Intro post, and shopping for a Prius

Welcome to PriusChat.
Starting from the bottom - they're factory tinted here, but not sure about USA. I added aftermarket tint and that improved comfort significantly. Make sure they enable global-open on the windows when you buy it - that way you can drop them down and cool it from 20 metres away.

Performance mods - probably aren't any really, other than wheels etc. The battery pack is basically what you get - and it won't improve performance even if you did manage to get a bigger one in. And the engine (ICE) is well balanced with the overall design. You have to remember that the ICE and 2 Motor/Generators both drive through the epicyclic gear-train - there is no gearbox as such.

Probably good to have a look at glance at this:

This video by TOYOTA (I think) is an overview - but for a previous model - the concepts are the same though:

Kia - I think today they're at least on a par with TOYOTA - JD Power rates them better.

Mileage - you can see mine below. About ½ or less than what a Corolla is.

And it's a better drive than Corolla - unless you've got the new Corolla already.

You didn't ask - some don't like the seats - check before you buy.

 

welcome!

look thru the modding thread to see what is realistic, it is not a civic.

i didn't cross shop 14 years ago. was driving a taurus and had heard about the prius hybrid. the technology inspired me, and when one became available, i jumped on it and haven't looked back.

all the best with your decision!

 

Congrats! I am not mechanically inclined, and maybe you are, so modding might seem relatively easy and fun for you. However, the battery swap you mentioned might be a bigger deal than it seems. I think you are right about everything you said on the Li-ion battery with management and weight - I would expect the gains to be on the order of 1-2 mpg so probably not worth the effort unless you just want the challenge. To get an idea - look at the difference in mpg between the two and two eco, which has a Li-ion battery, and keep in mind that in addition to the difference in batteries the eco has other weight saving measures in place throughout (no spare tire, etc).

I would at least drive it for a while and see how much you think it needs a boost.

 

I doubt you would want to do a battery pack swap for a number of reasons.

One of our members here, @sfv41901 runs Hybrid Pit in California, modding & servicing many Prii. He will be able to give some guidance. Check out http://www.hybridpit.com.

 

I think you’ll love the Prius for different reasons than you loved your Accord. We’ve had Honda’s, Toyota’s and VW’s for many years. I transitioned to my first Prius in 09 because my last Passat was very problematic. I spent about a year on this site; seeing what issues Prius owners had with their cars as well as other hybrid cars. I skipped the early Honda hybrids because of battery issues. Toyota really has the most years and success under its belt with hybrids. (First Prius in Japan 1997- so 20+ years experience). And as such, Prius had very few issues so I made the jump. Now after 200,000 virtually trouble free miles later- I’m into my second Prius (‘17 Prime). It’s been a great car that has exceeded my expectations substantially. As for modifications- I haven’t done any, and am pleased with my car’s looks and function. Some go out and put on large wheels and tires- and I just warn you that can really suck down the gas mileage (low rolling resistance tires make a huge difference) Some are happy to just pull off the plastic wheel covers to expose the black aluminum wheels underneath. When running in hybrid mode (on my Prime) I easy exceed the EPA figures often getting 63+ mpg or more. I appreciate the quiet, the ride, the hatch versatility, the comfort, the amazing reliability and economy! So welcome to the group and hope you love yours as much as I have my last 2 Prius!

 

Welcome to the group! This was the first car I've purchased with a Japan heritage. The wasbund always insisted on Detroit iron. This was MY choice. I too decided to get all the options. I wanted all the safety features AND the HUD. I am so pleased I did. Although it isn't the most comfortable car I've had (my Olds Cutlass Sierra takes that win) it IS the nicest car I've ever owned. I love the tech. I love the quiet. I am amazed at my gas mileage (59.4 MPG over 14,000 miles). And not to be left out, the stereo is very nice. That wasn't a big thing for me but I am so glad I have the upgrade.

 

I thought the special glass was two eco and above. I remember Toyota mentioning it as an Eco feature. Some of us drive lower trim levels.

 

Congratulations - enjoy!!

There is a lumbar support adjustment (this is RHD - your's will be on the other side:


I don't think there is any advantage of Li-ION over NiMH other than weight - they've got more-or-less the same capacities. The NiMH is tried and proven - the Li-ION less so. Yes, they could have different rates of charge and discharge, but so little it's near impossible to calculate a difference.

Plus - I suspect you'd void your warranty.

 

I read, I think on this forum at one point, that the plastic wheel covers give a small mpg boost because of how they direct the airflow around the wheels.

They squeeze every drop out of these cars they reasonably can.

 

No lumbar support adjustment on trim two.

 

Another regional oddity. It's on all models here.

 

What a wonderful word that is to me! Could @Tideland Prius add it to the list please?

 

Are you one?