2012 Prius v ( lowercase v ) after 3 years

Always good to hear positive comments and constructive, but valid criticism.

 

Your MPG is a bit low, tires are part of it. Apparently you have the Five with 17" wheels - so tire selection is limited. Hills can actually help MPG with the right driving style. I wouldn't recommend anything other than the Michelin Energy Saver A/S, finding them ain't easy in 17" but they exist.

I agree on the power hatch. The RAV4 offers a terrific one.

You're apparently using the speed control in radar mode. You don't have to use that, regular CC is available too and may be a better choice in traffic. Its best to just cancel the speed control when you are approaching traffic, since the radar system over-corrects by design. In heavier traffic, set the following distance to the minimum and its a lot smoother, but it will still over-correct.

 

I was going to guess 17" also, they translate to harsher ride. My 16" Bridgestones have 85k and still going. Ride decent also. Agree on the sun visors. My "standard" cc is fine except when going up a decent hill, only because it wants to rev the engine too much. I can do better manually.

 

Would like to have blind spot system or at least split side view mirrors (Ford) to increase view to rear.

Check these adjustable mirror add ons..

 

I have had what they call an aspheric mirror on two of my cars allowing the blind spot to be easily covered. It was a replacement for the mirror and the part the mirror mounted on. I also used one of the paste on split ones that was specifically cut to fit perfectly and you wouldn't even know if you didn't look for it.

Having said that, many cars have their side mirrors adjusted incorrectly. You shouldn't see your car in the driver's side side mirror ... just the lane next to you. Adjust your existing mirror in a parking lot of a superstore where you can park with a car in your blind spot.

 

I never had issues with blind spot visibility in our v. You should have basically no blind spot if the mirrors are adjusted correctly. Make sure you can't see your rear door handles when your side view mirrors are adjusted. They are meant to show the lane beside you, not the lane behind you.

We have BSM on the Rav and it is a neat feature but I can always see the car in my mirror when the BSM indicator is lit.


Tandy 400

 

Ride, schmide,
I changed out my Two's 16" wheels for ENKIE 17" wheels and Yokohama YK 580 tires for better HANDLING.
(Then of course, I have added several braces, lowered it one inch and am about to add front and rear sway bars.)

Mileage? I get 38.6 on long trips but too, I have installed an INJEN cold air intake for more power.
As you may have guessed by this time, I use the PWR button liberally.