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2014 Plug-in...lifespan expectation?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by schiffy, Oct 18, 2017.

  1. schiffy

    schiffy Junior Member

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    I have a 2014 PIP (the base model) with 105,000 miles (I have a very long commute). I am religious about oil changes and tire rotations. I have a few questions:

    1) I really need this car to last another 3 years (and hopefully a few more after that), at which point it will definitely have 200,000+ miles unless my job changes. Is it realistic to assume that, barring some freak issue, it will still be a reliable car at that point, assuming all the required maintenance is done? I know people say that Hondas and Toyotas run forever as long as they're taken care of...but wondering about the Prius Plug-In specifically. I've never had a high-mileage car and it worries me a little bit (can't really put my finger on why).

    2) I believe there are some big maintenance items at 120K...but is there anything I should do now or that you would recommend doing ahead of 120K to ensure the best chance at longevity (other than the regular oil change/tire rotation/filter stuff)?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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  3. gallde

    gallde Active Member

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    Barring an unforeseen event, your Prius should last at 8+ years without major repairs. You will need to replace normal wear items like tires, probably the auxiliary battery at 6 years, and you will notice the EV range droop slowly starting at about 4 years. (My 2012 has dropped about 30%.)
     
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  4. schiffy

    schiffy Junior Member

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  5. schiffy

    schiffy Junior Member

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    Thanks! I'm already on my 2nd set of tires due to my commute/high mileage. And while it makes perfect sense, I don't think I really ever thought about the "regular" battery...but of course it has one! Thanks for the heads up about the EV range...I already only get about 10-11 (according to the display) after a full charge, where I used to get 13. I don't calculate what I actually get but probably should do that once in awhile just for my own curiosity. And thank you for the reassurance on the 8+ years! Makes me feel better.
     
  6. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    If the "regular" battery starts to fail you can sometimes get all sorts of strange errors. It is an AGM type battery vented to the outside. Many people like the Optima Yellowtop as a non-OEM replacement. Some people replace it at 4 or 5 years as a precaution.
     
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  7. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    I drove a 2004 for 7 years without any problem at all, except for maintenence on the vehicle. 2 set of tires, some motor oil every 20K miles, cabin air filter, wiper blades, front break pads (one set), 147.000 miles total
     
  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Items to consider as you pile on the miles:

    • The 120 k mile servicing had the spark plugs getting changed
    • At some point you'll want to clean the intake manifold and egr circuit (I did our 2010 at 120 k miles and have helped others around similar mileage). Best to get to this job as there are Gen3 Prii that have clogged coolers and head gasket failures
    • Change the transaxle fluid if not already done
    Hope that helps(y).
     
    #8 Raytheeagle, Oct 18, 2017
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2017
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Not mentioned yet: brake inspection, I believed it's tri-yearly or 30K miles in the US schedule. This is a complete inspection, clean up and lube, not just the visual inspection noted at each tire rotation.
     
  10. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    I have 2 more years and 30k miles on my PiP versus yours. I've only done recommended maintenance every 10k plus a trans axle fluid change at 120k. I'm not religious about my maintenance and I don't go out of my way to buy top tier gas. I don't baby the car by driving slowly nor do I warm up the car. I do not use a timer to charge my car. It often sits fully charged for 3 days over the weekends. My EV range has degraded about 15% since new. I'm on my second set of cheap Ohtsu tires, first changed at 90k miles. As you are aware with so many highway miles, the tires last a long time. I'm still on the original 12V battery. I also use the cheapest stuff you can get on Amazon for my oil change despite hanging out at meet ups with @Raytheeagle whom admonishes me as politely as possible with his eyes at my lackadaisical and downright lazy attitude towards preventative maintenance.

    I really believe Toyota builds quality in these vehicles. Following the owners manual is all you need to prolong the life of your vehicle.
     
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  11. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Your trans axle fluid is changed;).

    Next up is the egr cooler (y).
     
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  12. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I think you're getting great advice here. Don't sweat it. The typical Prius lasts a long long time. That's why it ranks at the top of Consumer Reports' reliability lists.
     
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  13. schiffy

    schiffy Junior Member

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    Thank you! Is it okay to only change the oil every 20K miles? I've been doing every 10K pretty religiously.
     
  14. schiffy

    schiffy Junior Member

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    Anyone know approx. what a trans axle fluid change should cost? I'm in NJ. I don't go to a dealer...I have a great mechanic who is Toyota certified. But just wondering if this is a "biggie" charge or more minor?

    Also, thank you for sharing your experience...makes me feel better (and made me laugh)! I will look into Ohtsu tires when I need my next set. I got Nokians at 80K because I wanted something hopefully a little more "all-weather" than the tires it came with (without buying snow tires). They seem fine in terms of traction but boy are they noisy!!
     
  15. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Oil is cheap. Engines are not cheap. My manual says to change it every 10k miles. Since I drive almost 50% in EV mode, it's tempting to stretch it. But instead, I change it at around 7-8k miles. I buy the Toyota synthetic oil and filter from the dealer down the street for about $30 and change it roughly every six months. The Gen 2, I change every 5,000 miles. I'm 64 now and have never had a car burn oil.
     
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  16. schiffy

    schiffy Junior Member

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    Thank you! Is cleaning the intake manifold and egr circuit something my husband could do with instruction? He's really handy for the most part (he's a carpenter/contractor) but isn't super-comfortable under the engine of cars. He technically knows how to do an oil change, and he said he can do the filters, but I don't know how much more than that he would want to do. Just wondering if these are "DIY" things that are simple or if my mechanic needs to do them.
     
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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    tranny oil change should be under $100. at your mechanic.
     
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  18. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Make sure they use the proper Toyota branded fluid though.
     
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  19. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    There are videos for this:):

    Nutz About Bolts Prius Maintenance Videos

    All the videos you'll need and more for maintenance on your PIP(y).
     
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  20. schiffy

    schiffy Junior Member

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    Awesome...I will check this out. Thank you!
     
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