Looking to Buy a Prius, Have Questions

Prius are fairly reliable when properly maintained. However when they break, it normally will be more expensive to fix. You'll have to decide if this formula of gas savings will work out if you know repairs likely will be more expensive than a non hybrid. But the good news, the prius doesn't break down often.

If you don't want to worry about the hv battery and repairs, it's best to buy the newest prius you can afford

 

Yes but Toyota has special warranty rules you need to understand fully.
In order to qualify, your vehicle needs to have been originally purchased and owned in a CARB state. MD was not a CARB state until 2011, so an MD used Prii before 2011 does not qualify by the rules as we understand them (sometimes Toyota cuts owners a break, but the strict reading requires 2011+ for MD). Also for example Va. is not CARB, so if the car was purchased in MD by a Virginian, then you are not covered by CARB warranty. So the only way you know if a used Prius is CARB warranty-eligble is basically ask Toyota to run the VIN number for a ruling on it.

PS- standard non-CARB warranty is 8-yrs, 100k miles

 

1. Prius can easily drive the hundreds plus mileage, and sometimes, outwit that, if properly maintained.

The 76000mileages you've got on that used car, isn't that much.

But if you don't trust the seller, try running a Carfax to find out the real mileage

2. The hybrid battery is that expensive, and it isn't like the 12volt battery, that needs say, an often kind of replacement.

The traction battery has a NIMH chemistry, which which can tolerate awhile lot of operational abuses, and since the battery is somewhat the energy source of the power train, it is always subjected to lots of wear and tear of the electrodes and temperature rise problems, if there aren't proper thermal control algorithms.

So to answer your questions, they sometimes last even beyond the warranty period.

A proof is as seen in some taxis and some PC members too.

3. There are few maintenance schedules or items I think that the Prius, or any hybrid vehicle deserves:
* regular oil change with synthetic stuff as at when due.
* using Toyota super long life coolants in the cooling system, and inverter.
Well, I don't know if there are alternatives to those coolants though.
* you must ensure the cabin AC system is always taken good care of. Without that, the traction battery would overheat, and throw some codes, which would in the long run, shortened its life span.

Clean the traction battery blower fans maybe once a year, or ....that would prevent overheats, and also ensure the battery vents by the right side of the rear passenger seat, isn't blocked by dog's hair.
* flush the brake fluids from the brake system, if it appears dark maybe once or twice a year.
* be careful when jump starting the car.
* use only WS transmission fluids for the transmission
.
.
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4. The '07 is a gen2, while the '011 is a gen3.

The difference I think is that the gen2 has an engine capacity of 1.5L, and the gen3, maybe 1.8L.

Have heard the gen3s having engine oil shortage problems, which isn't comparable with the gen2s(although, they too have got oil shortage problems, not that much).
In my view, the gen2s are more ruggedly built, than the gen3, and that explains why you've got that car in some developing countries, like Lagos, Nigeria, where I leave.

I repair and maintain these machines. They're cool.

But for the gen3, its like you're kind like have to drive it with care and all that. Its kind of not rugged.

6. The charging of the traction battery is done by one of the electric motors (I can't remember which of the MGs right now), through the assistance of the ICE engine, while in some cases the battery is also charged by regenerative braking (judiciously uses the K.E of the wheels to charge the battery).

The time duration for charging/discharging the battery, is dependent on the state of charge of the battery. So, its usually operates between a range of 40-80%, to extend the battery life. Remember all this happens on board the car's inverter assembly blablabla.
Cost of a 2011? You could check that on online.

7. The rear view is perfect. There's isn't problems with it. No issues with it, as far as I'm concerned.

8. Well the advice I'd give is,
*treat your Prius as you'd do your boyfriend/husband
*follow the maintenance schedules blablabla meticulously.
*get a Carfax on the car, if you want to be in the safe side. Although, trust might not be a problem for ya!
*have some few cash, just in case the battery needs to be replaced. But all that low me age, if it really was a low mileage car, the battery should still ha e so e life remaining in it.

I think with all this, you should be are to make informed dexisinow, that you're in the market.


Dxta

 

1. I'm owning a 2008 Gen. 2 with 79k miles. I think there's no difference in driving.
2. I'm using the original battery pack and I can't recognize any wear.
3. My rear disk brake was hardly moving last winter. But cleaning and removing the rust did it. I'm using first brake disks and pads, too. In US there should be drums in the rear, so you won't have this problem. And they're powerful enough, because there aren't no streets with unlimited speed.
In the Prius, there is no timing belt (but a chain) or no clutch. So there are no expensive exchanges at high mileages needed.
I've let my dealer do a yearly checkup including oil change and when necessary brake fluid, AC, coolant... Just the normal things. This year I did the oil change by myself. It's so easy.
4. I would say the trunk of the Gen3+ is a bit smaller than in the Gen2. And I think since Gen3 you can choose between normal, eco and sport mode, influencing the consumption.
5. I'm out. Mine isn't a plugin. My battery is charging while rolling downhill, braking and when the engine is raising it's load point for better consumption. This happens all while driving. You won't notice it unless you watch the display.
6. Maybe not the best but better try yourself. For me it's okay.
But after more and more fake signals from the parking sensor last spring I've installed a rear view camera for 40 €. With my version of Prius I was able to connect it directly to the display. Of course it's much better and I don't want to miss it!
7. Nothing, except I would buy mine again.

 

Well, we test drove a '15 Prius before purchasing our used '05 with about 175k on it, no significant difference in how they drove, but newer is nicer for sure. Obviously EVERYTHING wears with each month and mile and if you operate it long enough, repairs will be needed.

A HV battery is like a complex machine, a problem with it does not mean that the whole thing NEEDS to be replaced. But a new HV pack is less costly than a transmission or engine replacement that many other vehicle may need at the same miles/time in use.

Follow the owner's guide and maintenance schedule.... BY THE BOOK and do not be sold on additional services and your car will be perfectly happy. Do plan on replacing the HV pack if not already done.

Not in my opinion, until very recently, nothing could match the Gen2 Prius for FE or ownership cost.

All charging is done by the engine, there is no plug-in option and really no need for it, IMO.

Fine, better than many, worse than a few.

They are GREAT cars, but not every mechanic can, much less should, work on them.

 

My new...not so new Prius that I am hoping to sign on tomorrow. This will be my second Prius as I have owned a 2008 that now has 278,000 and shows no signs of aging yet. I am hoping to join the 299,999 club in the next year. Question is that i have seen some problems with head gaskets reported but it appears that the 2012 is past that era. Also, the bluetooth was inoperable on the car I am looking to purchase so the dealer has offered to replace the unit. Anyone ever hear of this and the related costs? Thanks in advance.

 

2012 is susceptible, but have less fleet miles than 10 and 11. you will need to check/clean the egr circuit to prevent problems, and consider an oil catch can.

 

The 2012 I am hoping to take home has 106,000 on it right now so it still may have head gasket issues? Also I have not found any MFD failures in recent model years on the forum