Newbie TCH owner

[gsiisg]

Hi everyone, just bought my TCH a bit more than a week ago, and I've been reading a lot of posts about how to increase my gas efficiency beyond the 34/33 on the sticker. What I'm wondering after reading so many posts, is that some claim you get more battery recharge when you slightly press on the brake without engaging the physical brake... but how lightly do I press on the brake? I'm sure on different surfaces you press on it differently, but is there an indicator that shows when physical brake is engaged or only the electric motor braking is on? I read the manual and couldn't find any information on this subject...

Oh and if I want to put in a GPS/Nav system that also displays the engine power specs do I need to get it from the dealer after market? Mine is the most basic because I didn't want to pay to money to get the fully loaded, but it sounds like the Nav does provide a lot of nifty stuff (slightly regretting the decision to go most basic now), and how much would it cost me if I want to get the Nav now?

Any help is appreciated, thanks:-)

From
G.S.

[Tideland Prius]

hello, welcome and congrats!

Yeah if you're going down a hill or something like that, pressing the brake pedal light will generate more amperage into the battery than simply coasting down the hill. There's no indicator so you'll just have to learn the vehicle =).

You have to get the navigation system on the Camry to get the Energy Monitor unfortunately.

[gsiisg]

Thanks for the heads-up, but do you know how much it would cost approximately for parts and labor if I want to install just the Nav after market?....

From
G.S.

[GeorgiaHybrid]

gs,

I don't know of anyone who has installed the factory nav unit in a hybrid that has gotten the energy screens to work correctly. Everything else seems to work but the nice, fun to play with hybrid screens are not there. If someone has managed to make it work, I would love to hear about it.

[GvilleTCH]

Welcome and Congrats , the TCH is getting hard to find on the lot and I've heard of 3 month long waiting lists...

The Aftermarket has better GPS units , but the only way to have the Energy and Consumption Screens (bar graphs are every minute in the TCH vs. every 5 mins in the Prius) is to order/buy your TCH with the Navi Option.

I guess you could install the factory unit after taking delivery but the retrofit and cost would be at least several large , assuming the part number(s) are even available - might ask your dealer... If you want/need the visual impact and feedback in addition to the MID and MPG gauge I would sell and rebuy instead of trying to add it ...

BTW , What color did you purchase ?

[gsiisg]

Well GPS and the graph isn't a big deal for me, just fun to have gagets:-)
Mine's a Silver TCH, I haven't gotten the license plate from the DMV, but was thinking of getting a customized plate. The dealer told me I'd have to get the original plate first then go to the DMV to change it... such hassle...

Got it for 300 above invoice because there was a $1600 off of MSRP (from Capital One) in LA, but I live in San Diego, and used that as the bargaining chip at the dealer for $1300 instead.

From
G.S.