Back again!

After 15 years of driving my 2004 Prius (package 9), and just under 240,000 miles, my HV battery started throwing errors and after a few days, I found myself with a car that wasn't able to accelerate much at all. I've spent the past year or so looking at new cars, knowing that eventually my 2004 would kick the bucket, and despite the amazing reliability and lack of upkeep necessary (replaced 3 or so windshields from rocks hitting it, and rear brakes once at 13 years, plus a few set of tires), I was once again on the hunt for the most fuel efficient, technology forward vehicle available.

Since the Tesla's are out of my price range, I found myself right where I was 15 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but I've had my 2019 Prius Limited for a week now, and couldn't be happier with it. Adaptive cruise was something I considered a necessity in the DC area, (and the 11" screen on the limited makes it feel close to the Tesla ), and fuel economy and reliability was a must. Also, my setup at home and work doesn't allow for a plug-in, despite really wanting either full electric or PHEV.

Fifteen years ago, this community was just starting to explode when the Prius was starting to gain popularity, and I'm so glad to see Danny, Tony, and others still here keeping things up after all these years. I remember doing the Priuschat calendar back in the day, all the crazy mods we'd do (I still have the pic of my dashboard completely ripped apart installing them), and the amazing community. When I picked up my 2004, it had exactly one mile on the odometer, literally fresh off the boat. I ran it completely out of gas at least a few times, hitting over 700 miles on a single tank more than once. I met a group of hypermilers up in PA and was interviewed for a doc on HBO about it, it was all great fun. I'm excited to have a new Prius once again, and I find myself combing the forums looking for tips on setup screens, and mods already, and just remembering the good ol days!

Thanks to everyone who've kept this place up, and I'm glad to be back again!

-Matt