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General upkeep - what is likely to go wrong?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by prius_noob, Apr 4, 2016.

  1. prius_noob

    prius_noob Member

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    Hey all,

    Again, I'm looking to get a Prius. I was wondering though, before I do, what is likely to go wrong with it?

    I guess the oxygen sensor may go around the 80K - 100K mark?
    The battery I guess runs for a very long time without failing?
    How about the cat?

    I guess also, I'd need to service it regularly, as any other car, but one would assume that Toyota has their own genuine engine oil, or they must recommend a certain brand, like VW do? Also, I'm not sure what the rating is meant to be? For my Honda, it was 0W-20 semi synthetic. For the car I have now, it's 5W 30 fully synthetic. Do I also need four litres of engine oil, or five?
     
    #1 prius_noob, Apr 4, 2016
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome! are you thinking of buying new, or used?
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 4, 2016
  3. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Typically not, no more than other cars.
    The 12V battery is smaller but otherwise similar to the starter battery in regular cars, so will experience similar issues and life expectancy. For past Prius models, it has a special vent because it is mounted inside the passenger compartment. The 2016 model has it in the engine compartment, so this issue may have changed. As this battery approaches failure, a Prius shows much different symptoms than traditional non-hybrids, so many drivers don't connect the unfamiliar problems to the battery.

    The traction battery should last a long time, but will eventually fail. At ten years, a small but very significant portion will be failing.
    Depending on vintage, it should use the same oil as one of those cars. In the U.S., the car makers cannot require any particular brand of oil. Warranties remain valid with any brand of oil, as long as it meets the stated specifications.
     
    #3 fuzzy1, Apr 4, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2016
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The 12V battery may be an issue only because it's smaller than a typical 12V car battery. I'd just replace it unless there's a receipt showing it's been replaced very recently.

    Some engines may start using oil (Our 2005 unit did use oil, starting about 4-5 years ago). My 6.5 year old Gen 3 model hasn't used any oil yet (knock on wood). The hybrid battery is designed to "last the life of the car" which is about 15 years as a target. It doesn't mean the car is useless after 15 years but I guess Toyota had to pick a time they expect the materials to last. Our 2005 experienced battery issues in January (11.5 years old). I think it's a few bad cells but at that point, it might as well get a new battery. We were quoted around CAD 3,000 including labour and tax (12%). We ended up trading it in for a new 2016 instead. However, there are plenty of Gen 2s that are still going.
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Apr 4, 2016
  5. prius_noob

    prius_noob Member

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    Ah OK. The Honda's went st 100,000 miles :D

    Sorry by battery, I was referring to the Hybrid battery. I've always either bought genuine engine oil or the engine oil that the manufacturer recommends. For Honda, it was their own. For the VAG group, they recommend Castrol
    Hey. A used 2008 car :)

    15 years is a decent time I guess. Could keep it for another four or five years and sell
     
    #5 prius_noob, Apr 5, 2016
  6. Inetusa

    Inetusa New Member

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    I'm new to this forum, can anyone help me understand code P0125 and possible repairs,help
     
    #6 Inetusa, Apr 28, 2016
  7. prius_noob

    prius_noob Member

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    #7 prius_noob, Apr 28, 2016
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