Just bought a 2008 prius..key, transmission fluid

Yes and only used Toyota Prius OEM fluid. It's not too expensive and can be done with a few tools. Always OEM Fluid for Tranny and gear boxes. Engine oil any synthetic brand is fine.

 

If it makes you feel better, you can change the transmission fluid. It's unlikely to make a huge difference, although it's relatively cheap and easy. Also, if it makes you feel better, you can use Toyota ATF. Valvoline MaxLife is also fine if more readily available/cheaper, etc. but a lot of people worry about using it. I'm not entirely sure why.

On the matter of the key, as long as you buy a new, "virgin" fob from the dealer you can program it yourself. Look through the second gen forums for a sticky thread about programming keys.

 

Maybe this:



I know, everything's debatable. Me, I'll let someone else be the "pioneer", lol.

 

Mr. Leisk, I know your feelings on Toyota ATF. My reasons for disagreeing are as follows:

1. I haven't seen anyone show a case of aftermarket fluid-linked transmission failure.
2. Possibly on BITOG, someone had asked Valvoline if their product was acceptable for Prii. At first, Valvoline said they couldn't yet recommend it for hybrid transmissions because it hadn't been tested. After testing, Valvoline said it was acceptable. If Toyota has a right to say their products will work with such-and-such, Valvoline can also test and find that their products are acceptable for a particular use. Compare to Honda, who says to only use their fluids (all fluids) when we all know aftermarket fluid is just fine. Toyota also says to use all their parts, yet aftermarket can be just as good or better (obviously not in all cases.)
3. The aftermarket is used to preparing products to meet the performance of the OEM product. If I use aftermarket parts, I feel that aftermarket fluid is similarly acceptable.
4. While there may be some risk, such risk is minor in an era where transmissions are cheap and readily available.

I want to sincerely thank you for all your contributions, and just know this is probably the only thing I disagree with you on.

 

Play with your own e CVT, not someone else's. Use recommended fluid from Toyota.

 

How to Program a New Key Fob for Full SKS Functionality | PriusChat