Impressions three weeks in.......

Well, I'm in after three weeks with the Prius now. Been a good test. Car's a 2007 with 114k on it. Bought from an independent local shop. Tested battery, etc. Warranty, 1 week return policy. Drove local for a week. I'm a drummer, it turned out to be a great gig vehicle. I could buy more drums! I can put my bikes inside, rather then having to roof rack them. The next week, off from the central Ca coast to Las Vegas for a conference. Hard drive. 112 degree temps, tons of traffic. A 2 hour traffic jam in 110 degree heat. Car never missed a beat. Quiet, cool, and comfortable. Ran 80+ mph for the last hour or so into Vegas. 47 mpg! Went the long way home. Up 7000 ft to Big Bear lake. 25 mph switchbacks up the mountain. With my wife driving! The next day, tried the B mode on the long downhill.Good to have engine braking on a 7000 ft decent. The quietness of the car lulled the wife into entering a 45 mph corner at 67! It handles pretty well for a sedan!
Drove some favorite back roads today. It's not a match for my Gen 1 Miata, but as I adapt to the numb steering, it corners pretty well. Grassroots Motorsports magazine compared one with some other hatchbacks a while ago. They were surprised how well it acquitted itself on an autocross course! Power's really not that different from the Miata.
I'm enjoying the quietness and smoothness.I've been a drummer my whole life, and now have tinnitus from the loudness of the 70's. I can hear the radio. The seats could use some lumbar support. Gonna search out something adjustable. Seat covers so I can take the dawgz along. That's about it. Thought about pulling the silly plastic wheel trim rings, but read they improve mileage. I want a rubber pad for the rear bumper to protect it when I'm loading drums. Think a shade for the multi panel would be good. And maybe a blindspot mirror. I'm in and diggin' it! . The Miata is going to be sold, we don't have parking for 4 cars. If I need open air motoring, I'll ride my Vespa!

 

Sounds like a great idea. Thanks! Maybe I can fabricate a prefilter that can be removed easily, kinda like on a dirt bike. They won't be regular passengers, just on a "as needed" basis. They've only been allowed in the Miata twice, and that was out of necessity. We have our beater '99 Subaru Forester as dawg transport. My wife does dog rescue with the low income and homeless, and it's become our "work truck"....

 

Yep!!