Buyers beware – hear my Prius rant

[SunWindow]

I purchased a new 2008 which now has 7000 miles.

There is mold in the A/C system. I started noticing it at 2000 miles. I am told this issue is not covered under warranty by Southern California dealers and turns into a routine maintenance at $200 a service visit.

The hatch-back does not close unless slammed. My friend’s 2007 rear spoiler fell off over the same issue and the dealer advised to keep a window open because of the pressurized cabin.

The air system defaults to its own settings when not on AUTO. Every time I start the car, I have to reset all the air settings to my preference. Toyota customer service states nothing can be done but Toyota will take the recommendations under advisement.

Don’t pay extra for the navigation system, it is worthless. When I test it on my regular route from work to home, it continually tells me to turn around and advises me to take a very indirect route.

There is some polymer in the venting system that continually covers the inside windshield with an opaque film that is very difficult to wipe clean.

I won’t even get into design flaws that include poor side and rear visibility, unacceptably loud road noise, and a small wheel diameter that makes all weather driving harrowing.

Let’s hope the third generation has worked out many of these flaws.

[Gilbert]

I have not had any issues with my 2008. 29k miles righ now.

[richard schumacher]

There is mold in the A/C system. I started noticing it at 2000 miles. I am told this issue is not covered under warranty by Southern California dealers and turns into a routine maintenance at $200 a service visit.

This does seem to be more of problem in Prius than in other cars. Things that help: run the A/C a lot with a low temp set; use outside air only when the humidity is low; set the temp to maximum for a minute before turning the car OFF. In other words, anything that tends to dry the interior air will help.

The hatch-back does not close unless slammed. My friend’s 2007 rear spoiler fell off over the same issue and the dealer advised to keep a window open because of the pressurized cabin.

The cabin is not pressurized. If your friend's spoiler fell off it was defective and/or he was using it as a handle. Also, if you keep a window open when the outside humidity is high it will contribute to the mold problem.

The air system defaults to its own settings when not on AUTO. Every time I start the car, I have to reset all the air settings to my preference. Toyota customer service states nothing can be done but Toyota will take the recommendations under advisement.

I agree, that is annoying.

Don’t pay extra for the navigation system, it is worthless. When I test it on my regular route from work to home, it continually tells me to turn around and advises me to take a very indirect route.

Avoid buying factory electronics: they're overpriced, and if they don't work very well you're stuck with them.

There is some polymer in the venting system that continually covers the inside windshield with an opaque film that is very difficult to wipe clean.

That should not be. Did you buy the dealer's "fabric protection system"? Running the heat will help remove the source of this over time, but you'll still have to clean the glass until it's gone.

I won’t even get into design flaws that include poor side and rear visibility, unacceptably loud road noise, and a small wheel diameter that makes all weather driving harrowing.

Did you test drive the car before buying it?

[KK6PD]

Originally Posted by SunWindow

I purchased a new 2008 which now has 7000 miles.

Me too, love the car!!!

Originally Posted by SunWindow

There is mold in the A/C system. I started noticing it at 2000 miles. I am told this issue is not covered under warranty by Southern California dealers and turns into a routine maintenance at $200 a service visit.

Before you get to your destination, shut off the AC and just run air. That will evaporate any moisture, and stop the mold problem. Its not just Prius's that have this problem. MOST cars with AC have this proplem. Shoot a shot of Lysol into the vent to kill the mold! Run the air, I do , and it works for me!!

Originally Posted by SunWindow

The hatch-back does not close unless slammed. My friend’s 2007 rear spoiler fell off over the same issue and the dealer advised to keep a window open because of the pressurized cabin.

Check the latch aligns up properly with the receiver. I can just drop the hatch and it latches. Brings up the old saying, "If it don't fit FORCE IT, if it breaks, it needed replacing anyway! If you have to, open the window!! Beats breaking the door.

Originally Posted by SunWindow

The air system defaults to its own settings when not on AUTO. Every time I start the car, I have to reset all the air settings to my preference. Toyota customer service states nothing can be done but Toyota will take the recommendations under advisement.

I turned Auto off the first day, never had a problem since. I want AC, I turn it on. I want Heat, I turn it on, I want Air, I open a vent. No problems. You should be able to turn it off and it will stay.

