Smug Hybrid Drivers's topics - tribe.net

Driving to Baja, Mexico in a Prius with 150K miles

2009-12-09T00:00:53Z

Hi,

Does anyone have tips or advice for driving down from California to Baja, Mexico in a Prius? I'm thinking of driving down there myself this Christmas, but feeling a lot of trepidation about potential car trouble, and the drug war violence spilling over to tourists.

Thanks, Thoi

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Driving Prius on the AlCan Highway

2009-12-08T18:24:02Z

We're seriously considering taking our Prius on a ferry from Bellingham, WA to Anchorage this next June/July -then driving back south from Fairbanks toward home (S.F. Bay Area) via the Alaska Canada Highway.

There are plenty of websites out there for RVers and more macho vehicles... we're just wondering if any of you have any experience with the AlCan -even more specifically with a Prius on the AlCan... and if anyone knows whether mechanics out there would have a clue where to begin if repairs needed to be done on our sweet hybrid.

We're travelled extensively down the Baja many times and throughout Mexico -so we're not novices --at least south of the border. Any thoughts or experiences are appreciated.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 1 reply

Weather and battery performance

2007-06-14T04:56:57Z

I seem to get better mileage in my 2002 Prius when the temperature is warmer. Is this because the battery functions better in warmer weather?
Anyone else notice a temperature based mileage variance?

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 7 replies

just past 100,000 miles

2007-05-26T19:36:02Z

last week my 6 1/2 year old 2001 prius rolled past 100,000 miles!

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 16 replies

After market GPS systems

2007-05-01T18:29:59Z

does anyone know if any of the after market GPS systems also calculate the MPG related to your current speed/maneuverability? i was told no by the Ford dealer (I'm still looking at the Ford Escape). I found a 2006 used with only 6K mileage but it doesn't have they system --- the guy selling it says there are products you can buy that will show the info .

anyone know?

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 1 reply

Diamond sticker perks?

2007-05-01T00:46:00Z

Hi everyone.
I just purchased a 2003 Prius and LOVE it. It has the diamond stickers and I am not sure exactly what rights they entail. I know the carpool lane access any time, but someone told me they also mean no bridge tolls. Is that true?
Woo hoo - I love my little car!
Thanks.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 11 replies

Toyota vs. other brands

2007-04-23T15:10:53Z

I notice that the tribe seems dedicated to Toyota hybrids. Does anyone have any info or experience with the Ford Escape? I test drove one yesterday, and it rode really nicely.

I swore I would never buy an american made car, but the Highlander is too big and doesn't get good enough gas mileage, and the prius (my "car" of choice) is pretty small - I've been driving a Toyota P/U for the last 15 years, and I don't know if I can switch back to a small car. I've grown used to being able to sleep in my vehicle, which offers me a sense of security I don't know I want to give up.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 18 replies

turbo on a Prius

2007-02-06T06:32:09Z

I was driving home today and thinking about acceleration.

Has anyone put a turbo on a Prius? I have a 2002 model.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 4 replies

07 Option Packages - Help a buyer!

2007-01-29T07:35:45Z

So I'm buying a prius this week and can't decide between option packages 2 and 4. No. 2 gets me stability control, smart key and rear camera. No 4 upgrades me to a 9 speakers (yay), 6 cd changer (pointless since I'm an ipod hound), bluetooth compatability, an alarm system, and HID xenon headlights with foglamps (might be worth it). My question to everyone is this: does $2,000 actually buy a better sounding stereo and are the brighter headlights worth it? Any and all comments are appreciated!!!

http://www.toyota.com/prius/options.html

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 14 replies

Lifetime mileage on Insight?

2007-01-26T01:00:17Z

Hey there,

I've got about 110K on my '01 Insight (I bought it 9/9/01, having no idea what might happen to gas prices [9/11], and MAN, am I glad I did).

My lifetime mileage is 62.1. On the highway, I routinely get up in the low to mid 70s, but I live in rural, hilly NH, where I frequently get in the high 50s. So that's how it evens out.

Anyone else?

Elise
newbie to this board and enjoying it

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

bike racks on Prius?

2006-12-15T17:31:21Z

Hello all,
Anyone have any reccomendations for a bike rack for the prius? The last bike rack I had (previous car) used the traditional car trunk for tension. The bikes were suspended off the back.

Is a roof rack the only option for my curvier Prius? I wonder how this would affect the mpg.....

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 6 replies

steering component recall

2006-10-01T05:18:39Z

Anyone have any insight on this recall?
I received the letter and just sceduled my service.
Should I be concerned?

