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2012 Prius Noisemaker

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Maverick Hiker, Oct 4, 2011.

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Would you Buy a 2012 Prius With Noisemaker (VPNS)

  1. More Likely, I like the idea

    9 vote(s)
    7.0%

  2. Would Not Affect My Decision

    62 vote(s)
    48.1%

  3. Less likely that I'd Buy a Prius due to the VPNS

    53 vote(s)
    41.1%

  4. Other (Please explain below)

    5 vote(s)
    3.9%
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  1. RaZa

    RaZa Member

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2011
    480
    93
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    removed
     
    #61 RaZa, Mar 13, 2012
  2. Habiru

    Habiru Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    44
    15
    0
    Location:
    Green Bay
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    traded my 2010 for a 2012 last Friday. the noisemaker is audible if you are
    1. sitting inside while moving in ev with windows down (no ICE running)
    2. outside of the car as it drives by with the same conditions as 1
    3. driving with the same conditions as 1 but with a door open ... first time i really heard this was when i was backing out of my garage so i could look at the new LED's i put in ... door was cracked open a bit as i backed out
    i can't think of any other realistic ways you would hear the noisemaker, that being said, it sucks. no more stealth mode but factory led drl's!
     
    #62 Habiru, Mar 13, 2012
  3. Maverick Hiker

    Maverick Hiker New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2011
    94
    2
    0
    Location:
    Baltimore MD
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I bought a 2011 Prius in part to avoid the noisemaker on the 2012's. I don't know why they can't turn it off on the dealership and why there is no off switch. Seems like the owner should have the choice of whether he wants the noisemaker on, as it was in Japan when this was first introduced.

    I don't think it is mandatory (yet) as it's not in all hybrids in other models.

    If it were mandatory now I could understand the dealership not turning the noisemaker off, for liability reasons.

    From reading the responses it seems it is not that loud but it does annoy some owners.
     
    #63 Maverick Hiker, Mar 14, 2012
  4. Priuswagon

    Priuswagon I love my Prius

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2011
    112
    10
    8
    Location:
    Kingston Washington
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    My 9 and 11 year old sons think the noise is cool. It kind of sounds like a space ship noise if you watch Sci Fi. We have a Prius V.:)
     
    #64 Priuswagon, Mar 14, 2012
  5. ghosteh

    ghosteh Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2010
    146
    57
    0
    Location:
    Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    The first time I noticed it, I was going through the drive-up window at Taco Bell. It was a warm day & their window was open, so the kid at the drive-thru heard me pull up & was giving me a puzzled look as the "spaceship" sound spooled down. He never said anything, but the look on his face was priceless!

    Honestly, I thought the noise was legitimate at first and was suprised to learn that it was artificial. Not sure that I like it or not, but it doesn't really bother me. It would kinda be neat to have no sound at times.

    However, I think it does mask the sound transition to the ICE very well. If I didn't have it, I'm sure it would be much more noticeable when the engine kicked on.
     
    #65 ghosteh, Mar 15, 2012
  6. jerrydelrey

    jerrydelrey Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2011
    111
    22
    0
    Location:
    Honolulu Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    #66 jerrydelrey, Mar 15, 2012
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