1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Set on getting a Prius v

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by Brindledog, Sep 14, 2020.

  1. Brindledog

    Brindledog New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2020
    5
    1
    0
    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    V
    Hi all,

    After much research, I'm set on getting a Prius v. I have two large dogs, I don't like or want an SUV, and I am determined to get something that is better for the environment. I was seriously considering a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid, but it's just too big for my current living situation (would not fit in my driveway). So the V is it.

    Today I test drove a 2017 V 2. I was surprised to find both my dogs fit comfortably (enough) in the cargo area. They even calmed down and behaved! The drive was sufficient for me to know that I am going to get a V. BUT I am concerned about the following:

    1) "pokey" acceleration. I felt ok getting on the freeway, but it did sound like it was straining, much like my corolla does when I'm trying to zoom up a hill. Is this sound normal? Is simple acceleration going to cause damage to engine?

    2) How is it going up steep hills? I drove up a couple inclines, but nothing like the hills in San Francisco. I live in the bay area and we have some pretty hilly areas. More importantly, how is the V on mountainous roads? I will need this thing to drive up the coast to Oregon (or what's left of it), and I need it to go up some pretty steep roads carrying me and my dogs. Will this be a problem?

    3) What should I expect on a car with, say, 70k miles?

    4) What should I be looking out for?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Brindledog, Sep 14, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 14, 2020
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,470
    4,372
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    It has a lower final drive ratio (higher numerically) than the standard Prius to pull better. I live up a hill with a steep grade and I have no problems. If you want more acceleration, go to the Power mode. The car has almost no sound deadening to save weight. Noise at high rpm is ok but will be rare. A car with 70k should be like new. I would plan to trade around 150k to avoid any major maintenance and only consider the 16 or 17 models.
     
    Brindledog likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,861
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    read the egr circuit/blown head gasket threads
     
    Mendel Leisk and Rmay635703 like this.
  4. mpg_numbers_guy

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    116
    64
    0
    Location:
    VA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    The Prius CVT does tend to drone (more so on older Prii than newer ones) when at higher RPMs, this is normal and characteristic of most CVTs unless the car has an oversized engine with an excessive amount of power. Lower than average amounts of sound deadening also contribute to this. It's normal. Only potential concern would be low MPG that comes from unnecessary revving, but just the fact that the car revs isn't a problem. It's not a race car, so don't expect it to zoom up mountain grades at 80 mph without revving.
     
    Brindledog likes this.
  5. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    1,669
    546
    3
    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    What is the reason for a possible prius purchase? How long to keep and how many miles have you figured into this equation....
     
  6. Brindledog

    Brindledog New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2020
    5
    1
    0
    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    V
    I think I mentioned my reasons? I don't drive much. Only a few times per week. And when I do, it' mostly around town for errands. I don't even look at my mileage, but most weeks probably less than 50 miles. But I want something large enough for a road trip with my two dogs, and that uses as little gas as possible for those trips. I'd prefer a plug in because with my usual driving I'd never need gas, but the only plug in that would fit my dogs and my needs is the Pacifica, and it's too big to fit in my tiny driveway. Plus I've realized after looking at one last week that I can't buy a new car because the smell would give me a headache for months.
     
  7. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,470
    4,372
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    So did you buy the Prius v? Of course its not a plug-in, maybe a used Chevy Volt plug-in would come close. They have an 8 year 100k hybrid systems and battery warranty (including the brake booster abs system) so its possible to find a gen 2 version (2016-2019) for a good price with warranty.

    3826CD31-E294-4AB6-BD31-5B89FB51C80F.jpeg
     

    Attached Files:

    #7 rjparker, Sep 19, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2020
  8. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    1,669
    546
    3
    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    If you purchase a used prius you might have to spend thousands of $$$ on a new battery... and other things that go out that are very expensive. The fuel savings would be wiped out.....gas is cheap...... the only way one of these pays off is if you drive lots of miles.....and gas is over 2.50 a gallon. The batteries get old.... the master cylinder system goes out.... over $4000 installed...for just those two. Special tools, parts and knowledge is needed to work on them.....
     
    #8 Tim Jones, Sep 19, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2020
  9. Brindledog

    Brindledog New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2020
    5
    1
    0
    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    V
    I have not yet bought one. Still looking for one with the right combo of fair price, mileage, good condition. I am seeing one today that i hope will be it.
    @TImjones- you seem to really dislike the Prius. Is that true? I am aware of the issues you state. I am looking only at Prius V 2015 and later with under 80k miles. So it would not only be covered by the Toyota 8 year/ 100k miles Hybrid-Related Component Coverage warranty, it would also be covered by California's statutory hbyrid emissions warranty that lasts for 15 years/150k miles and battery warranty of 10 years/100k miles. Under those warranties a bad battery must be replaced at no charge.