Originally Posted by SunWindow

Don’t pay extra for the navigation system, it is worthless. When I test it on my regular route from work to home, it continually tells me to turn around and advises me to take a very indirect route.

Nav works just fine. I use it all the time, just looking for something to bitch about, and you know what, I can't bitch, It works fine!!! I am constantly trying to fake it out, it always promptly recalculates route and tells me where to go. Besides it gives you 3, yes, THREE choices for the route home, make sure you select the route you want and do not assume what pops up is your only choice

Originally Posted by SunWindow

There is some polymer in the venting system that continually covers the inside windshield with an opaque film that is very difficult to wipe clean.

That is common to ALL NEW CARS. Its the plastics that make up the interior of your car outgassing, and the vapors are condensing on the glass. Windex works fine! After about a year it will outgass all its volatile components and you won't have to worry, unless you smoke in your car, then you have more problems than window schmear!

Originally Posted by SunWindow

I won’t even get into design flaws that include poor side and rear visibility, unacceptably loud road noise, and a small wheel diameter that makes all weather driving harrowing.

I can see just fine, mirrors are adjustable, view out the back works, and I added small round ball mirrors to the side mirrors to enhance visibility, cost $5.00 Pep Boys! Its not a Anechoic Chamber, but the noise factor is not bad. You can always add sound deadening mat! Google it, in fact there have been a couple of threads about this very subject. Search it out!! As far as all weather driving, its a small car not a M1A1 Abhrams! If it snows, slow down, if it rains, slow down. Traffic conditions are not always perfect, and if you want to drive like they are, you need a tank. Wait your in SoCal, we DO NOT HAVE WEATHER HERE, maybe a little rain, Santa Anna'a....what weather issues?

Originally Posted by SunWindow

Let’s hope the third generation has worked out many of these flaws.

Doubtful, most of these items are common to ANY NEW car, some are specific to Prius, and then seemingly your car may have some issues, but get on the Service Managers case and get them fixed. If you do not like their answer, go to another dealer!

Good Luck de Pat KK6PD

[snead_c]

Well said KK6PD.

[jayman]

Originally Posted by SunWindow

There is mold in the A/C system. I started noticing it at 2000 miles. I am told this issue is not covered under warranty by Southern California dealers and turns into a routine maintenance at $200 a service visit.

A search of this site will uncover numerous threads about this problem, which I have also experienced. Here is one such thread

http://priuschat.com/forums/care-mai...problem-5.html

In my case, I resorted to "borrowing" a very expensive fiber optic inspection scope from my client, drilling holes in the case, and directly applying NuCalgon EvapFresh and BioFresh.

Don't waste your money with the dealership if all they do is spritz lysol or something else. You must apply a EPA-registered HVAC agent DIRECTLY to the e-coil

Originally Posted by SunWindow

The hatch-back does not close unless slammed.

Yes, it needs a healthy slam to properly close. The rear gate on my FJ needs a gentle nudge

Originally Posted by SunWindow

the dealer advised to keep a window open because of the pressurized cabin.

I tried that in my heated garage, yes it does make the hatch easier to close. Not exactly reasonable to expect Prius owners to leave their windows down all the time

Originally Posted by SunWindow

The air system defaults to its own settings when not on AUTO. Every time I start the car, I have to reset all the air settings to my preference.

Very annoying. With my FJ, when you turn the control knob to blend or defrost, the A/C automatically engages, and the A/C button then has NO EFFECT. So I pull out of my heated garage into -40 weather, with the A/C. The compressor will continue to run until the system senses the bitter cold temp and locks out the compressor

I solved that problem on my FJ by pulling out the A/C clutch relay. When I pull out of the garage, the A/C light is blinking, which you can make go away by poking the A/C button. Or just ignore it like I do

Originally Posted by SunWindow

Don’t pay extra for the navigation system, it is worthless. When I test it on my regular route from work to home, it continually tells me to turn around and advises me to take a very indirect route.

I'd never pay for a factory nav unit, they are exotically expensive for what you get. You can get a top of the line Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, etc, far cheaper, which is usually free to update over the Internet from the manufacturer website

Originally Posted by SunWindow

There is some polymer in the venting system that continually covers the inside windshield with an opaque film that is very difficult to wipe clean.