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 4 replies

dissapointed with mpg?

2006-09-10T21:58:14Z

I am.
Just bought a 06 civic hybrid and am getting 35mpg. Now, I do live in Los Angeles and drive a lot of stop and go but I read real world would be 43-47. It only has 670 mile and it is not worn in yet, but 35? My father in law is getting 32 with his 06 civic lx. wtf?

All in all I love the car. Esp the nav and voice command. I think it looks a LOT better then the Prius, but I wish I had the hatch back. It handles great and is very pleasant all around. I just want better mileage.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 7 replies

better mileage/opposite logic

2006-08-03T13:43:06Z

I've had my prius since 2000

I have discovered that I get better mileage by hitting the gas hard and fast to get to your cruising speed.
I get worse overeall mileage getting slowly up to speed.
Opposite logic than one is conventionally told, but than it's not a conventional car.
Try it, you'll see, I've gotten 6 years of experience showing it to be true.
Spread the word, i'm frustrated seeing fellow prius drivers getting on a freeway at 30mph trying to be more economical, when I know they'll ge tbetter mileage if they get as fast as possible to their comfortable speed, not to mention better "advertising":)

i'm thinking it's because there is simply less time spent depending on the gasoline and more using the hybrid system.
When I've told this to people with mechanical knowledge they talk of the better torque from electrical motors.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 1 reply

Highlander Hybrid owners?

2006-05-14T04:30:51Z

Any Highlander Hybrid owners on this tribe?

By a stroke of luck, I was able to purchase a Toyota Highlander Hybrid last July. It drives incredibly, although I think it's a bit overpowered. At only 25 MPG, it isn't so great on fuel economy, but it is a big improvement over the conventional Highlander. And best of all, with 4WD and plenty of room for hauling camping and sound equipment, it's way more useful on long trips.

This is actually my second hybrid vehicle. I bought a 2002 Prius four years ago, and for $1500 off the sticker price! Back then, the Toyota dealerships couldn't get them off the lot. [I sold it for a nice price, too...]

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 1 reply

To Prius or NOT to Prius....

2006-05-12T18:47:33Z

That is my question.....

Hi all you smug Hybrid owners :-) It seems all of you *love* your Prii, and I am debating whether to get a prius or a Matrix right now.

My dilemma lies with:

a) The Space - I own a business and need to be able to have some haul room every now and then

b) The rear visibility - I hear that seeing out your rear window can be a problem...is this the case for you?

c) The Prius' age - realistically, it is still a new model. Has anybody got a mechanical report on it?

I have always said to everyone that, if I could get a new car, it would be a Prius...well, now I am in that position, and could use any of your wise, learned words *smiles*

thanks for your time, and happy holidays!

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 7 replies

Parking ticket in Santa Monica - Warning

2006-05-12T18:38:13Z

I was under to impression that hybrids could park for free at meters in Santa Monica, so I was surprised when I was ticketed recently. I assumed the attendant had made a mistake, but then discovered the fine print:

"Hybrid not exempt w/o decals"

Anyway, I thought some of you might want to know this so you can learn from my mistakes. Do you know where to go to get the California decals? And can I tell you just how annoying this is? Hello, it's a hybrid -- why do I have to get decals to prove it? Argggh! This is silly.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 1 reply

New to Tribe & Just Bought a Prius!

2006-05-02T01:58:58Z

Hello To All! I am new to the tribe, my name is Heather/Mahsati. My husband and I just bought a Prius this weekend and got rid of the gas guzzling SUV! I love my Prius! I love my Prius! It has been such a joy to pass by all the gas stations and not have to worry about stopping to get gas every 3-4 days! We decided to take that extra gas money that we would have spent and put it into a savings account towards buying some land!

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Gallup Surprise: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars

2006-04-11T05:22:29Z

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002314621

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

I get to be smug now

2006-03-10T23:09:10Z

2003 Insight. Beep beep.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

How's this for a hybrid?

2006-02-25T22:49:54Z

http://www.evergreen-marine.com/tuf1/jsp/TUF1_Html.jsp?page=TBN1_EQVessel.htm

http://www.evergreen-marine.com/tuf1/jsp/TUF1_Html.jsp?page=TBN1_050707.htm

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Insight for sale?

2006-02-25T09:38:12Z

I looked at an Insight this weekend. I was all set to buy it tomorrow, but the guy crashed his other car tonight and needs to drive the one he was going to sell me. Sigh. He asked for me to call him back in a month, but I really don't want to wait that long.

It's a 2003 for $12,000. Anyone know of a similar deal? Would really like to get out of my gas guzzling deathtrap.

