Looking to buy 06-07

Welcome, Steve-0.

"Any specific issues with the prius? i have heard a few things about the engines that can stop and not restart when stopping at lights etc.

My apologies if this post is something that happens often but im just trying to get some research from people that seem to know exactly what they are talking about."

I have never heard of an engine (ICE) not firing up when needed. It will cycle on & off as needed. Sounds like you are listening to non-owners who don't know what they are talking about. Lots of dire warnings & FUD floating around.

Happy hunting.

 

That sites amazingly detailed review of the Prius II states the just two points.

So I then proceeded to read all 29 of the linked user reviews and there is NOT ONE MENTION OF " Some engines have been reported to stop and then not start again". NOT one! What a stupid waste of time that was! Please have some real evidence before wasting peoples time with BS like this Steve.

See : http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/used/toyota/prius-hatchback/summary/25312-5

 

I've never heard of the Prius stopping and not starting up again. I'd say go take a test drive - once you've driven a Prius you'll be smitten. I use mine as a taxi just up the road from you in Harrogate and there is so much b** s*** out there about what a Prius can and can't do, how it uses my co2 to make it than a Jeep etc etc etc.

I'll tell you this for free. I do about 35k miles a year, mostly around town in stop start traffic and I get about 45-50 mpg. On a run at 60mph I get about 60 mpg and if I really try I have had it upto 70 mpg at 60 mph on a motorway. Previously I had a Peugeot 406 as a taxi. It was the 90bhp 2.0 diesel and was the eco version and I only managed 28-32 mpg in town. The savings between that and the Prius are working at about £3000 per year. Now that is working out at a saving of just short of £300 per month. Pretty much what the car costs me! So I am getting a brand new car almost for free!!! Some of my taxi driver colleagues thought I was crazy getting a Prius - until I tell them that.

If you are going to get a Prius I would seriously recommend you buy from a main dealer. I know you pay more but they will have checked it over, oh and make sure there is still some warranty. From reading these forums, the Prius rarely goes wrong but you really don't want to buy a duff one or an ex cab that's had its mileage wound back etc. I use Vantage Toyota in Knaresborough and have found them fantastic. I'm not sure if they have any 2006's in stock but have a word and I'm sure they'll look out for you or let you know if a trade in comes in.

Regarding driving the Prius, it's a joy and I spend 10 hours a day behind the wheel. The seats are really comfortable as my customers keep telling me, the auto is smooth and the steering is light. I can only talk about the latest shape which has a bigger 1.8 engine but the older Prius isn't much behind. However, neither of them are sports cars! I would describe the handling as comfort/American rather than sporty/Mondeo. It is sure footed but don't expect to chuck it into bends on a winding back road.

Go get a test drive booked and keep us updated. If you need to know more or want a UK perspective on things don't hesitate to drop me a line.

 

Just had a look on the main Toyota website. Is Gordon Lamb Chesterfield too far to travel? They have a 2005 Prius just under £7k, in black with 48k miles.

Might be worth a drive down the M1 to investigate? Don't forget some ID and both parts of your driving licence though if you want to test it out.

 

Hey no need to apologise Steve. I just got kind of annoyed reading all 29 of those reviews and then not finding even one user complaining of the problem. I cant really figure out where that "some engines have been reported to stop and then not start again" actually came from in the first place. I don't seem to be able to find any credible source.

Anyway it doesn't happen. There are so many Prius owners on this site that just about any thing that can possibly happen to a prius has been reported here, and "engine stop and then not start again" is not of them (I meant short of some type of complete engine or transmission failure).

 

This really is not a current problem. However there's some truth to the concern.

SSC 50P was applicable to 2004 and early 2005 Prius. Following is a description of the problem. The solution was to reprogram the engine ECU.

"On the involved vehicles, an issue with the program logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) system may cause some or all of the following warning lights to illuminate: Master, Hybrid System, Engine, Vehicle Stability Control, and Brake. If this occurs, the vehicle will enter a “fail-safe†mode which allows limited operation via the electric motor. However, the electrically-powered brake and steering operation will continue to function normally if this condition occurs. The electric motor will also provide enough power to allow the driver to pull the vehicle over and away from traffic. Once the vehicle is stopped, the driver may be able to restart the gasoline engine in the vehicle by pushing the start button."​

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A good site that offers a mine of information on the Prius? Yes, this one. There are all sorts of knowledgeable people on here. If you have a query, check out the search feature on here or post a new thread.

One word of warning - just be aware the Americans have their steering wheel on the wrong side!!