Looks like my '06 is down to her last few days...

After 392K KM's and two battery rebuilds, looks like my loyal 2006's days are numbered.

About 2 weeks ago upon return from a long road trip, the engine began "clattering" when running, getting increasingly louder. I brought it to my mechanic for a quickly listen and assessment and he suggested it sounds like (IIRC) the 'lifter' at the top of the engine, which basically means an engine rebuild. (I am going by memory, I may have this wrong). He did say he would not recommend spending that on the engine given the mileage, he would replace the entire engine instead, given the high mileage (he has other low mileage engines). However, I have no interest in doing this anyway, I think it's finally time to move on. He did say he would buy the car from me for parts for $1000, which seems reasonable given the condition and mileage.

I have continued to drive the car in the meantime, and the problems have worsened. I am now getting historically bad fuel economy, not even Canadian winters get this bad...

The Energy Monitor picture was taken while cruising at 100km/h. My car now goes down to between 25-30% SOC (per ScanGauge) when on the highway, often running at 3K RPM when cruising and with slight throttle push it 'redlines' at 5K. Very limited power. Feels like the electric motor is working against the engine... Almost like I am 'pushing' the engine, if that makes any sense? On lower speed city driving the battery recovers a bit, gets up to 50-ish % SOC, and drives more 'normally', but still less smooth than normal. I am waiting for the battery to start complaining about the abuse.

Feels like a valve timing issue or something? I don't know... Thoughts?

I just don't think I can put any more money into this car.

Look at this horrible fuel economy. (Ironically, these would be amazing if it were an American car in MPG, but sadly this is metric....) That consumption screen was taken after a solid 30-minute cruise at 65MPH without traffic slowdown. Yikes. I just filled up, I expect the next tank to be even worse.

Time to find my next Prius.

 

Well, my game plan all along was to wait for the Prime, however now it seems very clear I do not have that much time.

The second battery rebuild was last month, which my mechanic did for me for $650 since he already did it three years ago (115K km) for $1000. He was reluctant to do it this time given the age and mileage and warned me he is "only buying me time" and that I should make a decision soon on my next car since there were no guarantees it would last, or something else major going.

I was hoping it would bridge me at least 6 months, but I guess I 'lost' this gamble. Anyway, it was only equivalent to 1-1.5 car payments, so not the end of the world. My guy says when I am ready to part with the car, he would buy it from me for parts for $1000, and since it was essentially worthless with a dead battery, I figured there wasn't much to lose in doing the repair.

Regarding the fuel economy, it only got this bad this week. But it's getting worse. But surprisingly the battery has not been complaining about being severely discharged as low as 22% SOC, which is basically anytime I go on the highway now. It drops and stays in purple bars.

I have been wavering between a gen 4 or a used PIP.... Decisions, decisions...

 

Nope... That's the really surprising part. Indicator-wise, the car doesn't think anything is wrong.

 

Agreed. It was a difficult decision to buy 10 years ago, as it was an expensive car in Canada, along with terrible finance rates, and a 'new' technology that required a certain leap of faith, particular in terms of long term costs (amidst common fears of the 'unknown battery costs' back then). Frequency of spotting a Prius in Canada in 2006 was similar to spotting an exotic sports car.

10 years later, it has been an uber-reliable car, and I have no regrets. My plan from the day I bought it was to 'drive til the wheels fall off', and I think I have done that, having kept it about twice as long as most car buyers keep a vehicle, and in that context, the car was not that expensive. Have been payment-free for over 5 years, and that has been nice.

I look forward to doing it all again (well, except the payment thing... But at least I have a healthy down payment).

 

Agreed. I realize repairing this would be a major repair, and with the various other components wearing out, I have simply reached the tipping point, sadly.

I just need the car to get me by a few more days...

PS - just noticed that Ontario approved PERMANENT HOV access to plug-in vehicles. Sweet.

Green licence plates

 

I used 5w30 full synthetic since day 1 sticking to 10k KM interval (I stretched the 8K default recommendation a bit since I was using synthetic). I did change brands sometimes if on sale, but usually QuakerState.

I did start using 0w20 full synthetic in the winter the last couple years, as the engine became very rough when it was very cold. 0w20 helped immensely with this.

 

This is the exact same struggle I have been dealing with. There are advantages on both sides.

As a side note, we replaced my wife's car with a '16 Leaf earlier this year (great car, as everyone here knows), so since I already have an L2, I really wanted a plugin, and can no longer wait for the Prime.

So, I bought a '14 PIP an hour ago!! Very exciting, but I won't get it until next weekend, as it will require a road trip.

 

No, it's a Canadian Technology model. If you check AutoTrader, there is a blue one in Sault Ste Marie (only one in the country). All mine. Though I did negotiate them down, I didn't pay that price.

It is a 7-hour drive away however, so I have a trip ahead of me (fly out / drive back) next weekend....

 

Thanks! There is good reason you haven't seen Clearwater Blue before, as I am pretty certain this is the only colour exclusive to the PiP, the regular Liftback is not available in this colour (at least according to the Canadian brochures for 13/14/15). All the other PiP colours also apply to the Liftback.

I like driving a car different from most, and was one of the things that attracted me to the Prius with the 2nd gen (besides all the cool tech). I think the chrome trim on the PiP definitely makes it stand out, plus this being a unique colour helps.

 

Hey, what are you saying about my Seaside???

J/K... it's funny how things work out, that I am getting another blue car, mainly out of fluke since that is what came available, but I like it. Our other car is also blue.

Finally updated my signature after many years, I will change my avatar picture too (don't even live at that place anymore), once I get the new wheels.