Thanks,
Andrew

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

Exxpose Exxon Campaign

2006-02-10T21:43:34Z

http://ga3.org/campaign/ExxposeExxon/forward/wxn5w654o5btktm?

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Funny Flash Animation

2005-10-16T00:18:56Z

http://www.atomfilms.com/contentPlay/shockwave.jsp?id=cant_afford_gas&preplay

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Best Tank To Date!

2005-08-02T03:08:25Z

Hey All,

I just had my best tank at 57.5mpg and 543 miles.

Anyone else care to brag?

I tend to drive preey conservatively, and see lots of Prii flying past me on the highway at apretty staid 55mph. Just wondering how fast other folks drive and what kind of milage you're getting?

Cheers!
~Onyx

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 5 replies

Prius tires

2005-07-25T16:43:22Z

I need new tires for my '04 Prius - are there any special considerations or recommendations?
Thanks!
T.O.M.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Drive a Hybrid - Change the World

2005-06-22T07:36:51Z

Hey, I just got my new Prius and I'm so stoked! This is such an improvement over the first generation Prius's, which were, I hate to say it, not very exciting outside of the cool hybrid technology.

What's really great to see is that there is now choice out there in the marketplace. Consumers can now choose from sub-compacts like the Prius and Civic Hybrid, to SUVs like the Ford Escape and Lexus RX Hybrid.

Regardless of what you think about SUVs, this is still a move in the right direction. People want to buy cars that suit their lifestyle choices, and they now have options that will significantly boost their MPG, whatever their lifestyle choice is. This is a good thing on many levels:

1. A win for the environment. Increasing vehicle fuel efficiency to 40 mpg would result in a drastic cut in carbon dioxide emissions. Hybrid technology is a step in the right direction and is available to us now. If we wait for the government or auto manufacturers to lead us in the right direction, we will be waiting a very long time.

2. A win for the country. Reducing the consumption of gasoline will reduce our dependance on foreign oil. The Natural Resources Defense Council states that increasing the fuel efficiency of vehicles to 40 mpg would result in a savings of 4 million barrels of oil every day, which is more than we import from the Persian Gulf. That means less tax money going to the oil industry, the military to fight wars over oil, and to prop up corrupt regimes.

3. A win for the consumer. Less money out of our pockets at the gas pump. Hybrid car owners can expect to save $2000 in gas over the life of their vehicles.

4. A win for the car companies. A whole new market to sell new cars into.

Consumer demand is what's driving the auto manufacturers to build these cars, and it is going to be increased consumer demand that will turn this currently niche market into a major market. The bigger the market, the more choices we'll have, the lower the prices will become. And it's going to be driven by us, the consumer. Power to the people, baby.

I get a lot of people on the street asking me about my Prius. People are interested, but are not informed enough about these cars to seriously consider buying one. There are a lot of people out there that are genuinely concerned about the environment and global warming, and also want a car that fits their lifestyle.

So this has inspired me to create a new organization. I call it:

Hybrid USA

Hybrid USA is an educational campaign that seeks to inform the public about hybrid vehicles. The goal is to remove the mystery or misconceptions about these cars so they can make an educated choice about their next car purchase.

The strategy for doing this is through an informative web site, advertising, and direct contact with consumers. My idea is to put on community events where current hybrid vehicle drivers meet and caravan to a public community venue where people can see the cars and talk to owners. Regular people talking to regular people.

I envision printing up bumper stickers and T-shirts for participants, flyers and pamphlets for passers-by, and a line up of a variety of clean, hybrid cars. My plan is to seek corporate sponsorship to cover the hard costs of putting on these events and for the promotional materials.

Turning Ideas into Action

At this point, what I'm seeking are people who are inspired by the possibilities of making a positive change in the world. If you are tired of governmental inaction on the environment and want to affect change from the ground up, if you love your country and want to contribute in an effective way that doesn't involve violence, here's your opportunity.

You can participate in the events themselves, in organizing and planning the events, or in any other way you can. This project can use people who have talents in marketing, advertising, graphic design, web site development, printing, event creation, etc.

If you are interested or have any comments or ideas you'd like to share, please contact me directly. My email address is "philz@hybridusa.org".

Who Am I?

My name is Phil Zakhour and I'm just a citizen who is inspired by the possibility of regular people, in community, creating positive change. I'm a proud owner of a 2005 Toyota Prius who's not into making people wrong for the choices they make. I am into giving people what they need to make informed choices and to expanding their options.

