We just returned from a 2400 mile trip up/down the CA Coast.
While driving near Yuma, AZ (sand dune area) the PRIUS topped out at
108 miles per hour (restricted/limited. Seamed like it could have gone faster
but just would'nt). :wacko: :wacko:
The car was very stable at all speeds and in pouring rain. We were
blown around in side winds more than other cars we have owned though.
We averaged ABOUT 44-45 MPG on this long trip. The most that fit in
the tank was 8.0 gallons (1 bar showing - but still not flashing).
Tires at 42/40.
NOTE: THESE SEATS SUCK! (more directly - the drivers side right
thigh bolster cuts off circulation very badly!). I'm 5'11" and 202
lbs. - so not to far "out of the norm" so no flaming please!
Otherwise this is the most enjoyable car to operate & drive!!!
The bluetooth T608 phone (SprintPCS) worked great everywhere we went.
Navigation system was fantastic! (ony once did it route us out of
our way about 30 minutes
). We used it during the entire trip, it
found everything.
The car got many looks, people pointing at it, a few asking
questions. We only saw about 3 other 2004's on the entire trip -
that is until we got to San Francisco, where we saw about 2 dozen!
NEEDED:
1. MUCH better seats, wider -softer, more adjustments (power/memory
would be good too, with memory side mirrors).
2. Pasenger should be able to use Nav. & phone while driving.
3. More controls must light up at night:
a.) side-mirror switches
b.) power window controls on all doors
c.) switch that dims the console guage lights!!! (it's down to your
left-hand)
4. Tilt-down paseenger mirror when put into reverse.
5. Auto-door locks at 7MPH.
6. REAL daytime runing lights.
7. Beter map lights, (passenger light is too bright on driver)
When we got home I took the PRIUS back to the dealer and got the oil
changed. The "29 minute oil change" took 50 minutes so the VERY
relunctantly gave me a free LOF next visit. (Not a pleasent
experience, was made to feel it was my fault for asking about it!)
2400 miles, 14 nights, 7 hotels, many parking lots/garages, much
stopping & site seeing, falling rocks all over the road on The PCH "1" near
Big Sur and still... No chips & No dings!