Possible new prius ???

[golfkitty]

Hi everyone, I need your help. I am looking at getting a prius in the next few months. I need to know the pros and cons. What are the maintenance cost? Has anyone had any problems with any of the electronics or computerized components? How about the starting system? Have you had any problems with starting the car? Or, the computer key? I appreciate everyones input, I need to know before I dump into a car payment and seriously don't want a maintenance thing. I am a Toyota kind of gal all the way. I currently have a 1999 corolla, which I will still keep, it only has 74k miles on it. I convinced my husband to get rid of the old ford truck, whew!

[AussieOwner]

Welcome to PC. Suggest that you search through the threads here - there is plenty on what is both good and bad about the car. Please be careful though, there are a number of threads that are about problems - but these are more individual examples rather than the norm.

I am only a relatively new owner, only had my Prius for two months, but have to say that it is one of the best cars that I have owned. I also researched before I bought and was very impressed with the safety ratings of the car, the general low maintenance costs, and general reliability of the car, when compared to some of the others around.

The biggest gripes that I have seen have been about the seats - no height adjustment on NA cars (but for me I do have this feature), and the NAV system (which I do not have). If this is all that people have to complain about, cannot be much wrong with the car.

I am sure that some of the more senior members will tell you how well their cars have performed.

[brad34695]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(golfkitty @ Sep 8 2007, 12:28 AM) [snapback]508905[/snapback]</div>

Hi everyone, I need your help. I am looking at getting a prius in the next few months. I need to know the pros and cons. What are the maintenance cost? Has anyone had any problems with any of the electronics or computerized components? How about the starting system? Have you had any problems with starting the car? Or, the computer key? I appreciate everyones input, I need to know before I dump into a car payment and seriously don't want a maintenance thing. I am a Toyota kind of gal all the way. I currently have a 1999 corolla, which I will still keep, it only has 74k miles on it. I convinced my husband to get rid of the old ford truck, whew!
[/b]

I have owned my '07 package one since March and I have had no problems what so ever! It's a car, it's starts, runs, and gets me where I need to go! Granted the technology is newer than what our society is used to, but the Prius is the kind of car that will make you glad you have to go to work because it is some much fun to drive! I treat driving my car as if it is a game. How much MPG can I get out of this trip, this tank of gas, my next 20 miniutes of driving, etc. I really go overboard with it, as my wife thinks I'm nuts not running the A/C on a hot summer Florida day to get increased overall MPG.

But back to your question, the car has given me no problems. So by all means, do not let issues or concerns about maintance scare you into not buying a Prius. Just change the oil ever 5,000 miles and you should be fine. Good luck!!

Brad
Tampa Bay Florida

[a priori]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(golfkitty @ Sep 7 2007, 11:28 PM) [snapback]508905[/snapback]</div>

Hi everyone, I need your help. I am looking at getting a prius in the next few months. I need to know the pros and cons. What are the maintenance cost? . . . I need to know before I dump into a car payment and seriously don't want a maintenance thing.
[/b]

Welcome to PC! Here's hoping you find answers to all of your questions here AND that you find yourself the happy owner of a Prius.

Can I push back for just a second? You seem quite concerned not only about maintenance costs and troubles, but also about being able to afford a car payment. I waited several years to get my Prius and saved my pennies. I was able to buy with cash, so it certainly saves me from all but the maintenance concerns (and those I covered not only with a warranty but also by buying Toyota!). Please make certain that your purchase will not cause you to dig into your ready cash (or what you'd need to live on for a few months) or to chose between two or three things in your life that you value as highly as getting a Prius (housing, charitable gifts, family care, etc.).

OK -- fatherly lecture done. The Prius is a GREAT car. Buy SPM and turn on the air conditioning if it is 90+ with 80+ humidity.

[Bob64]

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=31620&hl=

my first thread here might help a bit... the deciding factor is if you can afford it. Saving money on gas won't help if your stuck paying a loan off for an additional year.

Things to look out for: the computer key (smart key system) drains the smaller battery if left on for a long period without the car being turned on. (I disabled the SKS in my car, just to conserve energy-I hope- and avoid the risk).

ALWAYS fill up IMMEDIATELY if your gas pip starts FLASHING. You do NOT want to run out of gas in this car. Fill up like 2 gallons (or whatever it takes to get to a cheaper station and fill up the rest there!)

Also, beware (might be good or bad): this car may change your driving habits... the Multi Function Display provides you with alot of information... and ignorance is bliss...

[JimboK]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AussieOwner @ Sep 8 2007, 12:36 AM) [snapback]508910[/snapback]</div>

Please be careful though, there are a number of threads that are about problems - but these are more individual examples rather than the norm.[/b]

Aussie is correct about problems being the (very infrequent) exceptions. Keep things in perspective when you read about them. Don't expect 30,000+ PC members to regularly report, "My car had no problems today!"

As for me, I've had a couple of very minor cosmetic problems repaired under warranty. No mechanical or electronics problems whatsoever in an easily and inexpensively maintained car, now at 32,000 miles.

[catgic]

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[SSimon]

I've had the car for a year and half and can continue to say it's the only car I've actually liked. All others have been a mechanism for me to get from A to B. This car is actually appreciated by me.

I've encountered one problem where a whirring was occurring behind my dash. It was the radio that they replaced under warranty. Great service here. No other problems and in fact, only have great things to say about the car.

The cargo area is amazingly accommodating. The level cargo to bumper makes loading a breeze.

Great MPG. I just closed an over 60 tank but am back down to 58 on the current one.

Roomy head and leg room (I'm 5'8").

Great storage nooks. Nice placement of radio and temperature controls.

Cons I experienced are the seat comforts (not as comfy as I'd like) and the rear view (to which I became accustomed with weeks).

I will caution that this car, and this forum, has led others on this board to the realization that what they really wanted was an electric car. Me included. You posted in the Environmental Forum which leads me to believe that this is the reason you're considering purchasing this vehicle. Maybe there's an electric car out there that suits your driving needs???

If you settle on the Prius, Catgic's right. It's infectious. In another thread I posted about my husband not understanding my quest for higher mileage. I dealt with a barrage of comments about how I should "just drive it". I was sick last week and he drove the car for the first time. Within 10 minutes he said he couldn't stop staring at the MPG display and that he was upset it was going down. Then he wanted to know how to right the wrong and began to ingage in the learning of pulse and glide. He was clearly obsessed. lol.

[Tadashi]

You can download the excel spreadsheet in my signature block. It will show you the expenses we have incurred owning two Prius. I would like to think we operate them at both extremes. My wifes has been in for several repairs and she get a low MPG due to driving conditions and style. I get high MPG and no maintenance extra costs. It also shows $ saved to date and ROI.

The wife says I get grumpy when my MPG drops below 65 MPG. Even in her car I have to force myself not to look at her display. :P