I have no financial interest in this project. As a citizen who loves his country, I have a vested interest in the success of this project. My ultimate goal is no less than the reversal of global warming and reducing our country's dependance on foreign oil.

Who wants to play?

philz@hybridusa.org

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 4 replies

Got a Prius!

2005-06-17T03:05:01Z

Thanks to all those who gave feedback on the leg room question.

We did it! The husband and I just bought a 2003 Prius and we love it!

It's already changing the way I drive, and definitely for the better. I used to be much more agressive - bit of a speed demon *lol*. Now, I ease out of a traffic light, coast longer distances and take more time to get up to the speed limit, all in the name of watching my MPG average soar.

It's really a fun car to drive!

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 3 replies

100+ MPG

2005-06-16T05:28:59Z

check it out:

http://www.calcars.org/

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

get a hybrid?

2005-06-08T23:17:44Z

I might be buying a car in the next couple of months and am determining whether the purchase of a Toyota Prius ($20875 MSRP, 60 city mpg) makes sense given the price of gas, the cost of the car and the environmental impact. I am using an efficient non-hybrid alternative, namely the Honda Civic HX coupe ($14910 MSRP, 36 city MPG), for comparison purposes.

You will note that the Civic city mileage is lower than that of the Prius by 24 MPG; the MSRP of the Prius is higher by $5965.

Assuming one drives 12500 miles/year and that the price of gas is about $2.5/gal, gas savings would make up for the price differential in ~17 years. I have computed this time estimate for various prices of gas: 21 years at $2/gal, 14 years at $3/gal, 12 years at $3.5/gas and 11 years at $4/gal. Using 8 years as the lifetime of the Prius, which is the warranty period for the Prius’ battery, my gas savings would not make up for the extra I am paying for the Prius.

What price of gas would justify the purchase of the Prius? My estimates suggest $5.4/gal. Using the trend in the price of California (b/c I will be in CA) gas (midgrade reformulated retail) over the past 10 years (source: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/mogas_history.html), the price of gas 10 years from now is about $3.11/gal.

What distance would I have to drive for the gas savings to make up for the price differential? This estimate depends on the price of gas. The lifetime of the car is assumed to be 8 years. The numbers are as follows: 33533 miles/year at $2/gal, 26845 miles/year at $2.5/gal, 22369 miles/year at $3/gal, 19173 miles/year at $3.5/gal and 16777 miles/year at $4/gal. This is a lot of driving, especially since the most I drove when I had a car was about $15000 miles/year.

The tax-break does help somewhat. You can plan on saving $150-$525 depending on your tax bracket and when you purchased the car (http://www.detnews.com/2004/money/0401/31/b03-44631.htm). Unfortunately, the savings are getting less each year.

There are other reasons for the purchase of the Prius, namely environmental impact and reduced oil dependence.

Use of the Prius would affect 40% saving in the gas usage. Assuming one drives 12500 miles/year for 8 years, one would save 1100 gal of fuel with the Prius. This would have direct implications on our oil dependence and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere, which would affect (arguably curtail) global warming.

The nickel-metal-hydride battery is an important factor. From Battery University (http://www.batteryuniversity.com/print-partone-20.htm): “Although nickel-metal-hydride is considered environmentally friendly, this chemistry is also being recycled. The main derivative is nickel, which is considered semi-toxic. Nickel-metal-hydride also contains electrolyte that, in large amounts, is hazardous. If no disposal service is available in an area, individual nickel-metal-hydride batteries can be discarded with other household wastes. If ten or more batteries are accumulated, the user should consider disposing of these packs in a secure waste landfill.”

Those that want to dispose of the car may be able to reclaim some money from the nickel obtained via the recycling process: “Nickel-metal-hydride yields the best return. It produces enough nickel to pay for the process. The highest recycling fees apply to nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion because the demand for cadmium is low and lithium-ion contains little retrievable metal.”

Toyota is taking extra car in recycling these batteries, and I anticipate the technology will improve significantly over the next couple of years.

I propose that the only reason one would purchase a hybrid, aside from the cool, new technology factor, would be to reduce gasoline consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. This is clearly intended for people (myself included) that value the environment and the state of foreign affairs more than their pocket books.

A common misconception is that the hybrid will save you money. Given the fact that the demand of gas-guzzlers is still significant, this “error” may work to the benefit of environmentally conscious individuals. So I say let the misconception stand.

Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 9 replies

Prius and leg room?

2005-06-08T23:05:21Z

Hi all!

I'm hoping to tap into your collective Prius wisdom!

My husband and I are all but decided that we will be getting a new Prius. The only thing is, they're so darn hot right now, there's a six-month wait at our local dealership.

