thats enough, gonna be handing this car back once the lease is over in a year

So what are you looking at instead, if you don't mind me asking?

 

i hear ya. that's a lot of problems. gonna get a 2011 or 12?

 

Why on earth would any lease a Prius? The only way it makes sense to buy one is if you're going to keep it for a long time and put a lot of miles on it quickly.

 

Sorry to hear of the problems. Seems a little like dealer gouging but since it is under warranty, no problem.

Just as comparison, the majority of people have 0 repairs with 100k+ kms.

It seems strange that the rack + pinion would give out this soon. Almost makes you wonder if something else caused it to fail. The windshield is easy enough to figure out. It was cold outside one morning, you turned on the defrost full blast, and wammo bammo you got a cracked windshield. Hardly the car's fault there.

Have you thought about dressing for the weather and then you don't need full blast heat in the winter? Yes we get -20 and much colder. Be smart, wear gloves and a jacket. I keep the HVAC off the whole time even in the winter, but even if you set it to 25 or something you will net better.

Something to consider is that in the winter, the Prius always starts since there is no starter. Being from Winnipeg, I am sure you are familiar of the car that just wont crank because the battery is too low. Happens even in sunny southern Ontario!

 

Ever drive around Winnipeg? A lot of the streets resemble the Belgian Block road test course for US Army vehicles

In particular, Dugald. Also Wellington by Grovennor. Most of St Mary's is just as bad

The alignment was always going out in my Prius. The FJ seems to soak up the bumps and after 4 years, still has not needed an alignment

As far as winter operation, living in this part of the country you MUST make a "winter front" and cover the grille. I even do that for the FJ

The Prius doesn't have much waste heat. Once the temps are consistently -20 C, and certainly by -40, you have to cover the grille

 

I cover the grill in winter even in southern Ontario, so I can bet it's necessary in Winterpeg... along with the block heater. I also play with the heater... off at stop lights so the engine will shut down,minimal use before the engine is over about 40c... It's a lot warmer here, but I figure if I'm dressed at all for the weather outside (and you should be) then I can survive in the car with just a bit of heat. If you wanted it as warm as your living room, stay there. I will remove my coat etc if I'm driving a few hours down the highway, but with the grill blocked there's always been enough heat available for me after not too long.

 

Is it even possible to get a lease for 4 years with 60,000 miles.....then turn the car back in.?????

 

This is why I live in a warm southern location.

Tom

 

Hi jayman,

The Prius, like most cars, has plenty of waste heat. Its just the 2nd Generation car did not take advantage of it. The 3rd Generation resolves that with the exhaust heat recovery system.

Not sure the Prius is a good car for rough roads driven at rally speeds , however. A real lightweight car, with a strong suspension is a must for that. An independant rear suspension is probably needed too.