1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

how many years you have driven your prius car

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by house2013, Aug 8, 2014.

  1. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2009
    2,518
    1,790
    0
    Location:
    NEPA
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    Five years (just paid it off!), 70,000 miles.
    Had all recalls done.
    Performed all scheduled oil changes myself.
    No issues whatsoever.
     
  2. house2013

    house2013 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2014
    50
    3
    0
    Location:
    las vegas nv
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    high hopes for my car too.. to last that long
     
  3. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2003
    5,339
    917
    251
    Location:
    Surprise, AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Bought the 1st Gen 2002 in November 2001, traded in May 2009.
    Bought the 2nd Gen 2004 in October 2003 (Pioneer).
    Bought the 3rd Gen 2010 in May 2009 (1st delivered in AZ/Denver region).

    I still drive the 2010 with nearly 70k miles. My wife drives the 2004 with nearly 130,000 miles now (I put 115k of those on there). We traded the 2002 in for the 2010 at 55k miles.

    The 2002 was showing signs of battery aging at trade-in (7½ years old) and had some spoiler paint issues thanks to the AZ sun.

    The 2004 is also showing signs of battery age (almost 11 years old), and the rubber is cracking thanks to the AZ sun. There's also some engine top-end clatter due to age and the non-self-adjusting valve-train. Replaced the water pump at ~120k miles, and the CD changer around the same time due to a split eject gear (common problem on that unit). I've also resoldered a cold solder joint in the MFD. The tail lamps were replaced early on due to a melting problem. The rest is just maintenance.

    The 2010 has had some exterior trim replaced thanks to AZ sun, and is starting to show heat-related battery problems. The interior is also showing some wear due to sun (leather shrink?). The spoiler paint is fading/crazed due to the sun. Other than early-production TSBs/recalls, been generally reliable.
     
    john1701a likes this.
  4. Rookiez

    Rookiez New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2014
    26
    0
    0
    Location:
    Everett, WA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    It's just impossible to do that when you're parking in a downtown area, or when you're with your friends and park blocks away. I'd be called a freak for that :(
     
  5. pjm877

    pjm877 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2003
    340
    83
    0
    Location:
    austin, tx
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    i just got my Third Prii, I had a 2002, 2004 (Pioneer Package 3, ordered off the Internet), now a 2014 Prius 4 (solar/moon roof, JBL audio, HID, Nav [hdd], and lots of other goodies)

    I was set to get the 2010 marking Special from Toyota then I lost my job and and to turn it down. Not sure just how many PRII I caused to get bought by bragging about my baby... I know two more are looking at them now :)

    2004 128,000 and still had lots of break pads left... check each tire rotation. well back to more reading on the new options.

    On last trip... got around 47-50 mpg at 75 0n cruse... sweet and it ain't broke in yet :)
     
  6. Rsvlprius

    Rsvlprius Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2005
    13
    0
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Have a 2004 that I'm still driving 10 years later. I have 111,000 miles on it. No issues at all. Best car I have ever owned. I change the oil every 7500 miles.
     
  7. DadofHedgehog

    DadofHedgehog Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2012
    681
    281
    0
    Location:
    northern Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Bought a new 2003 Gen 1 as I retired from the Army and simultaneously our Berlin-bought 1990 BMW 318i blew up (well, the valve train blew up) with 199,700+ miles under its belt.

    Traded up to a Gen II in 2007 with 66K miles. Dealership made us a deal I couldn't refuse. We were (are) living in the supposed top US county for Prius trade-in value. Only major problem: the Gen I's ECU failed with something like 25 miles left on the warranty ;-) ha haa!

    Gen II got totaled while parked in July 2011 at just over 40K miles, hit by lightning that jumped from a huge oak tree. Blew off the right rear view mirror (inches from the tree bole) and no other visible damage - not even a fuse. Toyota had that car in the shop for two weeks and they established two facts: 1). nothing electrical worked, and 2). they could not diagnose any faults as the diagnostics needed some of the computers to work. After two weeks, insurance just totaled the car. Per insurance's pricing, the total electronics' replacement + labor was about equal to the car's book value. Good thing I was about to start a year-long mid-career Masters' program in downtown Wash DC, where I could commute by bicycle + subway and where its' too pricey for us mortals to park anyway. Other than the lightning strike and some intermittent GPS map reader malfunctions, never had any problems with that car.

    Bought a Gen III PiP Advanced in April 2012 as the Master's Program graduation was within sight. Joined PriusChat then. Have 45k+ miles on the car, multiple long interstate trips + daily commute. This Prius is the best of the three I've owned. I intend to drive it into the ground. Just had the 1st-ever problem with it: a Code P0AFC (separate thread).
     
