1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

What do you keep in your car?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by delrey, May 6, 2004.

  1. delrey

    delrey Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2004
    280
    14
    0
    Location:
    SF Bay Area (East Bay)
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    My spare change question made me think about the more general question -- what do you keep in the car all the time? Prius specific, new car specific, or just generally?

    Here is my (short) list so far:

    Must have:
    ------------
    Registration (when I get it) & proof of insurance

    Good to have:
    ----------------

    Tire pressure gauge: used to use the one attached to the gas station's air hose, now I'm willing to pay closer attention.

    First aid kit (my family camping one that has stuff like kids tylenol for my son, as well as an instant cold pack, etc.)

    Unused credit card & $20

    Tiny LED flashlight (I should put something in a bit larger ...)

    Convenience:
    ----------------

    Lightweight fleece blanket (to protect that light upholstery if I need to be hospitalble to a friend & their dog, to keep the kid warm if needed, or for picnics/beach triops).

    Small foldable umbrella
     
  2. Dave

    Dave New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2003
    340
    2
    0
    Location:
    Santa Cruz, CA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I keep a bigger flashlight in the armrest/console, along with a microfiber towel to wipe the fingerprint smudges off of the screen. I haven't found the "perfect" change holder yet, but I'm looking. I would not keep a credit card in the car. That stays with me. (The $20 sounds like a good idea, though.)
     
  3. mikepaul

    mikepaul Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2003
    1,763
    6
    0
    Location:
    Columbia, SC
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    I finally got one of the Auto Power vacuum/inflator/light/jumper units from http://www.lentek.com/Main/Main.asp?Conten...1&CategoryID=5& although this one isn't as nice as the apparently discontinued one I got on markdown to $40.

    It inflates a tire reasonably well, but I only had to add 3 pounds to one when I tried it out. There's a 10 minute time limit on running the compressor, and it only took maybe 3 to top off the tire.

    The vacuum does work, although I would expect a dedicated vacuum to be better.

    Haven't tried the jumper, but I need to have the main power outlet made hot all the time before it would work anyway.

    The light looks OK.

    Beyond that, I have a squeegee to get the morning dew off the windows and a collapsible box my mom gave me stored in the 'trunk' so I can put groceries and stuff into a container rather than have them roll around.

    I wish the 'trunk' was bigger/deeper so the Auto Power would fit. Right now, the blanket that I carry too (Go, Bills!) is acting as camouflage for it...
     
  4. notforyou23

    notforyou23 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2004
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    New Jersey
    I keep two fishing poles, my tackle backpack, and my waders (although I'll take the waders out in the summer).

    Those are essential, as you never know when the urge/opportunity to fish will pop up!!!

    Tightlines
    jtr
     
  5. N9IWP

    N9IWP New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2004
    148
    1
    0
    Location:
    Southeast MN
    Road kit (got free for buying 4 Michelin tires for my pre-Prius) I keep in the underdeck area in the "wayback")
    1st aid kit (main center console) (Road kit also has a 1st aid kit)
    Ice scraper/brush (under front passenger seat)
    Tire pressure guage (upper glove compartment)
    Manuals that came w/ car (lower glove compartmenet)
    Maps (LGC)
    Thermal cup (frontmost cup holder)

    Brian
     
  6. Wolfman

    Wolfman New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2003
    1,233
    19
    0
    Location:
    Williston, ND.
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    6D cell maglite flashlight.

    The required "papers" of course.

    First aid kit

    Radar Detector

    GPS

    XM satellite radio equipment

    On occasion, one Great Pyrenees dog. :mrgreen:
     
  7. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2003
    5,341
    920
    251
    Location:
    Surprise, AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Ok - here's my list..

