New Owner - New User

[Arifax]

I have just bought a 2006 Prius Spirit (I traded in a 1997 Merc long wheelbase S320. You can probaby guess why :-) )

I am collecting my new (new to me at least) car early next week from Manchester and will be driving back home to Leeds.

I don't want to have to spend ages sat in the dealer's forecourt working my way through the manual. I'll save that pleasure for when I get home.

I could, however, use a couple of quick start tips for that first journey.

There will, inevitably, be no more than a cupful of fuel in the car when I pick it up so the first call will the nearest petrol station. Previously I have always used premium fuels (I got 10% more mileage - OK so it was only 2mpg, but every little helps). Is there any point in putting premium fuel in a Prius, or is basic fuel OK?

I understand that the high mpgs depend to an extent on tyre pressure, so I had better check them before I set off. What should they be? We will be three up with nothing in the boot.

I will, of course, want to see how much money I am saving as soon as possible. How do I reset the "trip" mpg readout (assuming there is one)?

Any other first trip tips?

And, while I am at it a couple of other questions if you have the time:

One of the first jobs when I get home will be to check whether the sat nav is up to date. How do I do that, how do I get an update DVD if it isn't, and how much should that cost me?

Am I right in thinking that the sat nav automatically uses traffic info from the free-to-air radio sources, and that I cannot add speed cameras?

Previously I have always used a small local independent garage for servicing (£300 compared to Merc Dealer £900). Is the complexity of the car such that I should go for dealer servicing, or can I safely stick to my small independent? Will the latter have any impact on resale values?

I didn't realise that park assist/rear facing camera was an optional extra (I thought it was standard on Spirits). I did notice during the test drive that there seem to be reversing sensors (I could hear the beeps) but I couldn't see any associated display. Should there be one? Or am I misinterpreting what I heard and it is just an audible warning that a vehicle is reversing? (In which case can I disconenct it - it's not that I make a hobby of reversing over pedestrians but the noise is quite piercing and I set from home early most mornings. My family and neighbours are still asleep, but I suspect that they won't be by the time I am out of the drive).

Thanks in advance for any help anyoen can offer.

Geoff

[MSHasan]

Hi Geoff,

Congratulations on your purchase, one which you certainly won't be regretting!

The MPG readout can easily be reset by pressing the big 'reset' button on the bottom right hand corner of the consumption screen.

Many Prius drivers recommend increasing the tyre pressures to around 40 PSI - but make sure the rear tyres are 2 PSI lower than the fronts, I personally keep it at 42/40 (front/rear).

The SatNav updating process is fairly simple, however, it costs a small fortune to purchase the new updated map dvds, approx. £150. (A brand new TomTom can be had for that price!) Unless you specifically need an update because a certain area/newbuild which you require is not there then I'd say either to stick with whatever map version you have or get a slightly older than new DVD off eBay - make sure its a genuine one though as 2006 -2009 Prii are notorious for accepting only factory stamped DVDs. The dvd itself is located under the passenger seat and can be removed quite easily (search for a specific guide on here if you get stuck). You can check for a new version at http://www.toyota-mapupdates.eu/

The reverse camera became standard in a t-spirit from December 2006 onwards. You may have just missed it by a few months, and to add insult to injury, the camera is fantastic when reversing (obviously!). Regarding your parking sensors, i'm not sure how those work in a prius as i haven't personally seen one, but when the reverse gear is engaged in any prius there is a constant beeping noise - this is however, only audible inside the car, so your neighbours should be safe! I don't think this can be switched off in UK Prii , other members will correct me if I'm wrong.

Regarding servicing, I'd personally recommend going to the dealer at least until your warranty is over (100,000 miles or 8 yrs, whichever comes first). My last service cost me £140 at Jemca Toyota in sidcup which I think was a bargain compared to other quotes I had received (£420 in one case). It is usually cheaper if you supply your on oil etc..

Hope this answers some of your questions, i'm sure others will chime in with anything i've missed. Good luck and......happy Priusing!

[Ancient Nerd]

I have just bought a 2006 Prius Spirit (I traded in a 1997 Merc long wheelbase S320. You can probaby guess why :-) )

I am collecting my new (new to me at least) car early next week from Manchester and will be driving back home to Leeds.

