Have been on Prius list for long time. Dealer finally got one in to drive. Having long driven a Sienna van, my first impression of view out rear window was not positive - venetian blind effect. Is this a problem for anybody? Does one quickly accllimate to the newer, lower, interrupted view? Slightly worried about this. Any thoughts? Other than that I loved it. Nancyr
You'll get used to it. The lower window can help if you need it. The rear spoiler will block headlights if the vehicles are travelling at a safe distance behind so that's a plus. If you're backing up into a spot with a solid wall behind you, you can back up until the reverse light reflections on the wall, cross each other and then some (maybe an inch? between the two lights)
Nancy, to colaborate withTideland Prius, when I went for my test drive, I actually thought to myself as I glanced out the rear mirror, "Oh boy... I don't know if I can live with that!" It annoyed me for about another minute and then I actually got used to it. It really does do a nice job blocking headlights from tailgaters, too!
I think it's easy to get annoyed with things that are different from what we're accustomed to. But like all things, you will not only get used to the spoiler and split-window, you'll really appreciate that the bottom half is heavily tinted to ease the late-night headlights behind you.
Precisely! And it was disheartening because I have been longing for this car for so so long. Everything I read, including looking around on this forum, seems positive and few have even mentioned this issue. So I hope my acclimation will be as quick as yours if I ever get up far enough on the list to lay hands on the Automotive Holy Grail. In the meantime, I will lay low and keep reading to learn as much as I can in advance. P.S. Non-automotive aside: Love your kitty - Looks just like my twin furballs, Mango and Kumquat, collectively known as the "Fruitsalad," who often strike similar poses. They do not like to ride in cars, any cars at all, however.
I got used to the rear view quickly. The only thing that I have not gotten used to is how much the car rattles over uneven terrain.
Can we get back to backing up. I just had to back up, at night, in the rain . . . the brake light reflection off the glass is a problem for me. Anyone else have that issue?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius\";p=\"86050)</div> Cool idea about the crossed reflections from the backup lights. Anyone tried one of those fresnel lenses that you can stick to the rear window of vans? They were popular among VW bus drivers. The flexible plastic can be cut to shape. I was thinking of trying one. I did have one on my Rabbit hatchback and I could actually see the rear bumper in the rearview mirror. If I find one at my local funk shop, I'll get it. If it works, I'll post it. Much much cheaper than a 500 dollar rear camera installation.
