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young new prius owner needs more wisdom and insight

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Thomas B, Sep 3, 2012.

  1. Thomas B

    Thomas B New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hey all found this forum as i just got a new (to me) 2009 red Prius 3 i believe since it has leather seats and all those amazing features. i got it from a toyota dealer ship for 18k after all the fees and such and as i was driving home i was wondering how to really take care of it. Like what oil will make this baby go longer and better and when its filter or battery should eb changed/checked. Any way i hope someone with prius experience can share some wisdom to a new owner. much thanks to everyone.

    Thomas
     
    #1 Thomas B, Sep 3, 2012
  2. philmcneal

    philmcneal Taxi!

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Simcoe Ontario
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    i think u got the prius NHW20 version (2010 is the current gen model and up)

    you can switch to synthetic but honestly get an oil analysis when you do an oil change, and it will let you know how long you can go between oil change intervals (since everyone's driving style is different)

    your car is pretty new... just drive for mileage and try not to shift the weight of the car too much (such as acclerating very hard, braking very hard, or varying your speed all over the place)

    and for the love of god please don't put premium gas in it because you think its cleaner :mad:
     
    #2 philmcneal, Sep 3, 2012
  3. Julia2001

    Julia2001 Member

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    Thomas!

    Congratulations on your new Prius! It sounds absolutely wonderful! :)

    You state that it's a Gen III Prius, so I wanted to just mention that you posted your question in the Gen II forum.

    There is a Gen III specific forum where you may wish to repost if that's actually a Gen III you've got there.

    Enjoy your new car!

    Julia
     
    #3 Julia2001, Sep 3, 2012
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Whatever you actually have, see below for Toyota's maintenance schedule:
    Toyota Parts and Service

    And do get a copy of the correct Owner's Manual either from a dealer or online. It's full of more stuff that you need to know about your car.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, Sep 3, 2012
  5. sturgidson

    sturgidson Junior Member

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    2008 Prius
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    Hey Thomas -

    I'm pretty new to the Prius world as well. There is one single document that has been posted many times here on these boards (which is certainly where I found it myself) - it is a terrific document compiled by a handful of Prius drivers into one excellent overall usage guide. It will cover MANY of your questions and concerns, and also give you significant information beyond that. Check it out, see what NEW questions may arise from it:

    John's Stuff - Toyota Prius User-Guide
     
    #5 sturgidson, Sep 3, 2012
  6. Thomas B

    Thomas B New Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Thanks all for the replies and warm welcome! sorry all about the gen 3 model i do think its a gen two but i meant to say model 3 since ive noticed Prius makes cars made if different models of the same series.like i said im new and gotta go through all the car paper work like the manual =p. but i always get dazzled by the toys inside like the push to talk and back up camera i truly never knew i would own one with so many toys. Also richer i looked at the and yes its filled with alot of information. so if the prius has a Hud that tells me when it has to be changed should i leave it alone till i do my changes and then reset it?

    Also i have ice cold air now :D been driving since i was 15 to 21 present and have had 3 cars that had no air and in florida its like driving through the dessert
     
    #6 Thomas B, Sep 3, 2012
  7. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    Thomas, the best thing to do is just read read read through the huge amount of info here on PC over the next weeks and months. Start with the sticky threads and go from there. There are many really helpful people who have given freely of great insight into this very complex car, and many opinions in some areas, like oil. So study widely and come to your own conclusions.
     
    #7 nh7o, Sep 3, 2012
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