I don't want to have to spend ages sat in the dealer's forecourt working my way through the manual. I'll save that pleasure for when I get home.

I could, however, use a couple of quick start tips for that first journey.

There will, inevitably, be no more than a cupful of fuel in the car when I pick it up so the first call will the nearest petrol station. Previously I have always used premium fuels (I got 10% more mileage - OK so it was only 2mpg, but every little helps). Is there any point in putting premium fuel in a Prius, or is basic fuel OK?

I understand that the high mpgs depend to an extent on tyre pressure, so I had better check them before I set off. What should they be? We will be three up with nothing in the boot.

I will, of course, want to see how much money I am saving as soon as possible. How do I reset the "trip" mpg readout (assuming there is one)?

Any other first trip tips?

And, while I am at it a couple of other questions if you have the time:

One of the first jobs when I get home will be to check whether the sat nav is up to date. How do I do that, how do I get an update DVD if it isn't, and how much should that cost me?

Am I right in thinking that the sat nav automatically uses traffic info from the free-to-air radio sources, and that I cannot add speed cameras?

Previously I have always used a small local independent garage for servicing (£300 compared to Merc Dealer £900). Is the complexity of the car such that I should go for dealer servicing, or can I safely stick to my small independent? Will the latter have any impact on resale values?

I didn't realise that park assist/rear facing camera was an optional extra (I thought it was standard on Spirits). I did notice during the test drive that there seem to be reversing sensors (I could hear the beeps) but I couldn't see any associated display. Should there be one? Or am I misinterpreting what I heard and it is just an audible warning that a vehicle is reversing? (In which case can I disconenct it - it's not that I make a hobby of reversing over pedestrians but the noise is quite piercing and I set from home early most mornings. My family and neighbours are still asleep, but I suspect that they won't be by the time I am out of the drive).

Thanks in advance for any help anyoen can offer.

Geoff

Welcome.

The Gen II is a great car. My old one (08 reg), is still in the family. It had its 100,000 service a couple of months ago. No problems so far, it is still on its original brake pads and the tyres have been replaced once.

It is VERY easy to drive. There is a single sheet summary of how to drive the Prius that comes with the car. If it doesn't have it, ask the dealer for a photocopy. Even one from a Gen III would be perfectly OK. The main thing is to remember to have your foot on the footbrake when you press the start button. Otherwise it is a bit embarrassing when nothing happens - I know!

Don't use premium fuel. I've tried Shell V-power for a few tanks, similarly BP ultimate. It made no difference. However, regular Shell Fuelsaver petrol is different. It has a great additive package and does save fuel (if not quite as much as suggested).

Do NOT use anyone except Toyota for servicing. Maintenance is minimal, so costs are low. Best saving is to supply your own oil from someone like Opie Oils.

Enjoy!

[Arifax]

Many thanks for the help.

I'll let you know how I get on.

With my inferior-by-a-few-months version.

Which doesn't know how to find its way home on its out of date dvd.

I think the post-aquisition "new car let-down" has kicked in early :-(

Geoff

[ian rooke]

Hi I have used unleaded and super unleaded and found super unleaded gave about 3.00 MPG extra so when cost is factored in no real saving. the sat nav will take into account traffic news and you cannot add anything to it eg voices and speed cameras also it will only accept part post code. I use a independent for servicing but his is a Toyota specialist.38 to 40 pounds in the tyres is about right. the beep is because the car is in reverse it can be changed to a single beep by the dealer.Good luck with the new car.

[Arifax]

Hi I have used unleaded and super unleaded and found super unleaded gave about 3.00 MPG extra so when cost is factored in no real saving. the sat nav will take into account traffic news and you cannot add anything to it eg voices and speed cameras also it will only accept part post code. I use a independent for servicing but his is a Toyota specialist.38 to 40 pounds in the tyres is about right. the beep is because the car is in reverse it can be changed to a single beep by the dealer.Good luck with the new car.

Many thanks.

I don't need parking aids of any sort - I have had my old Merc for ten years, it barely fits widthwise in a bay and overhangs marked bays by about two feet but I have never had any problem parking it. Tt's just the principle of the the thing :-) A bit of patience, a bit more research and, as far as I can see, not a lot more cash and I could have had it all.

And that is all bad news about the sat nav. My phone does better!