    Lower Glovebox:
    • CD Walllet
      Owner's Manual
      Registration and Insurance info
      Book to read in case I'm really bored somewhere

      • Upper Glovebox:
        • Electronic Tire Pressure Gauge/Flashlight combo
          Some fast food gift certificates
          Some Dave and Busters tickets for the next time I may end up there
          Probably some other uneeded stuff

          • Center Console:
            • More CD's (jewel cases)
              Cell phone charger
              NiMH car charger (for digicam)
              Breathmints
              Some of Dianne's cards
              Vallet Instructions

              • Hatch:
                • Gym Bag w/ clothes for workout
                  Extra shoes for gym
                  Laptop Backpack (usually comes out, sometimes doesn't, tanneau cover hides it when it's not)
                  Window squeege for those dewy mornings (in cargo net)
                  First Aid Kit (toyota provided)
                  Jacket - though probably not needed recently
                  Sometimes a set of golf clubs

                  • Hatch underside (hidden area):
                    • Inflatable mattress (never took it out from my last trip)
                      Extra blanket "just in case" I need it w/ the bed, or if a dog needs to ride.

                      • Hatch left underside (that small compartment where the left side of the cover is stowed):

                        • Surprisingly w/ all that storage, my car remains "clean" inside and uncluttered.
     
  8. windsurfdog

    windsurfdog New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2004
    67
    0
    0
    Location:
    Northern Gulf Coast of Florida
    I purchased an AC/Delco 6-in-1 high pressure inflator (tires), low pressure inflator/deflator, battery jumper, work light, 12v plug-in combination from BJ's. It fits nicely in the compartment above the spare tire.....about $65, I believe.
     
  9. drivenmore

    drivenmore New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2004
    28
    0
    0
    Center Console

    Old wallet with all of my info cards/membership cards/etc.
    Contact lens solution
    Duct tape
    Business cards
    Fingernail clippers
    Tweezers (you'd be surprised how often this comes in handy)
    Mini flashlight
    Pepper spray

    Tape/Cd Cubby

    Delphi Roady XM radio (when not in use)
    Garmin iQue 3600 (when not in use)

    Backseat Floor

    Steinberger Spirit XT-25 bass guitar
    CanvasWorks sunshade

    Hatch/Trunk

    Ampeg BA115HP combo bass amp
     
  10. tdwis

    tdwis New Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2004
    2
    0
    0
    What no change of underwear for you guy's LOL (JK)
     
  11. Bob Allen

    Bob Allen Captainbaba

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2004
    1,273
    11
    0
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    My list:
    Under the trunk floor:
    1. Small vacuum cleaner that works pretty well
    2. Plastic tray to hold upholstery cleaner, wash'n wax, Armor-all, etc.
    3. Small compressor to inflate tires; works reasonably well.
    4. Jumper cables
    5. Two flares
    6. Small tool set: screwdrivers, pliers, cable ties, etc.
    7. Quart of oil
    8. Window squeegee (fall, winter)
    9. Chains (winter)
    10. Wool blanket (winter)

    Inside pax comparment:
    1. Throw pillows and front seat cushions.
    2. LED flashlight, red
    3. Plastic film canister full of quarters
    4. Small case with several pens, nail file.
    5. Small towel for cleaning spills
    6. Cat-tail duster along driver seat by door for dusting dash and panel.
    7. Pop-out sun shades for front and rear windows
    8. Zippered CD case
    9. Calculator
    10. Tire pressure guage
    11. Maps in door bins.

    I like the separate storage compartment under the trunk deck; allows me to keep stuff out of the way and have a clean, open storage area with no clutter.
    Bob
    Owners Manual, warranties, maintenance books, etc, in vinyl case in passenger seatback pocket.

    Registration and proof of insurance in small nylon case in dash storage under radio.
     
  12. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,193
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Lower Glovebox:
    • Owner's Manual
      Registration and Insurance info
      Swifter Duster

      • Upper Glovebox:
        • Electronic Tire Pressure Gauge/Flashlight combo
          gum (various)
          Altoids
          Checkbook

          • Center Console:
            • CD's (jewel cases)
              Cell phone charger
              Extra Sunglasses
              Various Prius Papers--Voice Commands List, NAV Quick Guide, etc.
              Vallet Instructions
              Wal-mart Gift Card (for gas discount)
              Remote for house alarm
              Car Wash Gift Card
              Ink pens,
              Mileage log

              • Hatch:
                • *Varies with season
                  Sunvisor
                  Solar Charger for 12v
                  Insulated bag for cold foods

                  • Hatch underside (hidden area):

                    • Hatch left underside (that small compartment where the left side of the cover is stowed):
     
  13. sparkymarvin

    sparkymarvin Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2004
    144
    2
    0
    Location:
    At the airport.
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    I have lists similar to the rest of you, but number one on my list is a Frisbee.

