Please help with issues on a 2001

[2001 Prius]

I bought the car with 60k. I did not change the inverter system coolant while I owned the car.The dealer's comment was, "it's not like the inverter is gunked up inside with sludge, it's like the lines are caved in and have lessened the flow" They were not able to blow out any junk, he said.

I certainly see your point though and it's a good one - things not maintained, don't last. But where were you with this thinking before? I would have been far more impressed if the first time you posted above you made the comment, "Have you changed the coolant as recommended? Because if you haven't I wouldn't bet that the inverter is problem free"

Water under the bridge now. Live and learn.

I have a good piece of advice for all Prius owners, keep an eye on the functioning of the inverter coolant pump, and change the inverter coolant regularly. The inverter is a part you do not want to have fail.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by 2001 Prius

...So far I have learned that when I was an early adopter and bought the hybrid, it felt really good. I liked the car. I liked the mileage. I felt pretty smug...First problems occured when we changed out the hybrid battery when it failed at 99K. I made the warranty by the skin of my teeth. I thought I was good to go for another 99K.

Now that I am dealing with this, the smug feeling is long gone and I am feeling sore. I feel I got burned by choosing a hyrid. The expensive electrical parts that can fail on these cars seems to be a big liability once the warranty runs out.

Originally Posted by 2001 Prius

I bought the car with 60k. I did not change the inverter system coolant while I owned the car...I certainly see your point though and it's a good one - things not maintained, don't last. But where were you with this thinking before? I would have been far more impressed if the first time you posted above you made the comment, "Have you changed the coolant as recommended? Because if you haven't I wouldn't bet that the inverter is problem free" ...

I'm careful not to suggest that an owner hasn't performed required maintenance until s/he provides information which presents that possibility, as some people might become defensive (i.e., "Do you think I'm stupid, of course I had all required maintenance performed...")

It is certainly possible for the inverter pump to fail even if the coolant had been replaced on schedule. However, knowing that the coolant had not been replaced, there's some likelihood that the narrow aluminum cooling channels within the inverter have become clogged with oxidation.

Once you take the car on a long drive in warm weather, you can see whether in fact the inverter is still working OK or not.

Your first quote above says that you feel burned by buying a hybrid. Well - if the required maintenance was not performed, I'm not sure why you would feel "burned". The only other hybrid problem that you had was a failed traction battery, replaced under warranty, and this is becoming increasingly common as the Classic fleet ages. (My 2001 battery was also replaced under warranty at ~60K miles.)

Nevertheless, you are 100% correct in saying that once the warranty is done, if you have a significant failure and have to depend upon dealer service to install new parts, that poses a big financial liability - a 4-digit repair bill or more. A Prius owner who is not a DIYer and is out of warranty should not be smug. Rather the owner should be nervous and worried.

[bwilson4web]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

. . . A Prius owner who is not a DIYer and is out of warranty should not be smug. Rather the owner should be nervous and worried.

In fact, looking at the significant improvements in the NHW20 (2004-09) model over the NHW11 (2001-03), this would be a good time to 'upgrade.' The NHW20 has:

• lower rolling resistance transmission
• improved traction battery ... major improvements
• excellent interior space

In our case, we took a great opportunity and went with the 2010 knowing we would also see the earliest problems but the technology is such a step forward, the risks are well within our comfort zone.

ADVANTAGES

1. gear-only, low rolling resistance transaxle
2. advanced 1.8L engine with improved oil handling
3. sophisticated heat management and cooled EGR
4. elimination of engine driven accessories
5. high-speed EV (found during fuel exhaustion tests)

RISKS

1. MPG display is off by 5%
2. final fuel exhaustion does not alert the driver the last time

I have no doubt that we'll learn about other, latent defects but the strengths so out-weigh the problems that it has turned out to be a good solution. But at ~$22-30k, it is a non-trivial expense.

GOOD LUCK!

Bob Wilson

[2001 Prius]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

A Prius owner who is not a DIYer and is out of warranty should not be smug. Rather the owner should be nervous and worried.

I think you are right on.