Park it under shade whenever you can will be most effective. Or tint all your windows with legal darkness, and use Reflective-type Shade for the front and rear windshield. Or Cool the car first before asking your son to ride with you.....
This has all been very helpful, thanks. So now I just need to decide between the 2010 and an older one. Advantages to new: - That solar roof and 3-5 min of AC. - I won't have to leave the car running while parked (I'm still a bit uncomfortable with that, though perhaps I'd get over it.) - The redesign looks like a much improved car. I like nice cars. Advantages to used: - Price. I can pick up a low miles 07-08 for about 19K these days; I'm estimating 27K for the solar roof version. That's not trivial. And that doesn't even factor in a premium for snagging one of the first cars off the boat. - Timing. May is already summer here, and I'd really like to have this taken care of before the real heat hits. What to do?
Umm, I think you're missing a few points: - the 2010 Solar roof *does not* run the A/C; it only runs a fan. That means that on a 100'F day it can make the car interior maybe 105'F instead of 140'F. It will not make it 70'F. For that you have to start the car and let it run, same as with a 2009. - You can still get a brand-new 2009, and for a very nice price. No need to buy used unless you want to spend even less.
I'm not sure what I'm missing - can the 2009 be started from a distance using the remote? I would certainly never expect a fan to lower the interior below ambient - that's what the remote AC is for. 3 min should be enough to make a difference, especially if the interior is only 105 to begin with. That amount of time might also be enough to ward off a neuropathic attack (during which I'd rather not leave him to go start the car).
09 and before does not have a remote start option.. you're not missing anything.. people simply don't want to read and love to type in replies... the ventilation system also gets you the remote A/C option... they are separate systems.. but you need the vent system in order to get the remote a/c function. a 2010 prius will get you improved mileage, comfort, and power. as it technically steps into a midsize class (since it shares the midsize chassis) blasting the AC with my setup and mileage will make my gas mileage drop about 5mpg.. stock, you'll get around 40. another built in feature on the current prius is the auto a/c function.. regulating humidity and temps. the 2010 prius gets it's own ionizer (same as the camry... "plasma-cluster") so.. the wait isn't convenient i've been assuming. mind if we ask what you're currently driving? give us an idea of what you'll be adapting from....??? i figured a 2010 with heavy a/c use will probably still get 50+mpg since everyone is getting 60 or so every time it's driven ( so far... except for the one 24mpg guy.. but it's up from the current prius's 19mpg lowest set by tv host on fifth gear.. )
I'm driving an 01 Jetta now. Which I still love; it's a driver's car and it fits me like a glove. But I don't love German engineering when viewed from the maintenance and repair perspective, and mine's balky. And it's not a family car (I wasn't a mom when I bought it). I had my eye on the Prius last year before AC hijacked the car buying decision, and the reviews of the 2010 are making me drool. But anything's likely to be an improvement over what I've got now. The wait is not convenient; last summer I borrowed my husband's minivan and I could keep doing that, but we really need more flexiblity. And he's not much of a car guy so he probably won't like paying a premium for the new model when lower cost options are available. Unless the ventilation system is really worthwhile.
I stand corrected! Thanks, V8, I did not know that the 2010 has a remote start A/C option. Given that, lindak's choice seems clear.
Aftermarket Remote Start is now available for the gen 2 Prius (04-09), I don't know the manufacturer. You'd be able to buy the lower priced 07-08 & remote start it 4-5 min. before you drive to cool it down. Window tint (I prefer the mirrored style instead of the dark) & windshield shade are also a must in that climate, as well as choosing White or Silver. Good luck!
