New Prius and Buying Report

I just got back from picking up my new Prius. It’s a Winter Gray, 2011 Trim Level IV with Dark Gray interior.


I thought some might be interested in how I came to buy this particular car. First, as you all know, it’s very difficult to find a car these days, especially if, like me, you are being particular about trim level and color. There were none in Michigan, so, I did an internet search and found 5 within 800 mi. I was all sent to buy one in Boston. I had my credit card out to put a deposit down. The salesman had checked with the sales manager and everything was in order. At the last minute, the salesman told me he had to check on something. Apparently the owner came in a said they were not to sell any Prii except to locals. Of course I argued, but to no avail.


There was another one in the Philadelphia area. I called and within 10 minutes I had the car. It took me 3 days to line up my work schedule and find a flight to Philadelphia. I hopped on a plane in Grand Rapids, MI at 8:00 A.M., made a connection in Chicago and landed in Philadelphia around 11:15 A.M. The dealer was there at 11:25 to pick me up. We drove the 15 min. to the dealership and by 12:45 P.M. I was on my way back to Michigan with a beautiful new Prius – and it was exactly the model and color combination I wanted.


So, for a $254 flight, a $71 motel room and $35 of gas (the dealer filled it up at no charge before I left the dealership), I was home with the car of my choice. This was a very nice, if a bit adventurous, way of buying a car.


I found it to be much more comfortable to drive than I was led to believe from reading the reviews. It was very quiet and smooth. Of course I have been driving a Tacoma for the last 8 years and 261,000 miles, so I suppose any car would feel nice. I especially like the sound system. I know some have complained about the lack of bass. However, I’m an audiophile and I know that most, if not all, bass systems in cars are over kill for my listening style because of the small space. What is nice about the JBL system is the ability to control the mid-range along with the treble and bass. Because I listen, mostly, to classical music, a booming bass is not important to me. I was able to put the settings so it was very good for me.


In addition to driving the Prius to Northern Michigan from Philadelphia, I drove to Southern Michigan and back for a family event. At this point, I’ve used 3 tanks of gas and MPG have been better than I thought.
First, I should tell you that I didn’t try anything extreme to get better mileage. However, I’m an easy driver – some would say slow. The first tank took me through the Allegheny Mountains. I averaged 52.6/51.7 MPG(Indicator/calculated). The dealer told me I should drive 500 mi. before I used the cruise control. I tried to keep it at 65 MPH (my usual driving speed on an interstate). I tended to go closer to 70 MPH because it was such a smooth ride. The second tank was mostly through the flatlands of Ohio and Southern Michigan. I had an average of 55 MPG until I hit Midland, MI. At this point it is a long steady uphill drive. By the time I got home my average for the 2nd tank was an even 53/52.2 MPG. This was using the cruise all the way. The next day I was going to drive to Southern Michigan for a family event. I decided to drive fast, for me, to see what the mileage would be. I put the cruise control on 75 and left it there all the way. At the end of the 230 mi. drive I had an average of 50.3/49.4 MPG average. I turned around and went home at the end of the day and went my normal 65 MPH on the way back home. The 3rd tank averaged 53.5/52.5 MPG. My average since I pick the car up is 53.6/52.8 MPG.


I’m a very happy camper. I have a very comfortable and quiet car that gets awesome gas mileage.


Z

 

That is the case. I know they'll sell all the Prii this time, but that won't always be the case and the bad word of mouth won't help them then.

Z