2009 Prius Base - $19k

[Blue Bomber Man]

Most sites that I have seen for the plugin conversion run about $10,000 for the Prius. I've come across several sites that quote a number in that ballpark.

[MetroMPG]

Congrats on taking the plunge, Matt. You're going to have fun with that car!

Any mods in its future??

Seen krousdb's Prius thread? Prius aero mods (undertrays, grille block, mirror delete...)

[MetroMPG]

Also, I predict you'll be saving MUCH more money than you calculated.

There's waaaay more than 50 mpg to be had from a Prius in the hands of a skilled driver.

[Matt Herring]

Metro,

I figure it will take some time to get accustomed to the finer driving points of the Prius. Funny thing is I've been practicing the "Prius" glide techniques in my 4runner (since I don't get the car until next Tuesday). Accelerate to top of glide speed, foot off gas pedal, lightly tap gas pedal, disengage ICE (imaginary), shift to neutral. Yes...this would be considered "You know you're an ecomodder if..."

I'm planning to drive my Prius "stock" for the first tank to get used to it and find sweet spots with the SGII. This will give me a good starting point prior to any mods (including my driving style).

Planned mods to start (I'm really not that mechanically inclined but these two mods are very easy to accomplish and I found some nice examples researching online):
* Foam pipe insulation grill block (to expedite hybrid warming start cycle)
* Wheel Discs (either that of my own creation or purchased - thinking of putting my first $100 gas savings vs. 4runner into these if I purchase)
* PSI (sidewall rating is 35 psi so I'll probably stay right at that number on front and back)
* SGII instrumentation (already have it in my 4runner so will be moving it over to the Prius)

I have Ecomodder.com to thank for this Prius purchase. First, I would never even have been trying to improve my FE in the 4runner had I not found this site. Second, I would not have even thought of purchasing a Prius had I not found this site (I just got too tired of pouring gas into my tank and it pushed me over the edge on my last fill of 22 mpg in the 4runner).

Now I just have to pull good numbers in the Prius and make it worth the purchase. I believe I'm the first 2009 Prius on this site (at least the only one that uses the fuel log).

[Matt Herring]

The grill block I'm going to try is similar to this (see photo). I'd like to get something like krousdb's but they are pricey (see other photo with air plugs).

[Drive Stick]

Nice upgrade, and you will almost instantly see the saving start adding up as well! Make double car payments when & if possible, and that will put you in really good standings!

Nice deal you got and girlfriends never agree on car purchases, I just buy what I feel like because I can replace the girl - can't always get a good deal on a car. Haha! I'm terrible.

[Matt Herring]

Had my first morning commute with the new Prius and using first few days to get acquainted with the new buggy before filling up and starting my official "fuel logs." I'm encouraged by my drive this morning given that the car is completely stock (right off the lot with no adjustments yet other than toying with P&G and using the SGII to find my sweet spots).

April 1, 2009
37 degrees
11 mile commute
51.4 mpg

Can't wait to get a few more miles under my belt before raising PSI, adding upper grill block (and maybe some of the lower) and possible adding wheel covers (in the next couple months).

I didn't use the heater all the way to work (which was difficult given the colder temps) but did use the headlights. At the end of my commute I only had "1 green re-gen car" on my energy screen which means I was able to avoid braking most of the 11 miles to work and my battery still had 6 bars...I'm liking this new commute (albeit longer than my old one)!

Funny story...when I got home with my new Prius last night the electric in my house was out for 3 hours (guess electric is more efficient in a car than a house)!

[PA Prius]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

Metro,
* PSI (sidewall rating is 35 psi so I'll probably stay right at that number on front and back)

Check those sidewalls again. These are the Goodyear Integrities, right? Sidewall max is 44psi. I'm running mine at 50/48 and it is time for their replacement. In spite of this psi the outside still wore faster than the center. I'd recommend you bump them up to 44/42, beyond that at your discretion!

Congrats on the purchase. I'm sure you'll love this car, and your girlfriend will come to as well I'm guessing.

PA Prius

[Matt Herring]

Good call PA Prius!

When I test drove a Prius last week the tires were not Goodyear Integrities and they were 35 on the front and 33 on the back. The dealership had to get my Prius from another location...and...I just checked the tires and they are Goodyear Integrity 44 psi!!!

Love this site! I'll be at 44/42 psi when I start my official Fuel Log runs with mods in place later this week.

Originally Posted by PA Prius

Check those sidewalls again. These are the Goodyear Integrities, right? Sidewall max is 44psi. I'm running mine at 50/48 and it is time for their replacement. In spite of this psi the outside still wore faster than the center. I'd recommend you bump them up to 44/42, beyond that at your discretion!

Congrats on the purchase. I'm sure you'll love this car, and your girlfriend will come to as well I'm guessing.

PA Prius

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

April 1, 2009
37 degrees
11 mile commute
51.4 mpg

Nice - you're already doing better than your calcs.

That'll only improve as the car breaks in, the weather improves, you get used to the car, hone your skills & add mods.

Fun fun fun all around.