Today is the 2 year anniversary of taking delivery of my '04 Prius! As it was an early model I've had the 'opportunity' to experience a number of the service campaigns and to miss out on some of the improvements offered in the '05 and '06. But I'm still as happy as can be...I still speak of my Prius with as much glee today as I did the day I took delivery. I've got a bit over 32,500 miles (trouble --free for the most part). I just replaced the tires about 4000 miles ago. I've gotten just about every mod possible -EV button (2 versions) -Nav override (manual and now mostly use the software one) -body side trim -Prius decals -mud flaps -Engine Block heater (pending install, but sitting in the garage) -Horizontal and vertical cargo nets -BT automatic speed sensor override (to allow full use of BT features while in motion) -leather MFD hood -leather center console cover -upgraded fog lamps (color matched to HIDs and higher wattage) -BT tech stiffening plate--how'd I foget that?! --I'll add more as I think of them.... Lifetime mileage has sat at 52.5mpg for the past 6 or 7 tanks and doubt it'll ever drop below 52 or go over 53. I'm Jonesing a bit for the back-up camera and will probably get it if it is available at a reasonable cost once the '06s are prevalent. Just wanted to share my joy, have a beer to celebrate.
::blows through party horn:: Great lifetime mileage! You must be Mr. Steadyfoot. I, too, have an '04, having just turned 36K mi. No problems. Tires looking good 'til about 42K. I was going to sell mine and get TWO '06s instead of one. Bought the extended warranty instead and decided to see how long this one will run. Why look a gift horse in the mouth? Happy 2nd!
Congratulations!! 2 years. Wow I have one year + only. Great milage. How are the brakes holding out. At 20k my mechanic calls them 95% but tells me never used is closer to the truth. I hope the first 04 that needs a break job posts the milage! I loved the stages of Prius mastery that you did some months ago it was right on.
I honestly haven't looked. I think we've got a long long wait ahead of us before we hear of an '04 needing brakes...maybe one of those BC taxis will with the hard use they get, but I'm very easy on my brakes and really don't expect that I'll ever have to have them fixed before I sell for the 3G Prius!
Congrats, Evan. But I want you to keep this in mind: this year your car is twice as old as Priapus. Next year, it will be only 30% older and the year after that, only 25% older. When I finally catch you we'll have to get together and throw a party.
Congrats Evan! My 04 will turn two next month and has just over 40K on it. All trouble free. Tires still seem good. The Toyota web site says I will need the SSC 50P. I am a little worried about previous reports of a perceived MPG drop after some of the previous SSCs. All-in-all though, I'm as giddy now as I was two years ago.
Congrats Evan, I enjoy reading your posts. I am on my second Prius, 11 days old. First one died protecting us from an evil F 350 truck that struck from behind. What a list you have! What bulb did you use for the fog lights? I have only found very expensive options. Keep having fun.
Thanks, the bulb was, I think, a white lightning or something like that....I'll have to look it up for the exact numbers. Ran about $30 for the pair with shipping I think. They're not HID lights, but the color is much closer. Take a look at VFAQ.com: http://www.vfaq.net/mods/Lights.html
Evan, I wanna ask you about the foglights. I've noticed the stock ones get very very hot. Even the lens cover is hot to the touch (almost burned myself). What's the best way to reduce that? Change to a bulb with lower wattage but equivalent output?
My higher wattage ones get very hot too. I think the best way to reduce that is to not use them. Let's face it, they're strictly for looks. They are basicly useless as true fog lamps. They increase glare for oncoming cars. I tend to use mine when I want to increase my visibility to other cars. I don't think there's anything you can do, you can't vent those covers or anything. Lower wattage would be the best bet, but now you've decreased the functionality even more.
Congratulations Evan! Thanks for all your posts and your moderation in all things, including moderation. Keep the glee!
