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newbie with a 100K Prius 03

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Jorge LoBorges, Mar 3, 2009.

  1. Jorge LoBorges

    Jorge LoBorges New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2009
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    After 5 years with a 2000 Camry on my 80-mile day commute, finally found a Prius under $10K in the Seattle area. Searched the forums, still seems like a safe bet, but any hints on maintenence or things to watch out for, since the plugs are said to be still good?

    I think the gas part ran a bit rough at idle, so I used some Marvel Mystery Oil and I think it's a bit smoother. Thinking about using Seafoam; lotsa YouTube testimonials.

    I'm also thinking about "sound deadening" with Raamat or SecondSkin applications (removing door panels and carpets, pasting down the stuff, then reassembling) so I can listen to my audiobooks without blowing out my ears. Any hints there, or am I just crazy?
     
    #1 Jorge LoBorges, Mar 3, 2009
  2. TreffEdwards

    TreffEdwards Hybrid Family

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2009
    30
    3
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    Location:
    Houston, TX Des Moines, IA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Seafoam works really well. I use it in my 68 VW Conv a LOT and have used it in my 05 Prius when it hit 108k, it had a slight shutter when the ICE would start and I figured that would help. Come to find out it was a bad plug! If you search in the forums you will find oodles of information about good service ideas for cars over 100k! Enjoy your Prius! Dont forget to add Seafoam after a full tank of gas and shake it up in the tank, i kinda do a butt jiggle up agienst the car after i add it to mix it all up! haha
     
    #2 TreffEdwards, Mar 4, 2009
  3. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2004
    9,060
    3,529
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    Location:
    Kunming Yunnan China
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Welcome to new poster Jorge. I think you should replace the spark plugs. Presumably the engine oil and its filters are new. 90k is a time for new coolants; was that done? If the transaxle has never had the fluid cnage you should consider that along with removing the transaxle pan for cleaning and inspection.

    Not particularly a fan of marvel etc. for the Prius, but if you see soot on the throttle butterfly (under the engine air filter) you should think about cleaning that.

    I put sound deadening material insode the front doors and under the hood of 2001. It helped. inside the rear doors probably makes less of a difference. Very little effect under the rugs because they are already doing that job mire or less well. In fact if I were looking for another place to stick the stuff it would peobably be under the headliner.
     
    #3 tochatihu, Mar 4, 2009
  4. Jorge LoBorges

    Jorge LoBorges New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2009
    2
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    About plugs: the dealer salesman told me I wouldn't need plugs until 120K, since they're iridium, there's no timing belt a-la gas Toyota's to change, and that brakes seem to last "forever". I wonder how good the little "smear" test at JiffyLube or GreaseMonkey is in determining the need for new fluids: they smear your fluid and new fluid side by side on a white card. Thanks for the tips on sound deadening; right now, with a Scosche Boom Stick sound meter I read ~ 70 dB at a city stop, ~85-90 dB down the highway, ~93-98 dB with the radio on, down a highway so my old ears can enjoy it.

    BTW, after I closed the deal, in chatting with the salesman he told me he never buys cars, since he's "not interested in car ownership": he leases! He evidently watches lease rates closely, knows his monthly payment limit, and calculates the best deal for the most car, that way getting "all the latest technology and safety". Don't think Toyota leases Prius, but I guess they do lease the Camry Hybrid. Any experiences here?
     
    #4 Jorge LoBorges, Mar 5, 2009
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