2004-2009 Toyota Prius!

JoshuaNixon · 02-08-2009, 03:12 PM

Prius Enthusiasts,

I am about to embark on my first car purchase and have decided on a Toyota Prius. With a new car comes many questions... I am now trying to decide if I should purchase a new or used Prius. My first question; What is the difference (cosmetically) between a 2006 Prius and a 2009? If they're exactly the same, wouldn't it financially make sense to purchase a 2006? With that said, what is the difference (cosmetically) between a 2004 and 2006 Prius? I have also heard that Toyota only warrantees the Prius' hybrid drive for 150,000 miles. So it wouldn't make very much sense to get a Prius with 100,000 miles on it because it would be very expensive to replace the hybrid drive technology if something happened to it after the 150,000 miles, right? I have a Toyota Camry that has over 200,000 miles and it's still kicking and was wondering if a Prius would do the same. I sure hope all of that makes sense, why can't there be a 800 number to call and ask any and all questions about Toyota Prius'?

One more thing: Did they not make the magnetic dark gray for the 2004 and 2005 model years?

Thank you,
Josh

**efusco** · 02-08-2009, 03:22 PM

The cosmetic differences '04-'09 are minimal and subtle. Mostly trim/accent and really shouldn't be a determinant in your buying choice.

While there's some risk in buying a higher mileage car you can expect at least 180k miles out of a Prius...if not many more. IOW, if you can get a great deal on an '05 w/80k I'd be comfortable in taking that over an '08 with just 20k that isn't as good a bargain. The battery is designed to last the life of the vehicle.

The warranty in all but California emissons states is 8yr/100k miles on the hybrid components.

There were multiple color changes made, mag gray is newer and wasn't available in the '04/5.

**Tideland Prius** · 02-08-2009, 03:54 PM

None. 2006 was when the Prius received its midlife update. It would make financial sense to purchase and 04 or 05 too. You'd just lose a backup camera and factory leather option (among other minor things). But yeah I agree a 2006 model is a good year to start.

The hybrid warranty is up to 100,000 miles. It's 150,000 miles only in States that adopt the CA standard. I wouldn't be too worried. Taxis do 70-100,000 miles a year and the oldest one is a 2001. If they can survive the rigours of being a taxi, they'll survive your private ownership.

hybridexperience.com - Reliability

Here's a copy of a 2001 Prius taxi maintenance records
http://hybridexperience.com/documents/scan.pdf

Oh and the following colours were discontinued in 2006

- Tideland Pearl
- Millennium Silver Metallic
- Salsa Red Pearl

The following were added in 2006
- Magnetic Grey Pearl
- Silver Pine Mica
- Classic Silver Metallic
- Barcelona Red

Spectra Blue Mica was added in 2008.

See the Knowledge Base forum for information on the different years.

patsparks · 02-08-2009, 05:59 PM

Most economical option is to buy a 1976 corolla.

JoshuaNixon · 02-08-2009, 09:05 PM

Thank you guys for your responses! It's defiantly helping me in my search for *the* Prius!

Doc Willie · 02-09-2009, 06:36 AM

There were a couple bugs in the 2004 Prius, that were fixed midyear 2005. Personally, I would buy late 2005 or newer.

Patrick Wong · 02-09-2009, 08:09 AM

The 2004 bugs have to do with firmware updates to the engine and hybrid vehicle ECUs, which were made available via "recall" notices.

The multifunction display is known for being unreliable and can be quite costly to replace. Fortunately mine was replaced under warranty. MFD problems are most likely to effect 2004-2005, but owners of later model years have occasionally reported similar issues.

**Tideland Prius** · 02-09-2009, 07:23 PM

The 2004 only had one extra TSB. The 05s were also subjected to the ECU and steering wheel recall.

patsparks · 02-09-2009, 08:35 PM

The MFD can be repaired for only $25 plus labour to dismantle and assemble.

02-08-2009, 03:12 PM	#1
JoshuaNixon Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 2 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	2004-2009 Toyota Prius! Prius Enthusiasts, I am about to embark on my first car purchase and have decided on a Toyota Prius. With a new car comes many questions... I am now trying to decide if I should purchase a new or used Prius. My first question; What is the difference (cosmetically) between a 2006 Prius and a 2009? If they're exactly the same, wouldn't it financially make sense to purchase a 2006? With that said, what is the difference (cosmetically) between a 2004 and 2006 Prius? I have also heard that Toyota only warrantees the Prius' hybrid drive for 150,000 miles. So it wouldn't make very much sense to get a Prius with 100,000 miles on it because it would be very expensive to replace the hybrid drive technology if something happened to it after the 150,000 miles, right? I have a Toyota Camry that has over 200,000 miles and it's still kicking and was wondering if a Prius would do the same. I sure hope all of that makes sense, why can't there be a 800 number to call and ask any and all questions about Toyota Prius'? One more thing: Did they not make the magnetic dark gray for the 2004 and 2005 model years? Thank you, Josh

