Considering a Prius....But Still Have Questions

Little, if any.

I'm in the Phoenix area; it's much hotter here than there, although our humidity is much lower. The AC works great, even if bumper to bumper traffic. If the battery starts getting drained, the engine kicks in to recharge it.

About as good as my 2001 Acura TL was.

You can get XM radio, fully integrated into the audio system, from coastaletech.com and at least one other place; it's actually a Toyota OEM part that they offer for the Lexus and possibly other models of Toyota. If you want to transfer your existing satellite radio, that can be done too, but it won't be integrated.

Let me add for the satellite radio, it's also available from Priusxm.com

I had a Sirius starbase installed below the display screen in the little compartment. So I have an integrated XM and an FM Modulated Sirius unit. (I spend a lot of time in the car). As for the A/C, bumper-to-bumper traffic, does cause the hybrid battery to run down in about 20 minutes. At that time, the gas engine kicks on.

The optimal temperature for gas mileage is 60-70. When it hits the 80-100 range, the A/C runs more frequently. I average about 45mpg during my daily commute. My record was 49mpg going 74mph back from FL. Although these figures are not near the EPA's, they are far better than anything else out there with realistic driving conditions. BTW, I have a "lead foot" and higher speeds (over 55) do adversly affect gas mileage.

Thanks for the response(s).

Hmmm....I currently have Sirius satllite radio and would prefer to stay with it. Is there any way to have Sirius integrated into the stereo set-up?

I've go just of 5000 miles on my 2005 Level 6. My worst mileage on a tank of gas was slightly above 47. My best mileage on a tank was slightly above

1. These tanks include highway and city miles over a temperature range from -15F last February to +90F on the last tank. I always drive the speed limit (55 in MN on two-lane roads) and when I do drive on the interstate (70 in MN) I usually drive between 55 and 60.

Both Coastaletech

AC will keep you plenty cold. (note that the EPA doesn't use the AC on any car during their tests (done in 68-86^F temps in a lab).) Since the AC on the 2004-? Prius is electric, powered by the hybrid battery, the gasoline engine is not required to run to power the AC. (Most cars, including the Classic Prius, have the AC belt-driven from the gasoline engine.) However, once the hybrid battery charge gets too low, the Prius will automatically turn on the gasoline engine to recharge it. So, if you get stuck in non-moving traffic long enough, the engine will probably come on, and all that idling with the engine on will lower your MPG. But, you'd still be doing better than most other vehicles around you (who don't shut down their engines), and when the engine is running it's cleaner in emissions than most others out there too...

Info for VA taxes (carry over federal deduction, plus a state credit) and single-occupant HOV usage (need Clean Special Fuel plates, expires July 2006) can be found here:

as for satelite radio that's integrated into the Prius' audio/display system:

your favorite Toyota parts department: ask for the Solara XM radio kit, part number PT546-06040

one known Prius-friendly Toyota dealer has posted the installation instructions for the Toyota XM kit, and is offering it for sale here:

According to the thread at:

Thanks for the info, everyone!