  8. eightiesdude

    eightiesdude Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2014
    45
    8
    0
    Location:
    WPB Florida
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Have a 2011 Prius 2 with 72,000. Oil changes. Two cabin and air filters, Wipers blades changed once , recall done, 1 set of tires, battery fob, preventive transaxle fliud replaced at 67,000, retinted the window tints darker because of south Florida sun. Going to replace headlamp bulbs with Phillips 5000 k for the better white light and hid look. Car has been bulletproof so far and easily the best overall car I have ever owned.
     
  9. daveabitz

    daveabitz Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2014
    12
    1
    0
    Location:
    Rio, WI
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Starting our ninth year. 245k on 2006 & just starting with 2014 - 3. Getting 52 to 55 mpg.
     
  10. Munpot42

    Munpot42 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2012
    1,391
    543
    0
    Location:
    Santa Monica, Ca. 90405
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Bought a new 11 Prius in March of that year, sold it in December of 13 for an Avalon Hybrid. The only problem I had with the Prius was getting hit (more than once), I decided the car had bad Karma.
     
  11. BrianPB

    BrianPB Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2013
    114
    36
    0
    Location:
    Sylmar, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I purchased my 2010 pre-owned in August of 2012 with 62000 miles Im currently at 112600 miles. I have just done regular maintenance. Recently I became aware of an oil consumption issue, it burned 2 quarts of oil in 10000 miles.
     
  12. mongo1958

    mongo1958 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    19
    2
    0
    Location:
    Newnan GA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I purchased our (her) Prius last Monday. Can't help you much. I paid about the same price you did but I was at the dealer a long time test driving the C and then the Gen 3. My only worry is how long the primary battery will last. At about $2500 a pop, I'm a little concerned. On the other hand, I have read about Prius taxi cabs operating over 300k miles. The trouble with me is I live in the Southern Lower 48. Heat kills batteries. So does the cold and it was 8 Deg F here last winter. I know because I road my Harley to work that day. ;)
     
  13. DoubleDAZ

    DoubleDAZ Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2014
    1,209
    322
    0
    Location:
    Peoria AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I live in Phoenix and I'm not a bit worried about the primary battery. Heat will kill the 12v battery eventually, but that's no worse than any other car.
     
  14. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    11,627
    2,530
    8
    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    It is prudent to take simple preventive steps that keep the cabin from becoming a toaster. It is also more pleasant for you.
    1. Tint windows
    2. Leave the windows cracked for ventilation when parked
    3. Use a sun-shade towards the sun
    4. Avoid a full battery when parking the car
    5. Use the tonnneau cover
     
  15. DoubleDAZ

    DoubleDAZ Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2014
    1,209
    322
    0
    Location:
    Peoria AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Windows are tinted. I do use a sun-shade and try to park in the shade or facing away from the sun when I can. The car is garaged, so it's not out in the sun. I don't purposely try to fully charge the battery when parking, but I don't drive around just to discharge it either. I hadn't thought about the cover, but will do that from now on, even when there's nothing to cover. I could crack the windows when we pull into the garage, but I don't like leaving them cracked when we're out. Not just for security, it's pretty dusty around here.
     
    HTMLSpinnr likes this.
  16. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    11,627
    2,530
    8
    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    Sun shade for the front window ? That is what I have, so I park *facing* the sun.

    Annoying about the dust. I suppose you could try only cracking windows downwind.
    Avoiding a full battery when you park is important in hot weather, but it only affects a small number or car owners -- those who park at the bottom a large hill.
     
  17. DoubleDAZ

    DoubleDAZ Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2014
    1,209
    322
    0
    Location:
    Peoria AZ (Phoenix)
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I really don't park that long in the sun too often, but when I do and can't find the shade, I do park facing the sun with the sunshade. It never made any difference in the van because it is so large, but the Prius is probably going to be different because it's so much smaller. If we just run in though, I park away from the sun and don't bother with the sunshade. That's what I meant.

    When it comes to cracking the windows, I think I'd be better off buying one of these. If it ever becomes the God Box special, I just might. :)
     
  18. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    11,627
    2,530
    8
    Location:
    Southwest Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    That IS cool [sic]. I presume the air entering the car goes through the cabin filter.

    Anyway, you are right not to perseverate over the Prius in AZ, but I think it true that overall they have a shorter traction battery lifespan than cooler climates.
     
  19. cbo111

    cbo111 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2009
    15
    0
    0
    Location:
    Calif
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    4 years and 133k miles on a 2010 p2. Replaced both low beam headlamp bulbs (about $6 a bulb). On third set of tires. No issues at all. Great car for sure. I'm waiting to see what the mystery 2015 model will look like. I may move to the V.
     
  20. Roland1555

    Roland1555 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2010
    282
    68
    0
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Rick, did either of the other earlier models exhibit the hv/heat battery issue?
    thought you were going to get the issue checked at the dealer when they did an alignment, any report?

    Roland
     
    #60 Roland1555, Aug 22, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 23, 2014