So, we can't just hop on down for a testdrive any ole time we feel like it. Can anyone tell me what the leg room is like, especially for the driver, in a Prius? My husband is 6'2" and we're a little worried about him being comfortable since the Prius looks like a smaller car than we're used to.

Thanks!

Amy

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 8 replies

I just bought a hybrid! Woo!!!!!

2005-04-10T22:58:04Z

I bought a Ford Escape 4X4 hybrid. Moving from LA to a snowy place and I wanted a (clean burning) car that could handle it. Love it so far!!!

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 9 replies

Free car washes

2005-04-10T22:55:57Z

There is a place in Studio City that gives free car washes for hybrids. I've been going there for months. It's the "Hand Wash" place with the giant hand holding the car on Ventura near Tujunga. I was told that some guy decided to offer this to hybrid owners and he reimburses the car wash company.

Anyone know anything about this? I keep meaning to ask who the guy is so I can thank him. Now if we could only get free detailing. ;-)

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 3 replies

Rate your hybrid SUV! Porfavor.

2005-01-07T01:57:16Z

So I guess the Escape is the only one out there, but I want to know all about it. How IS the clearance? Is it tippy? Does it have a kickass stereo system like the Prius? Are the extras good? Do I want leather or cloth interior? What kind of gas mileage do you REALLY get? And all other info you are willing to reveal.... What do you like? Dislike?

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

I want to Escape. I think.

2005-01-06T20:24:19Z

http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/index.cfm?id=4;ABTL&action=showArticle&aid=138937

Do I want the Escape this year? Note that there are a couple of other new hybrids coming out....

I don't know. It would be the best of both worlds for someone like me, who actually does take SUVs offroad, but the clearance on the Escapes I've seen is so crappy--not overall, but right where those strut things go down to the rear wheels-- and I might be afraid of damaging my delicate engines and stuff up underneath there. Do you think it's a "real" offroad vehicle?

Also, does anyone know anything about their safety ratings?

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

Hybrids in the Carpool lanes

2004-12-23T21:21:35Z

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/hybrids-california-carpool-lanes.html

New legeslation under debate in Ca. Sounds like it would be a really cool thing for us who get 45+ mpg.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

LA Hybrid Drivers get Free Parking

2004-12-23T04:43:01Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2004

MAYOR HAHN, COUNCILMEMBER GARCETTI CHEER PASSAGE OF HYBRID PARKING PROGRAM

Los Angeles – Mayor Jim Hahn and City Councilmember Eric Garcetti today welcomed the Los Angeles City Council’s passage of a program to allow gas electric hybrid cars to park at parking meters for free. The program goes into effect October 1, 2004.

“Now people have another good reason to drive hybrid vehicles, in addition to helping the environment,” said Mayor Hahn. “Every bit of environmentally-conscious behavior makes a difference, and driving a hybrid car now saves spare change at the meter as well as dollars in your gas tank. We all have better things to do with our spare change than feed a parking meter, and we all benefit from having cleaner air to breathe.”

“By letting clean motorists keep their pocket change, we can make real change in our air quality,” said Councilmember Eric Garcetti. “As the air pollution capital of the United States, we can't shy away from fighting the battle on many fronts.”

The City of Los Angeles already provides free parking at city meters for electric and natural gas cars and trucks designated as “Clean Air Vehicles” by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mayor Hahn, recognizing the success of this program and wanting to continue to promote clean air, developed a plan to extend this initiative to owners of hybrid vehicles. Councilmember Garcetti introduced the motion in the City Council last July to direct LADOT to begin implementation of the program.

The City Council voted unanimously today to pass the program. Initially, hybrid owners will not need to do anything different to take advantage of the policy. Parking enforcement officers will be trained to recognize hybrid vehicles and will simply not cite owners of such vehicles for not
paying at parking meters. However, vehicle owners will still be required to comply with posted time limits. In addition, if the State of California and DMV decide to include hybrids as “Clean Air Vehicles,” then hybrid owners would need to receive a sticker from the DMV to qualify for free parking, just as electric and natural gas vehicle owners currently do.

Hybrids, which use a combination of gasoline and electric power, provide increased fuel economy on a miles-per-gallon basis and, subsequently, reduce air pollution. California has twice as many hybrids as any other state. Over 4,700 hybrid vehicles were registered in Los Angeles in 2003, more than any other city.

