So Long and Thanks for All the Fish
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
2008 C350
Don't feel bad, I sold my GL for a C class after I realized having a full-sized SUV made no sense. Fell in love with the C when it came out. Gas mileage is better...but that's not saying a whole lot.
Post pics when you can. I like Priuses (Prii?).
Post pics when you can. I like Priuses (Prii?).
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Well, here's the deal: I'm not doing long trips on the highway any more, I'm doing a lot of city driving. My buddy with an '09 Prius who lives on the other side of town from where he works tells me his highway MPG is amazing if he keeps his speed down closer to the limit, and no diesel beats any car when it's broken, which mine was way too much.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
It still doesn't make sense to me why we're not all on 5ppm diesel like the rest of the world (well, western Europe at least). The efficiency is much higher than petrol. If we don't put molten salt thorium reactors in our cars, uber-clean diesel hybrids should be the wave of the future.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
My Camry Hybrid averages just north of 42 mpg on highway trips at about 75-80mph with a family of four and a weekend's worth of luggage. It may not run on all-electric power at highway speeds, but you've still got an efficient Atkinson-cycle I4 coupled to an eCVT transmission to get you going at those speeds. 
I've been reading your posts on and off since you joined, so it's sad to see that you had to make the call to sell it. I like the Prius - a lot of tech for the money.
I've been reading your posts on and off since you joined, so it's sad to see that you had to make the call to sell it. I like the Prius - a lot of tech for the money.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
Where are you gonna be hanging out? Priuschat? The forum is ok, but they have some strange ideas about tire inflation and stuff that they promote on their podcast that is downright dangerous. Maybe you could go over and set them straight?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Ha! Me, set them straight. The extent of my modifications was a steering wheel, chrome fins, and chrome door handle cups. I am Mister OEM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 13
From: Louisville, KY
2014 Black SLK 55 AMG, Black 2015 GL 550, 2011 Blue GLK 350
Steve, hate to see you go. I have enjoyed reading your posts as well. Have you looked into the cost of disassembling your Prius in about 5-7 years to replace the batteries? They are built into the frame (undercarriage?) of the car. Last I heard, it was north of $2500 last year when I heard someone do it. Are you planning on keeping it long term? I dont want to be a negative Nellie, but I'm just not sold on the extra cost to make a car a hybrid vs a similiar car in diesel. Yes I am sorry you had so many issues with the GL, but did you even consider a VW TDI? Heard they are decent. Anyway, keep us informed of how your Prius holds up and please correct me if I'm wrong about the batteries on your ride. Also, what is the maintainance on the braking/charging system? I
Cheers,
John
Cheers,
John
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Steve, hate to see you go. I have enjoyed reading your posts as well. Have you looked into the cost of disassembling your Prius in about 5-7 years to replace the batteries? They are built into the frame (undercarriage?) of the car. Last I heard, it was north of $2500 last year when I heard someone do it. Are you planning on keeping it long term? I dont want to be a negative Nellie, but I'm just not sold on the extra cost to make a car a hybrid vs a similiar car in diesel. Yes I am sorry you had so many issues with the GL, but did you even consider a VW TDI? Heard they are decent. Anyway, keep us informed of how your Prius holds up and please correct me if I'm wrong about the batteries on your ride. Also, what is the maintainance on the braking/charging system? I
Cheers,
John
Cheers,
John
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Steve.... I am enjoying Prius #2..... bought the first one in 2006 and traded on a 2010! I never get less than 46 around town and on trips have gotten as high as 56!!! Generally my average is 47. It's no Merecedes BUT it IS outstanding technology!!!
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 13
From: Louisville, KY
2014 Black SLK 55 AMG, Black 2015 GL 550, 2011 Blue GLK 350
Maintenance is no more extensive or expensive than a regular car. The batteries can last a while before they absolutely need replacing. I worked at a Toyota dealer for a while and we've had countless Priuses with well over 100k miles come in time and time again. We had a 2006 Highlander Hybrid come in with 275k miles and a handful of examples similar to that.
