Most annoying thing about the prius?

Scott_R · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Starfall @ Aug 7 2006, 11:28 AM) [snapback]299024[/snapback]</div>

The "lipstick thing"? What's that?
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The shifter

jmpenn · Aug 7, 2006

Right now the most annoying thing for me is the ground loop between the Aux input and the power jack inside the console. I hate having to pull my audio book player out of the car just to recharge it.

Tideland Prius · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curtis SAC @ Aug 7 2006, 07:28 AM) [snapback]298992[/snapback]</div>

I think Toyota went a bit too far in making the Prius "different." I mean - Someone that has been driving cars all their life needs to "trained" to drive a Prius. Sure, once it is moving, it drives pretty much like a normal car. But there is nothing intuitive about starting it (uh.. powering on) or even putting it in gear - the lipstick thing trips people up because it snaps back, etc.

That Prius back up beeper is annoying. But I have decided that until most of the world gets used to how that transmission selector works, it is probably a good idea to warn people that the car is prepared to move backward.

Ignoring the hybrid drive train, I think the Prius is not much to write home about. For $25K you can buy cars that are more comfortable, quiet, smooth riding, and have better handling. Look at the construction... If it wasn't for the high tech powerplant, most people would just consider the Prius another tin-can econobox. I doubt they would fetch more than about $18K with conventional power.
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Well, how would you explain, say an S2000's start up procedure? Turn the key to "ON" then press the ENGINE START button. It's the same with Mercedes' Keyless Go! system. With Toyota's SKS system, you don't need to do two steps. Just push the damn ENGINE START STOP button or POWER button on hybrids.

The reverse beep isn't limited to the Prius. It's also on the Corolla/Matrix XRS models with the 6-spd manual. The problem is, we can disable it and they can't

There's a lotta stuff in the Prius besides the powertrain. The first automotive use of ultra high strength tensile steel allows for thinner panels (saves weight) and yet equal strength and integrity. The wheels are fairly light at ~14lbs each, the curved roof to minimise eddies around the edge of the roof and the underbody panels and wheel spats to smoothen out airflow and minimise turbulence around the wheels, respectively.

aaf709 · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Whitestar @ Aug 7 2006, 10:09 AM) [snapback]299108[/snapback]</div>

Right now the most annoying thing for me is the ground loop between the Aux input and the power jack inside the console. I hate having to pull my audio book player out of the car just to recharge it.
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I had that problem with my portable XM radio. I installed Ground Loop Isolator, which did the trick.

NuShrike · Aug 7, 2006

Lack of reflective LCD (aka the old front-lit GBA), or lack of OLED screens, for the HUD and the MFD. Backlit displays in primarily a daylight vehicle is going against the grain.

rufaro · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(McShemp @ Aug 7 2006, 07:30 AM) [snapback]298994[/snapback]</div>

Sure it's harsh, but I recently read a thread from someone who doesn't even have a Prius yet but wants to get a TSB issued. That's verging on the ridiculous.
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Did I disagree about THAT? You said

Unless the car malfunctions and is the direct cause of an accident, all complaints should be held for one year or 10k miles. [/b]
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I repeat, I have less than 2k on mine--I love my car and ain't nothin' nobody's gonna say to make me change my mind. Do I have to shut up about this for another 8k? We are on the same side here! :huh:

PriusRos · Aug 7, 2006

Is it just me, or does anybody else find themselves grabbing the windshield wiper stalk instead of the little gear shift?? Even though my last car had the gear shift in the center console, I've driven plenty of cars where it's on a stalk -- and the windshield wiper thing on the Prius is so close to the little gear shift. I've been driving this car for 7 weeks now, and still find myself doing that once in a while, especially when I am trying to go from Drive to Reverse. I even find myself sometimes doing that when I mean to park, forgetting it's a button, not a gear position.

curtissac · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Aug 7 2006, 12:20 PM) [snapback]299115[/snapback]</div>

Well, how would you explain, say an S2000's start up procedure? Turn the key to "ON" then press the ENGINE START button. It's the same with Mercedes' Keyless Go! system. With Toyota's SKS system, you don't need to do two steps. Just push the damn ENGINE START STOP button or POWER button on hybrids.
The reverse beep isn't limited to the Prius. It's also on the Corolla/Matrix XRS models with the 6-spd manual. The problem is, we can disable it and they can't [/b]
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I don't try to explain the starting procedure for any car. Have no idea why an S2000 uses the procedure it does. But nobody besides the valet at Jack London Square has been able to "start" my Prius without instruction from me. I don't have a problem with the Prius starting procedure - hell, I picked the Prius over the Civic. But it is not very intuitive. Even with the SKS, you left out the step that catches just about everyone.

