I have my 2014 prius and also my new prime. Soon, I need to take my family (3 people including myself) to los Angelas. Just wondering which one I should be taking to lax? Very interesting to read everyone comments.. iPhone ?
There will be more room in the 2014, how well do you like each other? If you are still in the break-in period on the Prime, that is another reason to take the 2014.
Are there still chargers at LAX? Where is that PiP thread? How far is the drive. How long you going to be parked there? Just take the Prime so you can tell us how great it did.
In the manual of the Prime: "For the first 200 miles avoid sudden stops For the first 600 miles do not drive at extremely high speeds, avoid sudden acceleration, and do not drive at constant speeds for extended periods of time." Not a very long break-in period...
If you take the Prime, vary your speed constantly, perhaps old roads. The freeway would be a bad idea.
See my post in Bragging Rights, page 27, #270, Nov 13 describing my trip from SoCal north to Sacramento in my new Prime. I purchased the Prime at Tustin Toyota on Nov 11 and drove home to Sac on the 12th after a visit in LA. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Take the Prime. Take the spare tire out of your 2014 and secure it in the Prime. I have a PiP and a regular Prius and I borrow the spare for every trip to San Diego. The PiP has all the tools to change the tire underneath the drivers seat even though it doesn't have a spare. Don't know about the Prime. Don't bother with charging in LA unless free. It will cost more than gasoline.
The tools for tire changing in the Prime are in the rear slot in a pouch (tire iron) and under the rear seat accessible through a small door on the left side of the left rear seat (jack).
After reading the manual properly, I just need to further clarify my car mileage. My prime is currently at about 250miles (about 10 days of driving); however, this 250miles is purely EV mode. The gas engine has almost never kicked in before.. maybe once or twice when I turn on the heater in the morning for a few minutes. So from my condition above, I think the breaking period has not even started for the gas engine. Maybe I should change my driving mode from EV to EV Auto.. am I right? iPhone ?
Food for thought: The Gen 1 volt uses it gas engine primarily as a generator. In this mode, it runs at a set rpm like most conventional generators do. If you're traveling from ABQ to LA, you'll have plenty of opportunity to vary ICE rpm. Lots of folks buy out of state and drive home.
HV mode. I think not using the engine so it thoroughly warms up at least once a week is damaging to the engine, fuel, and exhaust systems. Oil drains off of lubricating surfaces over time. Moisture builds up in the engine and exhaust system due to condensation. Gasoline turns to varnish over time. It's false economy to drive in EV mode all the time to avoid the engine being used, so I believe.
Doubtful. If this is an issue, it would be stated in the manual. I would just take it on your trip and it would be broken in by the time you get back. Drive in the right lane with semi trucks and they will force you to vary your speed. Done.
