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New Owner from the UK

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by adam_d, Mar 10, 2014.

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  1. adam_d

    adam_d Junior Member

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    Hi Guys,

    I realise this is mainly a US forum but seems to be the best and most active. :)

    I am a massive Toyota fan, and Toyotas have been in my family since long before I was around. :p (I currently have a tiny little Daihatsu, but I didn't stray too far, they are almost part of Toyota I guess.)

    I have recently started doing a longer commute of about 60 miles a day, and seem to spend a while in traffic jams. It's about 60/40 between town driving and motorway driving, so was looking at stuff like Yarises, just something more substantial and safer than my Daihatsu. I had never really considered a Prius until I had a quick look around one, and was impressed at how good it seemed.

    After looking at a few and test driving two, this morning I agreed on a 2007 Gen 2 T-Spirit in Aztec Bronze, and I pick it up on Saturday morning. :D It's from a main Toyota dealer and only has 50k miles, so hopefully I've made the right choice in going for it.
    Quick picture below for now from the advert, I will be sure to get some proper ones when I pick it up.

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 adam_d, Mar 10, 2014
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome to priuschat, looks brilliant! all the best.(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 10, 2014
  3. adam_d

    adam_d Junior Member

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    Well, I have had the car nearly a week now and nearly 400 miles, and it seems excellent. Very quiet, smooth, comfortable, and just generally nice to drive. I have been getting about 62 Imperial MPG (which I guess is about 52 US MPG) which seems good to me. Have got a couple of issues, though.

    First up is the 12v battery. Thought I should quickly check it out as I guessed the car might still be on it's original, so just quickly did the MFD test. After a drive, and with no load, the battery shows 12.2v. After letting it stand for an hour, 11.8-11.9. I didn't want to try any more load on it, but I guess that's not brilliant. I haven't had chance to check it with a multimeter yet.

    Second problem I noticed while I was doing the battery test. On the self test, I get an error relating to audio. Again, I was just doing this quickly earlier to check the battery, so wasn't sure where to go any further than the picture I have attached. Is this likely to be a problem? I have the JBL system and it seems to work OK, but I haven't tested the CD changer yet.

    Thanks very much. :)
     

    Attached Files:

    #3 adam_d, Mar 20, 2014
  4. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Get the 12v changed.

    Once they start, it's a slippery slope to failing.

    They're about £95 fully fitted. Be very very careful if you have to jump start your car and try to avoid doing so if you can. Do not let the other car rev their engine. And NEVER offer to jump start a neighbours car.

    If the 12v starts to fail it'll often give weird error messages and weird things will happen. For peace of mind just get a new one. Then you have a good car and the 12v will last another 5 years. (y)

    p.s. Update your profile to reflect your location. It'll help no end on the advice you get.
     
    #4 GrumpyCabbie, Mar 21, 2014
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Adam welcome to PC.
    There are a number of us Brits on the forum, and I see GC has already entered the post.
    Most of the codes on the MFD do not mean much, the audio code could be the fact that you have no CD's mounted.
    Your millage is very good for a beginner, expect another 5 mpg when the weather warms up, and even 70 mpg is not out of the question.
    At 50,000 miles you car is just run in. I am now at double that millage in my 2008 Tspirit. Using 0w20 oil helps mpg when your due for an oil change.
    When your ready for tyres going up one size to 205/55/16 not only helps mpg they are 25% cheaper than the stock size (195/55/16) and there is a much greater choice. Strait line stability and general handling is also greatly improved.
    Tyre choice is very important on the Prius to get the best mpg, see my post at the top of the gen3 section.
    Low Rolling Resistance replacement tyres (Europe)

    John (Britprius)
     
    #5 Britprius, Mar 21, 2014
    Data Daedalus likes this.
  6. adam_d

    adam_d Junior Member

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    Thanks guys.

    I'll see about getting a new 12v battery sorted tomorrow, it's the thing I was most wary of with the age of the car after reading about, as I say I assume it's the original. Also, location updated. ;)

    Just had a read of that thread Britprius, I had been looking for some new tyres already as it has 2 brand new Kumho winter tyres on the front I want to keep for next winter. It has 2 nearly new Michelin Energys on the rear, and I'm leaning towards switching the Kumhos out for some Hankook Kinergy Ecos, having had good experiences with Hankook tyres in the past. I will check out prices of the Michelins first though, just for the sake of keeping all 4 the same, so I might hold off on changing up a size for a little while. I guess I should also expect to see a slight mpg increase by switching to normal tyres?

    Thanks.
     
    #6 adam_d, Mar 21, 2014
  7. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    Welcome to PC Adam. Nice choice in getting the T Spirit.