Oh well. If I get on with this one I can always trade it for a 2008 in a couple of years time. Or the newest model in four!

After thirty years of alternating big Jags and Mercs this is going to be a completely new experience. Someone did point out to me today that, compared to the Merc, with the better fuel consumption and the lower tax rate the Prius will quite literally pay for itself in three to four years.

Geoff

[cootuk]

We use Esso/Shell as they are the same price as the supermarkets round here (unless you get the supermarket vouchers).

From Manchester to Leeds we get mid-50s mpg...same as most motorway trips which is pretty good for a petrol auto.

Keeping speed below indicated 80mph helps.

Don't worry when you put your foot down at high speed and the engine sounds like it's being thrashed - that's normal and ok. Just the way everything works.

[Arifax]

Don't worry when you put your foot down at high speed and the engine sounds like it's being thrashed - that's normal and ok. Just the way everything works.

That's the one thing I specifically checked on the test drive having read various reviews.

Got onto a dual carriageway and floored it at 65. Of course it didn't pull from that speed like the Merc, but it pulled better than I expected. And I was very surprised by the noise level. I was expecting to have to hand out earplugs, but it was much quieter than I had feared.

Still wondering if I have done the right thing though (not picking the car up till next week). It is goodbye heated electric memory seats, rain-sensing wipers, motors that close the doors and boot for you, double-glazing (I kid you not), separate a/c units (not just controls) for front and rear, heated wing mirrors, auto-dimming central mirror, a boot I could carry a spare car in ....

There again, it is also goodbye 13-18mpg, £280 road tax, eye-watering spares prices (£700 for new brake disks and £150 for a Battery at the last MOT, and those were equivalent and not OEM parts!)....

But I am boring everyone now.

Geoff

[Opifex]

Don't worry when you put your foot down at high speed and the engine sounds like it's being thrashed - that's normal and ok. Just the way everything works.

That's the one thing I specifically checked on the test drive having read various reviews.

Got onto a dual carriageway and floored it at 65. Of course it didn't pull from that speed like the Merc, but it pulled better than I expected. And I was very surprised by the noise level. I was expecting to have to hand out earplugs, but it was much quieter than I had feared.

Still wondering if I have done the right thing though (not picking the car up till next week). It is goodbye heated electric memory seats, rain-sensing wipers, motors that close the doors and boot for you, double-glazing (I kid you not), separate a/c units (not just controls) for front and rear, heated wing mirrors, auto-dimming central mirror, a boot I could carry a spare car in ....

There again, it is also goodbye 13-18mpg, £280 road tax, eye-watering spares prices (£700 for new brake disks and £150 for a Battery at the last MOT, and those were equivalent and not OEM parts!)....

But I am boring everyone now.

Geoff

No don't stop - you're making us all feel very smug :P

[Aggie]

You will not regret buying one we have had ours three weeks, very easy to drive but a bit distracting with the fantastic displays of fuel consumption etc : :D

[r04drunner1]

Geoff

I understand some of your angst at losing a luxury car. I went from a Jaguar S-Type 2.7D to the Prius.

But I'm loving it.

Compared to the luxury car I lost:

1. Comfort

2. Power and performance

3. Prestige

4. Remote opening boot

But I gained:

1. Wonderful MPG. (Averaging 57+ compared to 33 - I do a lot of short trips)

2. HUD is da biz.

3. EV aka "stealth" mode - fun!

4. Lost the diesel rattle

5. FAR better reliability. Car has been faultless. The Jag threw up some complex errors that could be very expensive to chase down let alone fix. (Although it was all sorted and running fine by the time I sold it, still it dented my wallet somewhat getting it that way.)

6. Hatchback versatility - far better load carrying, even though the Jag had split fold rear seats, the Prius is soooo much better

7. More modern styling

8. Clever engineering

9. Eco-credibility

10. Car tax free

11. Congestion zone free (well, barring the small registration fee)

12. Surprise from BMW drivers when you beat them from the lights

All in all, it's well worth it. Your wallet will thank you!

R04drunner1

[johalareewi]

Still wondering if I have done the right thing though (not picking the car up till next week). It is goodbye heated electric memory seats, rain-sensing wipers, motors that close the doors and boot for you, double-glazing (I kid you not), separate a/c units (not just controls) for front and rear, heated wing mirrors, auto-dimming central mirror, a boot I could carry a spare car in ....

