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2009 Prius

Learn more about the 2009 prius.

Q: Wait for 2009 Prius or just get the 2008 model?
I can’t decide if it is going to be worth waiting for the 2009 Prius or not? Any idea how much more gas efficient that model will be?
Also when are they supposed to come out?

A: The redesigned third-generation Prius using the more powerful Lithium-Ion battery isn’t going to come out until the 2010 model year.

The 2009 model year Prius will still be the current NHW20 generation (introduced in 2004).

I recommend getting an ‘08 Prius, drive it for a few years while the next-gen Lion-powered Prius matures, and buy late in the generation when all the bugs that comes with a new redesign have been ironed out.

Hope this helps

Q: 2009 Prius- Is there an AUX jack for my iPod? If not how can I listen to it?
I got a 2009 Prius II and I cannot find the AUX jack anywhere. Is there one in it? And if not, is there a way that I can listen to my iPod without having to install lockpick software and/or a cassette/cd faker?

A: Yes. See the image: http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/prius/2009/picturearchive.3.html

Q: What does a red flashing light that looks like a car mean on a 2009 Prius?
Just got the Prius on Sunday. I noticed after I parked it and locked everything that it had a red flashing light that looks like a little car on the display. What does it mean?

A: The red car with key icon normally will flash on the dash, so long as the key is not in the slot (or for Smart key equipped vehicles, once the car is off and the driver’s door is opened), to note that the hybrid vehicle immobilizer system is activated. Look in your Prius’ owner’s manual in the section which describes the keys and theft deterrent system, and also the section that describes all of the indicator lights on the dash.

No issue – it’s a good thing! It tells you that it is working, and is a warning to potential thieves.

I highly suggest that you spend some quality time with your owner’s manual. It should’ve come with your new car. If for some reason you lost it already, you can read it online after signing up with Toyota’s Owner’s site: http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/
(Or, minimally, reading the owner-created User Guide: http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-userguide_iconic.htm )

You’ll also get better answers to your Prius questions if you ask on an owner’s group, such as:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Prius-2G/
http://www.priusonline.com/

http://www.priuschat.com/

Q: If Prius 2009 is electric, do I have to recharge it?
I was considering getting a prius 2009, but i was wondering since its a electric car if I need to recharge it at all? I don’t have a garage so recharging it would be an issue.

A: The Prius can’t be plugged in. Every bit of energy the Prius uses comes from the gas tank, just like an old fashioned car.

What the battery and electric motors do is disguise the fact that the engine is sized for steady state driving rather than being sized for acceleration. This allows the engine to mostly run in the 34% to 38% efficiency range rather than the 20% range of old fashioned cars. The motors and battery also allows the engine to be stopped when the power demand is so low that even the Prius’ efficient Atkinson cycle engine would be inefficient.

Q: What is the amperage of the batteries in the new 2009 Prius?
Just want to know.
Any model.
I know the voltage is like 220v or 260v DC.

A: Hi,

the new 2010 Prius nickel metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery has a maximum voltage of 650 volts DC dialed up from the initial 202 volts through the improved Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

Each of the 168 cells stores 1.2 volts at a capacity of 6.5 ampere hours.

Details of the 2010 Prius system can be found direct from Toyota here:

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/document/2010_Prius_Product_Info_FINAL.pdf

By comparison, the last generation of the Prius in the US produced a maximum of 500 volts DC dialed up from the 202 stored volts. That would be the second generation for the US, which would be the 2004 to 2009 model years, not the new 2010 Prius that just arrived in the US in May.

The ‘04-’09 Prius NiMH had a max of about 80 amps.

Just FYI, all Toyota/Lexus hybrids have a 12 volt lead acid battery system that is independent of the NiMH system. The only exceptions are the Lexus models that actually have a second lead acid system to control additional suspension controls.

Q: When will the 2009 Prius be available?
I’m looking to buy a 2008 Prius in the next month or so. But I’ve heard good things about the new models- better acceleration, better fuel economy, no more expensive. Maybe just rumors? Not sure if it’s worth waiting or to just buy the 2008.

A: The 2009 Prius will NOT be the long-awaited redesign. Currently available information indicates the 2009 Prius will be the last of the NHW20 generation (first introduced in 2004).

The new-redesign Prius with the Lithium-Ion battery pack won’t hit the market until 2010.

Personally, I would buy the 2008 Prius and drive it for a few years until they iron out all the bugs with the next-gen Lion-powered Prius– You know the first model year of a new redesign is bound to have some bugs.

I own an ‘07 Prius, Seaside Pearl, Package #2 and I love it. :-)

Q: Is the 2009 Prius out yet? If so, are there any differences between it and the 2008 Prius?
I’m buying a new car. Should I go with the 2009 Prius, or a 2008 Prius.
Toyota Prius

A: Hi,

there will not be a major change made to the current generation Prius until the 2010 model (out in 2009).

