2004 Red #9 BC Aug. 20, 2004 Escanaba, MI

Date Ordered: Aug. 20, 2004
Dealer Ordered From: Riverside Town & Country (Toyota) Escanaba, MI
Timeframe given for delivery: VIN in 3 days (done Aug. 23) and delivery in 5 weeks, at MSRP (as of Aug. 24, total time now estimated 3 weeks)
Color: Salsa Red Pearl
Option Package: #9 BC and mats and rear applique. Dealer adds paint/rust/fabric protection for $799 (will tolerate-YMMV) at his location
Dealer called me after my initial E-mail to him, which happened to be the day before he got his next allocation.
Deposit: $500
On duplicate lists: Yes; will drop other one
Took a test drive: Yes, from another dealer

Dealer called Aug. 23 when the car reached US soil. He expects I can pick up the car during the week after Sept. 3rd. He will meet us at the airport. Charges such as $10 transit fee and $160 doc fee were frankly explained and, in this case, very tolerable. He has kept in touch by E-mail and phone. The priuschat.com warranty deal is something he is unfamiliar with, and he is interested in making it available to his customers.

Looking forward to a mid-September "fall colors" trip to and from upper Michigan!

 

Today (Sept. 7) the dealer faxed me a list of the total charges I can expect to pay. This was good information to review in advance so no one will be surprised. I was pleased to see the rear bumper applique was NOT installed on this car. It was something I was hoping to avoid.

The car is having final checkout at the dealer now, and I will pick it up on the 11th.

 

He went through a lot, and I carefully stayed on my own dealer's waiting list until he had his. I'm just writing to contribute to the information that seems to indicate people are getting their orders, even if it means they have to get on other lists.

 

Thanks, Manny.

To show my appreciation to you and others who have helped me on this forum and others, I have taken the time to clean up the Date Ordered, Date received Database on the Prius-2G Yahoo group.

It was a good time to do this because many of the order dates were almost a year old, but did not show the year. I changed them all to the format YYYYMMDD which is easy to sort.

I have taken others' advice and will not operate the touch screen myself (much) on the way back. My wife will work those controls as far as the Nav system allows while moving. Thanks again.

 

Take the Long Way Home

The short story is this: I drove the car home 350 miles from the dealer on half a tank of gas. But I’m not known to tell short stories.

My wife and I began September 11 (2004) with a peaceful breakfast at the Illinois Tollway’s newly remodeled O’Hare Oasis near that airport on I-294. It would be a good place for a Prius owners’ meet and eat because the food court is enclosed above the tollway, and parking is available for travelers in either direction (gasoline too if you ever need it).

We quickly drove the Avalon (hereafter referred to as “her carâ€) to the Milwaukee Airport, where airfare and parking is much cheaper. The enclosed garage allowed us to look for a spot and leave within the first 30 minutes at no charge. That made it ideal for our return the next day in the Prius. We parked very near the entrance to the garage. That was farther from the airport terminal building, but there was a moving sidewalk to it, and we didn’t intend to fly back there when we could go in a Nav-equipped 2004 Salsa Red Prius.

We realized we might be too excited or busy at the Toyota dealer to have lunch, so we had a little bit at the airport. For some reason, very few people were flying on September 11. See the prayers comment below.

Our Midwest Connect plane seated 19 passengers, all of whom had both an aisle and a window. The only employees were the pilot and co-pilot, who welcomed us and sat down to fly. Because there was an FAA observer in the front row, the cockpit door was open for the entire flight and it was easy for all (seven) of us to see out the front. It was the second-best navigation system I was to see that day.

We landed smoothly in Escanaba, Michigan (Upper Peninsula) 20 minutes early on a planned 65-minute flight. The dealer had agreed to meet us at the gate. I replied, “Okay, I’ll turn my cell phone on as soon as I can, so we can find each other in the airport if there’s any confusion.†Scott Anderson, the dealer, calmly advised, “Jim, there’s only the one gate.â€

Yes, it was a little building like the TV show “Wings†without the people, or the food service. Our plane was the largest one there, and there was one woman waiting to board the flight back to Milwaukee. And her family. No one else. And half the terminal was brand new, and the other half was being renovated.

We knew we had a few minutes to wait for Scott, so we looked around for the fall colors we hoped to see in this area on the northern shore of Lake Michigan. We walked out the door of the terminal (it wasn’t far) and past the renovations to the parking lot (also not far but a good-sized lot). It was immediately apparent that, with 95% of the trees clad in evergreen needles, there weren’t going to be fall colors in great number, but we did see one red tree and one beautiful orange tree. And one red car.

We could see a red Prius coming toward us. It was Scott bringing our car to us. At this point it had 6 miles on it from port movements and 2 more to do the local check list and get to the airport. Scott gave me the key, I put it in my pocket, and we were off because I had already read the manual (twice).

No place in Escanaba is too far away, and we were soon at Riverside Town & Country to meet the business manager and sign the paperwork. Scott talked us both through a well-prepared orientation in his office and out in the car, where my wife’s knowledge quickly caught up to mine. I could see it had the whole mat/cargo net/first-aid kit package, though we had only paid for the mats. And as we agreed, it came in without the rear bumper appliqué. Our Avalon never had scratches there. If I ever get some, then I can put an appliqué to cover them.

