Looking to buy a 2008 Prius early next year.

LiquidDonut · 11-27-2007, 02:46 PM

I am looking into buying a new car early next year and am considering the Scion xD, Toyota Matrix, or Toyota Prius. I know, it looks like a no brainer but I have been reading up on them and was wondering how common do you have problems with your Prius. I see they are rated highly for reliability but then I read about TC causing stalling issues and etc. Just wondering how many problems you actually have as opposed to a normal car. Also I will probably be trading it in in 2 -3 years for a newer one because my dad works for Toyota North America so I get the cars at cost, so that makes me feel a little easier seeing as I will be around the 36 mo. warranty. Any input is appreciated.

**Tideland Prius** · 11-27-2007, 03:02 PM

Most of the issues were for the 2004 model. I've yet to hear anything for 2007 or 2008 models.

The new 09 Matrix looks pretty good actually but if you can get the Prius for cost, I'd say go for it.

Aside from the ECU update and steering wheel recall (mine's an 05), it's been mechanically sound. Like I said, you'll be getting the polished product after we've sorted out the bugs and Toyota fixed them.

<homer> mmmmm liquid doughnut! haha

oh and welcome to PriusChat!

HeyKB · 11-27-2007, 03:17 PM

Yeah, pretty much a no-brainer. Get the Prius.

You'll have no trouble selling it in 2-3 years, either. They're holding their value nicely.

I have an '05 and have had zero issues with it.

David Beale · 11-27-2007, 03:20 PM

Toyota's are good reliability wise. Prius is rated best family sedan for reliability.

Just remember, if one person has something go wrong, they well probably eventually post about it here. If 99,999 people have no problems only about 5 will post here.

LiquidDonut · 11-27-2007, 03:30 PM

Thanks for all the replies, I figured the problems weren't as common as you read. A guy I work with still has his 01 and he hasn't had a single problem. Does routine maintenance cost any extra or is it basically the same as a regular car? Also, how would I go about getting the shark fin antenna installed? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be well informed when I make my decision.

subarutoo · 11-27-2007, 03:48 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LiquidDonut @ Nov 27 2007, 12:30 PM) [snapback]544838[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Thanks for all the replies, I figured the problems weren't as common as you read. A guy I work with still has his 01 and he hasn't had a single problem. Does routine maintenance cost any extra or is it basically the same as a regular car? Also, how would I go about getting the shark fin antenna installed? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be well informed when I make my decision.
[/b]

The shark fin is a no-brainer. Unscrew the whip antenna, clean the surrounding roof area with alcohol to remove the wax. The wire inside the shark fin screws to the antenna base, and you peel and stick the adhesive sticky side down. Just gently set it on the car and check for straightness, and push it down, and hold for a minute or so under pressure to set the adhesive. Re-wax the area you stripped wax from.

If you live in a fringe area, attach the antenna wire and temporarily attach the fin with masking tape and take a drive to check reception on marginal stations. I love mine, and think it performs better than stock, and certainly better than my Subarus which have stock whip antennas. The fin comes with complete instructions, but really, its no big deal. BTW, my 06 is turning 48,000 miles, no issues, and almost 52 mpgs average, 99% freeway. Still have lots of tread on the OEM tires too. Great car. Go for it!

daniel · 11-27-2007, 06:58 PM

Welcome to PriusChat, Liquid.

The TC does not cause stalling. What it does is reduce power and selectively brake a spinning wheel. Some folks find this annoying, and some have complained that it leaves them unable to move. My own experience with TC is that on ice, it gets me moving faster than just about any other car other than a 4WD or a car with studded tires. But with winter tires and/or studs nothing will perform better than a Prius.

As for issues with the car:

I drive a very early 2004 (I took delivery in January of that year). There were a couple of recalls to re-program the ECU and there was a TSB to replace the fuel filler pipe. But all that was fixed on later models. Other than that, the only problem I've had was the plastic cruise-control stalk cracked and broke, and was replaced under warranty.

I would not hesitate to say that Honda and Toyota are the most reliable cars you can buy, and that the Prius is the best-designed gasoline-burning car that's ever been put on the market.

I recommend the Prius wholeheartedly. The only thing I hate about it is that it still burns gas. I much prefer driving my Xebra when I can, and I wish Toyota or Honda would sell a car that does what the Volt is supposed to do but probably never will. I.e. 40 miles on electric before the gas engine starts. 60 miles would be ideal.

paprius4030 · 11-27-2007, 07:05 PM

Liquid Donut...A Prius At COST!! Are you kidding??? Remember me I'm your long lost cousin.

**Tideland Prius** · 11-27-2007, 07:27 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(LiquidDonut @ Nov 27 2007, 12:30 PM) [snapback]544838[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Thanks for all the replies, I figured the problems weren't as common as you read. A guy I work with still has his 01 and he hasn't had a single problem. Does routine maintenance cost any extra or is it basically the same as a regular car? Also, how would I go about getting the shark fin antenna installed? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be well informed when I make my decision.
[/b]

Routine maintenance is the same (both interval and cost) as any other 2WD Toyota car. 6 months / 5,000 miles.

haiku88 · 11-27-2007, 08:10 PM

I bought a 2008 about a month ago and love it...except for the seats, they don't have enough adjustment to make them comfortable, this is a common complaint. Am going to fix this (found all the required info here) but it will be a major PITA. Hopefully the seats will be OK as is for you as they are for many. Also, FWIW the Mazda 3 hatchback is worth a look, a very nice car that I nearly bought before deciding on the Prius, and ergonomically much better...the seat has a height adjustment and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes.

