Ex-Insight driver transitions to Prius III...and LOVES it!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by nupower, Jun 28, 2009.

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  1. nupower

    nupower New Member

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    Just got my 2010 Black Prius IV with Solar package. Finally got rid of my favorite car so far, my 2001 Honda Insight. Thought I'd share my impressions.

    With about 90% city driving, my 2001 Insight averaged 53-54 mpg consistently (I could get 65-70mpg on the freeway but never have the need to drive on the freeway). I loved the sporty ride and the small tossable size/weight of the car. I was planning to keep my Insight til my Aptera 2h arrives in 2012 (?)....until I saw the 2010 Prius and more importantly, saw that I might be able to top my Insights' mileage.


    I LOVE the sportier wedge look of the Prius III, and the interior design is simple and classy in my opinion. I was not a fan of the look (in and out) of the previous Prius.

    I test drove the 2010 Insight THREE times and averaged no more than 52 mpg each time, which is good but wasn't good enough. I am a hypermiler at heart but couldn't squeeze anymore mpg's out of the new Insight in the LA stop and go traffic.

    I found the Prius of my dreams in San Diego, without any wait or mark up (the waiting list I was on in Santa Monica was about 4 months long for the Solar Package) .

    I decided to buy the Pruis without even test driving it! Thankfully I have NOT been disappointed.

    My first tank yeilded 54.3 mpg, and so far half way through my second tank, I'm at 58.7mpg....all stop and go city driving....I'm determined to break 60mpg, hopefully I will, as the engine breaks in. I'm digging the EV mode the most!

    I'm VERY impressed with the luxury, technology and refinement of the Prius. (Especially coming from a bare bones 2001 Insight!)

    I miss the manual transmission, the nimble ride and the sporty suspension of the Insight. But have no problem sacrificing any of above for the mileage and refinement of my new Prius.

    So far I've tinted the rear windows and hatch, changed all the interior and most exterior lights to LEDs, installed the illuminated sills and painted my rim covers matte black for a "sportier" look. I've also ordered a few metallic accents from Sigmaautmotive.com to further "pimp my ride". :)

    A HUGE "thanks" to everyone at PriusChat.com, all the info and photos in this forum have lead me to my NEW favorite car!
     

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    #1 nupower, Jun 28, 2009
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  2. darkleafar

    darkleafar Member

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    Humble request: A picture of illuminated door sills that shows exactly where they are placed in perspective to everything else. i still dont understand exactly where those go. And.....welcome to the bright side! (honda is the dark side) lol
     
    #2 darkleafar, Jun 28, 2009
  3. Bob64

    Bob64 Sapphire of the Blue Sky

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    Keep in mind: EV mode can decrease your overall mileage if you don't use it right...
     
    #3 Bob64, Jun 28, 2009
  4. dmvp

    dmvp Member

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    :welcome:
     
    #4 dmvp, Jun 28, 2009
  5. nupower

    nupower New Member

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    Please enlighten me! I wanna know more...
     
    #5 nupower, Jun 28, 2009
  6. nupower

    nupower New Member

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    Thanks! But I'm still a Honda fan, he he! I will take a pic for you tomorrow.
     
    #6 nupower, Jun 28, 2009
  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Welceom to PC and Toyota. ;)

    The car looks excellent!
     
    #7 F8L, Jun 28, 2009
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Do you ever venture out of this forum? lol

    Check out Rick's writeup on his install. It showcases plenty fo pics for ya mate. :)

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-modifications/63280-lighted-door-sill-installed.html
     
    #8 F8L, Jun 28, 2009
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  9. Bruno_S

    Bruno_S New Member

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    Probably you got your Prius from the same San Diego dealership as I did. This dealership bought a 2010 Honda Insight so people can test drive and compare both cars. They had it even before the 2010 Prius was available.
     
    #9 Bruno_S, Jun 28, 2009
  10. prius2x

    prius2x New Member

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    So far I've tinted the rear windows and hatch, changed all the interior and most exterior lights to LEDs, installed the illuminated sills and painted my rim covers matte black for a "sportier" look. I've also ordered a few metallic accents from Sigmaautmotive.com to further "pimp my ride". :)
    [/QUOTE]

    What Sigma parts did you order? I'm thinking of getting some, too. Lower rocker panels, grill piece, maybe?
     
    #10 prius2x, Jun 28, 2009
  11. nupower

    nupower New Member

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    What Sigma parts did you order? I'm thinking of getting some, too. Lower rocker panels, grill piece, maybe?




    Yep, the Modellista Grill Garnish and the Lower side moldings....
     
    #11 nupower, Jun 28, 2009
  12. CAR4TWO

    CAR4TWO New Member

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    Bob64, I too like the EV mode. How do I use it right?
     
    #12 CAR4TWO, Jun 28, 2009
  13. moner

    moner New Member

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    Your Darth Prius looks great! Thanks for taking pictures of your painted wheel covers, I was thinking of doing that too and wondered what it would look like. Unfortunately I ended up with a Blue Ribbon rather than the Black I preordered, so it probably won't look as nice as it does on yours. I'm getting the car tinted out on Tuesday so I'll try photoshopping your wheels onto mine to see if I should! :)
     
    #13 moner, Jun 29, 2009
  14. nupower

    nupower New Member

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    Thanks ! LOVE the name "Darth Prius" !:rockon:
     
    #14 nupower, Jun 29, 2009
  15. Radon

    Radon New Member

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    The car looks sweet nupower. I'd love to see a night pic with the led's lit up and a day pic from the front / back.
     
    #15 Radon, Jun 29, 2009
  16. nupower

    nupower New Member

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    Thanks! I'm gonna do a full "photoshoot" when my trim pieces arrive....more pics to come!:D
     
    #16 nupower, Jun 29, 2009
  17. gramps

    gramps Member

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    Which dealer did you buy yours from?
     
    #17 gramps, Jun 29, 2009
  18. nupower

    nupower New Member

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    I got mine from Frank Toyota in National City
     
    #18 nupower, Jun 29, 2009
  19. danl

    danl New Member

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    Very nice. Definitely following this thread for more pics!
     
    #19 danl, Jun 29, 2009
  20. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Interesting, I had not considered comparing the 2001, automatic, Insight and 2010 Prius:
    [​IMG]

    BTW, it looks like 2010 owners can submit their mileage.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #20 bwilson4web, Jun 29, 2009
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