Not a Noob yet.

:welcome:

Some of those "horror stories" are probably enthusiasts trying out modifications & DIY repairs, as well as the occasional person with a problem which is inevitable in a car with a million vehicles sold to the public. If somebody has a problem, they come here, but the vast majority of drivers don't have problems (other than trying to eke out a better MPG perhaps). The Prius does seem to attract engineers.

In general it is a very reliable car with low maintenance. With the regen brakes you don't need to replace your brake pads hardly ever. Oil needs to be changed every 5K miles. The scariest thing is if the 12V battery starts dying, it can cause crazy symptoms. I'm at the 5yr mark on my original battery, I should test it someday, but so far so good.

If you have questions about longevity, you can read the http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/29373-100-000-mile-club.html, http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/57091-200-000-mile-club.html or http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/79235-299-999-mile-club.htmlthreads. (Like some other Toyotas of the time, the 2004 and 2005 models don't roll over to 300,000). Many people there are on their original traction battery (the high-voltage battery that can drive the car, as opposed to the 12V battery used for accessories).

If you do leave the Prius undriven for more than a couple weeks, you probably want to turn off the SKS (smart key system) since it is always using a low current to look for your key fob and unlock the car as you approach. I imagine this is true for any car with SKS. (With my package 1 2006, I'm spared of that problem since SKS wasn't included). I'm not sure how long it takes to drain the battery, it would depend on the conditions.

 

There used to be an Altima hybrid, but that was expensive and mostly for HP gain, not fuel economy. I don't think they still sell it, but I'm not sure it.

I threw out those other threads just for proof you can keep your Prius for 10 years without much worry if you want. Keep in mind the Prius v (a cross-over wagon type) will be coming out later this year, might be something to look at as well, a little more space and slightly different styling, but only 40 mpg.

 

You don't need a PhD in computer science, just computer engineering.

 

how bout a hycam?

 

Check this out:

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...ery-reliable-vancouver-yellow-cab-update.html

 

Welcome to PriusChat.

If high MPG, low emissions and advanced technology is important to you, then Prius is the car for you. Styling is unique, 0-60 performance is weak, and interior roominess is great for 4-5 with adequate cargo space. This is my first Prius and I can't imagine having any other car.

 

I don't know how to disable the SKS, but in Jan 2010, AdrianBlack posted this instruction from the manual on how to disable the SKS (I laugh outloud thinking about the people who develop these sequences, "Let's make them open/close the door 4 times...lol) :

Power switch off, driver door closed and unlocked.
(1) Press the unlock switch of the key once.
(2) Open the driver door within 5 seconds after pressing the unlock switch of the key in the previous step.
(3) Repeat closing and opening of the driver door twice within 30 seconds after opening the driver door in the
previous step.
(4) Press the unlock switch of the key twice within 30 seconds after the last closing of the driver door in the
previous step.
(5) Close and then open the driver door within 30 seconds after pressing the unlock switch of the key twice in
the previous step.
(6) Close the driver door within 5 seconds after opening the driver door in the previous step.
(7) Check that the wireless buzzer sounds once*1 or twice*2.
 *1: When the smart key system status is changed from activated to disabled.
 *2: When the smart key system status is changed from disabled to activated.

 

Hi Jess here a newbie

 

Huh? What do you mean by "used to be"? AFAIK, the NAH is still available and is still listed at 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan, Altima Hybrid | Nissan USA Official Site. I think you're talking about the Accord Hybrid which was discontinued years ago and definitely was a performance hybrid and not one you'd buy for fuel economy.

The NAH is at Most fuel-efficient cars and one can see how well it does at http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...s-best-worst-lists-april-2010-auto-issue.html and http://priuschat.com/forums/other-c...-best-vehicles-fuel-economy-acceleration.html.

Alas, the NAH shouldn't be available in the OP's state.

The OP might also find the maintenance histories of Toyota hybrids at Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity - Hybrid Electric Vehicles interesting.

 

I'm a noob who bought a 2008 Prius 3 weeks ago. It came with a Hymotion battery pack that allows me to go mostly all electric for 30-40 miles per charge (my average daily commute in only 26 miles.)

I traded in my Lexus GX 470 for the Prius. I am also a very large, plain clothes police officer who works with a bunch of "alpha males" who are partial to large, lifted, 4x4 trucks that get 13 mpg. To say that it was surprising to them that I bought a Prius would be an understatement.

But I'm averaging 76 mpg...in winter...with Seattle's hills. Got a few of the "alphas" asking some in depth questions about the little Prius.

It's a fantastic car and I wished I'd jumped on board sooner. C'mon...what are you waiting for?

 

Which batteries are you talking about? The 12 volt, HV or both? Are you planning to leave it unattended for weeks at a time on a regular basis?

I wouldn't be concerned if you're putting on only 8K to 10K miles/year on it. I'm doing WAY less than that now and have no concerns.

 

ScanGaugeII - Trip Computers + Digital Gauges + Scan Tool - I've had one for a little while.
Convert your hybrid electric vehicle into a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

As for a "blank dash", that's totally unrelated to either battery. On the 2nd gens, some of them would fail. See Luscious Garage | Blog | LG TV - Prius Dead Dashboard. pEEf knows how to fix them (w/o replacing them), see http://priuschat.com/forums/toyota-...n-meter-intermittent-display.html#post1220778. This applies to the 2nd gen. We've been seeing some sporadic reports of the 3rd gens having similar failures even though the the part is very different (I believe the root cause of the failure is unknown as this would be covered by the 3 year/36K warranty).

The car is still drivable w/o a working combination meter.

Personally, I think such failures are a silly reason to avoid Priuses. Virtually every other car is going to have some known trouble spots.

Yes, FL is not a CARB state, so yes, the HV battery would be warranted for 8 years/100K miles. As for "when considering that Toyota seems to be going Hybrid in their car lines and maybe something even better is on the horizon..." well, yes, I'm sure they will introduce more and possibly better models but how long will/can you wait and for what? Better models will probably always hold true and more is probably going to be true for a long time...

All cars (unless discontinued) typically go through a 4-6 year cycle before a redesign and a newer generation.

We do know of http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-reveals-prius-family-of-190206.aspx which is all part of Prius goes plural campaign (http://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/prius-family/).

You can see what hybrids are out there now via January 2011 Dashboard: Signs of Hybrid Upswing | Hybrid Cars.

No, you won't get a heads up before 12 volt failure as the Prius has no starter, so you won't hear slow cranking or a battery too weak to crank since the ICE isn't started by the 12 volt. Usual symptoms are that weird things start happening and many replace the 12 volt after 4-5 years, as precaution anyway.

My Prius was left parked w/SKS switched off for >3 weeks in December and 1.5 weeks at end of October to beginning of November while I was on vacation. I had no trouble w/either battery. In fact, I had to be picked up from the airport after the >3 week trip by a friend using the aforementioned Prius.

It's been left idle before for at least week a few times in the past, for vacations. I'd dig up old emails and records if you really want the gory details.

(I did change the >5 year old 12 volt a few weeks ago as a precaution and because its voltage readings were getting marginal.)