On the gen3 prius, rain-sensing wipers, heated wing mirrors, auto dimming central mirror are available with lots of other goodies. Perhaps you can trade up later?

[Arifax]

One (last?) question.

I will probably need new tyres. Does anyone have any particular recommendation as to manufacturer or type?

The is a 2006 (now understood to be a GII) Spirit.

Incidentally, it's still a few days before I pick the car up but I already seem to be having two conversations over and over again:

The performance conversation:

"I'm getting a Prius"

"But you can get diesel cars which will give you 40mpg+ and still do 0-60 in 6.5 seconds"

"I wanted 50mpg and no road tax to speak of"

"Yes but they do 0-60 in 6.5 seconds"

"But my daily commute never steps out of 40mph speed limits (with cameras)"

"Yes but they do 40mpg+ and 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds".

"I think you'll find they do 40mpg+ OR 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. You can be heavy footed and have the acceleration or feather footed and have the mpg, not both."

"Yes but they offer both"

"And I prefer to have an automatic, and air-conditioning."

"Well you'll never get 40mpg+ with the power loss of auto and/or air con."

"Except they are standard on a Prius."

"Yes but the other cars do 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds and 40pmg+"

etc etc ad infinitum

The environment conversation:

"I'm getting a Prius"

"You know that they aren't environmentally friendly over their entire lives if you take into account the impact of manufature and scrapping?"

"I don't care. I got it for 50mpg and negligable road tax."

"But they aren't environmentally friendly even if they have low emissions."

"Yes but I don't care. I wanted 50mpg and negligable road tax."

"Yes but they damage the environment over their life span."

"Well I think that remains to be proved. It depends how economically Toyota can recover the nickel. But I got it for 50mpg and negligable road tax anyway."

"Yes but they are environmentally damaging and aren't really green."

"Look, I don't give a damn. As far as I am concerned, they could level 100 acres of rainforest and wipe out an endangered species to make each one. I got it becuase I want 50mpg and negligable road tax"

etc etc ad nauseam.

Geoff

[Arifax]

On the gen3 prius, rain-sensing wipers, heated wing mirrors, auto dimming central mirror are available with lots of other goodies. Perhaps you can trade up later?

Please don't go on :-)

I realise that I have shot myself in the foot for the sake of a few hundred quid - I didn't realise that the GII to GIII occurred at the end of 2006.

If I like this one, I will probably try to get that one in two or three years time.

Mind you, the most recent update looks a bit tasty too, and four or five years time ....

Geoff

[sushd]

I didn't realise that the GII to GIII occurred at the end of 2006.

2009, I think with 59 plates (Q3).

[ian rooke]

Hi correct 59 was the first time the Gen 3 appeared with its stinking warranty (I got one)

[r04drunner1]

Geoff

Let me help.

1) Performance v diesel

I had one of those very fast diesels: a Jaguar S-Type 2.7D. It gave me 33MPG in real life. I am getting 57+ with the Prius. Real world, real figures. And it's true that the Jaguar will do 140 MPH (where legal) whereas the Prius can only do 112 MPH. Oh wait, that's not legal either...

As for the 0-60MPH time, it's true that the Prius only just shaves the 10 second mark. On paper. In reality, most of your traffic light events will happen in 30 MPH or 40 MPH zones. So you aren't going up to 60 MPH. And at those lower speeds the Prius REALLY scores with the torque that is INSTANTLY available from the electric engine. It can BEAT a Turbo diesel (even a turbo petrol) off the line if the other driver doesn't know exactly what they are doing. The reason is that the turbo only kicks in at higher revs, so the turbo car will accelerate relatively sluggishly until it gets to those higher revs. (If the other driver knows what they are doing, they will dial in the high revs just before the lights change, but few have the talent, timing or inclination to do so.)

My technique for a FAST take-off in the Prius is as follows...

1. Sit back slightly from the lights (ideally in a position where you can see when the opposing lights change, that will give you even more time to prepare.)