The City of Los Angeles is currently converting its fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles and also maintains a small fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The free hybrid parking pilot program will last for six months. At the end of that period, LADOT will analyze the program and make a determination of whether or not to continue the program.

http://www.lacity.org/mayor/myrpress/mayormyrpress27423655_09282004.pdf

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 4 replies

Phoenix AZ Jaunary Hybrid Car Meetup

2004-12-21T17:41:29Z

If anyone is in the Phoenix, AZ metro area and is interested in meeting other hybrid car owners in the area, we are having a meet up soon.

When: Saturday, January 15, 10:00 AM
Where:
5 & Diner
9069 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 949-1957

This meetup is open to all hybrid car owners.

This 5 & Diner is easy to get to from the 101. Take the Indian Bend exit, go west a couple of blocks, and the restaurant is on the left (south) side of the street.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Interesting...

2004-11-14T07:04:44Z

I just got my prius and I couldn't be happier with it.
However I believe I may have found a quirk.

I parked on the left side of a one-way street. The road was paved in such a way that the car was leaning at least 20 degrees to the left. (this is like a one in a million parking situation)
Anyway, the car didn't want to start! It went dead and it took me 5 minutes to coax the power on. No warning lights...no nothing...
Since then I haven't had a moment's trouble. I can only assume I found a bit of "character" in the Prius. Someday, when I'm not in a hurry, I'll try to lean it to the left again.
Could this finally be my "Car Talk" question?

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Hybrids & winter driving

2004-11-08T19:45:18Z

I'm moving from Southern California to Vermont. Any cold weather driving/car tips would be appreciated. Do I have to warm up the car in very cold weather? Or is that just for gas only engines? Pardon my cluelessness... and thanks! :D

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

Prius drivetrain simulator

2004-11-08T18:05:34Z

http://www.wind.sannet.ne.jp/m_matsu/prius/ThsSimu/index_i18n.html

This Java applet lets you see how the electric motors and gas engine work together, and how electricity is generated at motor-generator 1 and used at motor-generator 2 at low speeds, but generated at 2 and used at 1 at high speeds, substituting for most of the gears in a conventional transmission and allowing the Prius transmission to have only one planetary gear and no mechanical gear shifting.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Supersize It!

2004-10-01T08:26:04Z

Lots of new hybrids coming down the pike, with awesome horsepower. The Accord hybrid is back after reportedly getting scrapped after being promised; luxury and serious sport hybrids, one with power rivalling the Viper-- the advantages an electric motor offer to low-end torque and the ability to power the rear axle even when the front, powered by a gas engine, is shifting between gears; a Mercedes and Lexus, though not your father's...

The concept is suddenly blooming, explosively! My Civic Hybrid seems so humble now...

--dave

http://autoshow.msn.com/as/autoshow2004/article.aspx?xml=Hybrids&shw=autoshow2004

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

Prius Drivers - Check out Prius Chat

2004-08-26T16:54:38Z

http://www.priuschat.com/forums/portal.php. There is a lot of great information-sharing here.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Re: road trip!!

2004-08-26T16:52:44Z

i've just decided that i'm going to go on a road trip from california to maine and back.

the super awesome bit is that since i'll be doing the drive in my insight, it's only going to cost me $100 in gas to get to maine!

yay!

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 6 replies

hybrid maintenance?

2004-08-20T19:12:35Z

at the end of the year i was thinking of purchasing a hybrid.
but i'm kinda sketchy about the maintenance..
is it difficult to re-charge? (i heard you have to take it to a special place that has outlets for it)
have any of you had problems? with the electrical part?

and what about car systems?
does anyone have one in their hybrid? because i'm wondering if that will affect the car performance at all.

=} sorry if these are lame, easy to research questions.
but i just wanted to know from personal owners.

thanks!

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 4 replies

I want to get a Hybrid civic

2004-08-13T16:02:18Z

I'm trading in my car for a hybrid civic to help save some cash
on gas/and regular maint. Anyone here own one that can share their experiences about the car?
thx!

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 1 reply

News stories of poor mileage - FUD?

2004-08-13T02:36:10Z

There have been a number of news reports about disappointing mileage, yet this is not my experience nor that of other Prius owners. This smacks of a FUD campaign orchestrated by either GM or othe carmakers not on the hybrid track, or by the oil companies. My lifetime MPG in an '04 Prius is just over 45 MPG, but I tend to be somewhat of a leadfoot and my daily commute is only about eight miles so I suffer from the low mileage while the ICE and emission components first warm up. I get about 50 MPG on longer trips. I'm highly suspicious that these news stories are orchestrated as no hybrid ownerI've talked to has been disappointed. Most cars don't anywhere close to the EPA estimates in real life. It's not just the hybrids.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 6 replies

Hybrids in the Carpool Land?

