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She Likes to Drink-Should I Get Rid of Her?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Borninblue, Feb 14, 2020.

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  1. Borninblue

    Borninblue Active Member

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    My 2010 with about 135K on her is starting to drink more and more. Dealer recommended, and I switched to 5w20. This did about nothing, consumption is probably 1qt every 1,500.

    EGR, manifold, throttle body cleaned including cooler, all fluids changed, breaks completely done, plugs etc done when I bought her at 114K. Been almost 2 years and debating on the future. Do I cut bait and trade in on a Prime or ride it till it dies.

    I would be more inclined to ride till she dies with the exception of two things. The big battery will need replaced probably within a year or two. Dr. Prius says I’m between 40% and 50% life the few times I’ve tested it.

    I really don’t know how long the engine will last as an oil burner? I need to install a catch can, whichI haven’t got to yet. Bought her for about $5,400. I’m more intrigued with the Primes the more I read and watch videos. I can almost make a complete trip to and from work with the electric mileage rating.
     
    #1 Borninblue, Feb 14, 2020
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Most new car dealers are offering pretty easy terms lately. Worth looking at some numbers. Also sounds like you've got a pretty good use for one.
     
    #2 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Feb 14, 2020
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  3. Borninblue

    Borninblue Active Member

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    I’m also wondering if they will devalue my trade since I told them at the dealer it was burning oil. Probably noted the switch to thicker oil in records.
     
    #3 Borninblue, Feb 14, 2020
  4. dubit

    dubit Senior Member

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    Possible, but doubtful. Sales generally doesn't look at the history, unless it's an out of the ordinary low mileage unit for it's age. But why not keep it till it dies. Heck a brand new Honda can burn a quart every 1000 miles and that's within tolerance. Like Coalroaller said though, might not hurt to look at some numbers.
     
    #4 dubit, Feb 14, 2020
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  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    I thought somebody was asking about getting rid of their drunken valentine :eek::confused::oops:
     
    #5 Prodigyplace, Feb 14, 2020
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  6. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    This may be worth a try? .......just saying
     
    #6 Tande, Feb 14, 2020
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  7. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    I know some members have used a 1 qt of Marvels mystery oil with their oil change, run it a few thousand miles and changed it with fresh oil and had fairly good luck with that.

    could be worth a shot? I personally have used it for maintenance purposes before, and use it in my gas tank with good luck.
     
    #7 Aaron Vitolins, Feb 14, 2020
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  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    New short block?
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Feb 14, 2020
  9. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I used the following to help with oil consumption:
    • BG Products EPR
    • BG Products Extended Life MOA
    • 0w-40 oil
    Our old 2010 consumed a quart every 4-5k miles and it maintained there.

    One thing I noticed is that if I traveled above 65-70 mph, the oil consumption would rise significantly.

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #9 Raytheeagle, Feb 15, 2020
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2020
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  10. Borninblue

    Borninblue Active Member

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    #10 Borninblue, Feb 15, 2020
  11. Borninblue

    Borninblue Active Member

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    Funny you say that. I noticed the exact same thing. If I travel above 70 she burns more. Few days I went above 80 and I could tell the burning increased even more.
     
    #11 Borninblue, Feb 15, 2020
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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    So it's not just that you're not doing less electric-mode: ceiling for that is something like 45 mph. Too, I would think the difference in oil consumption between 70 and 80 is rpm related.
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Feb 15, 2020
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  13. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    The change in oil you make isn't REALLY that much different.

    Before you junk it only because of oil consumption, try changing to a "high mileage" oil.
    They are usually something like 10W30 or 10W40 with special additives.
    And yes, that weight oil will work just fine.

    Any improvement will be temporary; how long.....nobody knows for sure.
    And if there is an actual oil leak that you haven't noticed, the different oil probably won't help at all.
     
    #13 sam spade 2, Feb 15, 2020
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  14. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    If and only IF the oil loss is due to stuck or gunked up rings.
    If it is due to plain old wear, it can actually make matters worse while the MMO is in there.
     
    #14 sam spade 2, Feb 15, 2020
  15. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    At 135k I would find it very hard to believe it’s worn out
     
    #15 Aaron Vitolins, Feb 15, 2020
  16. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    A used car dealer I pass regularly gas a Gen 3 with 300K miles for $5000.
     
    #16 Prodigyplace, Feb 15, 2020
  17. Borninblue

    Borninblue Active Member

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    300K for $5,000?! Come on now that’s robbery! Probably never even had the EGR cleaned!!! 5K for ticking time bomb wow
     
    #17 Borninblue, Feb 15, 2020
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  18. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    If you’re going to dump her for a younger, prettier model, it’s gonna cost you.

    Me? I’d wait until the traction battery goes Tango-Uniform and then kick her to the curb.
    With your renewed interest in things like OCCs and engine parts cleanliness this car probably has at least 50,000 miles left in her.

    50,000 miles on a $25,000 Prime will depreciate it FAR more than what it would cost you just rekindle the romance with the car that you already have.
    For JUST the increase in tags and insurance for two years you could probably get a remanufactured battery.


    If you’re going to start seeing other cars, wait till later in the year before you take one home.
    Tax time.
    EVERYBODY is wanting to spend now.....
     
    #18 ETC(SS), Feb 15, 2020
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  19. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

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    I'd clean the PCV valve and install an oil catch can.

    Pixel XL ?
     
    #19 mjoo, Feb 15, 2020
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  20. Borninblue

    Borninblue Active Member

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    Good advice thank you....dealers will be more thirsty later in year. Plus that RAV4 Prime coming out looks delicious....I need the AWD, although the blizzaks make the Pri a little tank I must say. I just love that center stack in the Pri Prime though.
     
    #20 Borninblue, Feb 15, 2020
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