02-08-2009, 03:22 PM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,231 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 49 Thanked 249 Times in 148 Posts Friends: 37	Re: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius! The cosmetic differences '04-'09 are minimal and subtle. Mostly trim/accent and really shouldn't be a determinant in your buying choice. While there's some risk in buying a higher mileage car you can expect at least 180k miles out of a Prius...if not many more. IOW, if you can get a great deal on an '05 w/80k I'd be comfortable in taking that over an '08 with just 20k that isn't as good a bargain. The battery is designed to last the life of the vehicle. The warranty in all but California emissons states is 8yr/100k miles on the hybrid components. There were multiple color changes made, mag gray is newer and wasn't available in the '04/5. __________________ Evan E. Fusco, MD "It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word." -Andrew Jackson

02-08-2009, 03:54 PM	#3
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 19,631 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 229 Thanked 345 Times in 244 Posts Friends: 23	Re: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius! None. 2006 was when the Prius received its midlife update. It would make financial sense to purchase and 04 or 05 too. You'd just lose a backup camera and factory leather option (among other minor things). But yeah I agree a 2006 model is a good year to start. The hybrid warranty is up to 100,000 miles. It's 150,000 miles only in States that adopt the CA standard. I wouldn't be too worried. Taxis do 70-100,000 miles a year and the oldest one is a 2001. If they can survive the rigours of being a taxi, they'll survive your private ownership. hybridexperience.com - Reliability Here's a copy of a 2001 Prius taxi maintenance records http://hybridexperience.com/documents/scan.pdf Oh and the following colours were discontinued in 2006 - Tideland Pearl - Millennium Silver Metallic - Salsa Red Pearl The following were added in 2006 - Magnetic Grey Pearl - Silver Pine Mica - Classic Silver Metallic - Barcelona Red Spectra Blue Mica was added in 2008. See the Knowledge Base forum for information on the different years. __________________ 2005 Tideland Pearl Premium Package 25/10/04 VVT-i Emblem, Sport Pedals, All-Weather Mats, Cargo Mat, EV Mod, JDM Prius Footwell Lighting, DICE iPod Kit 2008 Deep Black smart fortwo passion coupé - sold (6.1L/100km) 2010 Blue Ribbon Metallic Technology Package 29/08/09 All-Weather Mats, Homemade Console Pads, LED lighting "Ask an Expert" on Facebook I am not employed by Toyota, and the opinions expressed by me as a Prius Expert are not those of Toyota. Last edited by Tideland Prius; 02-08-2009 at 03:56 PM.

02-08-2009, 05:59 PM	#4
patsparks An Aussie perspective Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Adelaide South Australia Posts: 9,229 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: Base Thanks: 124 Thanked 182 Times in 140 Posts Friends: 33	Re: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius! Most economical option is to buy a 1976 corolla.

02-08-2009, 09:05 PM	#5
JoshuaNixon Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 2 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius! Thank you guys for your responses! It's defiantly helping me in my search for the Prius!

02-09-2009, 06:36 AM	#6
Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out there, somewhere Posts: 1,473 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 26 Times in 18 Posts Friends: 11	Re: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius! There were a couple bugs in the 2004 Prius, that were fixed midyear 2005. Personally, I would buy late 2005 or newer.

02-09-2009, 08:09 AM	#7
Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Green Valley, AZ Posts: 4,052 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #9 Thanks: 21 Thanked 212 Times in 183 Posts Friends: 44	Re: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius! The 2004 bugs have to do with firmware updates to the engine and hybrid vehicle ECUs, which were made available via "recall" notices. The multifunction display is known for being unreliable and can be quite costly to replace. Fortunately mine was replaced under warranty. MFD problems are most likely to effect 2004-2005, but owners of later model years have occasionally reported similar issues.

02-09-2009, 07:23 PM	#8
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 19,631 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 229 Thanked 345 Times in 244 Posts Friends: 23	Re: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius! The 2004 only had one extra TSB. The 05s were also subjected to the ECU and steering wheel recall.

02-09-2009, 08:35 PM	#9
patsparks An Aussie perspective Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Adelaide South Australia Posts: 9,229 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: Base Thanks: 124 Thanked 182 Times in 140 Posts Friends: 33	Re: 2004-2009 Toyota Prius! The MFD can be repaired for only $25 plus labour to dismantle and assemble.

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