Hi All, I ordered a silver Touring PKG 6 prius at the end of May. Was told about an 8-10 week wait, and my order was written for a 2008-09 car. Price on the order is the same whether 08 or 09. So far, seems fair. As of yesterday, I'm #14 on my dealer's wait list, which is now up to 50. The Prius will replace a very high mileage single owner 1987 Mazda RX-7, so in a sense, I'm replacing one unusual engine (rotary) with another (HSD). I've been using this site for some time to decide whether or not to go with a Prius, and it has been extremely helpful, if somewhat overwhelming. I have friends with Prii (all positive experiences) but before ordering, I rented one from Hertz for a long weekend to drive on a trip from Albuquerque to Tucson. That test drive was the best investment I've made in researching a car--answered all my questions and doubts (none left), and highly recommend it On the trip I had experience with the flashing gas gauge. Fortunately made it to a gas station, but the gauge and the flashing pip are not exactly obvious to the casual observer, are they? The car screams for a low gas warning audible alarm. I haven't seen any after market kits, has anyone else? I'd buy that one in a New York minute!
I have an 07 Touring. The last pip flashes, a beeper beeps once, and a note pops up on the MFD telling you to add fuel. I agree though. If your radio is turned up loud, you probably won't hear the beep.
Thanks for that. I totally missed it, but if I ever get my Prius I'll know to watch and listen for the warning tone and display. This feedback is what I love about this forum!
Don't wait for the beep and flashing pip, fill up at 2 pips. Actually I'm now adding gas at about a half tank before the price rises again. Plus it's fun to leave the pump with only a little over $20 on the meter for the next guy to see.
I don't believe that I have ever owned a vehicle that actually hits you over the head to tell you to stop at the gas station. There's usually a visual warning message, but then you still have to be watching for it. I generally make it a rule to never go below half a tank anyway.
Wow. I can't see spending that much time at the gas station when you fill up at half a tank. I wait until I hit 500 miles and the last pip is flashing. Even then, the most I've ever put in is 10 gal, usually less than 9 and then I'm ticked off that the thing was bugging me when I clearly had plenty of gas left.
Thanks all. I had the low gas issue when I was test driving the rental. Frankly I was interesting in everything by mileage on that run. Still got 43 mpg, but not 500 miles on the tank. But a good education on what it can do--enough to convincew me I had to have one. also, since then, I've read much of the stuff about driving close to empty, which I'll apply when I get my own. BTW my other car gives me a miles to empty continuous readout which is conservative, and it does shout visually, as well as beep at 100, 50, 25 miles to empty. But, when I get the Prius, I'll play by the Prius conventions.