There is a plug in option Toyota is currently road testing, however that will be made available as a lease to companies first before it becomes an option for the general public.

Beyond that, there will probably be one or two different exterior colors and possibly a change in the options.

Toyota, like most manufacturers, offers a “dressed up” version of a popular vehicle when the vehicle is going through a major change.

For example, the Highlander came out in a “Sport” trim just before the new redesign. More chrome on the body, bright chrome wheels, and other features and details to improve the appeal of the outgoing model.

As far as which one to go with, that is a decision that depends on your personal situation.

The Prius will not go down in price and become easier to get with gas becoming more expensive.

If anything, it will become more difficult to get a Prius as the price of gas goes up.

Orders for Prius that took months to fill did not happen that long ago.

And the sooner you purchase a Prius, the sooner you use less gas.

As far as the Prius goes versus other vehicles, Consumer Reports in it’s 2008 April auto issue states-

1. the Prius has the highest owner satisfaction index of any vehicle tested for the fourth year in a row, with 92% of owners saying they would either buy another Prius or recommend a Prius for purchase
2. the Prius has the highest mpg of any family vehicle tested- 44 mpg according to their testing- which beats the Civic (regular or hybrid), Focus, Yaris, Fit, or Aveo

I have posted extensively on the .11 cents per mile maintenance cost of the Prius for each 100,000 miles. That .11 cents per mile includes gas at $3.50, tires, oil changes and all regular scheduled maintenance. I suggest printing the post out and using it to compare against any other vehicle you might be considering or against any other vehicle anyone else suggests.

Also, I have posted extensively on how no owner has ever paid to replace the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid traction battery in a Toyota/Lexus hybrid in the nine, almost ten, years the Prius has been sold in the US.

There have been NiMH replaced due to accidents and owner abuse or modification (one guy drilled a screw into his NiMH trying to install a big subwoofer). But anything else is a complete myth.

You can do a search here in Answers for those posts.

Now, having said that, if purchasing now is not a possibility, than it doesn’t matter.

Q: If Prius 2009 model is discontinuing the plug in option does that mean that it is not possible to put PHEV ?
Does that mean that models prior to 2009 will have better chance of adding the enhanced battery features?

A: The prius doesn’t have a plug. It charges everytime you hit the break. Toyota is trying to incorporate lithium-ion batteries into the next prius.

Q: Any idea when the 2009 Prius will be released?
Or when 2009 toyotas will prob be released?

A: To rebut “pro-diesel”:

On average Diesel costs $0.60 per gallon more than 87-octane gasoline (Prius fuel) in the U.S. right now. That 55mpg VW TDI isn’t going to save you any fuel money over a Prius.

And the Prius battery costs NOTHING to replace if it fails within the 8-year / 100,000 mile standard warranty period. And such failures have been virtually unheard-of.

Q: How do I connect iPod Touch to Prius 2009?
There’s an AUX port, but what is that? Do I need to buy an adapter to hook up my iPod to the car?

A: There are a variety of solutions:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-audio-electronics/20679-best-way-connect-your-ipod.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Hook-up-an-iPod-in-a-Prius

http://www.ehow.com/how_2258413_hook-up-ipod-prius.html

http://priuschat.com/shop/product_info.php/products_id/66

Q: How to check the fuel range on a Prius 2009?
yeah that’s what i thought, the prius doesn’t have a fuel range indicator… which i really think it should…

A: As the previous poster said.

But it doesn’t have one because it’s hard to gauge the range while you are driving. Many factors can change your fuel millage quickly. If you go from Highway to city, or start driving it hard your millage will suffer. The computer can’t anticipate what it will encounter and how it will affect fuel consumption.

So you’ll have to just pay attention to your gas gauge and don’t try to push it too far.

Q: When will I be able to order a 2009 Toyota Prius?
It seems they are currently only selling 2008 models.
Don’t say “2009″ because the 2009 Toyota Camry is already out and available.

A: The next generation Prius won’t be revealed until January 2009 and probably won’t go on sale until March 2009. So until then, no one knows except for Toyota. I’d suggest keeping in touch with your dealer after it is formally shown in Detroit. The 2009 Camry was changed so quickly only for the fact that Toyota was worried about keeping up with competition form Accord and Malibu.

Q: my 2009 Prius makes a noise when it shifts into gear. Is this normal?
When putting car in gear in makes a slight grinding noise. |I am not sure if it is supposed to slip into gear quietly or if it need lubrication. |I don’t drive it often so I don’t know if it always did the sound or if it is an indication that something is wrong.

A: There are no pulleys in the Prius system, nor does it ever change gears. However, there shouldn’t be any grinding noise either so you should take it to a dealer to have it inspected.

