From 2000 Crown Vic to Prius..& Loving it!

INTRO: (no questions)
I commute 100 miles a day: from Bradenton to Tampa, FL mostly in I-75 (anyone who drives in Florida can sympathize!). I traded in my 12 year-old Crown Vic one month ago for a new 2011 Prius II.

Techno Shock! My gosh, it's like a mini space ship! I'd have to sit in the car for a full minute to remember how to turn it off. Only about 30 seconds to turn it on. The first day it rained, I had to pull over to read how to turn on the windshield wipers! Still haven't exactly mastered that! But since rainy season isn't here yet - I have time!

I read the manual from cover to cover - at least twice, which provided info overload! Unfortunately, I didn't find this site until about a week ago. Now, I'm really on info overload!!!

My Prius is dark grey. I had a choice of Black or Dark grey, so... I love it! I am struggling to re-learn how to drive after 45 years of driving high-powered American cars, but am enjoying the challenge.

I have struggled in naming it. It's dark grey color gives it a very distinguished look, and perhaps would require a dignified name. However, I found myself so enjoying toodling around in my little tiny car, that seems to have a slightly quirky, but very tolerant personality - that he ended up being called 'Toodles' - not in the least elegant or distinguished. So far, he doesn't seem to mind.

I do definitley miss my Lumbar support, and have found the rear visiblity to be awful. But I am adjusting.

He had his first carwash bath last week. He has the extra xylon coating (love bug central here!), so I was concerned. The carwash owner and personnel were very understanding. It is a 'soft cloth', no brushes, carwash, and all went well, until I drove off, and it began to beep viciously! I was frantic - no warning lights were displayed, no indication of what was the problem - and the manual is HUGE. I pulled into the nearst gas station, and considered: all doors were closed, etc. Yes, they had replaced the little antenna - I gave it a little extra turn to make sure it was on securely. Got back in and drove off with no beeping! I have no idea - except perhaps that one extra turn on the antenna solved the problem?! The little bugger has 4,000 indicator symbols - but not one that says "Hey! antenna issues dummy!"??

After reading a plethora of info on getting good gas mileage here, I realize I have done virtually everything wrong - but have still managed to get between 49 and 52 mpg (calculated) during about 1700 miles. I expect improvement once I grasp the Glide thingie, and sort out tire pressure.

P.S. I noted in the manual where it says it might use a quart of oil every 600 miles - especially when new and/or high speeds. Since I was both, I checked the oil myself at about 700 miles. First time I've actually checked the oil on a vehicle in about 30 years!
PROBLEM: they need to add food coloring or something to that synthetic oil! Old eyes can't see it on the dipstick - at all! I added some Mobil 1, hopefully not too much, and am hoping for the best.

Regards to all,
Betrock

 

So, where do I add the food coloring?!

 

Glad you enjoyed! and Thank you for the Welcome! Ya'll seem such a nice bunch of people!

 

Mine only had 130,000 - it broke my heart to trade it in. It was perfectly maintained, and never gave me a moments trouble! The last 30,000 was put on in one year - commuting this past year! Had to do it. It's been a bit of a shock, and an adjustment. I still haven't learned not to back waaay too far up before moving forward - out of my driveway, out of parking spaces, etc. The turning radius for the Prius is sooo tiny compared to the Crown Vic!

Ah well.

 

Thanks! May I ask? Is Prii the plural of Prius, or is it a Prius devotee?