2004-04-09T22:31:14Z

From Today's Mercury News

WITH GAS PRICE AT RECORD HIGH IN STATE, GOVERNOR BACKS ENERGY-EFFICIENT CARS
By Gary Richards
Mercury News

The timing could not have been better.

California gas prices hit a record $2.20 a gallon on average Thursday, the same day Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other top state officials threw their support behind a proposal to allow fuel-efficient hybrid cars carrying only one person into carpool lanes.

Carpool lanes on most highways can handle the added traffic, and folks who drive fuel-thrifty cars deserve a break, supporters say. If the state approves the proposal and Congress approves similar pending legislation, solo-occupant hybrids could be zipping along carpool lanes next year.

While some transportation officials worry that the growing popularity of hybrids might eventually lead to clogged carpool lanes, support by the popular governor was greeted excitedly by hybrid owners eager to trim commutes and save on rising pump prices.

``This is wonderful, an incredibly good idea,'' said Sgt. David Rivas, who figures he would shave at least 30 minutes a day off his 66-mile, one-hour-50-minute commute from Discovery Bay to Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, where he is a recruiter. ``That would be a godsend.''

While carpool lanes on Highway 101 through Silicon Valley and Interstate 80 through Berkeley already are heavily used, others such as on Interstate 280 have room to handle more traffic.

Thursday, Schwarzenegger sent Terry Tamminen, secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, to Los Angeles, where he joined state Treasurer Phil Angelides and others to endorse a bill by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, D-Woodland Hills. It would grant single-occupant hybrid vehicles that achieve 45 mpg or more access to carpool lanes, along with free passage on toll bridges.

``How can we declare our independence from foreign oil, rising fuel prices and bad air?'' Tamminen said. ``Buy a hybrid.''

The state Assembly's Transportation Committee is scheduled to hear the proposed legislation Monday.

Staffers with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in Oakland, which oversees transportation funding in the Bay Area, recommend opposing the state legislation.

The Air Resources Board estimates that about 55,000 hybrids could be on California roads in four years, nearly three times more than are in use now. Officials with the MTC say the increase could lead to clogged diamond lanes, and that by 2010 carpool lanes in seven of the region's 10 freeway corridors will be nearly filled without hybrids.

If solo-driver hybrids get a green light, the MTC may recommend raising the carpool requirement for gas-powered cars from two to three people a vehicle to keep diamond lanes flowing -- a recommendation first proposed a year ago but met with protest.

``The bottom line is there has to be a time savings to make HOV lanes work; if there is no time savings, there's no reason to carpool,'' said Randy Rentschler, a spokesman for the MTC.

Arizona, Maryland and Virginia are among the states allowing solo-occupant hybrids in carpool lanes.

California now lets solo occupants of cars powered by electricity or compressed natural gas to use carpool lanes.

Highway Patrol officer Les Bishop said allowing hybrids into carpool lanes would not be difficult to monitor. Special decals are now placed on the rear and side of electric cars, and he expects a similar approach for hybrids. The legislation would limit the number of decals to 75,000.

Prices for a gallon of self-serve unleaded gas jumped more than 2 cents overnight in California, topping the one-day record set a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association. The cost for a gallon of self-serve unleaded in San Francisco was at an average $2.27 a gallon Thursday, a half-cent below that city's record. San Jose was at an average $2.16, a penny below its all-time high.

Gas prices on the West Coast and in the Northeast could spike higher before the end of June but return to current levels before fall, the Energy Department said Thursday. The Energy Department estimated the national average would rise about a nickel in coming months, but Energy Information Administrator Guy Caruso warned that prices are likely to be significantly higher in California, with little sign of relief anytime soon.

The high price of gas is why Greg Wageman of Fremont bought a Honda Civic hybrid last year. He firmly believes the combination of increased mileage and use of the carpool lane would boost sales of these cars.

``Oh, absolutely -- that's hard to argue,'' said Wageman, who also owns a gas-guzzling 2004 Corvette, which he fills up weekly for about $37.50.

How much did the hybrid's last fill-up cost?

Long pause.

``That's hard to say,'' said Wageman, who works at Synopsis in Sunnyvale. ``It goes about 420 miles between fill-ups.

``And I haven't filled it up in a while.''

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 0 replies

Prius - Named Car of the Year

2004-03-22T13:59:56Z

http://www.msnbc.com/news/995843.asp?0cv=CB20

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 8 replies

Having work done

2004-03-17T17:46:25Z

I own a new 2000 Insight and may need to get some work done on the engine (the 'check engine light' came on). Do I have any options out there other than the Honda Dealer? What about for oil changes or other work?