In reviewing the charges and writing the check for the amount I had been told three days before, I finally understood the $10 transit fee. It covered a Michigan window sticker that served as a temporary plate for two weeks until I could apply for title and plates in Illinois. Also, Scott had verified with me in advance that, unlike Michigan residents, I needed a front license plate bracket. His shop did a great job installing it, and both front and rear bore removable dealership placards in place of plates. All preparations were absolutely perfectly done in accordance with the checklist, and the tank was full.

I later learned that they had programmed twelve of the eighteen radio station slots with local Chicago stations for my convenience. I found that out when I intentionally pushed the button on the wheel to look for what might be the next station up, and my very favorite station (WXRT Classic Rock) came in clearly near Kenosha (and not that bad in South Milwaukee).

Without rushing the orientation, and without staying to explore Escanaba and have lunch, we were on the road with the Nav set for home just 3 hours after we got ON the plane in Milwaukee. We were not disparaging Escanaba; after all, Scott had given me an Upper Peninsula (est. 1837) T-shirt in my size, but rain was coming and it was a long way home.

At the first county line we returned to Central time from Eastern, and all settings in the car were correct. Sometimes the Nav told us to go straight when the only other option was a rough road at 30 degrees to the road, but we soon got comfortable with it and it did not continue those kind of alerts in Wisconsin or Illinois (all on Region 6 of the DVD, which I was pleased to see was the latest version–3.3).

We stayed ahead of the rain and hardly had to use the wipers. At the last town in Michigan, Menominee, the road turned with plenty of advance guidance so that we could see two sides of a beautifully restored brick church. We noticed that there was just enough time to finally have a quick lunch at a McDonald’s west of the church, and go to a Mass so we didn’t have to look around on Sunday morning (though I’m sure the Nav would have helped).

The church was very tall and very white and gold inside. Many people sang and we were pleased to join them. This is when we began to feel like we were on vacation instead of shopping. We were still far north enough that there were no Packers insignia present, just one man with a Detroit Lions shirt. (They were to beat my Bears the next day.)

During Mass there is a section of prayers that is often opened for those present to add their intentions. This is not always done, as it alternates between deeply moving and interminably petty. One person spoke up, praying for everyone in Florida.

No one there added another prayer, not even on September 11th. We know the pain from three hurricanes is great in the southeast U.S. and our thoughts are with you.

We quickly crossed the Menominee River into Marinette, Wisconsin, a lovely old town with, yes, cheese, and a detour. We followed the posted detour signs and noticed the Nav system was rolling with the changes. It told us to “Proceed†(which we later learned was the Nav system’s word for “Well, you missed it, now go this way.â€) and turn, following the detour exactly, as it happened. We also passed Marinette’s auto dealership that was in Scott’s Riverside Group while on the reroute. But we didn’t need any service.

Now the roads got larger and the speeds faster. We breezed through Green Bay, enjoying some CDs on the audio system, and decided to spend the night in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (yes, the one in the Toyota commercial–not to be confused with Cheboygan, Michigan.) The car was quiet and smooth throughout the trip, with no funny vibrations or odors. We also learned we did not hate the HID lights on the Prius when we were behind them looking out (though I still don’t like to face them).

The Nav system helped us find our hotel, even after we got off I-43 too soon. That error occurred because we could not add the hotel while we were moving; we had to exit somewhere first. By then we just needed to get some cough medicine, have a good supper, and get some sleep. The AmericInn was very quiet and smoke-free. With its two-story lobby and staircase there to the upper floors, it felt like staying in a lodge. We were able to note that the White Sox won in Anaheim for a change, and got lots of sleep. Breakfast was provided by the hotel.

My wife usually does most of the driving, so she took us to her car at Milwaukee’s airport. (I noticed the Prius had slowed down as we passed the Pabst brewery in downtown Milwaukee, but I knew it still wasn’t thirsty.)

As advertised, the Prius was in and out of the airport lot for free, and we went home in separate cars. I had just enough CDs to get me home. Here’s what tracks I recommend for driving, as they seemed appropriate to the Prius on the way home:
by Peter, Paul, and Mary – Don’t Laugh At Me, How Can I Keep From Singing?, and It’s Magic
by Dire Straits – Twisting by the Pool, So Far Away, Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, and On Every Street (skipping, of course, Heavy Fuel)
by Fleetwood Mac – Don’t Stop, You Can Go Your Own Way, Never Going Back Again
by Yes – Roundabout, Long-Distance Runaround, and Mood For a Day
by Harry Nilsson – Lazy Moon, Lullaby in Ragtime, What’ll I Do?, Nevertheless, and This Is All I Ask
(and “The Point!†if you have it)
and if you have Supertramp – Goodbye Stranger, Breakfast in America, and Take the Long Way Home.

