New owner confused as hell

12v battery is same as any other car. Probably $100?

The tank technically holds 11.9 gallons, although I never reach even 9 gallons even when my last pip is blinking.

 

My local dealer quoted me $240.

11.9 gallons, but it can vary significantly, due to the bladder. See 2004 Toyota Prius FAQ. The most I've ever put in my Prius was 9.975 gallons. To prevent from running out of gas, I would get gas soon at 2 pips and would REALLY get gas ASAP at 1 pip.

Don't run out as a lot of newbies do by multiplying mileage on MFD * 11.9 thinking there should be enough and then suddenly running out. You have no idea how much is really in there. Also, don't keep trying to force more gas into the tank once the pump has clicked off. I'd almost never top off, but if I did, I'd add no more than 1-2 more clicks.

Habitual topping off can cause damage, a CEL light and an expensive repair.

 

Unfortunately not.

There's been lots of chatter on the subject of the 12V in threads like:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...installation-yellowtop-12v-aux-battery-2.html
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ternative-v-power-better-than-optima-oem.html.
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...2v-battery-replacement-preemptive-strike.html

I even asked a question on this and got an interesting reply at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ry-why-elearnaid-seattle-area-installers.html.

 

Ok. $240 still isn't bad.

 

If you have any DIY skills at all I'd suggest going with the eLearnAid kit linked earlier by JimboPalmer (post #18 of this thread).

- D

 

Hm, also, if your car isn't aligned, it can make your MPG drop by 2 to 3mpg.
Cold weather can cause it too.
Wind.
Hills?

 

Drive as though you don't have brakes.

That means anticipate. Watch for traffic patterns, and stoplights. If you can slowly roll through a signal change (watch how semi drivers do it) rather than stop, wait, start, you will keep momentum working for you. Watch traffic -- are people speeding up, then slamming on the brakes for another slowdown? Just drive slower, steadier, and watch how you flow through the traffic this way. It improves MPG, and it improves your mood!

 

Hi Mattleerocks,

Do not confuse accelleration with power. That is a common mistake. The Prius achieves accelleration by avoiding shifting time, and having a transmission with a large ratio range. This allows the engine to get to full horsepower, at a much slower speed than other cars.

 

It surely can't hurt!

So refreshing to have somebody come on here - from a performance car perspective - and respectfully want to understand the Prius for what it can do instead of what it can't do. Hat off to you! As far as the Prius not being "fast" I guess you mean it doesn't accelerate as hard as you're used to. It'll go plenty "fast" enough, though it has been awhile since I've been over 100 mph (well at least in a gas car). As I spend most transportation miles on my bicycle, I'm typically astonished at how much power the Prius has. Way more than any mortal human ever needs, certainly! It is all about perspective.

Oh, and it has already been said - don't fret the gas mileage until you get used to the car and have a couple of tanks burned. It'll all makes sense before you know it. And you WILL start driving it without thinking about it very soon. It just happens. Then you'll glace at your average mileage at some point and notice that it's pretty good!

Welcome to the Prius club!

 

Keep in mind this gen II has a bladder/type gas tank- and if you let it get too low on gas--it will take a few fill ups to expand the bladder.
I know the Audi was absolutely fab... but you will grow to love the Prius.

 

If you decide to add some fun, this is a good first upgrade:
g7 Prius items - Get great deals on eBay Motors items on eBay.com!

From there it just gets more expensive:Toyota Prius 2004 ~ 2009 NHW20 Performance, Handling & Electronic Accessories :: Sigma Automotive

 

Suspension upgrades are always worth it.

 

I'm still trying to figure out which part of what I said isn't true?
That the Prius doesn't accelerate as quickly as more powerful cars?
That you want to understand the car for what it can do?
That I usually ride a bike?
That you'll get used to driving it?

Maybe you aren't giving yourself enough credit for wanting to get the most out of the car vs. only complaining about the lack of power and handling? I get that you enjoy powerful performance cars. But you realize that this isn't that. I'm trying to compliment you... just stand there and take it like a man!