John
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
2008 GL 320 CDI Black/Black
STP - Thanks for all the guidance and help! You always knew there would be sound assistance and humor along the way with Steve!
Feels like a eulogy page, 'cept the dead guy keeps chiming in!
Good luck with the new....golf cart. :-))
BJ
Feels like a eulogy page, 'cept the dead guy keeps chiming in!
Good luck with the new....golf cart. :-))
BJ
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Thanks for the info, Wolfgang. As for you BJ021, don't you like hearing from the recently deceased? I tell ya what, the temporary I got - a 2001 Honda Hybrid Insight - is a heck of a lot more golf-cart-y than this Prius. Hot ******* it through the hills at 80-85mph back from Utah (there's several portions of 80mph speed limits on 15), then down through Las Vegas (yes, I know, NevadaJack, I didn't have time for anything but a night's sleep and then home), I got around 49mpg. This is with a very nice JBL stereo, a GPS that is so weird - you have to touch the screen and there's no one-character-at-a-time joystick or wonderfully unintuitive interface - radar cruise control and lane assist with an actual servo to help push you back in the lane if you go to sleep, a USB port that can handle both an iPod and any other MP3 player and charges the unit (in the very odd little arm rest), another power adapter in the arm rest for one's cell phone (I can't seem to find the BT puck but the BT still works, so strange), voice recognition (honestly still a friggin' gizmo, even on the Japanese cars), XM with XM Traffic (instead of Sirius), LED tail lights and auto-leveling headlights, keyless go, autopark, backup camera ... I'm sure there's more.
Here's what it doesn't have, for those who may feel I'm being bitter: diesel. Also it doesn't have the GL's road solidity, though it isn't too terrible. There's seating for four-and-a-half (they say five, maybe really tiny people). There's no towing. It's front wheel drive and the ground clearance is ... a hybrid.
Here's what it doesn't have, for those who may feel I'm being bitter: diesel. Also it doesn't have the GL's road solidity, though it isn't too terrible. There's seating for four-and-a-half (they say five, maybe really tiny people). There's no towing. It's front wheel drive and the ground clearance is ... a hybrid.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Oh, no, don't worry - despite the certainty of needling from friends and strangers alike, I will not become a hybrid apologist (or a Prius apologist, to be specific). I knew you were just being funny, but honestly there is a lot to like about the car. If I wasn't headed downtown a lot and needed to (hopefully) get the carpool lane license plate, I am pretty sure I would've gotten like a Tundra or something.
Anyway, the drive down was nice, trying like hell to get more than 9 gallons in a nearly empty tank is nice (though going nearly 800 miles on a tank was pretty darned nice, too). It has minimal sound insulation for weight purposes, and it's ... well, it's a huge 9-volt battery with wheels. 0-60 is about a second faster than the GL320 (and to the GL we must add turbo lag to get real numbers), but there is none of that "pull" feeling I get having all that gorgeous torque. C'mon, Mercedes, you used to be one of the most reliable brands out there, you can do it again!
Oh, one last thing for Mercedes - I know the last time you guys got together with the Japanese things didn't work out so well, but seriously, they've got these electronics down, they know what they're doing now. Just try their GPS once. My JBL sound system in my Prius has a really nice kick.
Happy Cinco de Mayo, let's all remember to tell those French where they can stick Archduke Maximillion from Austria by drinking Amercian brewed "Mexican" beer and eating Tex-Mex food! Yee-haw!
Anyway, the drive down was nice, trying like hell to get more than 9 gallons in a nearly empty tank is nice (though going nearly 800 miles on a tank was pretty darned nice, too). It has minimal sound insulation for weight purposes, and it's ... well, it's a huge 9-volt battery with wheels. 0-60 is about a second faster than the GL320 (and to the GL we must add turbo lag to get real numbers), but there is none of that "pull" feeling I get having all that gorgeous torque. C'mon, Mercedes, you used to be one of the most reliable brands out there, you can do it again!
