Most Obscure Gen III Facts (way out there)

We're more just rain birds. I used the headlight washers once or twice since purchase, for the novelty more than anything, not since.

D.O. for the fog lights: can barely tell when they're on. They look cool I guess.

 

One other difference is that the V has a wider turning circle. I assume that this is to maintain clearance between the wheel well and the wider tires. This will matter a lot for some people and not at all for others.

 

I doubt it since the Prius already has a small footprint.

 

One situation where its an issue is where you have dead end streets or driveways that are narrow enough for the difference in turning circle to make a big difference in the ease with which you can turn around.

In many places such as Texas, this would rarely be the case.

There are some other places where it can be a big deal.

 

I was under the impression it was thought the shocks and springs were different but it turns out they are the same. I thought I read that on the early test cars there was a difference but Toyota decided to actually use the same parts. (Although there seems to be two different part numbers listed)

 

Well, no one has told you that the V/Five has more sound insulation in the rear wheel well, right? Toyota is tricky that way. They don't list all the differences in the brochure or even what is listed in the training manual for salesman. (Another unrelated example...Toyota 4runner Limited has underhood insulation, while 4runner Trail and SR5 does not.)

Here is a good thread to read about the suspension differences: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/90563-options-four-five.html (Read page 3 and on)

Basically, the shocks and springs for the V/Five are totally different than the other Prius (II-IV). In addition, the alignment specs for the V/Five are different. The steering motor and ratio are different in the V/Five.

 

I have never felt the need for a smaller turning radius...but i do live in TX. However, i have also not heard of this "issue" from any other V/Five owners.

 

Is there a way to leave the car running and lock it? I did a test where I left it running, had someone else take the key away and see if I could drive it. I thought it would shut down, but no, I was able to drive it . . . didn't thnk that would happen!

During the winter I had left it running to de-ice it. Didn't realize it could be driven away . . .

Any suggestions? I apologize if this has been previously asked. Did a search but no luck finding anything.

Thank you,
Karen

 

Hi Karen!
I had the Toyota dealer install a remote starter for winter, partly to get around this issue and partly because I don't have a garage. With all the snow we had last winter in New England, it was money well spent!

Hopefully, someone will jump in to respond to your question from the perspective of not having remote start.
Karen

 

You can lock the running car with the mechanical turn key, and walk away.

 

Boy, Thats my pick for most obscure!

 

On the NAV system, each input has it's own audio controls. i.e. if you reduce the bass on satellite radio, it won't change on FM radio.

 

FYI: Leaving your car running and unattended in MD voids your insurance and is a $500 fine.

 

Guess I'll have to avoid MD... I leave my Prius in Ready with the A/C turned on when I go shopping and the weather is particularly hot. I've tried several times to figure out how much that costs, and it generally comes out to something like 10 to 25 cents. Definitely worth it to me to return to a cold car instead of a blast furnace.

I set the parking brake, put it in Park, and lock the doors with the mechanical key. Sometimes I cover the dash to hide the fact that the speedometer is still lit up.

As for leaving the car running, that's actually a complicated situation. Unless the 12V battery is flat out dead, a Prius always has something active. Cars these days run the radiator fan even with the motor stopped. Even in Ready mode, the Prius has the motor stopped most of the time while it isn't moving. The factory remote start system runs the A/C and gas motor, but you can't drive the car in that mode. If you leave the Prius in Ready to operate the A/C, but lock the doors, is that regarded as the same as leaving a non-hybrid with the engine running full time?

Several times people have noticed that the engine cycled ON while my car was parked. I reply that I left the electric A/C turned ON, and the engine automatically cycles ON every so often to keep the batteries charged. The general reaction is "cool, I wish I had something like that". do not know what an MD policeman would say about all this...

 

True, but I thought the Prius wasn't worth stealing...

But I would like your solar roof. It would definitely reduce the number of times I'd have to resort to leaving the car running with the A/C ON.

 

Is the rear hatch locked as well?