Anyone here own a Prius?

[Ibanez]

Thinking about buying one. Have to do something, so far this month we have already spent $312.46 on gas.

Impressions of the vehicle? How does it handle? Etc, etc, etc....

Going to drive one tonight after work but I always like hearing from people that actually own a vehicle.

Thanks!

[guido911]

Smug Alert!

[Ibanez]

quote:Originally posted by guido911

Smug Alert!

I had a BM this morning that weighed 7.7 Courics.

[Hawkins]

I could be mistaken, but someone told me that the electric motor doesn't kick in for the first 15 minutes of driving, which pretty much takes away its benefits for me because I usually reach my destination within that time-frame driving around Tulsa.

If you're like me, then I'd recommend the base model Honda Civic or Toyota Corrolla. They both get really good mileage.

[NellieBly]

Oklahoma hybrid vehicle registration was up 143 percent in 2006.

[guido911]

quote:Originally posted by wavoka

quote:Originally posted by guido911

Smug Alert!

I had a BM this morning that weighed 7.7 Courics.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/10/12/couric-coined-the-unit-_n_68211.html

Sorry to hijack the thread...

[Conan71]

Algore's son tried to set a land-speed record in one while he was stoned.  What was it, about 100 MPH?  Whoulda thought?

[RecycleMichael]

I really like this website for comparison of "greenness" of vehicles.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

The 2007 Toyoto Prius Touring model was tied with the 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT AT-PZEV w/ Navigation System.

[sgrizzle]

If you're not afraid to void your warranty, mod you prius into a PHEV which charges at home, can increase mpg drastically.

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=26951

[rwarn17588]

First off, I don't drive a Prius.

However, I do drive a Honda Insight. Top speed is 113 mph. It would go faster, except that Honda has a governor in each model. I've done 90 mph in mine in the passing lane on I-44 in Missouri, and wasn't close to red-lining it.

To address Hawkins, the electric motor in Priuses DOES work within the first 15 minutes of driving. In fact, it works more early because the gas engine is still warming up. In low speeds, Prius electric motors do most of the work.

One of the coolest things about the newer Priuses, in my opinion, is that it keeps about a Thermos-sized batch of motor oil heated for 24 hours when the engine is shut off. That way, when the engine is turned on, it instantly has warm oil in the crankcase. That cuts down on engine wear dramatically.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

If you're not afraid to void your warranty, mod you prius into a PHEV which charges at home, can increase mpg drastically.

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=26951

A lot of old hot rodders are rolling over in their graves right now:

quote:

"First I needed to pick what type of conversion I wanted to go with. From what I understand now there are three main ways to convert you Prius. Please correct me if I am wrong about any of this stuff as I am learning too.
1. Prius Plus method
2. PiPrius method
3. Hydromotion method

The Prius Plus method uses a second pack to feed power into the hybrid system, and to retrieve regenerative power from the hybrid system during operation. The Prius Plus method uses a set number of batteries to obtain a voltage of 240 volts and uses a specific charger to charge a battery pack at that voltage. Usually the pack is 20, 12volt batteries.

[tulsa1603]

quote:Originally posted by wavoka

Thinking about buying one. Have to do something, so far this month we have already spent $312.46 on gas.

Impressions of the vehicle? How does it handle? Etc, etc, etc....

Going to drive one tonight after work but I always like hearing from people that actually own a vehicle.

Thanks!

My signifigant other used to have one.  I drove it several times.  It takes some getting used to - no engine noise when sitting and running. It doesn't have a normal gearshift set up, either.  And in turns, even lower speed, the skinny little tires squeal.  I guess his macho pride got to him, because he ditched it for an Acura about a year ago.

[Wilbur]

My folks have one and, as mentioned above, it takes a little getting used to.  

No key.  You simply push the power button.  

No engine noise.  You just start moving.  The regular engine only kicks in when you need it.

Gas mileage that is unreal.  But remember, it only has a 10 gallon tank.

You can never tell when the electric motor is running or the gas engine.

The gear shift lever is funky, but works fine.  It's just different.

If I were to go hybrid (don't plan to), I would be looking at the Prius.

[Conan71]

Wilbur, I guess that is something with Toyota now.  Our bookkeeper drives a new Avalon, no keyed ignition on it either.  Still not sure how all that works, I guess she's got some sort of fob-looking thingy she has to have on her before it will unlock and start.

[Ibanez]

Drove one tonight and loved it. Handled well, very comfortable and of course had that famous Toyota quality.