Hi, I live in the San Fernando Valley (Sherman Oaks) area of L.A. I got my new Prius on June 2, after a three month wait. It's the new metallic Gray, and very elegant! I am an elementary substitute teacher, and drive varying distances within the 200 sq. mile Valley to get to schools. I have 800 miles on the car now, and now that I'm here, will begin posting my mileage. The car says I'm getting just over 42 MPG.
My previous car was a Ford Escort wagon, and I managed to get a good 201,000 miles out of it @ 25 MPG.
I too have been trying to do online research into the car, and it's finer points. I've discovered Prius Chat (which led me here), and am considering the extended warranty offered there for somewhat less than the dealer would have give me. Does anyone here have advice on whether or not to get such warranty?
I am babying the car, as is to be expected. I waxed it the day after delivery, and am hand washing myself it at least once/week. Cleaning the inside of that deep front windshield is a problem though. With the Smart Key, I'm reticent to let carwash, or valet parking drivers handle it. Am I being ridiculous?

 

Congratulations, and welcome to GreenHybrid!

I don't think you're being ridiculous, just cautious. That'll wear off. I suspect valets and car wash personnel in your area have seen many hybrids, especially the Toyota Prius, before.

Enjoy!

 

Welcome. You're in for a treat.

We've got a FAQ in the Prius Forum that has some pointers about how to get better MPG performance. Let me know if it helps or you have any questions.

It is hard for me to make that call because I'm already in 'self-maintenance.' The lack of independent maintenance shops makes the extended warranty more attractive but it is something you'll have to figure out. I wouldn't but then I have unusual skills.

I think you can relax but then again . . . it is a new car. When I bought a small plane many years ago, I washed it frequently too.

Bob Wilson