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New to Hybrids, Just got a 2010 Prius III

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Kevine64, Aug 9, 2013.

  1. Kevine64

    Kevine64 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2013
    87
    11
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hello all, I am not new to cars just new to hybrids and Toyota. I picked up a Prius III for a good price. Certified Toyota but we all know that dont mean much. It had 2 accidents on record but air bags did not deploy and I have the 1 year bumper to bumper warranty for being certified so I think Im safe. Only paid 15k for it with nav with about 60k miles. Didnt get a great deal but a good one I feel.

    I hear these cars can last 200-300k miles when taken care of. Much truth to this? I know the battery packs last and even when they do go out out of warranty they can be found in junk yards for $500 or so.

    Anything I should be looking for while still under warranty? Any general tips or links to good reads for newbs?

    Is prem fuel recommended at all in these cars?

    I LOVE the car so far. Thinking I might get another one when the time comes for a another car. I hate oil companies with a passion and this is my small way giving them a big F U also lol, all while in a nice car that I really like.
     
    #1 Kevine64, Aug 9, 2013
  2. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2012
    3,779
    1,282
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Congrats in the car. 87 octane is all you need. I would change the transaxle fluid although not in the maintenance schedule
     
    #2 JMD, Aug 9, 2013
  3. Delta Flyer II

    Delta Flyer II Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2013
    547
    248
    69
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Congrats on the purchase! Welcome....

    I use to run Premium Fuel and then the Shop Foreman at my Toyota dealer told me I would get better mileage and the car would run better with 87. He explained all the engineering and tech behind it, I didn't understand it all, but I've switched... Seems to be no problem...
     
    #3 Delta Flyer II, Aug 9, 2013
  4. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2013
    773
    228
    0
    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    This video will help you stick it to the oil companies even more.
     
    #4 vskid3, Aug 9, 2013
    bigrin likes this.
  5. Kevine64

    Kevine64 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2013
    87
    11
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Good vid. Question on EV mode. If I engage it will it automatically go back to ECO once the battery is too low?

    Does it put more wear on the batteries?

    What situations would I use EV mode?
     
    #5 Kevine64, Aug 9, 2013
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    109,008
    49,535
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome! yes, it will switch back if batteries are low and also if you need more power or go over a certain speed. it actually stays in eco mode, but switches the engine on. it takes more gas to recharge the batteries, so you're better off not using it except when you want to cruze a parking lot in stealth, move your car around your driveway or something like that. all the best!(y)
     
    #6 bisco, Aug 9, 2013
  7. bigrin

    bigrin Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2011
    59
    7
    0
    Location:
    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Great Video, Thanks.
     
    #7 bigrin, Aug 28, 2013
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