    So if the battery goes out in the first 5 years or 20k miles after purchase, I'll be covered. Considering I bought a 2006 Corolla ~2016 and have only put about 20k miles on it, I think I should be fine. I would prefer a plug in, but there are no plug in vehicles available right now that meet my needs except for the Pacifica, and that is too big. An electric only vehicle is too restrictive - I could not do a road trip without having to plan out charging stops. A plug in hybrid is ideal for my current needs, as it would allow me to drive on almost 100% electric for majority of my driving (local), but go gas on road trips. But all current plug in hybrids are either cars that won't safely hold my dogs, or SUVs, which I really, really dislike. So again, that leaves my coveted Pacifica for which I do not have enough space in my driveway to park. And it's too new, so the smell would make me sick. Maybe in a couple years I'll be in a different house with a better set up for charging, and by then there will hopefully be much improved EV range and/or a used Pacifica hybrid without a smell!
     
  10. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    1,669
    546
    3
    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Only bought a Prius because part of my business is solar power backup for remote telemetry sites... Don't hate the Prius luckily got mine for labor cost on a job (trade) but would never do it again. I have three toyotas and it the most unreliable and oil user of them. Get's good mpg..... MAGA!
     
  11. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,470
    4,372
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I have to agree with Tim that the gen3 Prius is more problematic than the Gen2 (04-09) or gen 4 (16-present for hatchback). However reliability to 150k miles is statistically very good on all Prii and often pushes them to number one on many surveys. So I suggest people buy with knowledge and trade by 150k if possible. New Toyota hybrids today come with a 150k battery warranty for a reason.

    Clearly there are justifications and times to replace batteries, watch oil levels and swap expensive brake controllers to achieve 250k-400k mile lifespans. Clogged egr coolers and blown head gaskets are also a factor with gen3 engines. Taxis and delivery drivers are use cases where one car down for a week is acceptable and cost per mile is paramount. Usually a family does not want the uncertainity of expensive breakdowns even if longterm ownership costs remain low.
     
    #11 rjparker, Sep 20, 2020
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2020
    Tim Jones likes this.
  12. Brindledog

    Brindledog New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2020
    5
    1
    0
    Location:
    california
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    V
    Thanks for the info. Looks like I'm going to buy the one I saw/test drove yesterday. First going to set up a pre-purchase inspection at one of the many auto shops around here that specialize in Prii, but it's a 2015 V 5 with 77k miles in great condition. Regularly serviced. Has the leather seats, which is one of my requirements after living for years with dog hair stuck like velcro on my corolla upholstery, navigation, tinted windows (good for dogs), and many other things I've never had in a car. It's more than I want to pay, but significantly less than I'd have to pay at a dealership or used car lot, plus I'll get all the service records. I have never wanted a brand new car, and I've never paid much for a used car, so the cost seems outrageous to me. But the resale value of these also seems crazy to me. Some of these used Vs are selling for more than a brand new corolla. Ridiculous.
    That said, I don't see myself owning this car for so long that I'll have to worry about the 150k mark. I don't drive enough!
     
    Aaron Vitolins likes this.
  13. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,470
    4,372
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Used car prices are high now because of slow new car manufacturing.
     
  14. MrRJP

    MrRJP Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2020
    23
    5
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Luxury
    Tim hates his Prius, antagonizes owners, trashes the car every chance he can and wastes his time telling Prius fans that they made bad decisions.

    The rest of us love their car and get great value from them.

    Pixel 4 ?
     
  15. Gandolf989

    Gandolf989 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2015
    34
    21
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I only have 68,000 miles on my 2012 Prius V. I haven't seen any issues with power. You definitely want to go to a mechanic who is familiar with Prius cars. But for me it just works. I haven't done anything to the car other than basic maintenance and the car is great. I will probably keep this car for another 5 years or so, hopefully. Cars on the whole are a terrible investment. And while its nice having the latest gizmos in cars, I would prefer not to pay for that many new cars... Dump the clown!
     
  16. Ronald Doles

    Ronald Doles Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2019
    230
    280
    0
    Location:
    Columbus, OH
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    We bought a 2016 Prius V with 60k on it a year ago. It was our first Toyota and our first hybrid and we couldn't be happier with it. We put so little gas in it that we forget that we have to do that once in a while and those fillup's are only about 10 gallons. We average about 45 mpg which is outstanding compared to our Odyssey which averaged about 18 mpg doing the same routine. The Odyssey now sits for weeks at a time. It sits so much that I had to put a trickle charger on it because the battery would be dead when we needed to trailer something. The rear seat legroom in the Prius V was also a selling point for us.

