Civic stolen - What next? - Plug in Prius

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Got pics? Don't forget to start a fuel log!

[Xist]

Any planned mods?

Did you have a mechanic look at it?

[ksa8907]

Excellent choice, I think you'll be very happy!

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by j99civic

I'm back, with the 2012 Plug in Prius...The display was only 51 mpg for the 150 mile trip coming home, but at a pretty good speed so that's okay.

I was hoping you would get it. 51 MPG is normal. Do you have a place to charge? If so, do you have access to 240v? Charging at 240v will cut the charge time from 3:00 hours down to 1:30 hours, and efficiency goes from something like 75% wall to battery to 85% wall to battery. Gen I Leaf EVSEs are relatively easy to modify for $20 in parts (plug and cable, and 2 varistors).

The speedometer reads slightly high, with 62 MPH indicated being 60 actual. You'll kick out of EV mode above 63 MPH indicated.

Once the engine kicks on for the first time, it will run until engine coolant hits 130 F. After that you can switch between EV and hybrid mode.

[j12piprius]

I'll try to get photos, am planning a trip soon, and hope to start a fuel log. The owner changed the synthetic oil every 5k miles, including recently. I'll pump the new tires from 33 to 51 lbs, add silver coroplast wheel covers, figure out how cruise control works, and try other things too. Suggestions are most welcome.

I didn't have the car checked. It's pristine, by far the best that I've ever driven. I will be loath to take it to any mechanic. The owner took great care of the car, did all the work and didn't have any records, which is fine with me. He has been quite open and honest about all of the details, and he called later to make sure all was well.

My garage has 110v and 220v outlets, so charging will be convenient. I'm going to check and charge the 12v battery today just to make sure it's okay. I was very tired last night and zonked out right away. All the helpful energy from this thread has helped me to make the right choice. Thank you's to everyone.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by j99civic

The owner changed the synthetic oil every 5k miles...

I will be loath to take it to any mechanic. The owner took great care of the car, did all the work and didn't have any records, which is fine with me. He has been quite open and honest about all of the details, and he called later to make sure all was well.

...I'm going to check and charge the 12v battery today just to make sure it's okay.

I change the oil once a year and have gone over 12k miles. Blackstone report says I can extend even further. Have been using Mobil 1 0w20 synthetic. No oil consumption at about 80k miles.

Buying private party is usually going to get you more information and more honesty since the owner knows what the history of the vehicle is, and dealerships do not. Private parties are usually less skilled in deception and selling strategies. I agree that a mechanic is not necessary since most problems can be easily identified yourself (uneven tire wear, oil low or other fluids, etc).

No need to charge the 12v battery; it's charged every time the traction battery is being charged, or whenever the car is "on".

I've been running a LiFePO4 battery for the past 2 years since it lives inside the cabin (not likely to freeze inside, which is bad for LiFePO4), and costs less than the OEM battery.

Has the constant reverse beep tone been disabled yet? I used a mini VCI cable and Techstream to set various settings on the car, including disabling the reverse beep.

[j12piprius]

There's no beep tone in reverse, so it must have been disabled already. An option to turn it on or off would be nice. The tires were an average of 22 pounds, are now at 51, and I'll put them at 55 next time. I've deleted the rear wiper, cleaned and polished the car. The transmission fluid is probably original and needs to be changed. I'd like to get an obd2 wifi / tablet connection set up with various options but don't know how yet.

[Ecky]

Cleaning and polishing is probably worth at least 5mpg.

They certainly look more sleek.

[MetroMPG]

Congrats!

Username changed.

You're going to have some fun nerding out with a PIP.