Common high-mileage issues?

I recently purchased a 2005 Prius package #6 w/210207 mi. The body, interior, mechanics are in excellent condition. I have had people who are not familiar with the Prius ask if it is new.

I'm the third owner and both previous owners had maintenance performed religiously. Toyota's service records show the oil changed every 7500 mi. on average.

@132141 the plugs were changed
@161185 the throttle was cleaned and ICE tuned up
@208420 the water pumps were replaced, the pedal mod performed, drive belts replaced, CVT fluid changed, rear brakes "cleaned" and adjusted.
@210207 the ODO stopped and the CM panel was replaced under Toyota's CM extended warranty

I cannot comment on oil usage yet, but am watching the level.

So far I have driven the car about 400 mi and am seeing 44mpg average.

 

Several of us have had rear wheel bearing failure at less than 100K miles. The entire hub assembly must be replaced. The assembly is between $200 and $250 on line if you want to put it in yourself. Cost for part and labor from my local dealer was about $365.

 

I think you may have been misinformed Craig. Gen3 has no fuel bladder; the gen2 did have one and it could be a pain.

 

That's what I was trying to say: "It is my understanding that no Generation III Prius has a fuel bladder."

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I thought that was rear wheel bearing noise I was hearing. I'll have to put it on the rack and investigate before it leaves me setting.

 

I misread your post, sorry about that.

 

Great thread! We just passed 70k miles in slightly under 3 years and my wife intends to drive it into the ground. We live in a cool climate and drive what amounts to mostly the EPA "highway" cycle because we have very few lights or stop and go traffic here. Car is run every day and commutes 5 days a week about 30 miles round trip. I've also taken it to NC and back and regular trips to Maine and other points within 3 or 4 hours.

Starting next year we won't be piling nearly that kind of mileage on it as my son will be going to school down the road and my wife will take the bus most days (as she did this summer when she wasn't also making the school run). I figure we'll hit 100k miles in less than 5 years, then probably take another 5 years to hit 130k

I've done every service at the dealership and have had no issues with the car (other than the cold start manifold rattle TSB).

What I'm hoping is that my kind of usage will result in a good long life for the car. If the battery goes out of warranty then I would probably be more inclined to replace the car with a newer version (preferably a v) or even look at full EV options as that market matures.

I haven't heard ANY horror stories with used batterys or the non-Toyota alternative sources. If that were a choice I was making, I'd absolutely go with the cheaper options.

 

no problem!

 

I kept my 2004 because the dealer was going to give me practically nothing for it on a trade. I have ~210,000 miles on it. I left it down in Florida for a few months (I'm back in NY). If it needs a battery I would only consider a salvage battery. There is no way I'm paying full price at a Toyota dealer!!


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Mellors Auto in West Melbourne is a capable, independent hybrid repair facility. Contact them to see what they would charge to install a salvaged or rebuilt HV battery in your 2004 Prius.

JeffD

 

Duly noted!! Bring a native New Yorker and a Floridian second, I thought you meant Australia!!
I have added that facility to my contacts. Thanks!!


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Actually incorrect to a degree.
The Prius DOES utilize a "clutch" between the engine and MG 1.
To see how this hybrid drive system works, please watch the video.

 

But in the average life of the car it never slips, only n the event of a sudden lock up of either the engine or HSD. There is no mechanism to release the clutch, ever.

 

Thanks, I have seen that video before. As mentioned by Palmer, the clutch is there for the extreme events, and should not operate in normal circumstances.
Alex

 

I stand corrected and apologize.....I really should have researched the inner workings more.

 

You were right that it is in the design, I just wanted to clarify that it is never used routinely.