod?
That is the question.