Some more questions by a new Prius owner

That's an ambiguous question, all the more so since the gas tank on the Prius has a bladder inside which will prevent you from seeing any consistency from fillup to fillup, for quite a number of reasons.

So, pay attention to your MFD and ask the question, "what sort of mileage is typical?" And *that* depends on where you are in the country, how you set your climate control, and other factors.

I'd say around 45mpg in summer, 35-40mpg in winter--that is, if you live in a climate that has four seasons.

Congratulations on you purchase.

If you haven't already found it, I recommend that you go to priuschat.com. It's a chat forum that covers almost everything concerning the Prius.

I, also, found the seats uncomfortable. During the first test drive "around the block" of about 10 minutes, I didn't notice it. When I did my second drive of around 30 minutes (checking out Interstate driving and ability to go up steep hills, I found out about the seats. Due to figuring that I would do some long distance driving, I opted for the '07 Camry Hybrid.

Many people use seat cushions while others go all-out and completely replace the seats.

Hi Shawn,

Congratulations on getting your new Prius! And if you're new here welcome to the newsgroup too!

Per your "typical on a tank of gas" question, that depends on both climate and driver variables, as with any "normal" vehicle.

In my '04 Prius, I get low to mid 40 MPG in the winter and about 10 MPG more in the summer here in northern Indiana.

As for the seat being "too firm", if it's too uncomfortable, you could try using an extra cushion. But you'll probably get used to it as it as you and the car get broken in to each other. ;-)

You're gonna love that Smart Entry/Start option! Most all valets are familiar with it, so you shouldn't have a problem. But as you mentioned, don't forget to give them the the key fob.

USENET is good but you may want to checkout a couple of other web sites:

GreenHybrid.com - excellent mileage database PriusChat.com - excellent Prius specific web site

Both sites have information specific to the Prius and how to get the most out of it. There are other sites and I would recommend reading first to get a feel and flavor. You have choices and I've found these sites work for me.

GOOD LUCK! Bob Wilson

I've had my Prius for almost 6 months now and still reach in my pocket for the key occasionally. I don't know how long it will take me to learn.

Thanks everyone for the advise. I will definitely check out priuschat.com

For some reason this morning at first intersection I reached for the gear shift. Only been driving this car a year. Has been 2 weeks since I drove my truck.

Biggest problem I have is pulling on the door handle of the truck before I am reminded it requires a key.

There is a slot on the lower dash to the right of the steering wheel. Just slip the smart key into the slot and you don't have to hand the attendant anything (except a tip). The problem is I sometimes forget to take the smart key out of the slot when I get the car back.

I usually get around 400 miles between fillups. The MFD will tell you how many miles on your current tank of gas (I used to reset the trip odometer on my previous car, but that's not necessary with the Prius).

I have no issues with the seat, so I can't help you there.

Very quickly.

I've only used valet parking once, but that valet knew how to start my Prius. He won't be able to start it if you get out of the car, of course, so he'll ask you for the fob pretty quickly.

While I was hospitalized for 5-1/2 weeks last summer, I had my daughter turn the smart key sensors off (so the 12V battery wouldn't run down). I was pretty weak when I got back, so I didn't turn it back on right away. During that time, I had to take the car in for an inspection, and the mechanic took the fob and spent about 5 minutes in the car, evidently trying to get it to turn on. He finally figured that he had to put the fob in the slot, and I was able to turn the smart key back on not long after that.

There is no typical. The only certainty is, when the last pip on the fuel gauge starts flashing you must buy fuel immediately.

I never let a valet monkey drive my Prius.

I did, at the hospital. They are all elderly gentlemen, and, I believe, volunteers.

Sometime, its damned near impossible to avoid having my car valet parked, such as when I visit a dear old friend who lives in a high rise apartment building in Manhattan. In all the times I have visited her, I have never been able to find on-street parking and all the parking garages in her area have valet parking.

And you have to tip them. The guys at the hospital don't accept tips.

Yup. Actually, tonight I nearly ended up parking in a garage with valet service. I was in Center City, Philadelphia looking for parking in order to meet some friends for dinner. Just as I was about to go into a parking garage, I noticed a parking spot opened up at a two hour meter, so I ended up parking there instead.

• That works, too.

earle