11-27-2007, 03:02 PM	#2
Tideland Prius Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 13,900 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 11	Most of the issues were for the 2004 model. I've yet to hear anything for 2007 or 2008 models. The new 09 Matrix looks pretty good actually but if you can get the Prius for cost, I'd say go for it. Aside from the ECU update and steering wheel recall (mine's an 05), it's been mechanically sound. Like I said, you'll be getting the polished product after we've sorted out the bugs and Toyota fixed them. <homer> mmmmm liquid doughnut! haha oh and welcome to PriusChat! __________________ 2005 Tideland Pearl Premium Package as of 25th Oct 2004 VVT-i Emblem, Sport Pedals, OEM All-Weather Mats, Cargo Mat, EV Mod, JDM Prius Interior Footwell Lighting, DICE iPod Integration Kit, LED licence plate lights, Phillips Vision Plus 2008 smart fortwo passion coupé as of 28th Apr 2008 Foglights, dash pods, leather seats, OEM rubber mats, BRABUS alum. handbrake, LED licence plate lights & dome lamp

11-27-2007, 06:58 PM	#7
daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 9,147 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Welcome to PriusChat, Liquid. The TC does not cause stalling. What it does is reduce power and selectively brake a spinning wheel. Some folks find this annoying, and some have complained that it leaves them unable to move. My own experience with TC is that on ice, it gets me moving faster than just about any other car other than a 4WD or a car with studded tires. But with winter tires and/or studs nothing will perform better than a Prius. As for issues with the car: I drive a very early 2004 (I took delivery in January of that year). There were a couple of recalls to re-program the ECU and there was a TSB to replace the fuel filler pipe. But all that was fixed on later models. Other than that, the only problem I've had was the plastic cruise-control stalk cracked and broke, and was replaced under warranty. I would not hesitate to say that Honda and Toyota are the most reliable cars you can buy, and that the Prius is the best-designed gasoline-burning car that's ever been put on the market. I recommend the Prius wholeheartedly. The only thing I hate about it is that it still burns gas. I much prefer driving my Xebra when I can, and I wish Toyota or Honda would sell a car that does what the Volt is supposed to do but probably never will. I.e. 40 miles on electric before the gas engine starts. 60 miles would be ideal. __________________ Daniel ---------------------- Primary car: Zap Xebra SD: 100% electric car. 1.9 cents per mile, using electrons generated from water power. (The Prius is my gas guzzler, used when I have to travel farther than 35 miles in a day.) "If voting changed anything, they'd make it illegal." -- Emma Goldman "Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think long and hard before starting a war." -- Otto von Bismarck

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11-27-2007, 02:46 PM	#1
LiquidDonut Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 15 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I am looking into buying a new car early next year and am considering the Scion xD, Toyota Matrix, or Toyota Prius. I know, it looks like a no brainer but I have been reading up on them and was wondering how common do you have problems with your Prius. I see they are rated highly for reliability but then I read about TC causing stalling issues and etc. Just wondering how many problems you actually have as opposed to a normal car. Also I will probably be trading it in in 2 -3 years for a newer one because my dad works for Toyota North America so I get the cars at cost, so that makes me feel a little easier seeing as I will be around the 36 mo. warranty. Any input is appreciated.

11-27-2007, 03:17 PM	#3
HeyKB Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 88 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Yeah, pretty much a no-brainer. Get the Prius. You'll have no trouble selling it in 2-3 years, either. They're holding their value nicely. I have an '05 and have had zero issues with it.

11-27-2007, 03:20 PM	#4
David Beale Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,551 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Toyota's are good reliability wise. Prius is rated best family sedan for reliability. Just remember, if one person has something go wrong, they well probably eventually post about it here. If 99,999 people have no problems only about 5 will post here.

11-27-2007, 03:30 PM	#5
LiquidDonut Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 15 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Thanks for all the replies, I figured the problems weren't as common as you read. A guy I work with still has his 01 and he hasn't had a single problem. Does routine maintenance cost any extra or is it basically the same as a regular car? Also, how would I go about getting the shark fin antenna installed? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be well informed when I make my decision.

11-27-2007, 07:05 PM	#8
paprius4030 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pocono's, Pa. Posts: 1,046 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	Liquid Donut...A Prius At COST!! Are you kidding??? Remember me I'm your long lost cousin.

11-27-2007, 08:10 PM	#10
haiku88 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sonoma, CA Posts: 9 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I bought a 2008 about a month ago and love it...except for the seats, they don't have enough adjustment to make them comfortable, this is a common complaint. Am going to fix this (found all the required info here) but it will be a major PITA. Hopefully the seats will be OK as is for you as they are for many. Also, FWIW the Mazda 3 hatchback is worth a look, a very nice car that I nearly bought before deciding on the Prius, and ergonomically much better...the seat has a height adjustment and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes.