New 2004 Driftwood Pearl Package 8 Owner Comments

I have read countless dozens of posting from various Prius User Groups during the last two weeks. Especially for those individuals on waiting lists I thought I would share my initial comments about this incredible automobile.

Why did I purchase a 2004 Prius and the Waiting List?

It was time for my wife, Patsy to trade her 2001 Toyota RAV4 for a 2004 model. During the various new car model discovery process at Vandergriff Toyota in Arlingtyon, TX, we had the good fortune of having an exceptionally patient and knowledgeable salesman named Mark Evans with their Internet Sales/Credit Union Sales department. My wife was sold on the RAV4 which is a vast improvement over the 2001 model. I was planning on purchasing either a Jetta TDI, Honda CRV, VW Bug or a Jeep Liberty. Based upon all the comments Mark made about the 2004 Prius I began reading everything I could find about this automobile. I gave Mark the deposit with an expectation of a delivery sometime in the 4th Quarter. Interesting enough, after a three month wait Mark called me to say he had a 2004 Driftwood Pearl with a Package 8 that had been turned down by customers ahead of me on the waiting list. They either had purchased other cars or were not ready financially to take delivery. The color and package was not what I wanted but the next day I saw the car and decided to purchase it. So for those of you waiting lists, suggest you keep in regular touch with your salesman. Also I purchased the car at MSRP.

What do I really enjoy about my 2004 Prius?

1. It's a joy to drive with plenty of comfort.

2. Keyless Smart Entry System - Great for the grocery store or getting into your car when it's pouring down rain.

3. All the wonderful technology associated with the car. My original order did not include the NAV system because I already had a Garmin Street Pilot GPS system but now I pleased with the voice commands and auto routing.

4. I'm not listening to NPR Radio nearly as much due to the JBL Sound System. I'm rediscovering old favorite music CD's.

5. Gas mileage is interesting! With some 1164 miles to date I'm averaging 48-49 MPG. I work at the DFW Airport with about 3 miles from home to the Interstate and 3 miles from the Interstate to the employee parking lot. My work hours are such that there is no traffic to/from work. I suspect the only reason why I'm getting 48-49 MPG is because I'm driving the speed limit which is highly unusual in Texas! NAV System, CD Player, headlights on the way to work and A/C (74 degrees) are running. This morning I increased the tire pressure to 42/40 to see what effect this will have on the MPG.

6. I also like having a car that is so environment friendly. I read this morning that a Prius driven between CA and FL emits less pollutants than one can of bathroom spray.

7. Based upon my first two weeks of ownership, I would take delivery of a 2004 Prius in any color and would hope it would have package 8 or 9 included.

8. It's fascinating to look at the engine compartment!

9. The amount of leg room in the back seat!

10. The front heat shield has made a signficant different in the car temperature when I arrive back at the employee lot at 3:00 PM. Has anyone experiment with the rear of side heat shields? I had the dealership also window tint the car as well.

What I'm disappointed in about the car

1. The interior fabric that comes with the Driftwood Pearl is horrible in terms of you rub the fabric one way and you think you have black grease marks. I had the dealership install leather and I'm very pleased with it now. The fabric problem was almost a deal killer if it had not been for the option to have leather installed.

2. Visibility! The bar across the back of the car that holds the windshield motor and wiper really blocks rear visibility! A very common complaint according to Mark Evans at Vandergriff Toyota. I have come to rely on the side mirrors as an acceptable and safe alternative. I use the rear view mirror but the side mirrors are for lane changing.

3. I would rather have an overhead compartment for the garage door opener than for sun glasses.

4. Lack of lumbar support in the front seats.

5. NAV System:

- I guess I'm really spoiled by my Garmin Street Pilot III in terms of ease of use, setup, information displays, more specific voice commands over the Toyota/Lexus GPS system. The Prius NAV system is hard to learn, not particularly user friendly but the graphic displays are much better than the Garmin so I'll keep the factory one. My wife now uses the Garmin SP3.

- Not being able to configure the GPS display to show the arrival time rather than the minutes to destination!

- Voice Commands seem to frequently get confused with POI's when I'm trying to make a change to the radio, etc. It does accept temperature changes very well.

Future Accessories:

- Fog lamps - anyone have them and what do you think?

- I read this morning that the glass breakage sensor also will set off the alarm is someone bumps or sits on the car.

- Front and rear bumper protectors. Now out and available although back ordered.

- Toyota had discontinued the sale and installation of the XM Radio accessory.

If there is anyone who lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who is on a waiting list and wants to see mine, you are more than welcome to contact me for a time to see my car. I live South Arlington, near the Parks Mall.

My thanks to Toyota for developing the Hybrid Technology, the 2004 Prius to Mark Evans at Vandergriff Toyota in Arlington for making this wonderful purchase a reality and to the moderators at the various Prius informational sites that have assisted me in answering many questions!

 

Hi efusco and wolfman:

No I do not ahve Homelink system. The MD who ordered and then declined the Prius that I now own did not order it. I've seen two 2004 Prius'. One on I-20 and one on 183 near the airport. If you become aware of a group of Prius owners getting together I would like to join in if my work schedule permits. BRgds/Chuck

 

To Bigbaldcuban -- Took delivery July 2nd.

To Woemcats: Leather package was $1,000 and I believe worth every cent!

Not sure how to reply so hope this works!