    The only negative would be the freeway noise level which is annoying but we rarely do freeway driving.

    I will say that I didn't know what I didn't know when we bought ours. Being an engineering type and interested in how this hybrid system operates I have learned a lot about it but that is optional. To me it is like a science project but my wife just gets in it and drives. I don't have any regrets about our purchase and I don't think that you will regret your purchase either.
     
    Aaron Vitolins likes this.
  17. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2016
    757
    387
    0
    Location:
    Sausalito
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Four
    Have you bought your V
    Perfect vehicle for "dog" transportation (and camping or baby making :) )
    1) Highway acceleration, I find it okay and faster than my 1983 Corolla wagon.
    (Straining...could be the CVT transmission causing higher revs yet lack of a horsepower feel...try the power button as an option to reduce this experience.)
    2) Steep Hills, I have traveled San Francisco and do not find any safety issues with the hill climbing horse power of a v.
    3) What to expect with an 2017?
    Hard to say, maybe the basics, brake rotor/ pad wear, tires and alignment.
    Shocks should be okay at 70K, but debatable as other say many brands of shocks burn out at 20K and the only way to truly test is on a bench with a tool machine....I would not be concerned about shocks.
    A 2017 I would not expect any 12 volt or hybrid battery issues.
    Nor would I expect and EGR or spark plug issues.
    Engine oil changes, air filer cabin filters, inexpensive to ensure.
    What to expect would be "time" issues...brake fluid flush for example, check the owner manual service schedule.
    Perhaps undercarriage snow/ salt damage?
    Where was the base originally purchased?
    Service records available from previous owner or dealer computer system?
    So the big question is how was the v maintained and what abuse if any did it experience with its prior owners.
    4) What to look for...see 3 above.
    Collision damage, water leaks (not expected), tire wear.
    FWIW I get 40 MPG average driving "everywhere".

    I do like the v and would buy again.
    Good luck with your decision.
    damage
     
  18. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2018
    1,669
    546
    3
    Location:
    SE Texas
    Vehicle:
    2011 Nissan LEAF
    Model:
    ----USA----
    MAGA
     
  19. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,470
    4,372
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    The OP has decided to buy a 2015 v instead of the 2017. I would agree with Tim that the early 2012-? v's are arguably the worst Prii made. Head gaskets are common, must have seen four posts this week alone. Brake boosters/abs are chronic issues not covered like other gen3's. EGR cooler, another poor design. Inverter failures, luckily usually covered by service campaign and of course hv batteries probably aggravated by the faulty inverters.
     
  20. cmiles97

    cmiles97 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2020
    17
    4
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    I just picked up a 2012 V 2? I put the question mark because it has leather seats and a backup camera. I don't know if any of the previous owners added these options but the Toyota Owner's site says it is a 2.

    I have been stalking this site for information.

    My criteria:
    1- Florida car with no rust from the coasts
    2- No accidents
    3-Car Fax confirmed oil changes. (oil burn prevention down the road)
    4-looking for a deal

    I ended purchasing a 2012 with 89,000 miles on it. 3 previous owners. It was sold as a Toyota Certified used vehicle twice. Car Fax confirmed all maintenance at the Toyota Dealer with regular 5k or less oil changes. The last owner even got tires and a alignment there at 85K miles.

    It looks new. My 2 greyhounds fit comfortably in the back.

    I did notice when I went to check it out that the brake booster pump cycles often & know this to be an issue. The Toyota dealer had their Hybrid tech go through it. He even printed out a form showing his diagnostics (none showing) and a VIN search and at the bottom it showed 3 Customer Support Programs (CSP) this V is "potentially eligible" for. 2OTE07(Brake booster & pump assemblies), ZF3 (Sticking EGR Valve) & ZF5 (Intelligent Power Module). The tech said he can't get authorization for the booster pump & assembly until it throws a code but I have 2 years or 60k more miles of coverage for that. Same for the EGR valve. The IPM is warranted until 9/14/2027.

    I've put several hundred miles on it averaging over 41mpg in mixed driving. Other than the brake booster pump cycling often it is pefroming perfectly.

    Time will tell. I am happy with it so far. It is not using oil. I will be keeping an eye on that.

    Side note: I have a company provided vehicle and a 2017 Ford Expedition as my other vehicles. This one is my run around in traffic on the weekend vehicle so it won't get a ton of miles on it. I'm wanting maybe 50,000 more out it over the next 5-7 years.

    Good luck on your search OP.