ifallalot
Duke status
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 18372
Loc: Carlsbad, CA
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My wife needs a new car and right now we are thinking about a used Prius. Are Prius as bulletproof as other Toyotas, meaning you can count on them for 200-250k miles?
I'm just wondering about buying in the 30-40k mileage range rather than in the 20k range
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the graphics portray the hawks prey battling death
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kellsmith
Miki Dora status
Reged: 04/18/11
Posts: 3840
Loc: South Bay
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the word ive heard is that the prius battery dies and needs to be replaced after about 8 years, and it costs 8-10 k for a new one. plus the battery itself is toxic as hell when it sits in the landfill. im sure 50 mpg is nice but you can get that with a metro geo too. so i would look into that whole battery issue first...
edit:
i just did some quick research and it seems that what i said above might not be completely true. lots of conflicting reports on the battery issue. one guy said his died after 115 000 miles and it was gonna cost 7 k to replace. other places said no issues at all. so.... 
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The glide shall not be truncated 
- roy
Edited by kellsmith (12/07/11 11:35 AM)
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need 4 speed
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 11/01/03
Posts: 2715
Loc: SoCal
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I have read and heard the same conflicting reports.Also that batteries are available from junk yards for more like $1500
I read an article from Consumer Report about some test they did showing no significant loss in batter life or power after even 10yrs
I was considering for myself as a surf/commuter car to save on gas
We have lots in our fleet and are fairly nice to drive
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NOT THAT KIND
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Chilasno
Nep status
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 664
Loc: Where the three eyed fish flop
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Alright, something I actually know a little about for a change 
Have a first generation Prius bought in 2001. 120,000 miles
About 2 months ago the Hybrid warning light went off. Dealer said battery needs to be replaced. So, started researching.
First off, batteries that are dying (some) are only on first generation. Second and third generation are all under warranty still (8 or 10 yrs if I'm not mistaken).
Most 1st gen batteries issues happen around 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
Replacement cost of battery from dealer is 3200 but they will do this whole thing where they will give you a break and let you have it for 1600. There are reputable companies that will sell you a battery with second generation cels for the same amount $1600.
So, cost to get your actual battery replaced (in a first gen) is more like $2000.
So, at worst you can assume that the 2nd and 3rd gen will be comparable if and when they do crap out.
In 10 years owning my Prius I have never had to replace or even touch my brakes. Transmission is super simple and no real problems reported. So, after all this time not one big ticket item for the car. Still haven't changed the battery (light went off and I'm doing the ostrich). Would i buy a Prius again? Absolutely.
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Gallery
Nep status
Reged: 06/08/10
Posts: 629
Loc: Monmouth Co., NJ
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I went from a Wrangler that was my baby (still have it) to a 3rd gen Prius and I don't mind the Prius (don't mind is about the best compliment you'll get from me for a compact car). It was bought out of pure utility for a new 130 mile a day commute.
...but on to your questions. The 3rd gen Prius battery (and I believe this is the same for 2nd but can't say for sure) is designed so that you only have to replace a single cell when it goes bad. So rather having to replace the whole battery at once, you can replace cells. Makes it easier to shell out a few hundred for a cell when needed rather than a few thousand for a battery.
I've got about 20k miles so far and no complaints from me.
Just about any question you may have can be answered here:
http://priuschat.com/forums/
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Gallery Blog
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ifallalot
Duke status
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 18372
Loc: Carlsbad, CA
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the graphics portray the hawks prey battling death
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Norm'
Duke status
Reged: 01/31/03
Posts: 18861
Loc: Lovetron
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This thread is useless, without pictures.
Ok, it isn't really. Prius' have never given me wood. 
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"I mean, it's not your job to be as confused as Nigel."
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slopokecr
Nep status
Reged: 09/28/07
Posts: 887
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I dont have a problem with Priuss per se, just some of the smug poeple that drive them. 
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feralseppo
Nep status
Reged: 02/28/06
Posts: 581
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I've got 55,000 on a 2008. Haven't done anything except change the oil, tires and 12V battery.
Guy that does the maintenance on my car says one of his clients has about 150k or 200k and still hasn't changed the brakes.
Beware, Steak will call you a SUP fag if you get one.
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watourmann
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 10/26/07
Posts: 218
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I'm diggin the Prius V. Looks like the hatchback I've been needing.
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Steak
Kelly Slater status
Reged: 11/09/10
Posts: 8461
Loc: No Country for Old Men
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Quote:
I've got 55,000 on a 2008. Haven't done anything except change the oil, tires and 12V battery.
Guy that does the maintenance on my car says one of his clients has about 150k or 200k and still hasn't changed the brakes.
Beware, Steak will call you a SUP fag if you get one.
Only if yours has soft racks and a Coexist bumper sticker.
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The magnetic mass has destroyed his circuits.
We will start again.
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FalseLight
Nep status
Reged: 06/22/09
Posts: 745
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Quote:
I dont have a problem with Priuss per se, just some of the smug poeple that drive them.
Seriously, please dont be that person diving in the fast lane at 57 MPH because your car says its the most efficient speed to drive.
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patrolman
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 07/28/05
Posts: 1848
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We just sold my wife's Volvo V70 wagon and bought a Prius. I kind of miss the t5 turbo acceleration, but the Prius is a trip. It really makes you want to see how much mileage you can squeeze out of it...you start driving all smooth. Our first tank we averaged 44.5 mpg...not bad but I was totally disappointed! What about 50 mpg??? My wife says I use the "power" mode too much. In Power mode it's pretty much what you'd expect from a 1.8 liter gas engine economy car.
