Prius Repairs When on Road Trip?

[rullman]

I am considering purchasing the 2009 Prius but am concerned about getting stuck in the middle of nowhere when on a roadtrip. If I breakdown and have to be towed to a non-Toyota dealer, will the mechanic be able to repair or have experience in repairing this type of vehicle or am I a slave to the Toyota repair centers?
If I buy a Honda Fit, then at least I know a mechanic should have sufficient training to fix a normal vehicle. Let's face it, the Prius is not considered a run of the mill automobile and many repair shops do not have the necessary training to fix the car without an authorized Toyota mechanic onsite.
Do I have a valid concern?

Thanks

[qbee42]

You have a valid concern. The only Prius mechanics will be at a Toyota dealership, unless you are talking about simple problems. On the other hand, the odds of having a breakdown are much lower than most cars, as the Prius is very reliable. I suppose it all comes down to where you plan to drive.

Tom

[rfruth]

You have a valid concern but the Fit is kinda in the same boat so with either be prepared to do stuff your self (change a flat, check fluid levels, listen for odd noises etc) much more than that your gonna need a pro (which most gas station mechanics aren't)

[Rest]

What type of breakdowns do think will happen? Your concern would only be for the hybrid portion of the vehicle, everything else is just like a normal vehicle. I am not sure what you think would happen.

I owned a Honda Insight Hybrid for 5 years and drove it from the West Coast to the East Coast and back with not one problem. I have owned my Pruis for almost 2 years and haven't had any breakdowns.

The Hybrid systems are pretty fool proof. You are more likely to run out of fuel or have a tire blow out than any issues related to the Hybrid system while on a roadtrip.

[hiremichaelreid]

Under warranty, IMO you want warranty work to be done by a Toyota dealer. If there are none within 100 miles of where you live, I'd suggest to not buy a Toyota.

Where are you travelling to that there are no Toyota dealers within towing distance ?

Anyway Toyota has roadside assistance for 3 years I think. Check to see if they will cover you where you are going. If it's Continental US, I'd think you are OK.