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New 2007 owner

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by KLear, Jan 17, 2010.

  1. KLear

    KLear New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2010
    38
    3
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    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Took home a 2007 Gray Prius with 33K with warranty left yesterday. Love the driving position, heard some people have problems with back pain, will look into this. The kids (all three; 8, 12 & 16) love the MFD, and think the car is "cool". My better half is intimidated by the tech and doesn't want to drive it yet ("OMG are you sure it didn't just stall"?). I am trying to get the hang of the "hypermiling" concept, and have had 46 MPG highway and 38 on short trips. This will be our "shuttle" car; we have a 6 person wagon for longer trips with everyone on board.

    This site is great and have already learned alot. Thanks to the oldtimers who post.
     
    #1 KLear, Jan 17, 2010
  2. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2007
    7,512
    1,188
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    Location:
    Carmichael, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius

    I still do that every once in a while to annoy my GF, "Hey the engine just quit." :madgrin:
     
    #2 dogfriend, Jan 18, 2010
  3. KLear

    KLear New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2010
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    72 Hour Update:

    I seem to be adjusting to the MFD's consumption and energy screens well. I am getting about 44 mpg. I see how short trips hamper economy. But even so, the Prius is way better than anything I have owned. My morning commute is about 25 to 30 minutes. I discovered how to glide on battery under 38 MPH. Awesome! For a grocery/errand trip I got 38. While I love the seating position and visibility (the rear view does not bother me), I have noticed some back pain. A rolled up knit hat in the lumbar significantly reduces the pain. This is not the first car I have had this in, and long rides in general seem uncomfortable in any vehicle (so no big deal). Overall I am pleased with the car and hope to have a long, productive ownership.



     
    #3 KLear, Jan 19, 2010
  4. KLear

    KLear New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2010
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    6 day update:

    Love the car, getting 44.5 mpg in winter weather averaging about 25 - 30 degrees. Streets clear of snow. Back seems to be adjusting OK to the change in cars. Begining to see how Prius drivers enjoy watching others burn gas darting in and out of traffic as I glide. Someone I know told me she heard that evil people have vandalized Prius'. Hadn't thought of that.....No other issues yet.

     
    #4 KLear, Jan 22, 2010
  5. New_Yorker

    New_Yorker New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2007
    517
    69
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I had a 2007 Touring Edition that is now owned by a relative, my 2010 will be in the garage by next week. I had a Katzkin Leather Interior installed (color:Bone, almost white) in my black 2007 Prius because the only leather options from Toyota were colors: Tan Mud, or Grey Mud, which appealed to me not at all. If you decide to do this they can add a 'bolster' to the seat for greater lower back support. The Katzkin leather also will recover the top of the center console and the 4 door armrests with the same leather, many colors to choose from. Another less costly way to help your back is a cushion from "Brookstone's" made for the purpose out of 'Memory Foam'. It is an excellent car, best of luck with it. Mine needed no repairs in 3 years, practically 'bullet-proof', I used only 100% synthetic oil (it only holds 4 quarts so why not?), and cold tire pressure was the factory settings checked religiously every month, which helps mileage.
     
    #5 New_Yorker, Jan 24, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  6. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

    Joined:
    May 21, 2007
    6,038
    707
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    Location:
    Tumwater, WA USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Welcome! :waves:

    We've put 50K on our 2007 Prius, and we just absolutely love him! (yes, our Prius is a him. He has a name, personality, and everything)

    Hope you enjoy learning all you can about your new ride. It may take awhile for your spouse to get used to the engine off thing - took my DH a few months!
     
    #6 Rae Vynn, Jan 24, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  7. KLear

    KLear New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2010
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    10 day update

    Drove in a strong wind today, buffetted about a bit, but no worse for the wear. Slowing down a bit helped some. Not a problem just an observation.
     
    #7 KLear, Jan 26, 2010
  8. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2009
    816
    182
    0
    Location:
    Southern Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yeah, light car so it gets moved a bit in strong wind. Sounds like you're having the same Prius experience I had when I first got my 2007 last April. Careful with the MFD - eyes on the road!

    - D
     
    #8 don_chuwish, Feb 4, 2010
  9. Solag

    Solag New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2010
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    Location:
    Vancouver
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I love Prius!!
     
    #9 Solag, Feb 6, 2010
  10. KLear

    KLear New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2010
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    3 Week Update

    Due to all of the concern about the brakes, I have been trying to replicate the events others have been experiencing. I have been unable to do so after a week of trying. We had a few inches of snow and the Prius performed well. I agree that good tires are important. You must start out slow and steady to make use of the torque at low speeds, and tire grip aids this. I have a variant of the Goodyear low resistance tires sold by Walmart.

    I have had 3 kids in the back for a time, no problems. No car seats.

    Fuel economy stinks in the first 4 - 5 minutes but was expected.

    All in all, no surprises and an enjoyable ride.

    I bought the car before Toyota barfed all over itself regarding the 2010 fix. Am disappointed in the company and now am mistrustful. I had an '03 Corolla a few years back that I liked, but it had a horrible sulfur smell that Toyota would not acknowledge was a problem. Come to think of it, I hate all car companies and dealers!
     
    #10 KLear, Feb 6, 2010
  11. KLear

    KLear New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2010
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    4 week update

    I found that by not turning on the heater when I start out in cold weather my initial mileage improves slightly. I turn the heater on after a few minutes when the ICE is warmer. Learing to glide by feel and not rely on looking at the MFD too much.

    Salt is a pretty big deal here in NYS, so I take the car through a touchless carwash every week. I have practiced this with my other vehicles without a problem. Will wax once or twice per year.

    Am thinking of getting synthetic oil. Are there any concerns by going from dino to synthetic?
     
    #11 KLear, Feb 14, 2010
  12. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2007
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    Location:
    Carmichael, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    No, not really. Most of the arguments against are based on wives tales or ancient information. Most if not all of the current syn oils are compatible with dino oil, so you could mix if you really wanted to (but it is sort of a waste of syn oil).

    I switched from dino to Mobil 1 at 10k miles.
     
    #12 dogfriend, Feb 14, 2010
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