A Lesson in Closing the Hatchback...

You are absolutely right.
I noticed this handy hand hold a while back and use it often.
I probably still use the outside more often, as I find the contour of the hatch lid comfortable and don't worry much about the fingerprints I'm more likely to use the inside recess when the outside is wet or dirty.
Still, I agree that it is yet another thoughtful, and well engineered detail on a well designed car.

By the way, did I say I love this car?

 

I just noticed this the other day. It had rained the day before and my car was had those rain spots and dirt dried on the outside of the hatch. I didn't want to soil my fingers by pushing from the outside so I tried it and voila, worked like a charm. I do it more often than not these days, keeps those finger marks off the outside.

 

Yup, I do this with my Prius... an ingrained motion that I perfected on our Honda Odyssey.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(esskay @ Aug 2 2006, 11:07 PM) [snapback]296811[/snapback]</div>

I cannot reliablly close the hatch using the inside handle. However I start the motion there and follow through on the Toyota emblem in the center of the hatch. I find that it is a great leverage point; you really don't even push down, but just in. No marks on the paint, and you don't feel any give (as I used to when gently guiding the spoiler).

 

...And does not work AT ALL if one is five feet tall.

Unless you have a stepstool in the back.

That is one VERY high hatch.

I go for the loop thingy, greasy and messy as that might be. Sometimes, ya just gotta go with what works, despite "lessons" from those who are clearly clueless about other issues involved in an otherwise simple task.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mystery Squid @ Aug 3 2006, 12:20 AM) [snapback]296786[/snapback]</div>

When I got my Prius they actually had another salesman there who walked us through the car giving us a ton of information. That "handle" was one of the items he pointed out, not just to use, but that it was one of many features on the Prius that confirms that the lead engineer was right handed.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(routeonedog @ Aug 3 2006, 08:41 AM) [snapback]296905[/snapback]</div>

No, it's just being considerate. I'm an "ambi", yet I force myself to always offer things via the right hand just to make it easier for everyone else.

As for the handle lesson, it is quickly learned here in the midwest. When your vehicle is caked with a coat of salt & sand throughout the entire winter, you figure out a clean method of closing the hatch right away.

 

It worked, but my fingers are now on the inside.. Any recommendations for this? :lol: :lol:

 

There are old threads about buying and installing a handle which mounts to the bottom edge of the license plate. The one I bought was pricey, but I find it worthwhile because it's more convenient than using the inside handle.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Aug 3 2006, 07:55 AM) [snapback]296946[/snapback]</div>

And it is still WAY less expensive to use the loop thingy and keep baby wipes handy.

 

it took me a couple months to find this- but it's quite convenient for me. a little annoying if i've got the car backed up to the curb and i'm a few inches taller in proportion to the car than usual... but otherwise great.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Aug 3 2006, 08:05 AM) [snapback]296957[/snapback]</div>

Rufaro, your story about the 'loop thingy' reminds me of my 4'11" mother driving my uncle's Oldsmobile in 1967.

Uncle Bob was 6'4" and when mom pushed the seat forward (giant bench seat in a 1966 Toronado) the seat jammed and locked in the forward position!!

Needless to say, it was funny to watch Uncle Bob drive with his knees in his chin for a while...

I think all cars should have a team of really tall and then really, uh , less than tall people to check these little issues out.


An idea strikes me that an old coat hanger, bent to conform would assist you in grabbing the 'loop thingy'; may save you an injured finger or two! Perhaps you can fit a nylon strap to the inside of the lid that would hang down a little further so you can grab it safely.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wstander @ Aug 3 2006, 08:42 AM) [snapback]296978[/snapback]</div>

Nah...thanks...I got the routine down...I leave the back light off, and when I come home, I leave the hatch up for 18yo son to unload and close...and have cute little bag boys load and close the car. If I have to deal with it, I manage.

OTOH, one of my absolute FAVE memories is from when I was about 17, and drove my parental units' van up to be loaded after one antique show, before another one, about 2000 miles away. Van was loaded with driver's seat ALL THE WAY forward. Van was VERY FULLY LOADED that way. Dad's not forgiven me yet! I have ALWAYS been more than a little evil...guess it's all bitin' me in the heinie now....

And the term is "vertically challenged," thank you very much!

 

<_< Isn't it AMAZING?? In my "2004 Owner's Manual" page 40 has a diagram illustrating the "inside handle." I suspect that the '05 and '06 Manuals have the same illustration. A wealth of interesting, helpful information can be found in the Owner's Manual.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wstander @ Aug 3 2006, 10:42 AM) [snapback]296978[/snapback]</div>

They do, at least they did back in the day when I worked for Nummi/Toyota. If the design can cost effectively accomodate very tall and not so tall people they do it. If it's not cost effective then they aim the design to capture the biggest range of sizes possible.

 

Is my wife the only person who has trouble getting the hatch to fully latch? It will appear to close and latch but is still ajar -- the lights will remain on and the car won't lock. I've also found that the hatch requires considerable force or velocity. A Sienna that we rented was similar in this way. Does she just need to close it with more force, or is an adjusment called for?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Charles Suitt @ Aug 3 2006, 09:50 AM) [snapback]297029[/snapback]</div>

As one who professionally writes tech documentation (for a computer program), all I can say is, RTFM!!!!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Aug 3 2006, 01:47 PM) [snapback]297070[/snapback]</div>

RTFM......took me a minute. Problem solved using the WAG method.