I bought a 2009 Prius with 230,000 Miles.

Really cheezy looking wheel covers on those snows, Simba. I'd 86 them before heading out

 

Maybe he's not interested in picking up fat chicks.

 

No rust seen while up on the rack is great. Good job on scoring the snow tires, too!

On the Driver's door lock, the same thing happened with my wife's '07. Check to see if the power lock works at all by using the switch in the arm rest. If that doesn't work, the power lock can be replaced. It's finicky to get the new one in, but I managed it.

And FWIW, I've seen way worse wheel covers.

 

Forget the tape. Will just gum things up. There's always lights on the dash anyway, for this-n-that.

 

It's probably not the switch. That would be too easy. It's most likely the motor, which is a bit of a pain, as I said. Too bad we're not closer to each other. It's easier to demonstrate than explain.

 

Sure looks clean!! Have fun.

 

If you click on my (or anyone's) Fuelly signature(s) and scroll down the page, you'll see a list of all the fill-ups for that car, MPG for each fill-up, gas used, and how many miles were driven. That will give you some idea of how other similar cars are doing for comparison. Also, keep in mind there will likely be less miles per tank in the winter, due to the contraction of the fuel bladder.

 

It's worth under half what he's asking. Likely a flipper. Check name on title

 

Congratulations on your purchase of the 2009. My Silver 2008 looks almost the same (but has a pin stripe down the sides) and is also still immaculate inside and out. Had Michelins put on when it was new and always run full synthetic oil. Gets about 47 mpg overall but we are down south. I like the radio and interior trim quality a little better than my 2012 v. The v probably rides smoother on the freeway but that's the biggest everyday advantage aside from the v's decent voice commands on the gps and phone interfaces.

 

Standard maintenance schedule for replacing spark plugs is at 120,000 miles, so it could stand to be done again at this point even though it's been less than that since the last one. There are folks in the forum that suggest draining and filling the transmission fluid every 60,000 miles, so that could stand to be done as well. And replacing the 12v battery every 5 years is another recommendation you'll see often. Basically, preventative maintenance is almost always a good idea so if you want to have a full service done, go for it.

 

I think the Toyota dealership might be a safer suggestion for repairs since you're not into wrenching. The Prius is mostly pretty easy to work on, but it does require some specific knowledge not common to regular cars plus needing Toyota's software for full diagnostics. Unless the Midas shop you're thinking of is familiar with the Prius or eager to learn about it, I'd be reluctant to have them do more than basic stuff.

That said, not every Toyota service department is all that great either. I haven't gone back and re-read the whole thread to see if that's already been covered, but maybe there's a way to ask around in your area to see what people think of the nearest dealership's service department.

 

The consumption graph resets every time the car is turned back on. The miles run resets itself every time you fill the tank. The Average MPG is only reset (on a 2006-2009) when you press the reset button on the screen. (Note also that the miles run resets too).

Same thing by a different name.

If the guy from whom you bought it was not a mechanic, have them do a full underbody inspection and inspect the brakes. If it hasn't been done in a long while have them clean the brakes, lube the slide pins (on the disc brakes) and adjust all the brakes. Also have them check the brake fluid and replace if necessary. Should be done anyway if it hasn't been done in the last two years.

 

transmission/transaxle would be one and the same. how about engine coolant, pump and belt, and inverter coolant?

 

You should consider doing these services yourself since all you need are basic hand tools, a funnel, plastic tubing, and ramps or a jack and stands (you can pick these up at Harbor Freight cheap). None of these services is difficult for a novice to handle. YouTube videos abound and show how to do each one of these.

If you go the other route prepare yourself for Spartan Toyota's bill. I estimate that you will be paying about $600 for parts and labor, probably more with charges for "shop supplies" and tax. If you DIY, it would cost you about $240 total for the battery ($170), transaxle fluid ($40), and the spark plugs ($30).