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Long time lurker, joined since i'm considering a new prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by kevin.c, Jan 30, 2019.

  1. kevin.c

    kevin.c Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2019
    98
    76
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    Location:
    sf bay area
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hi everyone, my name is Kevin. I've been reading this forum for a long time to learn about my 2010 Prius & decided to join because I'm thinking about getting another one.

    Car info: After racking up 130k miles from long commutes and roadtrips to San Diego, my prius is slowly developing an oil leak and probably needs a new battery soon too. Sadly, the cost of that work would greatly exceed the car's value... on the bright side this means I get to think about a new Prius Prime :)

    I love my current Prius because it goes a looong time without needing to visit the gas station. With the charging stations at work and in my neighborhood, I think I could go 2-3 months between fill-ups on the Prime.

    Thanks for reading!
     
    Burna J and bisco like this.
  2. 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 all the best with your decision!(y)
     
  3. mozdzen

    mozdzen Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2011
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    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tesla Model S
    Sad that the 2010s seem to have this burning oil issue. Other than that, I'd bet they could go 200,000+ like the other model years.
    Best to figure out if most of your driving will be still doing long commutes and SD roadtrips, or more around town, and how many seats you need. Just to check all of the boxes, I'd take a look at the Honda Clarity plug in. And just so you don't kick yourself later, test drive a model 3. Then if you still want the Prime, go get the Prime with no regrets as you did your homework and know what the alternatives were.
     
    kevin.c likes this.
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,673
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Where's the leak? Just to clarify, this a leak, not a consumption issue?
     
  5. kevin.c

    kevin.c Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2019
    98
    76
    8
    Location:
    sf bay area
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yup, definitely a leak. Oil is slowly seeping out of the timing cover - not fast enough to drip on the ground, but it'll probably get worse over time. Pulling out the engine costs quite a bit especially in the bay area.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  6. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2018
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    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I don’t know if I would recommend a Tesla right now. They are having financial problems. The next year will be a critical one for them.
     
    Chodronish likes this.
  7. mozdzen

    mozdzen Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2011
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    Location:
    Phoenix
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tesla Model S
    I'd say if they ran out of money, there would be several white knights waiting to pick up the pieces. Two profitable quarters in a row now. I would say they are in the best financial shape they have ever been in.

    Test drive a leaf, a bolt, a Clarity, and yes, a model 3. Arm yourself with knowledge. Yes, examine the health of any company you buy from. But make your decision with all the information you can gather.

    Global Sales December & 2018: 2 Million Plug-In Electric Cars Sold
     
    kevin.c likes this.
  8. ThebigK

    ThebigK Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2019
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    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Welcome! I joined for the same reason =)
     
  9. ImDBatty1

    ImDBatty1 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2020
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    Location:
    Pacific Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
  10. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2009
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    Location:
    Foot of Pikes Peak
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    Limited
    You might want to test the health of your battery with the Dr. Prius app. You would need to get an OBDII bluetooth adapter that plugs into the vehicle's computer diagnostic port under the dash, then pair it with the app.

    Their web site gives info on the app and recommends adapters: Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus

    I have a 2010 Prius with nearly 100,000 miles and the app shows the battery as healthy. Mine "uses' some oil but doesn't seem to be leaking any.

    Maybe you are looking for an "excuse" to trade up. I understand the feeling. After nearly 11 years I am also tempted.

    Sometime within the next year Toyota would normally announce the next gen Prius which is due as a 2022 model. Of course, these are not normal times, so it may be delayed or even cancelled since they are coming out with several other new hybrid models. So, I'm going to wait until more is known about the future of Prius.
     
    kevin.c likes this.