    There is a seriously helpful bunch on here with a wealth of Prius knowledge, including your follow Brits above! :p

    On the tyres, the 205s are much cheaper and I recommend the Goodyear Efficient performance in a 205/55/16. I will be taking my 15" Goodyear winters off this weekend and putting the 16" Summers back on
     
    #7 Tony D, Mar 21, 2014
  8. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Adam, I run the Kinery eco tyres in the larger size (205). They are an excellent tyre with B B ratings, and at the present rate of ware will be good for at leased 40,000 miles.
    The Goodyear Efficientgrip performance tyres also look good for a little more money. I do not know what the ware life is on those as I have had no feedback from anyone.
    Whatever you choose it is well worth going to the larger size as you will only effectively be paying for three tyres compared with the (195's).
    As you probably know it is not advisable to mix the sizes as this can cause problems with the traction control and ABS.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #8 Britprius, Mar 21, 2014
  9. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    100% on the 4 for 3 on the 205s. I didn't have them long enough on the car before the winter, so won't know til later this year or maybe next year as I rotate every winter.

    My tyre supplier also recommends the Hankooks
     
    #9 Tony D, Mar 21, 2014
  10. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

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    Very nice looking car for a 2007. Looks new.
     
    #10 Okinawa, Mar 21, 2014
  11. adam_d

    adam_d Junior Member

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    Hi guys,

    Thanks for the advice on the tyres, I'll probably go with the Hankooks. With regards to the battery, I have been looking at other alternatives (mainly so I can get one and fit it tomorrow, I haven't got much time during the week). Does anyone know of any drop-in replacements I can get? I know there can be issues with the vent using non-OEM ones. I looked at EuroCarParts, but there's a pretty wide selection. If not, I'll just have to sort something at Toyota for next weekend.

    Thanks. :)
     
    #11 adam_d, Mar 22, 2014
  12. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Both Varta and Bosch make Prius direct fit batteries from around £45 with guarantees from 3 to 5 years depending on price. Do not go to Half---s as there price is high. Most motorist shops will have the batteries in stock. Make sure the battery has the small JIS posts and the positive + terminal is on the left with the terminals closest to you.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #12 Britprius, Mar 22, 2014
  13. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Congrats and welcome to PriusChat! 50,000 miles is quite low! My 2010 (bought in Aug 2009) nearly has 50,000 miles (77,500km) on it and our 2005 Prius has 131,000 miles. Here's to many years and miles of happy, low emission motoring!
     
    #13 Tideland Prius, Mar 22, 2014
  14. Skateruk

    Skateruk Member

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    Hi Adam,
    Welcome to this chat - there is a brilliant bunch of guys here to help you with any problems.
    Re the battery I had a Bosch fitted for £54 with a 5 year warranty at Formula 1.... Halfs are very expensive as Britplus pointed out. Also, I wouldn't trust them to fit it!
    I am sure you will love the car, they are very entertaining as well as reliable and cheap to run - hey No Car Tax - gotta be a good deal!
     
    #14 Skateruk, Mar 23, 2014
  15. adam_d

    adam_d Junior Member

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    Hi guys,

    No worries of me going to them for a battery, I try to avoid them as much as I can because of the prices. I'll probably fit it myself when I get one. I've been looking at a Bosch S4 Type 155, which seems to be the same dimensions and has the correct terminals, but I have seen it mentioned that you need to trim down the vent tube a bit? Will probably order it this week and fit next weekend, was busier than expected today (and put another 100+ miles on the car. ;))

    Thanks.
     
    #15 adam_d, Mar 23, 2014
  16. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    You do realize that's about 1 and 2/3 gallons of fuel you've used.:)
    The battery vent can be connected to the rubber hose with a sort piece of nylon pipe or a screen washer hose fitting, does not have to be an angle fitting.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #16 Britprius, Mar 23, 2014
  17. adam_d

    adam_d Junior Member

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    Well, have done about 1100 miles or so now, still achieving the same MPG. Although, going to have to make a visit back to the dealer as the buttons on the head unit have decided to give in. Not too bad for now as I can still use the steering wheel controls, but seems to be a common issue. :(
     
    #17 adam_d, Apr 11, 2014
  18. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Head unit?
     
    #18 GrumpyCabbie, Apr 12, 2014
  19. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    Buttons on the MFD I'd say
     
    #19 Tony D, Apr 12, 2014
  20. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    So the touch screen is the part that's not working? I feared that's what you meant.

    If so, prepare for a BIG bill for replacement. :(

    There are instructions on Priuschat, somewhere, that allow a cheap(er) fix. I don't have a gen2 but I have read of the issues. If some good person doesn't give you the link, then try a google search on unresponsive MFD's. Do come back on here to ask the questions though as it has been reported at length and many are very knowledgeable on how to solve the MFD problem.

    I think it's to do with a dry joint or something.
     
    #20 GrumpyCabbie, Apr 12, 2014
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