As I said, my favorite radio station had been programmed to #1 at the dealer. It was featuring a “Breakfast With the Beatles†Sunday morning program, in which I was treated to a circus pipe organ playing “Help!†in its entirety. “It Won’t Be Long†also seemed appropriate as the journey neared an end.

I reached my neighborhood without any help. The Nav system watched as I passed the exit it recommended (slow street) to go one more mile to another interstate. It adjusted rapidly (“proceed…†as I have said) and I was home at lunch time, where my wife joined me.

I finished up with a few basic housekeeping items for a long trip. Because yellow jackets were nearby, waiting to feast on the dead bugs my front bumper had collected, I headed for the nearest Mobil station for a touchless car wash. I paid inside and mentioned I would not be buying gas, just the car wash, because I had come 350 miles and I still had half a tank of gas (the gauge had just dropped the fifth “bar†to show only four). The attendant immediately asked, “What kind of car is that?†and we chatted for a bit. Later we washed my wife's car. I agree with those who have said the Prius may not need to stop as often for filling, but the occupants still need to stop for emptying.

The wash was uneventful (drive in, stay in car, wait, drive out slowly past a dryer) and I even left the antenna on.

At home I wiped up the drippy spots and the car indeed looked brand new. I attempted to turn off the beep for the driver’s seat belt, as we always fasten ours. The “b-off†message appeared, but I guess I still have something to learn about that. With my wife’s help, we programmed the HomeLink to open and close the garage door. Finally, to remind me that I was approaching the correct red Prius in case there are others, I applied a window cling to the small left rear window. I never need to look out of it anyway. The cling features Washington University, my son’s college, whose colors are red and green.

After lunch we did the obligatory demonstrations to relatives and all our Nav tests went well. At last I understood the Energy screen, which now had the famous blue bars filling most of the battery icon. In a few days I will have the Illinois paperwork done. I will discuss cute license plates somewhere else.

Did I mention I like this car? You can’t imagine how hard it is for a lifelong public transit professional to put aside the ideal of sharing and buy a car (the first new car for just me, at age 46). Though I am not likely to be known for sharing the car, perhaps I will help by sharing cleaner air, and advice at hybrid meetups.

I did not name the car, but I think it named me. It made me “Careful Driver†which is not a bad thing. And don’t we all like happy beginnings?

Danny - I will soon order the Extended Warranty through you to help defray the cost of storing this long message. Thanks!

 

Yes, I will probably have to see "Escanaba in Da Moonlight [sic]," because I like Jeff Daniels' work. But my dealer reminded me of my investment broker. He visits my area occasionally for Toyota training (they have a regional office near DG) and we will keep in touch.

I started the PriusChat Extended Warranty process. Looks promising. I just need to send a copy of my registration and a statement of the current mileage on the Prius.

It's 450 miles. Last bar on the gas gauge. I guess I'll fill it tonight. Yesterday I got the plates and registration. Only waited 15 minutes in line at the Secretary of State to pay them the sales tax over 6% that Michigan could not collect, and get the plates, which they had right there.

Later I will order something less random. The State will soon let me know if the plate I want is available, and the title comes in a few weeks.

Here's a funny story if you're still reading this far. It started to rain yesterday just as I finished putting on the plates. They look great without frames. Before the rain got heavy, I put the car in Park and turned on various exterior lights (except Brake and Back-up lights, of course). I was very impressed with how the turn signals look. Even the fog lights look good, though I am not a fan and their legal use is very limited.

Anyway, I went to choir practice as the rain continued (the Nav system would not send me through an intersection which I knew to have a bump that is hard on the lower front of many cars - on the map I noticed this is not listed as a through-street in the location of that bump - and I was thinking of listing it as an Area to Avoid). It was a generous, soaking rain without violent activity.

After choir practice, I got back in the Prius as the rain continued. I locked the door, then pushed the Power button. Exactly then, a huge thunderbolt lit the sky but not much thunder. I was amused and oddly impressed.

The car sent me home in an odd way and I think I am learning about the Nav system and the routing choices it makes.

 

Yes, we thought of staying the night and looking for an aurora, but it was a long way home and the town of Sheboygan had that Toyota appeal to it.

Last night was my first fillup after 460 miles. 8.2 gallons, which rounds to 56.1 mpg by a newbie. Today I will get my extended warranty moving with Troy at Toyota of Greenfield, MA (the PriusChat deal).

One of my co-workers is also thinking of visiting Scott. We plan a test drive sometime soon. Last night I showed one of the local bus drivers a brief demo. He stood in one place while I accelerated briskly away in a gradual circle, stopping halfway around. The ICE shut off and I returned silently to the starting point. He enjoyed that.

 

I have done this full circle/dual power demonstration for others, and it really impresses them that the Prius can be speedy and quiet (consecutively).

The title came yesterday and that "other" dealer refunded my deposit. Now I'm just waiting for the personalized plates and the extended warranty papers (and probably touch-up paint).

As I mailed the order for the plates last night, I drove up to a mailbox at my neighborhood Post Office. A silver 2004 Prius I had not seen was directly in front of me, going to this mailbox and then the one at the Village Hall. Does anyone recognize themselves? I didn't want to follow too closely.