There's a lotta stuff in the Prius besides the powertrain. The first automotive use of ultra high strength tensile steel allows for thinner panels (saves weight) and yet equal strength and integrity. The wheels are fairly light at ~14lbs each, the curved roof to minimise eddies around the edge of the roof and the underbody panels and wheel spats to smoothen out airflow and minimise turbulence around the wheels, respectively.
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All that is really cool. All geared to wringing an extra couple of mpg out of the car. Fine. But does any of it make the car handle better? I think the Civic wins over the Prius on general comfort and handling. Not by a lot. Over the Civic, I preferred the Prius because it had a bit more room, is a hatchback with more cargo space, had 50% fatter tax credit, and the dealers in this area not marking them up above MSRP (Honda dealers were adding almost $3K to the Civic). But all that the thin, lightweight metal may be really safe and fuel efficient, but it feels like a tin can.

Don't get me wrong. I think my car is really cool. I am just not about to engage in the "prigasms" it seems wash over many the car's owner/cheerleaders.

Again - don't get me wrong. I am not trying to start a fight, but notwithstanding the powerplant, are you suggesting that all of the mileage gaining design elements, like wheel pants and kryptonite sheet metal , are significant added costs that justify the higher price tag?

And if that back up beeper is on the Corolla and Matrix... it doesn't mean that it isn't annoying. And it is not a "feature" found on most cars.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Starfall @ Aug 7 2006, 10:28 AM) [snapback]299024[/snapback]</div>

The "lipstick thing"? What's that?
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That's how my sister-in-law described the transmission selector (I have a hard time calling that thing a shifter ) Good description, I thought.

Prior to hearing her call it that, I described it to my dad as a modern version of the panel mounted lever on automatic Corvairs. There have been other panel mounted automatic transmission controls. Another that comes to mind was the old pushbutton Dodge Dart.

snowbird01 · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Aug 7 2006, 05:35 PM) [snapback]299260[/snapback]</div>

Is it just me, or does anybody else find themselves grabbing the windshield wiper stalk instead of the little gear shift?? Even though my last car had the gear shift in the center console, I've driven plenty of cars where it's on a stalk -- and the windshield wiper thing on the Prius is so close to the little gear shift. I've been driving this car for 7 weeks now, and still find myself doing that once in a while, especially when I am trying to go from Drive to Reverse. I even find myself sometimes doing that when I mean to park, forgetting it's a button, not a gear position.
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Yes to both! But I've had my Prius for 3 months now and I don't do it anymore. My main problem - going from an SUV to Prius is finding it in large parking lots.

omahajim · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Curtis SAC @ Aug 7 2006, 05:23 PM) [snapback]299276[/snapback]</div>

I don't have a problem with the Prius starting procedure - hell, I picked the Prius over the Civic. But it is not very intuitive. Even with the SKS, you left out the step that catches just about everyone.
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Foot firmly on brake?

snowbird01 · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sl7vk @ Aug 3 2006, 03:09 PM) [snapback]297154[/snapback]</div>

Stupid cloth fabric on the door and the center console.
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How did that happen? I bought my Prius this year, the car came in without leather so I requested leather
upgrade (and never thought about any special instructions). It came back with everything leather - console and doors included thank goodness. The upgrade was about $1300 and, I thought, well worth it! Have you checked with your dealer to see what it would cost to get the console and doors covered? Maybe its not very expensive.
You'll be glad you did. (I have fuzzy dogs in my car and their fur would stick to the cloth - Yuck!)

sl7vk · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(snowbird01 @ Aug 7 2006, 06:47 PM) [snapback]299296[/snapback]</div>

How did that happen? I bought my Prius this year, the car came in without leather so I requested leather
upgrade (and never thought about any special instructions). It came back with everything leather - console and doors included thank goodness. The upgrade was about $1300 and, I thought, well worth it! Have you checked with your dealer to see what it would cost to get the console and doors covered? Maybe its not very expensive.
You'll be glad you did. (I have fuzzy dogs in my car and their fur would stick to the cloth - Yuck!)
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...s_promot_widget

This is the best that I've seen so far.....

rufaro · Aug 7, 2006

Ok, I don't know that I would call it exactly annoying, but it sure does confuse the hell out of me sometimes...the way the cruise control lever rotates with the steering wheel...I have only ever before seen them mounted on the face of the steering wheel--buttons, not a lever, or a fixed lever, like the turn signal ones...I have DEFINITELY had to occasionally think about where the heckfire that pup has got to... But, then again, I AM using the cc less in the Pri, so I guess it doesn't bug me too much...just more of a curiosity!

Tideland Prius · Aug 7, 2006

Is it just me, or does anybody else find themselves grabbing the windshield wiper stalk instead of the little gear shift?? Even though my last car had the gear shift in the center console, I've driven plenty of cars where it's on a stalk -- and the windshield wiper thing on the Prius is so close to the little gear shift. I've been driving this car for 7 weeks now, and still find myself doing that once in a while, especially when I am trying to go from Drive to Reverse. I even find myself sometimes doing that when I mean to park, forgetting it's a button, not a gear position.
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Nope. Maybe it's because I've driven Toyotas all my life (well.. only 3 so far) so I know where their stalk is.