It’s possible that the grinding noise the from the brakes due to non-use. It’s hard to diagnose noises over the internet.

Q: Should i buy a 2008 prius or 2009 highlander?
I currently have 2000 Accord and im looking to buy a new car. And my choice is between the current model prius which is the ‘08 version or the ‘09 highlander. But i just realized that there will be new prius model coming this new year and supposedly more mpg. Theres also the fact the the ‘08 prius model does far less mpg then it actually says, but i dont know how much? So what do you think?

A: Hi,

I’ll break down the differences, give you some things to think about, and then explain some of what’s going on with the testing, so stay with me.

You are obviously looking at two totally different vehicles and with the economy the way it is, and gas prices on their way back up, stick with the basics.

The classic advice is to do a Ben Franklin- draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper and on one side write what you need your next vehicle to do, on the other write what you want your vehicle to have. Leave that list alone for a few days and then come back to it and see if your answers have changed. Only then should you go to a car lot on a Sunday or after hours (when they’re closed) to see what is out there to decide on test drives. Make a short list of the vehicles you want to see and drive and then take that list in with you when you actually go to talk to a salesperson. The more prepared you are, the easier the process will be.

I don’t say anything about pricing or negotiating because I teach for Toyota only, I have nothing to do with sales. You’re on your own there. Just don’t go in alone, bring someone whose opinion you can trust on large purchases. This all applies no matter which vehicle you look at from any manufacturer. first off…

Do you really need an SUV? check these off your list:

- do you need to tow at least 3500 lbs.
- do you need to seat seven people
- do you need to haul a lot of stuff around on a constant basis
- do you get stuck in your driveway or on the roads around your house because of the weather each year

If your answer for most, or all, of these is no or not really, then you have no need for an SUV and you will be spending money for an image. Do you have extra money to give up for an image?

If the answer is yes to more than one on a constant basis, then your choice is much easier.

Remember that a vehicle is an investment. You are putting your money into something that will give you a daily return. If you applied for two credit cards, each with the same balance limit and interest rate, but one charged a yearly fee, would you go with the gold card simply because of the image it conveyed? If they both fulfill your needs, why pay more?

The Highlander is an excellent vehicle, very highly rated by independent reviewers such as Consumer Reports, and will give you a lot of solid use and enjoyment. My mother owns one and has never regretted moving down from her full-size SUV to it.

The Prius is the number-one selling hybrid on the planet, with over 670,000 sold in the US and over 1,000,000 sold around the world. It is the number one vehicle in consumer confidence for Consumer Reports with 94% of owners saying they would recommend or purchase one again. The Prius is the number one vehicle for four years in a row out of every vehicle category, including sports cars, trucks, and SUV’s.

That is a very strong record and no other vehicle has ever reached that mark for people actually willing to put their money out again to buy another.

Yes, the new Prius will get higher mpg due to several major revisions to the hybrid powertrain, new streamlining effects on the body (even more slippery in the air than the last gen Prius), and the elimination of even more mechanical moving parts and belts. The new Prius will have no belts under the hood, the first for any vehicle. No timing belt (timing chain only) on the gas engine, no belt for the water pump, no power steering belt, and still no starter, no alternator, no traditional transmission, and no mechanical steering pump. Less drag and wear on the larger drivetrain and less effort to move through the air means less fuel used and more power available (the new Prius will be a second faster from 0-60).

As far as the drop in mileage from the Environmental Protection Agency/Department of Energy testing, the EPA/DOE tests were still using standards from the 70’s with very minor revisions in certain tests from the 80’s.

All vehicles went down in mpg with the new testing. However, when a full hybrid, like the Prius, is tested as it should be driven, the mpg remains just as high as it was.

I maintain 51.7 as a year long average with my lead foot and Upper Midwest weather (I’m based out of the Chicago region). I maintained that before the new testing regs and I still do, no matter which Prius I drive.

BTW, one concept not usually discussed is that Toyota lowered the mpg numbers a bit more from what the EPA/DOE numbers were when the tests were revised because Toyota realised that as the Prius became so popular, too many drivers were not going to drive it like it should be driven and were not going to reach the mpg possible. Better to lower the expectation a little and have more people reach it, than to try and teach that many drivers how to drive a hybrid properly and expect them to stay with it.

It’s the driver, not the testing and really not the vehicle. As I said, I maintain 51.7 no mater which P

Q: I left the light on in my 2009 Toyota Prius, and now the battery is dead. How do I charge it?
The car is also locked, and will not open.

A: There is a mechanical key built into the keyfob. Remove it and use it to unlock the door. Open the hood. The positive terminal for the jumper cable is under the fuse block cover. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location. Hope this helps!

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