First, I'd like to say thank you to all those who have posted about the TCH. I've learned much as I've lurked on this site for the past couple of months.

After several false starts - deposits on cars that never showed - I finally received the great news last week (and subsequent excellent service) from Pedersen Toyota in Fort Collins, Colorado. Squeaking under the end of month tax deadline, I picked up my Jasper Pearl base TCH (+ sunroof, heated mirrors, and bumper applique) for MSRP.

I had never seen this color in the "flesh" before I picked up the car, and initially I was bit shocked. I tried to prepare myself by looking at all the photos I could find and even made side trips to various dealers in hopes of spotting one, without success. My first choice was Magnetic Gray followed by Desert Sand, but now I'm very pleased to be driving something so distinctive. It appeals to my non-conformist side! I like that it changes color in different light. I'll post photos sometime soon because I don't think there are enough examples to show those who may be considering the color.

I love how this car drives, how it rides, and how quiet it is. Currently, I have 450 miles on the original tank of gas with an average of 45.1 mpg. I'm very happy with this and obviously hope it continues as the miles increase. By the way, to my pleasant surprise, the dealer had all tires at 40 psi when I picked up the car.

I do not make any special efforts at maximizing mileage, but I believe I have learned quite well how to drive a hybrid after almost three years in the new generation Prius. I work out of my home, so my driving consists mostly of errands into town about six miles away on two-lane roads with 45 miles per hour speed limits. I've made one highway trip for about 70 miles at speeds up to 65 miles per hour on this tank. I consider my type of driving about ideal for a hybrid. My lifetime average for the Prius, currently with 41,000 + miles on it, is 53.2 mpg (calculated).

Comparing the TCH with the Prius, the obvious differences are size and ride. When I get back in the Prius, it's smaller size and lighter feel make it feel quicker and more sprightly. It's an undisciplined teenager compared to a well-seasoned adult. That doesn't mean I find the TCH heavy; it's just that I'm definitely aware of its size. The best part of this for the TCH is that it feels more stable at speed and it treats me really well over bumps, RR tracks, and pavement cracks. The TCH is a much more restful ride. It is definitely quieter than the Prius as well.

It seems to take the TCH a moment longer to kick in the ICE when starting up quickly from a standing stop, and I notice the transition slightly more. After startup, however, I hardly ever notice the transitions. The state of charge seems to last longer in the TCH. I can cruise in town between lights or stop signs much longer and at higher speeds than I can in the Prius before the ICE kicks in. And once I have momentum in the TCH, I can "coast" further in the TCH than the Prius. Speaking of coast, true coasting, where there is no activity from the ICE or traction motor, is more difficult to obtain and maintain in the TCH. Bottom line is that if I can maintain something close to 43 mpg average, the advantages of the TCH outweigh the extra 10 mpgs I can get in the Prius. Besides, my 17 year-old son has appropriated the Prius for the most part, and I couldn't be happier that he has an interest in hybrids, has a belief in their benefits, and is excited about driving and being seen in a Prius.

Other specific likes (and wishes) about the TCH:

- cloth seats, which I find more comfortable in all temperatures.
- no fingerprints on a large center nav screen like in the Prius.
- bluetooth phone
- iPod aux. connection
- mpg meter next to the speedometer.
- larger than expected trunk, though smaller than standard Camry. It's still plenty big enough for my needs. I do also have a 2001 Highlander for the much bigger hauling needs.

- wish the driver's window had auto-up
- wish the base energy monitor showed condition when there is power from engine to wheels AND power from engine to elec. motor to battery regeneration. This is the only condition the display lacks.
- wish climate control defaulted to "fresh" rather than "recirculate."
There may be a way to change the default, however.

Hope this long tome is helpful. Thanks again to everyone who has paved the way.