What every newb should know

Compared to a Prius, that is a guzzler. I own a prius v and a smart. I consider the Smart to be a gas guzzler which I use only on trips of such duration where the Prius wouldn't have time to warm up to operating temperature. 35 versus 46 mpg. I'd get rid of the Smart but, because of its size, it's one of the few cars my wife feels secure driving.

 

Well, check out the math.

15,000 miles per year / 46 mpg x $2.50/gal = $815 gas per year

(15,000 mpy / 35 mpg) x $2.50/gal =
$1,071 gas per year

The difference:
$256 per year

Multiply by number of years and then discount the savings due to time value of money....

(I need help with that part)

I guess a max savings could be :.over ten years:
LESS than $2,560 over the life it'd the car
(LESS because if time value of money)

Not that much, compared to cost of new car smell..
Sorry..

 

I could care less about actual cost of gas. It's mpg about which I am concerned. When it gets to $10, cost will become a concern.

 

It could be as simple as saving the environment or just reducing oil dependency.
We moved to the country to grow more of our own food for health reasons. I just bought a tractor and may not financially recuperate the cost, but other health factors and quality of life influenced the decision.
There are likely other factors than money. I chose a Prius instead of a Corolla due to space inside for my dog. My wife and I both dislike the large black grilles on Corollas and Camrys too.

 

This was such a helpful topic. Thanks for posting.

 

I just want to make sure.

Typically i eat my lunch in my car with the AC on. So if I turn on the car as if I were to drive it, it should be fine? I'm usually in my car for 45 minutes. I'm 30 min in, and hear the gas motor kick on every now and then


iPhone ?

 

Did you just buy the car? This is normal behavior as the battery would drain while you are sitting in the car with the AC on. When the battery gets low, the engine will kick on to charge it. Rinse and repeat

 

Having the car on as if to drive:

Not only is it fine.
It's required.

 

Great amount of information here! Thanks

 

Greetings

First post. No car yet, but looking at 2012-2015 prius v. Our family of 4 + 50lb dog is staying at 4, so the minivan needs to go. We looked at the ford c-max energi and the 20 miles all electric range would have worked out great for us with our short commutes and bouncing around town, but it's just too damn small. We're now looking at the v's.

So, if I have a specific car that we find and want to get checked out, while doing so, where would be the best place to post re: how good of a deal, etc.? Just the v. general forum?

thanks! Looks like a very active community you have here!

 

The General v forum would be fine. i very much enjoy my 2012 v Three, but if I was shopping I would want:
In 2015 the front end was redesigned to better cope with the small overlap crash test, so 2015 and newer are safer than 2012 to 2014 in at a least one scenario.
2015 Toyota Prius v

My 2012 v Three does not have 3 door Smart key, only one door. I sure miss it. I encourage you to try the passenger front door and cargo hatch to see that they open if you touch them with the fob in your pocket. You can work around it but I notice it at least once a week. This feature varies by year and level. (in 2012 I would have needed a Five. In 2017, the Two lacks it but the Three has it)

 

good point on the overlap test. I had seen that. We're trying to stay under $15k which has been tough in a 15 w/ leather (twins are 6). I found a slightly higher mileage 2014 three (70k) w/ leather (no heated seats) for about $13500 or 14k. That's about the best I've seen thusfar. Trying to get leather for easy kid cleanup has been difficult.

 

Welcome!
Perhaps you could consider a car and add leather covers. Many people here looking for leather install Clazzios. There may be other less expensive options that are easy cleanup.
I guess you have been looking at Prius v with Softex artificial leather. I know from at least 2015 and later leather was no longer an option in the US. My son’s 2015 Prius v 5 has the Softex. He travels to dog shows with his small dogs.

 

now that is a good idea. I will look into it. Yes, real or. fake/leatherette is fine. Just something that is easier cleanup for kids.

off to google those covers...

 

Howdy Kiva, welcome!

 

Thanks! Cool community it looks like you have here. I come from the VW TDI world that also has a vibrant group of enthusiasts.

 

Believe me, you're in much better company on here and a very warm welcome from one of the few English 'Prius Chatters.'

 

Ha! Yes, I've found that internet niche forums tend to always have their veins of...well...impoliteness

We still have an 03 TDI, but, with having kids myself, there is little time for the VW forum anymore...

 

New 2007 Prius owner here with a quick question, and I can't figur out where to post.

So my car started blinking a red light, it to me looks like the symbol for trunk open. But I opened and closed my trunk multiple times....still blinking. My husband said it's the alarm system, but I'm unsure. I just recently bought this car a week ago, so I'm still learning about it. If anyone knows what that means it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Hi Kendra, welcome!

The Toyota site is awesome. And ya can look up your car's service history if done at the dealer and for recalls, if there are any. This is a basic indicator page;

Toyota Dashboard Lights & Symbols Guide

Has a lot of really useful information.

Also, could post a pic and some one will know.

On both my Prius-asus. The hatch backs are, one was, fussy. Even a small obstruction to closing completely, and the open door, red light will come on.