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Improvement vs status quo

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by theclarinetguy32, Feb 5, 2018.

  1. theclarinetguy32

    theclarinetguy32 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Fox Valley, WI
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Wanted to ask a fairly broad question about where people have drawn the line about improvements ideal for a Gen II vs routine maintenance and just letting time do it's thing.

    I do admit there are some nuances with the car that aren't ideal. It currently rides like a haywagon, 12V battery is on it's way out (already fully died when the temps hit -20), have an odd issue where the front LCD screen and radio will blow a fuse if I have to slam on the brakes, and I'm fairly sure my upcoming service appt for an oil change and new tires will show some more fun facts that need to be addressed.
    As long as the tires and battery are replaced the other issues aren't technically a show stopper for the car being usable, just annoying.

    I did have a post on hear a few months about the suspension, and I recall there are some decent options that I can do myself if I want to take a day or so to do it, but of course that is a hard sell to compare to the ride my wife's 2016 Elantra has as a newer vehicle.
    I've worked on the 12V's in Pri's so replacing that isn't a big deal, and of course tires only last so long..

    But overall, what have people considered worth it in both time and money to invest in a ~2007 Prius vs using the vehicle as best as it can handle for as long as it can with usual upkeep and maintenance?
     
    #1 theclarinetguy32, Feb 5, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    how many miles on her?
     
    #2 bisco, Feb 5, 2018
  3. theclarinetguy32

    theclarinetguy32 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
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    Three
    Ah yes, completely overlooked that.
    136k
     
    #3 theclarinetguy32, Feb 5, 2018
    bisco likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    generally speaking, they are good for 150-200k, but age can be harder on the hybrid battery than miles.
    in your climate, they tend survive longer than in the heat.
    there are other expensive systems that could go at any time. if it were me, i would maintain it properly until one of those let go, then look at the current value.
     
    #4 bisco, Feb 5, 2018
  5. Kevin_Denver

    Kevin_Denver Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Denver, CO
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
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    N/A
    See if replacement of the battery solves the fuse blowing issue. Many unusual electronic problems with our model are solved just by getting a new battery. A strong battery will certainly help stabilize the 12V system. You'll also get worse mileage with a bad battery from the inverter trying to constantly charge it.

    Generally speaking on Prii, age is as much of a factor for the life of the high voltage battery life as mileage is. Battery failures seem to start on models about 12 years old, and then virtually all batteries fail after 17-18 years or so (there are very few first gens for example still on the road). However the longevity of the drive train is comparable with a Corolla. Therefore a Corolla with the same number of miles would make more sense if you drive less. So as far as a cost minimization perspective, if you drive very few miles a year, for example less than 5k, it likely makes sense to trade to a non-hybrid vehicle. However, if you drive 20k+ miles a year, the Prius is probably your best bet. My 2 cents.
     
    #5 Kevin_Denver, Feb 5, 2018
  6. theclarinetguy32

    theclarinetguy32 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2007
    114
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    Location:
    Fox Valley, WI
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    The current value from BB seems to be around 3-4k, but I’ve also had a few minor accidents that needed new parts. That will probably drop the value more, just not sure how much.


    I had replaced the factory battery with a yellow top back in 2009 I think it was. Got deployed in all of 2 hours notice and had to park my car at the base in the middle of winter. Dead as ever, local auto store had a sale on the yellow tops so I went with it.


    My daily commute is only a few miles but I do make some longer trips, so my overall mileage would by up in that 20k area.


    From what both of you have mentioned, it does seem the most sensible to keep going with it. I figured that at this point the amount of money I may get for it as a trade in would be so pale in comparison to just keep driving it until it’s not viable anymore.
     
    #6 theclarinetguy32, Feb 5, 2018
    Kevin_Denver and bisco like this.
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