Oh and you can't compare a Prius and a Geo. The Prius is really roomy and can carry as much stuff as our old Volvo wagon.
So far we're stoked on the car. We'll see about reliabilty. And my wife keeps saying that one day we'll get a Porsche....
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ocean7847
Miki Dora status
Reged: 06/23/04
Posts: 4036
Loc: BACK IN THE WATER
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Funny, I had a Prius thread going on not too long ago.
The endgame of that thread: I got an '09 prius with 35k in great condition.
They are pretty bulletproof re: the usual maintenance and car issues. Obviously, this battery stuff is new to the game, and no one has a ton of experience in that end.
But, I should mention that I was t-boned in an intersection while driving my father's prius ('07) and it flipped the car over and totalled it. In the back was my guitar and two surfboards. Neither of the boards nor the guitar were damaged (they all were in bags, glad I keep em that way). I didn't get hurt at all either. Seriously, climbing out the back hatch (only door still able to open in a flipped prius) at 3AM in the ghettoooooo of LA wearing boardshorts, sandals, and a t-shirt and having all the hard-working latino's who were up early giving me the "is he WALKING?" look was a trip. So, safety and maintenence - check.
Re: commuter car - go for it.
Re: Surf car - its pretty good, but not epic. Obviously, the size of the interior can be problematic depending on how many people and how many boards you have, and, more importantly, what kind of boards you have.
I do get pissed off when I see other Prius drivers acting like 80 year olds yet staying in the fast lane - I think I'm borderline paranoid about staying out of the way as a result of my Prius-paranoia. I should also mention that when you drive one, the instant that you pass someone in a truck who might just be crusing 5 miles/hr slower than you, they will almost certainly speed up and pass you to merge in front of you. Its weird.
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Hail Xenu!
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Bob
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 04/23/01
Posts: 1962
Loc: anywhere I can grab a wave
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I am on my second Prius. Right now the price of a used Prius is pretty cheap in my area as it is winter and it doesn't have four wheel drive. Worries about battery is nonsense, service is cheap and the new ones have a real gas tank instead of a bladder which is much better. On my Ventura trips I get about 50mpg going 75 and can fit my surfboard in the car no problem (cops tend to stop me when it is on top). What's not to like? Sorry if I'm sounding smug. I saw that South Park episode too.
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It's all in good fun.
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Gallery
Nep status
Reged: 06/08/10
Posts: 629
Loc: Monmouth Co., NJ
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Quote:
I do get pissed off when I see other Prius drivers acting like 80 year olds yet staying in the fast lane - I think I'm borderline paranoid about staying out of the way as a result of my Prius-paranoia. I should also mention that when you drive one, the instant that you pass someone in a truck who might just be crusing 5 miles/hr slower than you, they will almost certainly speed up and pass you to merge in front of you. Its weird.
This is DEAD ON. I get treated completely different in the Prius than I do in the Jeep. If I'm cruising around 75mph in the fast lane and I'm about to pass someone doing around 70mph, they will actually speed up to try to prevent me from passing them. Also, I get the people who will ride up on my arse when I'm doing 75 or so just to pass me and do 75 in front of me. People have some issue with the Prius that I don't understand. Like a chip on their shoulder that they think I'm a prick for getting better gas milage then them.
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Gallery Blog
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ocean7847
Miki Dora status
Reged: 06/23/04
Posts: 4036
Loc: BACK IN THE WATER
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Quote:
My wife needs a new car and right now we are thinking about a used Prius. Are Prius as bulletproof as other Toyotas, meaning you can count on them for 200-250k miles?
I'm just wondering about buying in the 30-40k mileage range rather than in the 20k range
to answer the original question - you could buy a 30-40k one without a doubt. i did, and its wonderful.
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Hail Xenu!
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Chilasno
Nep status
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 664
Loc: Where the three eyed fish flop
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That Prius smugness quotient of mine really came down when they phased out the advantages of the sticker. 
All those years of parking at a meter for free, getting to use the car pool lane, etc... I guess its now those effing volt, etc drivers that are all smug and sh..!
Rat bastids!!!!!
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walrus
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 1001
Loc: NJ
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i've been thinking about a Prius for my next hybrid---i have a honda civic with a 5 speed stick that's a '04 . total of 131,000 miles and averaging 48 mpg......a little body rust from getting in straight from the surf. OUt there on the left coast, are there any kind of # for hondas vs prius? here in the east not that many honda hybrids ........
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if your not having FUN, get out of the water!
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patrolman
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 07/28/05
Posts: 1848
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Quote:
i've been thinking about a Prius for my next hybrid---i have a honda civic with a 5 speed stick that's a '04 . total of 131,000 miles and averaging 48 mpg......a little body rust from getting in straight from the surf. OUt there on the left coast, are there any kind of # for hondas vs prius? here in the east not that many honda hybrids ........
We went to the LA car show before buying our Prius. The Honda Insight felt smaller all around. Like I said before the Prius is surprisingly roomy. More back seat legroom than our Volvo wagon.
I liked the Prius V, especially the interior, but my wife wasn't into it. She detests mini vans and the V looks like a mini van.
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Gallery
Nep status
Reged: 06/08/10
Posts: 629
Loc: Monmouth Co., NJ
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Quote:
Quote:
Like I said before the Prius is surprisingly roomy.
I can attest to that...
8 blanks fit in the Prius with room to spare
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Gallery Blog
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