Just a consideration_fill your tank when you buy

Good point... but I will just reset the trip computer when I get the car to get the best estimate of the MPG right out of the MFD.

 

Now, c'mon... You would think that a dealer would short a new buyer of a complete fillup? Especially when the window Monroney sticker states "FULL TANK OF GAS"?

I think it's a sorry state of affairs when that is 'disclosed' on the sticker. Surprised they don't state full fluid for oil, brake fluid, and washer juice.

It's a marketing thing - some naive folks thinking "Wow, they even give me free gas".... Nothing is free, and be certain the gas $$$ is baked into the cost somewhere.

 

I had briefly thought about this but rejected it:

• I wanted 'off the lot' performance - it is impossible to really discuss the performance without taking the vehicle 'as is' and seeing what happens including the gas they put in the tank.
• Plenty of time to fix it - in fact a whole vehicle life of ownership after it is in my hands.

So I used the first tank to run to fuel exhaustion ... to quantify the amount of fuel after 'flash' as well as let the vehicle calibrate itself. I picked up a nail and used it to get the wheel alignment record. I've already measured the MPG vs mph across common highway speeds, again, 'off the lot.'

My second tank, straight gas, is already looking quite a bit better, as expected. The ordinary things we do to optimize performance appear to be working with only the oil level and perfect wheel alignment remaining. So I'm using the second tank to get the car into 'my configuration.' I'm also regression testing the ordinary things I do with my NHW11 and looking at basic instrumentation.

The third tank ought to be even more impressive and hopefully a number I can use for the vanity plate. <GRINS>

Bob Wilson

 

With the Prius, most guys will stop at the first click to avoid overfilling the tank. I've seen gas shoot out of the tank on multiple occasions with the old Prius and never knew why. Overfilling of the tank can be detrimental to the vehicle and so our lot technicians will play it safe and stop on the first click.

I also like to manually compare calculations to the computer MPG guage and have found the same thing. Typically, the computer runs 1mpg higher. Not a big deal and I have done this on multiple Toyota's and a Chevy. I would say you could count on the computer running 1mpg higher than actual.

 

Dealer here gives 6 gallons of gas with every new Toyota. :cheer2:

 

Unless of course you live in a state (like Oregon or New Jersey) where you are barred by statues from pumping your own gas. I realize it creates lots of jobs in the state, but I would rather have the option of doing it myself. I guess I can't complain too much, having no state sales tax is really nice.

 

Having no sales tax is indeed nice, especially on a larger purchase like say a Prius. DMV fees are also really cheap, $55 for title registration and $108 for plates for 4 years. I like how its a flat rate and doesn't vary by the purchase price like some states do.

We really don't get too bad of weather, lots of rain mostly. All the gas stations have canopies though so its not like your standing in the rain to fill your tank. I don't mind the full service, just think its silly for it to be illegal to pump your own gas.

 

Just as I will not let valets park my car, I prefer to pump my own gas. When I fill up in New Jersey, I do it myself, before the attendant gets to me. When other motorists stare at me with quizzical expressions, I just smile back at them and say...'it's okay, I'm qualified, I'm from New York'....

 

after I purchased my car, my dealer and I drove to a nearby gas station and he showed me how to do my first fill up on the Prius (explaining the importance of screwing the gas cap back on tight or the car may freak out) and then he went in to pay for it with his dealership credit card. So I know I got a full tank.

 

So this thread forewarned of of the possible dealer shortage in the gas tank. I drove my new IIIBlueII approximately 5 miles to a Costco and managed to pump in 78 cents worth of gas. Cudos to Rogers Motors, Inc. in Lewiston, ID. Oh, I'm from Oregon but filled up in Clarkston, WA!!! As mentioned in other threads, I really do live in extreme NE Oregon!

 

Congrats on getting the new car.
Sorry i missed you there but i tried and never saw anyone go up to your car.

 

Just a quick question on the 2010; how many miles are people getting once the last single bar starts to flash???

I am on my first tank of gas and the computer is estimating about 46.5 miles per gallon, but I am currently on 413 actual miles and already getting the single bar flashing. Also I put in about two gallons of gas right after picking up my car from the dealer.

 

Ken@Japan reports 1.8 gallon and I saw 2.1 gallons. This is a new vehicle and it may take a while before we get consensus.

Bob Wilson

 

My used Prius was not full of gas when I picked it up but the salesman gave me a $30 voucher to fill it at the petrol station down the road. I think it took $35 and he didn't have to give me any petrol, I was happy with the deal I got.