2. Put the drive selector in D

3. Press my left foot firmly on the brake pedal holding the car stationary

4. Have my right foot hovering over the accelerator pedal

When your traffic lights change to Amber:

5. Press down firmly on the accelerator, then

6. Step off the brake (don't lift your left foot off the brake, move your foot sideways. That way the pedal will rise faster than it would if you just retracted your leg.)

7. Hold onto the steering wheel... :D

8. If you time it right and if you have sat back slightly from the lights, you can start moving while the lights are Amber but the car will be crossing the stop line just as the lights change to Green - which means you are legal.

9. Glance in your rear view mirror to see the look of amazement in the other driver's face.

A word of caution: stay safe throughout. Keep an eye out for pedestrians or cyclists who might try to beat the lights and cross the road in front of you just as you are taking off, also for opposing cars crossing on their Amber or even Red.

2) Environment

Complete tosh. The lifetime environment impact of the Prius is NOT worse than other cars. Typically people doing that comparison don't allow for the true lifetime environmental cost of other cars. Take a look at this video, it will help with that and other concerns!

Oh, and don't beat yourself up about not getting a Gen 3. The Gen 3 didn't come out until 2009. Anyway, there are still people on here who prefer Gen 2 to Gen 3... so you still have a good car!

HTH

[Arifax]

Geoff

Let me help.

...

Oh, and don't beat yourself up about not getting a Gen 3. The Gen 3 didn't come out until 2009. Anyway, there are still people on here who prefer Gen 2 to Gen 3... so you still have a good car!

HTH

Thanks.

The conversations didn't bug me - I just thought it was hilarious that it didn't matter what I said, the Clarkson-esque preconceptions still held firm (but I still like watching Clarkson).

As for models, it seems that I have bought a Gen 1 then.

But it does leave me something to look forward to :-)

Geoff

[Jan&tone]

Please don't go on :-)

I realise that I have shot myself in the foot for the sake of a few hundred quid - I didn't realise that the GII to GIII occurred at the end of 2006.

It didn't - the change was during 2009 - there are some 59 plate gen2 around, equally there are some 59 plate gen3's around.... my gen2 was new in september 2008 and the gen3 was still a twinkle in Mr T's eye then....

[r04drunner1]

... (but I still like watching Clarkson).

As for models, it seems that I have bought a Gen 1 then.

I like Clarkson too, even when he is being stupid.

From the year, I think you have a Gen 2 as it ran from 2003 to 2009. There is an easy way to check: Gen 2 = hatchback, Gen 1 = saloon.

[cootuk]

What size tyres are on now? I swapped from 195/55/16 to 205/55/16 as there's a wider, cheaper range.

I got Pirelli P7 Cinturato which I rate highly.

I did a post previously comparing what's on the market from cheapies right up to Michelin EnergySavers.

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=125550&st=0&p=1120174&hl=+prius%20+tyres&fromsearch=1entry1120174

[timberwolf]

Got to love that buyers remorse!

I've got the later 2008 UK Briefing Guide on my computer somewhere. Closest I could find on the internet for 2006 was the USA version, there are some specification differences between the UK and USA models but not in the basic usage (all the cars were built in Japan anyway).

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/13409-2006-prius-pocket-guide-now-available.html

John's guide is also good and easy to read.

http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-userguide_iconic.htm

[Arifax]

What size tyres are on now? I swapped from 195/55/16 to 205/55/16 as there's a wider, cheaper range.

I got Pirelli P7 Cinturato which I rate highly.

I did a post previously comparing what's on the market from cheapies right up to Michelin EnergySavers.

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=125550&st=0&p=1120174&hl=+prius%20+tyres&fromsearch=1entry1120174

Thanks.

Geoff

[Arifax]

Got to love that buyers remorse!

I've got the later 2008 UK Briefing Guide on my computer somewhere. Closest I could find on the internet for 2006 was the USA version, there are some specification differences between the UK and USA models but not in the basic usage (all the cars were built in Japan anyway).

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/13409-2006-prius-pocket-guide-now-available.html

John's guide is also good and easy to read.

http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-userguide_iconic.htm

Thanks.

Your research is obviously better than mine :-)

Geoff

[johalareewi]

Didn't the gen2 get a 'revamp' around 2006/2007 ??

So you get early gen2 and later gen2 variants. (as well as gen1 and gen3).

Anyway, as others have said, don't worry there is nothing wrong with a gen2.