My 2008 Prius due next week!!!

Congratulations on your "soon-to-be" new car. Be sure to read the owner's manual. It will answer a lot of questions that you see posted on this forum.

 

Congratulations on your "soon-to-be" new car. Be sure to read the owner's manual. It will answer a lot of questions that you see posted on this forum.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jpmorgan49 @ Sep 13 2007, 05:07 PM) [snapback]512169[/snapback]</div>

Congrats! You'll be especially thrilled when one day you hit the 60 mpg mark! Not everyone can do it, but those who have mastered P&G can easily beat the EPA estimates. Search the forum for Pulse and Glide or P&G. It's fun! And the Mag color is amazing. I was hesitating between Mag Grey and Seaside Pearl.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jpmorgan49 @ Sep 13 2007, 05:07 PM) [snapback]512169[/snapback]</div>

Congrats! You'll be especially thrilled when one day you hit the 60 mpg mark! Not everyone can do it, but those who have mastered P&G can easily beat the EPA estimates. Search the forum for Pulse and Glide or P&G. It's fun! And the Mag color is amazing. I was hesitating between Mag Grey and Seaside Pearl.

 

Another Chicago buyer waiting-2008 Prius Metallic Grey

I've been plowing through as many forums here as I can to get some good hints. This place is great. I've just put a deposit on a Prius and just can't wait to get it. Metallic Grey with Package B. I didn't go for the navigation package because I've got a Garmin Nuvi 680 with MSN network capability with bluetooth, travel features (gas, movie, food, traffic, etc.) as well as ability to load music or audio books to a micro SD card so I've got all I could ask for and then some.

The Prius is just the coolest car I've ever seen. I've been a systems analyst for a long time so it just fits my way of thinking and I'm so excited...hope I can manage to wait. I haven't told my kids that I've ordered one because I'm going to surprise them. I can't wait to see their faces when I pull into their driveways..... .

Could someone give me their feeling on these things........

1. Should I add anti theft protection or is the disabling feature enough? It's around $350 I think so a little costly but I'll get it if needed.
2. What about that antenna and car washes? Is it safe to leave on or does it have to be removed each time?
3. What about paint protection other than regular waxing? I'd sure like to know what others are doing. I have to park outdoors so I want to keep that new car wet look. I've been reading about poly coating but honestly am completely confused with all the variations available. I'd really be grateful for some advice on this.

 

How would a thief "hot wire" a Prius? It uses a wireless protocol with digital encryption to start the car. Short of car jacking or a thief with a flat bed or tow truck, nobody will steal it. Vandalism is another story. It *might* be worth it for a proximity and glass breakage alarm if you live in a high-crime area. Otherwise, skip it.

Does the antenna mast manually telescope up and down? I have never tried it. If it does, I would always retract it before going through any car wash. If it doesn't, the mast probably screws in and out quickly if you leave it finger tight. Just remove it each time. Why risk it?

Regular old Carnuba wax or one of the new polymer waxes (Turtle Wax makes a good one) should be more than adequate since modern paint jobs are clear coated. If you want to get fancier and spend more money, use Zaino mix-when-ready wax or the three-step Maguire system. Paint "sealant" is a scam.

If you are worried about paint chips on the front, either pony up a few hundred bucks and live with the cleaning hassles of a black bra or spend about $800-1K to have a 3M clear bra professionally installed. Clear bras work remarkably well. I have had one on a Subaru for 4yrs/50K with no problems (and no paint chips).

 

Thanks a million...that's what I wanted to know. I don't mind spending additional money for things that are valid but I hesitate asking the dealership for info because they have an interest in me making further purchases with them. Just don't trust them.......but then, can't we all say the same thing to some extent.

I don't anticipate front end damage because I never had that with the Honda CR-V I've got now but was wondering about those paint sealants and the additional protective coating applications the dealerships offer.

Thanks again. This forum is great and the advice excellent. Barb

 

That's actually good MPG as the passes over the mountains are long. What was your average speed? I don't think the rental cars have 42F/40R on its Prius fleet...