Thanks

Juan Valdez

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

Insight

2004-03-08T16:47:23Z

Name's Rob. I drive an '01 Insight. Nice to know there are like-minded eco-snobs with whom I can socialize here.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 1 reply

Brand Spanking New Prius Question

2004-03-03T21:07:56Z

hey there...I am new to the tribe, new to hybrid ownership (just picked up shiny black 2004 Prius last night!)...and have been just plain smug for years...but now I have the wheels to back it up!

I have one question so far...has anyone who has the fabric seats allowed their beloved hairy dog in the car yet? Is the fabric and hair combo as much of a nightmare I suspect it'll be?

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 3 replies

Recall 2004 Prius?

2004-02-16T00:48:08Z

Someone mentioned to me that they got a recall notice from Toyota regarding 2004 priuses. Has anyone else gotten one? I haven't yet. (Only had my car 3 weeks or so).

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 3 replies

Intro from a Prius driver

2004-02-11T20:03:55Z

I'm an early Prius driver: bought mine online in the summer of 2000 before there was even a dealer model to sit in. I've been driving it for 3 years now and have almost 60K miles on it. I've got a 6'9" husband and two teenaged sons who are chasing their dad in height, and we all fit in it comfortably (except with tons of luggage). I've been quite happy with my Prius; so happy, in fact, that my husband has already ordered an '04 Prius (the new, larger design and more powerful engine) that we'll pick up in October. So now we have to figure out whether to pay another $2K for the GPS unit and navigational stuff that allows it to park itself, ha!

Anyway, just thought I'd check in from the Prius corner.

Diane, smug Prius driver
(In May I got kicked off of a parenting mailing list I'd been on for 10 years because I told people I was more pure than the SUV drivers in the group. Oops. It was just a draft, I swear, I hadn't meant to send that post, I hit the wrong button! But honestly, I guess I do feel a little smug at times... Is that bad?)

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 17 replies

Favorite features

2004-02-03T20:41:20Z

What things do you like about your hybrid or ones you've driven? Especially features that don't get mentioned as much in reviews.

Idling at stops is something I've always disliked about conventional cars and the Prius's lack of it is pleasant and feels calming, besides the pollution and efficiency benefits I know about intellectually.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

Hey, that's my Civic's dashboard

2004-01-19T18:35:30Z

NIce to see the opening picture is a Hinda CIvic dashboard. I have been familiar with that since January of the this year. Now if I could only find a hybrid pickup or SUV.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 5 replies

New, New, New!

2004-01-18T00:48:28Z

Hi!

I'm new to this Tribe! I posted some pictures of my 2002 Insight. I love my car! Before this one I had a CNG car, and before that I drove an electric for 6 years!

- Sam

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 3 replies

Self-parking Prius

2004-01-18T00:46:39Z

A $2,200 add-on to the new Toyota Prius hybrid car allows the car to parallel-park itself, using a sensor array.

A dashboard display shows the image taken by the camera. When you near a parking space and shift into reverse, computerized lines pop up on the display, along with arrows pointing up, down, left and right.

Using the arrows, you move the lines around until they define exactly where you want the car to be parked. Then you push the "set" button on the display.

Keep your foot lightly on the brake pedal, and the car will start backing up, the steering wheel responding to an invisible hand. Voila, the car will park itself in the spot you've chosen with the arrows.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040115/ap_on_hi_te/tech_test_self_parking_car_3

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 2 replies

Too smug

2004-01-04T07:47:27Z

Just noticed Yahoo Messenger now has a Prius IMvironment, where you play Pong with a Prius as the racket and collect falling green points icons!! The lameness of the game makes the smugness thick enough to cut. The light blue houndstooth background helps too. And, I must say twitchy pointless back and forth motion feels really un-Priuslike.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 1 reply

Ordered 2004 Prius

2003-12-25T06:09:58Z

My freinds think I am crazy for trading "down" my 2001 Passat for the new 2004 Prius (it's backorderd 120 days). Sure, I won't have heated leather sets, but I not into leather. It's either too cold or too hot, and I'm ready for some comfy cloth seats.
Does anyone know about the traction control (TRAC) and how it works? The brochure or website doesn't say too much about it. Thanks,
- Scooter

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 7 replies

portland/prius

2003-12-10T15:31:50Z

anyone in this gross from portland? I hear the beaverton dealer has the new prius, I contacted them to rent one for a day but no email back.

posted in Smug Hybrid Drivers - 9 replies