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Bumper2bumper warranty question...pls advise! Prius v ** lowercase v for the Prius v wagon **

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by JackdUp, May 31, 2016.

  1. JackdUp

    JackdUp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2016
    3
    0
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    Location:
    Va
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five

    I am new to the forum and 1week new to Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon. Not an uppercase v. Only 2010 Prius used uppercase numerals for model designation).ownership. I just bought a 2013 with 31k on it. It is under warranty until 8/16 or 36k.
    I've never had a hybrid and don't know what to look for in terms of issues. I don't know if all the little mechanical noises the engine makes is normal. The brakes are a little abrupt/grippy.
    I want to have the dealer inspect everything in case things need to be replaced while I am still covered. How much will this diagnostic cost?

    ....otherwise, I love the car! Drives well and so spacious! The gas mileage makes me smile as I am transitioning from a 4runner.

    Your thoughts will be much appreciated!
    -Jack


    iPhone ?
     
  2. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2016
    757
    387
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    Location:
    Sausalito
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Four
    Seems like you asking to look at my car, that the responsibility and tell me what will fail in 5000 miles.

    Best is what is termed PPI (pre purchase inspection).
    Brakes, shocks, overall condition.
    But you all ready did , yes?
    Depending upon checklist 1 to 4 hours at $xxx.xx per hour

    A dealership could run the VIN, look at the vehicles service history, read the car's stored computer codes and look for any recall campaign not yet completed.
    Maybe for free or 1 hour at $xxx.xx per hour.

    I think you just need to service the car...that would be "inspecting" everything.

    Drain motor and trans oil....send sample to Blackstone labs for analysis that's your cost.
    Coolant flushes...not necessary follow service manual.
    Brake fluid flush...your cost, inspect pads and lube pins your cost
    Recharge AC...not necessary follow service manual.
    Wheels...bent rims and balancing your cost
    Check wheel chassis alignment...your cost
    Air filter, cabin filter...your cost
    And so on.
    Cost....who knows.. 8 hours plus parts?

    So, inspect everything.
    Fairly impossible task?
    Just service the car and drive!

    Good luck in your decision and enjoy your new car.
    v is a great car.
     
  3. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2013
    1,740
    444
    4
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    You also have 8yr / 100K coverage for the hybrid system and additional "power train" coverage. The dealership will do nothing but try to separate you from some money. Just drive it and enjoy.
     
  4. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
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    Location:
    Sanford, NC
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    You are driving a car with the reputation for being the most reliable out there.

    Ask the dealer for the service history. Should be every 5k miles inspect and tire rotate and every 10k for oil change. If the car was 150k and 12 years old, I'd inspect. But not the car you think you bought if the service history is up to date. If not, do the oil change with the right oil.

    The brakes are different from a normal car. Apply them gently and early and they recharge the battery before switching to conventional pad on disk brakes. That switch may be what feels different. The brakes are often good for 100k+ miles. My 30k v has 11/12ths of its original pad thickness.
     
  5. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2016
    1,215
    1,164
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    Location:
    Coronado Island, California
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I am so tired of these exaggerated statements about dealers. Let's get real. They want ALL the money they can get from you. I quit going to dealers after I had a car serviced in 1987 and noticed the mechanic had used a pair of pliers on a couple of bolts. When I pointed out the damage, the "mechanic" said it came that way from the factory, and then tried to charge me $7.95 x 5 quarts for oil. Since then I do my own service, except for recalls.
     
    JTT2 likes this.
  6. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,309
    3,586
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    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    welcome to Prius Chat, over there in Virginia somewhere.
    I like the v definitely might have had one if had come out in 2006.
    Maybe next time. We are hoping they keep making v's but the RAV4 hybrid is starting to erode new v sales.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome and congrats! the noises are normal. abrupt/grippy brakes are normal.
    who did you buy the car from? don't waste your money on an inspection, at 3 years and 31,000 miles, your car isn't even broken in yet. just follow the maintenance schedule.
    i would suggest spending some time here and reading the manual. it explains all the funky things about hybrids. yes, it's tedious, but you can skip the goofy stuff like how to use a seatbelt. all the best!(y)
     
  8. JackdUp

    JackdUp Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2016
    3
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    0
    Location:
    Va
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Thanks all for your replies. Your comments about the car's reliability were comforting.
    I bought the car from a dealer. The original owner traded in for a Cady. The car has a clean Carfax w documented oil change every 5k. At 29k Toyota did a full service, new Yokahamas put on and allignment done. The radio was replaced for some reason. No outstanding recalls per VIN.
    The car drives well and looks great (not a ding, only one surface scratch by cargo bumper).

    I have been reading quite a bit on this forum to educate myself on the Prius. Seems like a nice community of folk here. I am eager to learn more from you. -Jack
     
  9. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2014
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    Location:
    Outside Philly, PA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Welcome from PA! Good luck with your purchase - it is a great vehicle!
     
  10. JTT2

    JTT2 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2016
    23
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    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I'm definitely leaning that way after my experiences with Toyota since owning my Prius v not V for the Prius v wagon Five. I opted for a "complimentary" look over while I got my seasonal wheel switch over done, and an ECU recall. I had my oil & filters changed less than two months earlier, ~1200km at a different Toyota Dealer.

    I get the bill, and they've charged me for their "seasonal checkup" package - basically charged me labour to have a guy look over my car for things to have me pay for, changed the oil & filters, and told me I'll need a new 12v battery "soon" but the readings were all fine. "Would I like to schedule the replacement now, I have two young kids, I wouldn't want anything to happen." Fuming. Then they gave me the scan of my tires, and an estimate for a new set of all season LRR for $1100 all in. "Almost 3mm (3.8 actual) on both fronts, you're driving kids around, blah blah blah." Gah

    Like a nice Canadian, I politely let them know I wasn't happy, and paid.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.