I don't try to explain the starting procedure for any car. Have no idea why an S2000 uses the procedure it does. But nobody besides the valet at Jack London Square has been able to "start" my Prius without instruction from me. I don't have a problem with the Prius starting procedure - hell, I picked the Prius over the Civic. But it is not very intuitive. Even with the SKS, you left out the step that catches just about everyone.

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Well it's just something that's new. I'm sure owners of cars that don't have the conventional twist-key start up procedure would need to explain to valets.

All that is really cool. All geared to wringing an extra couple of mpg out of the car. Fine. But does any of it make the car handle better? I think the Civic wins over the Prius on general comfort and handling. Not by a lot. Over the Civic, I preferred the Prius because it had a bit more room, is a hatchback with more cargo space, had 50% fatter tax credit, and the dealers in this area not marking them up above MSRP (Honda dealers were adding almost $3K to the Civic). But all that the thin, lightweight metal may be really safe and fuel efficient, but it feels like a tin can.
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I know what you mean. Our other car is an 02 Camry XLE and it's waay more comfortable and the JBL audio sounds much better than the Prius. But you can't blame them for using exotic materials in an attempt to keep the weight down. I mean, it still weighs the same as a Scion tC!

Don't get me wrong. I think my car is really cool. I am just not about to engage in the "prigasms" it seems wash over many the car's owner/cheerleaders.

Again - don't get me wrong. I am not trying to start a fight, but notwithstanding the powerplant, are you suggesting that all of the mileage gaining design elements, like wheel pants and kryptonite sheet metal , are significant added costs that justify the higher price tag?
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Not at all. Just a friendly discussion. I don't know the cost but it's possible that it might be more expensive than traditional high tensile steel especially since it's the first car to use ultra high tensile steel. It's like the RL and how it's overpriced (imo) but there are some expensive stuff in there like CF reinforced propeller shaft and the gearsets to divide power from side to side and magnesium seat frames for the front seats.

And if that back up beeper is on the Corolla and Matrix... it doesn't mean that it isn't annoying. And it is not a "feature" found on most cars.
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Yeah it isn't. I'm surprised it's even in the Corolla/Matrix since you have to push down to engage R and it's not easy to do.
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snowbird01 · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Aug 7 2006, 10:20 PM) [snapback]299400[/snapback]</div>

Ok, I don't know that I would call it exactly annoying, but it sure does confuse the hell out of me sometimes...the way the cruise control lever rotates with the steering wheel...I have only ever before seen them mounted on the face of the steering wheel--buttons, not a lever, or a fixed lever, like the turn signal ones...I have DEFINITELY had to occasionally think about where the heckfire that pup has got to... But, then again, I AM using the cc less in the Pri, so I guess it doesn't bug me too much...just more of a curiosity!
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I never use that one (on the steering wheel) Use the other one - its more "normal"

rufaro · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(snowbird01 @ Aug 7 2006, 07:46 PM) [snapback]299416[/snapback]</div>

I never use that one (on the steering wheel) Use the other one - its more "normal"
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No, you are absolutely correct--it is way more "normal" to have it on the steering column...what confuses me is that it rotates with the steering wheel, rather than being fixed...THAT is the part I haven't encountered before, and it gives me VERY occasional pause on a curvy road. :huh:

snowbird01 · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Aug 7 2006, 10:53 PM) [snapback]299421[/snapback]</div>

No, you are absolutely correct--it is way more "normal" to have it on the steering column...what confuses me is that it rotates with the steering wheel, rather than being fixed...THAT is the part I haven't encountered before, and it gives me VERY occasional pause on a curvy road. :huh:

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I don't understand - the one I have on the steering column have nothing to do with any rotation of the steering wheel at all.

Tideland Prius · Aug 7, 2006

ok I think you guys are confusing yourselves haha.

Rufaro is saying that the cruise control stalk rotates with the wheel because it's wheel-mounted.

I'm not sure what you're referring to as normal snowbird01. What "other" one? Wiper? indicator?

rufaro · Aug 7, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Aug 7 2006, 08:06 PM) [snapback]299435[/snapback]</div>

ok I think you guys are confusing yourselves haha.

Rufaro is saying that the cruise control stalk rotates with the wheel because it's wheel-mounted.

I'm not sure what you're referring to as normal snowbird01. What "other" one? Wiper? indicator?
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Phew! Thanks Tideland...I thought I broke it! :huh:

Drift Motion · Aug 8, 2006

hate having no AUX on the 05...

and why did we get a Seaside Pearl...
now i wanted a White one...

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