Car color and car covers

Don't know about car covers, but the antenna screws off very easily - throw it in the glove compartment or just leave it on the seat when you go to put the cover on.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jeannie @ May 26 2006, 07:57 PM) [snapback]261601[/snapback]</div>

I bought a fitted car cover at California Car Cover, in my neighborhood (Chatsworth, CA), but they do web sales. It has a pocket for the antenna and side mirrors, and fits very well, though getting it over the antenna is a hassle. I finally decided to get one of the shark fin antennas that replace the whip antenna. They are in the Priuschat store for $60, painted and shipped. I found the reception fine, at least as good as the whip, took less than 5 minutes to install. The fitted car cover is easier to put on now. I paid $149 for the fitted cover with a 4 year warranty. Costco sells generic covers for $50. If you get the shark fin and the Costco cover you're money ahead over the fitted cover.

You should only use the cover over a reasonably clean car, or it will leave small scratches.

P.S. I wouldn't ever have a black car for the reasons you mentioned...and lots of others. I had an Eagle Talon with white body and gloss black roof. The roof always looked dirtier than the white part.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(B2B2 @ May 27 2006, 07:04 AM) [snapback]261749[/snapback]</div>

I am convinced that dark color cars are harder to cool in the summer. I'm not a fan of tinted windows, so I want all the reflective power I can get, and black will always retain more heat than lighter colors. Cleaning is an issue, though you said you don't care that much about keeping it clean. I didn't wash my white Prius for 6000 miles, because we had so much rain off and on. When I finally washed it was kind of a gray, but from 10 feet away, it didn't look too bad. I don't use the cover when the car is dusty, and I live in a dusty (windy) area at the foot of the mountains. You can get one of the static car dusters, and give the car a quick swipe before you put the cover on. I use my cover for bird spot protection mostly. My neighbor has pigeons and the neighborhood crows do quite a job on it. Any small dent, door ding or imperfection will show on a black car worse than most other colors. Mainly, I just don't like the look of black cars. Probably seen too many gansta movies. With Prius in such demand maybe you could work out a trade with another dealer. Lots of people like black cars. If you really hate it, get rid of it and get one you like. Like I posted before, I registered on carsdirect.com, and got the options I wanted the same day. I had to drive 50 miles to Lancaster and the car was white (wanted blue), but you have to be flexible if you don't want to wait. I'm glad I got the white. My other car is dark red, and my wife's car is also white.

 

I got my cover from Coast Car Covers. It's an exact fit, which includes an integral glove for the antenna. It was over $200 as I went for a more expensive material.