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Picking up my new (for me) Prius tomorrow

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by aembleton, May 14, 2013.

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  1. aembleton

    aembleton Junior Member

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    I've just put down the deposit for a 2008 Prius Spirit. I'm picking it up tomorrow after work. It feels comfortable and I'm looking forward to using it. My only concern is that during my short test drive I averaged 35MPG (29MPG US).

    My current car is a Renault Clio where I am averaging 70MPG. I'm not expecting the Prius to manage that much but I do hope for over 60. It could be that the engine was cold. I could have walked away, but it's already lost most of it's value so if I sell it on in a year then there should be no great loss.
     
    #1 aembleton, May 14, 2013
  2. Les_PL

    Les_PL Active Member

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    For sure it was the reason.

    My every day first kilometers after the initial warm up are also gas consuming. Later it is only better an better. Especially when you adjust yourself to the hybrid style of driving. Have fun ! :D
    Which colour?
     
    #2 Les_PL, May 14, 2013
  3. aembleton

    aembleton Junior Member

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    Silver
     
    #3 aembleton, May 14, 2013
  4. aembleton

    aembleton Junior Member

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    Just picked it up and driven home. Not the most fun to drive; but it was comfortable.

    My old Renault Diesel Clio achieved 72.2MPG on the way there on a journey of 27 miles through rush hour traffic. My Prius got 59.7MPG (49.7 US) on the way back. Most of the journey is Motorway driving (70 MPH).

    I think I'm going to have to get used to filling up more often!
     
    #4 aembleton, May 15, 2013
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    should have stuck with diesel.
     
    #5 bisco, May 15, 2013
  6. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    The CO2 out of the tail pipe is much less with a Hybrid than a diesel.
     
    #6 JMD, May 15, 2013
  7. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    Some counter-intuitive advice: accelerate somewhat briskly.
    New owners often obsess about trying to drive it in electric mode on initial takeoff and on slower roads. In fact you want to minimize battery use as much as you can, since it all comes from burning petrol in the big picture. Deposits and withdrawals with the battery introduce inefficiencies.
    Where you'll get the most gain is in coasting, gliding and slowing gently enough to minimize the energy that goes to the brake pads.
    You will definitely find that 60 mph on the motorway is much more frugal than 65 mph and, in turn, than 70 mph.
    Enjoy the journey and try not to get distracted.
     
    #7 css28, May 15, 2013
  8. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Best to you in your new car. This video is a Great investment of your time on getting the most MPG out of your Prius. It is a short video



    YouTube
     
    #8 JMD, May 15, 2013
  9. Les_PL

    Les_PL Active Member

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    Prius is not only the mileage.
    Let me quote part of my first post on this Forum :D
     
    #9 Les_PL, May 16, 2013
  10. aembleton

    aembleton Junior Member

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    meh, until I add a 12v outlet then I see myself as part of a lower cult
     
    #10 aembleton, May 16, 2013
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  11. Les_PL

    Les_PL Active Member

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    .
     
    #11 Les_PL, May 16, 2013
  12. ryanmx48

    ryanmx48 Junior Member

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    Not sure about over there, but Diesel is priced a bit higher in the States. Financially speaking, 10 mpg's would probably be a wash.
     
    #12 ryanmx48, May 16, 2013
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  13. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Diesel is old technology that will be replaced by EV.

    Diesel is akin to the horse and buggy when the Model T (EV) races right by.
     
    #13 JMD, May 16, 2013
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  14. aembleton

    aembleton Junior Member

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    Diesel is £1.38/litre, Petrol is £1.33/litre so there isn't a great deal of difference.

    My long term average in the Clio was 67MPG which works out at £9.27 per 100 miles
    Assuming that the Prius achieves an average of 58MPG (60 on motorways, 55 around town) then it works out at £10.32 per 100 miles.

    However, it is a much bigger car and so that is worth something.

    As for Diesel being old; that Clio was 11 years old and the engine was still good after 142k miles. It was the suspension and AirCon that were failing that meant I traded it in.

    I think I'll stick with this for at least a few months; I got a good price anyway and so if I want to PX for something else I should get a good price. I paid £5900 for an 08 Spirit with 67k miles on the clock which I think is a good price.
     
    #14 aembleton, May 16, 2013
  15. aembleton

    aembleton Junior Member

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    I should add that I've always been interested in the Prius and before that the original Honda Insight. I knew that it would cost more to run but I was intrigued about what it was like to own/drive one on a long term basis.
     
    #15 aembleton, May 16, 2013
  16. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Keep in mind that driving a Prius leaves a cleaner planet for everyone and that is worth something.
     
    #16 JMD, May 16, 2013
  17. aembleton

    aembleton Junior Member

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    Very true. the old Clio emitted 109g/km, the Prius 104g/km.that is the difference of the CO2 emitted to produce a 32.5 bag of Crisps (Chips) every 10 miles.

    In the UK our road tax is based on the amount of CO2 our cars emit per km which is why I have these figures to hand. And the crisps because it gets printed on the side of a packet of Walkers crisps.

    Another thing, a Hybrid is much better for those walking around town. When stationary in traffic I'm not belching out all sorts of emissions. It shouldn't be emitting anything. That is worth something.
     
    #17 aembleton, May 16, 2013
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  18. aembleton

    aembleton Junior Member

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    JMD

    How good is the solar roof on your Prius. Does it make much difference after a day in the sun?
     
    #18 aembleton, May 16, 2013
  19. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Yes somewhat.

    Yes it reduces the Greenhouse effect. Without the solar the car interior can be considerably hotter inside than the outside. The Prius Solar Feature can reduce the heat inside. However if you hit the A/C button or if you have remote start dealer option you can start the car with the A/C on up to 5 minutes before you enter. The other option is just leave the windows open.

    I purchased to get a little sun from above.

    It's a nice option but they want a Fortune for it. You also get the HUD which is a novelty after awhile you don't notice it's there.

    If you ask me they should make the Leather Seats real Leather. That imitation leather my clothes stick to it on a warm day. Just me I guess.

    If you got the roof good deal, if not your not missing much.

    I almost purchased a Mini Cooper S convertible. Now if you ask me that has a much better solar roof. :)

    Now not much difference in the CO2 emissions between the Clio and the Prius. Thought it would be more.
     
    #19 JMD, May 16, 2013
  20. Les_PL

    Les_PL Active Member

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    The electricity recovered during regen braking or downhills is almost free :)
     
    #20 Les_PL, May 16, 2013
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