    ~Andrew
     
  14. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,193
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I neglected to mention the 2 car seats (soon to be 3) and scattered toys in the back seat. And a little trash bag secured to the back of the passenger seat head rest.

    Oh yea, and tissues in that bottom/hidden drawer, map in the slot in the driver's door.
     
  15. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2004
    4,147
    19
    0
    upper glove box
    reggies and insurance
    flash light
    pen and paper

    center
    digital tire pressure gauge
    hand cream
    Kenny Wayne Shepard's Ledbetter Heights CD ( play it thru 3 times and I'm clinically depressed)
    another pen and paper (for suicide note)
    cell charger
    spare fuse (for charger)
    lip balm for the wife

    rear
    2 plastic boxes
    plastic cooler

    that's it, anything else I buy as necessary, at 57 years of age I don't' need a lot else. I might throw in a Jeff Beck CD occasionally.
     
  16. inventor00

    inventor00 Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2003
    1,131
    60
    0
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Lower Glovebox:
    Registration , owners manual, insurance, AAA stuff and Maps(even for us GPS people), Entertainment Coupon Book

    Upper Glovebox:
    Microfiber towel (Costco) for screen smudges
    Extra sunglasses

    Center Console:
    Pocket PC charger
    Cell phone earpiece (I do not have a Bluetooth phone)
    Mileage log, calculator, pen
    Removable Light that fits in battery charger
    Hubby Sunglasses
    Altoids
    Tire guage
    Front of console in little space - Parking pass- hangs on rear view mirror, valet cards

    Under Center Console- Drawer- Kleenex
    Beside Center Console- Super Jumbo Sun Shades

    Passenger side Sun Visor- Kleenex container

    Both Door Holders- Kleenex and trash bag

    Under back seat- umbrella

    Hatch- left hole:
    Small Baby blanket for wrapping antique china in
    Fleece blanket for protecting the carpeting in the back
    Baseball Hat

    Hatch underside (hidden area):
    Route 66 tote bag with tools, flares, fire extinguisher
    California Duster
    Extra tennis shoes, socks in case I have to walk anywhere (hold over from old car)

    Yes, hubby sneezes alot.
    It still looks uncluttered..
     
  17. Larry Page

    Larry Page New Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2004
    30
    0
    0
    Location:
    Appleton, Wisconsin USA
    What about dry-roasted peanuts? Everyone seems to have forgotten dry-roasted peanuts!! <grin> ;-)
     
  18. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2004
    14,487
    1,518
    0
    Location:
    Spokane, WA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    I keep my pet hippopotamus, Marvin, in my Prius. People have a hard time believing that he fits in there, but as long as he does not try to open his mouth all the way there's no problem. I can't bring him into the house because I live in a no-pets apartment building. I take him down to the river and we romp in the mud together. Marvin loves mud. I have to hose him down pretty good before I let him back into the Prius or he'd get the carpets dirty. I also keep a frisby in the Prius, but Marvin is a lousy frisby player. It's not that he can't catch it. You'd be surprised how fast a hippo can run when he feels like it. It's just that he has no sporting spirit. He'd rather slop around in the mud, or sit on the bottom of the river for five minutes at a time. The first time he did that I thought he had drowned or swum away underwater or something. But then I found out that hippos can hold their breath a really long time. Marvin's a real show-off that way. So I play frisby by myself. Sometimes girls come along the pathway and ask me what I'm doing. I tell them I'm playing frisby while I wait for my pet hippopotamus to come up for air. They think I'm retarded or something. Boy, are they ever surprised when Marvin surfaces and opens his mouth all the way (hippos can open their mouths so wide you wouldn't believe it!) and comes trotting up the river bank to me and rolls over and begs me to rub his belly! I keep other stuff in my Prius too, but none of it is as interesting as Marvin. Even the frisby is not as interesting as Marvin. He's a really cool hippopotamus.
     
  19. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2004
    4,147
    19
    0
  20. tag

    tag Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    2,526
    19
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Now, does daniel live in Fargo or was he in the movie, Fargo?