I've ordered an 04 Prius. I asked about the effects of our winter weather (Wisconsin) and they said they have had no complaints. Has anyone had experience with sub-zero weather? Does it affect the battery power/capacity? Thanks

> Has anyone had experience with sub-zero weather? Yes, I have in Minnesota quite a number of times over the last 3 winters. It's no big deal. The engine has fired up every time, without any struggle at all... which is actually better than any other vehicle I've ever dealt with here. > Does it affect the battery power/capacity? None whatsoever. The only difference you'll notice is "stealth" will be next to impossible, and that only lowers efficiency. JOHN http://john1701a.com

Thanks for the info - and I really enjoyed your web-site. You are obviously enthralled with your car. chuck sommers

Charles, As John notes, the 2001-2003 model years exhibit no performance problems in cold weather, but the drop in mileage in the winter months is quite noticeable. Specifically, last winter, I averaged 39.8 mpg, this spring was 43.4 mpg, and this summer (so far) is 45.9 mpg. I have noted that the drop in highway mileage is not as bad as the drop in city mileage, so if most of your miles are at highway speeds, your numbers probably won't be as low as mine. However, you are buying a 2004 model year, which has been redesigned in many ways. One of these is an insulated canister to hold hot engine coolant, which should reduce the warmup time (which is pretty signifcant in the winter). I highly recommend you buy a Prius--don't fear the cold weather. And, keep us posted about your winter mileage. (But I recommend posting to the main group "toyota-prius". This "toyotaprius" group isn't used much anymore.) Douglas (2002 Silver, Wisconsin, USA)

Douglas, Thanks for the information, including the new group address. The whole Yahoo group thing is somewhat of a mystery to me. I would think the cold (weaker) battery would also result in less acceleration ability. Maybe with the 04 hatchback with the battery more exposed to the heat of the car's interior it will warm up eventually. I hadn't heard about the "insulated canister". Is that in the engine compartment and intended to help the car heater warm up sooner? I had wondered if the small engine could put out enough heat for a really cold day. chuck sommers

Hi, I live in the Rockies at 9000 feet, get 20 to 30 below at times. Biggest problem I've had is after sitting over night and starting the next morning "all" the warning lights come on. The car does start and runs and after awhile I can shut the car off and turn it back on and the lights go off. I talked to the service department in Boulder and they said it seemed to be happening to all of the Priuses in the area. They did put it in my records. I'm hoping that installing a block heater may stop it. There is a decrease in gas mileage but, think that is due to warming the car, spinning on ice, and gas does burn as well in winter. Over all you will love this car.

Hi, I live in the Rockies at 9000 feet, get 20 to 30 below at times. Biggest problem I've had is after sitting over night and starting the next morning "all" the warning lights come on. The car does start and runs and after awhile I can shut the car off and turn it back on and the lights go off. I talked to the service department in Boulder and they said it seemed to be happening to all of the Priuses in the area. They did put it in my records. I'm hoping that installing a block heater may stop it. There is a decrease in gas mileage but, think that is due to warming the car, spinning on ice, and gas does burn as well in winter. Over all you will love this car.