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Newbie purchasing a Prius - Need a mentor to guide me

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Anerudh, Oct 14, 2018.

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  1. Anerudh

    Anerudh New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
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    Location:
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hi Folks,

    I'm a newbie here out to purchase my first pre-owned Prius here in Dallas. Just graduated and the new job kinda pays low.
    I've looked at how the Prius drives, have been a huge fan of how efficient this car is, how less of a gas guzzler it is.
    My roommates tell me the Prius is a complex machine with lots of fluids, batteries and maintenance compared to a regular car and are dissuading me from buying one saying what you can't understand or fix on your own, you shouldn't buy. Especially since i'm buying a pre-owned Prius.

    I also googled that batteries require a good temperature to be efficient and that the Texas summers may affect them.

    I was wondering if anyone who is passionate enough about their Prius, has the time, and lives in Dallas (preferably close to Preston and maple shade lane or plano), would like to educate me about the Prius, why it is a good choice, salient features of the car and just give me a walk-through of the basic car maintenance and details of the engine components under the hood that I need to be aware of.

    I'd really appreciate the info before I go buy one.

    I can buy you pizza for your troubles :)

    Please lemme know.

    Regards,
    Gopal.
     
    #1 Anerudh, Oct 14, 2018
    Burna J likes 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
    stop by texas hybrid batteries in weather ford and have a chat with matt. he is a member here and a great guy.

    my personal opinion is that the prius is a low maintenance vehicle, but can require expensive repairs when it ages.
    if you don't seriously diy, and cannot afford or find a great hybrid vehicle repair shop in your area, an older one with higher miles probably woundn't be a sensible purchase.
    your roommates are right and wrong. but heat is not good for the hybrid battery, and the lifespan is shorter in warm climates. that said, we have lots of owners in the south and southwest.
     
    #2 bisco, Oct 15, 2018
    Raytheeagle and Anerudh like this.
  3. Anerudh

    Anerudh New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2018
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    Location:
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hi Bisco,

    How high mileage are we talking about? I was looking at pre owned cars in the 120k to 150k range. Is that too much for a Prius?
    Also I just googled Texas hybrid batteries in weather ford. All it shows me on the map is a wide area that is probably the serviced area of the business.
    Do you know where Matt's shop is?

    How expensive repairs are we talking about? I'm not a DIY'er. This is probably going to be the first car I own. Should I go for something like a corolla instead in terms of parts repair and reliability?
     
    #3 Anerudh, Oct 18, 2018
  4. Sooner Al

    Sooner Al Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Oklahoma, USA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    #4 Sooner Al, Oct 19, 2018
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
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    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    And I’ll tag him here so he’ll see it and use this if you want to start a private conversation with him:

    @Texas Hybrid Batteries

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, Oct 19, 2018
  6. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
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    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    What are those digits in the top right corner called? I think it is a primitive means to communicate vocally?
    upload_2018-10-20_3-48-18.png
     
    #6 exstudent, Oct 20, 2018
  7. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    I vote getting a Corolla, Civic, Accent, Yaris, etc.

    You don't DIY, so that will make all Prius maintenance and esp repairs PRICEY!
     
    #7 exstudent, Oct 20, 2018
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