Oh, one last thing for Mercedes - I know the last time you guys got together with the Japanese things didn't work out so well, but seriously, they've got these electronics down, they know what they're doing now. Just try their GPS once. My JBL sound system in my Prius has a really nice kick.
Happy Cinco de Mayo, let's all remember to tell those French where they can stick Archduke Maximillion from Austria by drinking Amercian brewed "Mexican" beer and eating Tex-Mex food! Yee-haw!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
GOOD LUCK STEVE...
I was surfing various sites I have not been to over the past year or more and saw your post. Sorry you had such a time with the GL. I know the gang on this thread will miss your input and comedic entries but even a Honda owner will be welcome I am sure.
I am taking delivery in about 2 hours of my latest MB. Trading the 2010 E350 Sedan for a 2011 E350 Cabriolet. Greg is delivering it by truck to the front door... love that kind of service. I know Nish will be have deep breathing events as he reads this... since I told him about a month ago that the E350 Sedan would be my last new one. I will be posting some pics on the Cabriolet A207 site in a few days.
Glad I stopped by. As most know who visit and post on this thread the quality of site is the best forum site that I have seen. All great people with many have social contact during the years.
Take care Steve and the best to the family...
Jack
I am taking delivery in about 2 hours of my latest MB. Trading the 2010 E350 Sedan for a 2011 E350 Cabriolet. Greg is delivering it by truck to the front door... love that kind of service. I know Nish will be have deep breathing events as he reads this... since I told him about a month ago that the E350 Sedan would be my last new one. I will be posting some pics on the Cabriolet A207 site in a few days.
Glad I stopped by. As most know who visit and post on this thread the quality of site is the best forum site that I have seen. All great people with many have social contact during the years.
Take care Steve and the best to the family...
Jack
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Well, the Honda's going away and the Prius is staying.
As for my experiences with the truck, it is a damned shame because I loved it so much. I have read in many places the sedans are doing much better regarding reliability and cost of ownership than the trucks, in particular the C and E classes. I could be wrong of course (heading off the flame war!) but I can't wait to see the pictures. I do wish I'd been able to stop by but I got in late and had to head out early to get home.
Best to you!
Steve
As for my experiences with the truck, it is a damned shame because I loved it so much. I have read in many places the sedans are doing much better regarding reliability and cost of ownership than the trucks, in particular the C and E classes. I could be wrong of course (heading off the flame war!) but I can't wait to see the pictures. I do wish I'd been able to stop by but I got in late and had to head out early to get home.
Best to you!
Steve
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Well, the Honda's going away and the Prius is staying.
As for my experiences with the truck, it is a damned shame because I loved it so much. I have read in many places the sedans are doing much better regarding reliability and cost of ownership than the trucks, in particular the C and E classes. I could be wrong of course (heading off the flame war!) but I can't wait to see the pictures. I do wish I'd been able to stop by but I got in late and had to head out early to get home.
Best to you!
Steve
As for my experiences with the truck, it is a damned shame because I loved it so much. I have read in many places the sedans are doing much better regarding reliability and cost of ownership than the trucks, in particular the C and E classes. I could be wrong of course (heading off the flame war!) but I can't wait to see the pictures. I do wish I'd been able to stop by but I got in late and had to head out early to get home.
Best to you!
Steve
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Well it's been over a year and I assume that STP is no longer checking in since he in not a MB owner. Does anybody know anything about Nevada Jack. I always looked for his photos in the different forums and noticed he has not posted since shortly after his last post in this thread. I hope all is well.
BTW, we still have our 08 320 CDI, 94K miles. Just replaced the front struts. Other than that it has been trouble free. Waiting on the availability of the GLK 250.
BTW, we still have our 08 320 CDI, 94K miles. Just replaced the front struts. Other than that it has been trouble free. Waiting on the availability of the GLK 250.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
I'm wonder about NevJack too. I looked at his posts awhile back, didn't really see a 'see ya' note like STP has here. Haven't seen much of Oknish either as he was one of the originals too. I supposed we could PM and see if there's a response?
