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Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by PokerMunkee, Jun 12, 2018.

  1. PokerMunkee

    PokerMunkee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2018
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    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hey,

    This is my first post. My daily beater (1998 Accord EX 2.3 5 speed) clutch went out at 250k miles and I wanted something newer for my daily 100 mile round trip 5x a week. I always wanted a Prius, so I didn't look at anything else. Settled on a 2011 Four with 88k miles for $9,800+tax. Reasonable deal from a small dealer with new tires, both key fobs, and a new 12v battery. I'm going to replace the clutch and still drive the Accord occasionally when I want to row the gears

    At almost 90k miles, what should I do to this thing thing? I'm a DIY'er and have no problems doing stuff. Can I swap out transmission fluid with some ramps? I'm still trying to soak up as much information about these 3rd gens as possible. What oil and filters should I use? I'll probably do an oil change next weekend.

    Also, what material are the seats? It looks like a synthetic leather. Is it real leather? They are slippery as hell!

    The halogen projectors aren't that great, IMO. Is there an inexpensive upgrade to HID/LED that people are happy with?

    Lastly, what's the best way to stream bluetooth audio? What device is everyone buying? I'd like to use steering wheel buttons to switch songs.

    I need this to last me another 5 years and another 100k miles, so hopefully can get to 200k with little issues!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 PokerMunkee, Jun 12, 2018
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,928
    16,147
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Congrats and welcome to PriusChat!

    Yes you can change out the transmission fluid. It's not on the required maintenance by Toyota but generally around here, it's recommended for preventative maintenance. Check out the helpful videos by @NutzAboutBolts here

    Nutz About Bolts Prius Maintenance Videos | PriusChat


    If it's a 2011, it is real leather. It's leather seat surfaces so the outside bolsters and seatback are vinyl; only the part that you sit on is leather. Surprisingly, the rear seat's leather part extends wraps around the seat bottom which is nice (most just cut off where your knees are). It's slippery probably because the seller used some leather wipes to clean it.

    Yes any quality kit will do. I had MobileHID ones but they no longer sell passenger car lights.

    Any phone or mp3 player that has bluetooth can pair with the unit and stream audio. I assume you have the navigation system (that's the only way you get bluetooth audio on a 2011). Most just use their smartphones. I used to but as my phone got older, battery didn't last as long so I bought one of the last iPod Nanos and paired it up that way.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Jun 12, 2018
    NutzAboutBolts likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    congrats and welcome!

    follow the maintenance schedule, but add the tranny fluid change. the big service is coming at 120k.

    all the best!(y)
     
    #3 bisco, Jun 12, 2018
  4. PokerMunkee

    PokerMunkee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2018
    34
    23
    0
    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Thanks! Going to check out the maintenance schedule now. I'll add the tranny fluid in when she hits 100k, which will be in about 5 months.

    I don't have the navigation, unfortunately. I have the JBL system with factory bluetooth for phone calls, but not audio streaming (boo!). I might just get a phone mount and use the aux port. I might try one of those Bluetooth devices for $20 but I won't be able to change tracks with the steering wheel controls.

    Everyone that's seen the car can't believe it's almost 8 years old! I checked out the new 2018 Prius, what an amazing car for "only" $25k but I need an ex wife off the payroll first! ha. I love this thing!
     
    #4 PokerMunkee, Jun 12, 2018
  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
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    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Don’t forget when you swap out the spark plugs and already have the windshield wiper cowling removed, it’s a great time to clean the egr circuit stem to stern ;).

    Our 2010 has 180 k miles on it and it is running strong :).

    Keep the egr circuit we’ll maintained and your new to you 2011 will last a long time(y).
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, Jun 12, 2018
    bisco, JC91006, NutzAboutBolts and 1 other person like this.
  6. m.wynn

    m.wynn Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2013
    684
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    Location:
    Queensbury, NY
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Yup, this is the key for mega-mileage turd gen owners. It's a several hour procedure but only costs a DIY-er his/her time. At 90k miles and 500 miles per week, you can plan your first EGR circuit cleaning session any time now. The Priuschat approved interval is every 100k miles, but sooner only insures a greater safety buffer. Keep that head gasket healthy.

    Regarding low beams, many here are happy with a wide range of HID conversions. I suppose retro-fitting the LED assemblies from the advanced package V Prius is possible, although I'd guess it to be both expensive and somewhat involved. Direct-fit LED bulbs for H11 are generally looked at as sub-par but they are improving. Diode Dynamics comes to mind with their SL1, but they're pricey and somewhat unproven.

    H11 SL1 LED Headlight (pair) | Diode Dynamics

    I've ended up very happy with the H9 mod, using the standard Phillips H9 bulbs which can easily be had for ~$15-$20 per pair. It increases lumens from ~1300 for the standard H11 to ~2100 with the H9, while keeping a stock look to avoid police and state inspection issues. The downside is they burn out at around 15-18 months but the cheap price and great lighting performance have made it an excellent solution, imo. You can get similar performance from the brighter burning H11 options, but they get pretty spendy too and burn out at a similar rate to the standard H9's.
     
    #6 m.wynn, Jun 13, 2018
    bisco, JC91006 and Raytheeagle like this.
  7. PokerMunkee

    PokerMunkee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2018
    34
    23
    0
    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Ordered a LED interior package, should get it installed tomorrow. Will post pics and thoughts when finished. Also removed hub caps, prefer the mesh wheel look much better! Ordered some center caps off amazon for $13, should get them on Sunday.

    Still researching a cheap HID kit and also the auto headlight mod. Then I think I'll be done for a while! :)

    She's getting around 48mpg according to the computer. I'll fill her up again tomorrow and will see what the calculator shows. Love this car!
     
    #7 PokerMunkee, Jun 15, 2018
    Raytheeagle likes this.
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