Thread repository for ALL non-PriusChat 2016 Prius reviews

That wont help with EPA tests, EPA is not shining sun through windshield .

I would think that new windshield is also thinner to reduce weight, which is why it helps with EPA.

 

So this is what I posted:

The 'average auto writer may not pick up' (listen to this podcast) on how Prius owners have worked with Toyota to identify what needed to be fixed. My username link is the PriusChat area where Prius owners are discussing things that matter. But to address the specifics:

1) Reflecting internal surfaces will probably result in NHTSA safety complaints and an early and simple fix. There are textured display covers (sold at office supply stores) that do not reflect sharp images and can diffuse reflected sunlight.

2) Sun visors have always been too short so we just adjust our 'grab me hat' or sun glasses and drive on. But I'm trying to remember the last car that actually had a sun visor large enough to cover the side windows. Is there a specific example that gets +50 MPG?

3) There is no 'CVT belt' in a Prius transmission. The acceleration 'glitch' may lead to a software tweak to smooth out maximum acceleration. Don't feel bad, it took a couple of years before I finally figured out the Prius transmission magic . . . it is another thing the average auto writer might not pick up.

Bob Wilson, Huntsville AL​

As always,
Bob Wilson

 

that's interesting. can they do that with same tyres and no suspension changes?

 

i like that, miss it from my nuvi.

 

That's an interesting color combo... Red Car with Tan/Black interior and White Accents. One that I'd like to see in person.

 

black car with red leather interior.

 

Doesn't the Gen 3 have that? IIRC there was quite a bit about the glass when Gen 3 was introduced

 

absolutely... for long time in Europe, we had 3 different pressure recommendations from Toyota for same vehicle, depending on how fast you usually go. They were quite different too, from 2.2 to 2.6 if I remember correctly - so 20% different.

They didnt lower the car since they would note that in the specs.

 

Great, pump up the tires and you have a ECO version and save those $500

Tire pressure is a trade off between comfort, grip and fuel economy, but then again 38/36 psi vs. 36/35 is really not that much different.

 

I think $500 bring some improved equipment, like those nicer alloys but also SKS... gotta check the sheet, but Eco model is a nice buy.

 

I don't know how they choose models for EPA test, but there was some mentioning of the most selling model. So we know we have numbers for ECO model, but what about the other? It may be Touring model (17" wheels), in this case we don't have the numbers for non-touring models.

What I'm trying to say if one chooses non Touring model he will probably beat the EPA number easily and come close to the ECO model in real world.

 

One of the 'shady' practices of SE Toyota is port installation of their 'tinted windows' package. For a tint package, is ain't bad BUT I didn't need it. I managed to avoid it in 2009.

Bob Wilson

 

base 2 has different wheel covers at least, it looks different on pics.

 

Different battery chemistry and weight though.

 

this begs the question, why not higher factory pressure on all pri?