What's your favorite thing about your Prius that you didn't know about before you bought it?

I think they all have this. My 2008 has it.

 

All of them with the JBL system.

Tom

 

Just confirmed this morning. I do have this "feature" but I only have a package 2.

 

Of course the gas mileage but it handles well, is very low noise, turns sharp. Has plenty of space for hauling.

 

Most recent fav: Not needing to change any timing belt.

 

Having so much fun saving money

 

Mine is package 2 also and I am pretty sure I don't have it. I haven't double check yet.

 

stealth mode I guess.

the hidden compartment at front of center console.

nothing else really.. i had read about most of the drivetrain and engine tech before buying.

oh and the simple fact brake pads do not need to be replaced very often, if at all..this was a big plus when I read about it. My last car ate through pads ever 30k or faster.

 

Stealth, hidden compartments, acceleration, this forum, the look of the car that gets better over time; drive by wire technology (especially when you don't feel ABS in the brake pedal); how instant and silent the hybrid technology is; traction control system was surprisingly good and helpful (with good tires); fuel consumption indicator; I am sure I missed something

Always wanted to share some frustration points though:
Top five:
1. Poor quality of "premium" JBL sound (really didn't expect it would be that bad)
2. Unstable feeling on the highway, especially when passing or when somebody is passing you (really freaked me out, I didn't have this feeling in Corolla or even Echo hatchback)
3. The speed of the windshield wipers - first speed is too slow, takes almost twice longer between wipes than other cars (really frustrates me as I have to switch to the second speed while everyone else on the road is still on the first one)
4. Annoying electric sound when breaking (happens only when it is very hot outside, but still very annoying)
5. And, of course, the stock tires that may cause engine shut off even on slightly wet surface.

Other:
- the dash materials that don't go all the way to the windshield
- the armrest console is a bit shaky and looks a bit out of place (like it was added at the very last minute)
- JBL console doesn't have its own display
- changing color of the screen does not change the color of the speedometer
- no heated mirrors and heated wipers

 

***************
May I ask? Why you bought a Prius?

It seems that you have many more things that you don't like than you do like.
"Enough with the negativity"
Go out and trade your Prius and go back to whatever you were driving before, a corolla, an echo or whatever.
You've got to weigh the pros and cons with a vehicle like the Prius, and my pros outweigh my cons many times over-----------doesn't seem that way with you.
You don't say what # you bought.
Mine is a 2009 #2 and I believe if I'm not wrong, they all have heated mirrors, I know mine does..............................
Although maybe not in Canada, if in that case "My Bad".

:violin:

 

Well, our packages are not numbered in Canada, so it's difficult to compare. It looks like a lot of options are not available in Canada, including leather seats, while the prices are at least 30% higher than in the states

Don't get so defensive please, or even offensive I would say. No car is perfect, you know. I bought my Prius when the price of gas was $6/gallon; so fuel efficiency was enough reason already. Plus, we were looking for a second car specifically for city driving and I think Prius is ideal for this. Plus the cool factor is big on my list and Prius was very rare in Calgary at that time (yes I do consider it cool).

There is a lot to like in Prius but the question was what is it you discovered after you bought it. I don't care too much about the "other" factors, even heated mirrors; so that's not a big selling point for me. The top five, however, was almost impossible to notice during short drive test, so I discovered them later and that caused some frustration and I wanted to mention them even though the post was not exactly about it.

 

Thing that I did not know when I bought mine and fell in love with the car even more:

1) first winter found I had heated side mirrors. No more "rolling down" windos to wipe mirror to see.
2) "hidden" center drawer.
3)Installing Ipod and XM-Radio with just a flat blade screwdriver and philips. Flat blade used to pry off most of dash with a rag to not mar it up. Dang talk about easy instal
4) MPG when gas was 4.56 in California I was laughing each time I passed a gas station.

I am sure there are many more if I really think about it.

 

Just double checked again today. My 2009 Prius with package 2 does not have independent volume control between the FM and CD modes. I tried setting the volume and the modes with buttons on the dash and on the steering wheel in all combinations in vain.

 

I am a new Prius owner and I do not understand the stealth trick. I do not think I'm getting as much mileage as I could. Please explain.

 

Sorry, noob question... What is the "secret drawer"? The one under the radio?? THANKS!

 

The one underneath and in front of the console cupholder

 

I apologize for sounding harsh.
Please, accept.

:grouphug:

 

No worries... how can I possibly sell my lovely metallic grey prius (color is one more thing that I forgot to mention as a plus!)

 

Being able to go for a drive just for the sake of having a fun drive, and not thinking I am burning too much gas, or costing too much! Yep!