Every new vehicle I have had since the early 1990's has had this problem. Don't use paper towels, most have additives that leave streaks or film. Use a freshly washed white bath towel, without the fabric softener or dryer sheet. Use Invisible Glass as a cleaner

I've had folks ride in my vehicles who are astonded at how clear my glass is. Bath towel + Invisible Glass = excellent results

Originally Posted by SunWindow

poor side and rear visibility

To be sure, the Corolla and Yaris offer better visibility

Originally Posted by SunWindow

unacceptably loud road noise

Yes, my FJ is quieter

Originally Posted by SunWindow

small wheel diameter that makes all weather driving harrowing.

The standard tires are pure crap, especially in winter driving. I run studded snow tires on my Prius, studless snow tires on my FJ, and have preordered Nokian factory studded tires for my FJ

[subarutoo]

None of those things have happened on my 06, in over 76,000 miles. You must have an unlucky car experience, or a unique set of driving conditions. I drive the car much like any other car I've ever had, just a lot more. I commute 90 miles a day, and maybe shorter trips cause more issues with the mold, etc. No visibility problems anywhere. I have no film on the windshield. It is the QUIETEST car I've ever owned, even with my new tires which are noiser than the OEMs, but ride and handle so much better, that I don't care. Really, how big a deal is it to adjust the A/C, if it isn't set where you want it? Geez. My hatch closes the first time, no problem, just a gentle pull down. Maybe you should have bought a GM car, then you could really whine.

[miscrms]

Uhmmm, ok.

I second subarutoo's motion that you sell your Prius and go out and buy a GM (although a Mopar car would work too). Then you'll have some frame of reference for what a crappy car is. Something like a Chevy Cobalt or Equinox, with their ~40% satisfaction ratings should do the trick. I guess the Prius isn't for everybody, its satisfaction rating is only 93%

Rob

[DaveinOlyWA]

sorry to hear you are so unhappy with your car. wait until summer when gas goes back up, you can probably get most if not all your money back. the 2010 Pri does have 7th gen Nav, so its supposed to be better. (i agree that its way overpriced).

the A/C mold is an A/C mold problem. sis had same issues as well with her Taurus and Civic and running straight air for a minute before shutdown actually does help a lot... personally i am a "4/60" guy... roll all 4 windows down and drive 60 mph (i dont have any hair so the wind does not bother me!!) as far as the lysol...have heard a lot of people recommend it, but have not really seem it be effective much.

the road noise is kinda loud and i remember one day when i had forgotten to charge my i pod is when i first noticed it....but the radio fixed it, so no "lasting" issues

the polymer issue was not present in my 04 but was in my 06... it actually fades away after a time and i only attempted to clean it one time about 1500 miles... it did mostly smeared so i stopped and left it. completely gone now. (actually if truth be told, the windshield is slanted so much, it was a pain to reach...either way, glad its gone now)

and about the hatchback... ya really can be inconvenient. the other day, its pouring rain, i have my son with me (he is only 20 months) and groceries... put son in car, its pouring rain. then opened hatch, but only about 2 feet or so, thinking i could turn around and grab groceries and toss them in real quick. so grabbed two bags and the DAMN hatch fell down and closed ON ITS OWN!! i was pissed, so i tried to open hatch while holding two bags of groceries and its pouring rain (we had some major floods in our area in case you wondering just how hard it was raining) what a pain!!

now why they dont have power hatch that opens with the fob, i dont know... but then again, that was not your issue was it? anyway...still wish it opened on its own

[Tideland Prius]

Well do you run the A/C often? If you do, do you park in a dry place or keep the vent open to let it dry?

In terms of the hatch, yes it takes some effort and no my spoiler's still intact (Even after my friend put a bit of weight on it).

With regards to the climate control system, you're not fully understanding it. No, seriously. Just because AUTO is off, doesn't mean it's fully manual. If you want it fully manual, you'll have to change the FAN setting and the MODE setting. That way, it won't default every time you start up. I'm guessing it's the MODE that resets and depending how you turned off the AUTO setting, the FAN may be in auto or manual mode.

As for the nav, yeah we've had some complaints on it. I don't have a factory nav so I can't comment on it but I can agree it's overpriced (nearly 4k back in 2005 for that option)