2001 Prius with 266k miles....Sacramento CA

And that my friend is why this forum is awesome. Way to go Bob. Excellent feedback

 

Another question...

My prius had ~225K miles on it going into this engine swap I'm doing. As I posted in this thread, the new engine going in has ~13K miles on it. If this was you, how many more miles would you hope to get out of your car? I'm hoping for another 200K! Am I being unrealistic? Should I be expecting the car to break down gradually as I shoot for that number?

What do you guys think?

Jeremy

 

Nothing lasts forever but you can maximize the return on investment:

1. Instrumentation - at a minimum Prius aware scanner for ICE rpm and system temperatures.
2. Drive as if 'heat is the enemy' - there is a substantial change between 65 mph and 75 mph which the instruments can tell. Use them and try to minimize (not always avoidable) thermal stress.
3. Maintenance is a budget item - lubricants, wheel alignment, coolants, fluids, emissions valves ... they need to be checked and replaced.
4. Stuff does wear out, learn what these are and be prepared to repair as needed.

Bob Wilson

 

As long as you can obtain replacement parts and can fund the repairs then in principle you can keep the Prius going indefinitely...

I think you should expect to replace the transaxle, the inverter, and the traction battery during the next 200K miles. I don't know what condition your car's exhaust, suspension and brake system is in currently - but those will also need attention from time to time.

 

Patrick,

You think the traction battery will need to be replaced again. I have one from Taylor Automotive (Re-Involt) in Sanford, NC that was replaced a couple of years ago. They seemed to think at that time it should last as long as the car does...

 

I'm in Sacramento, if you still need a solution, I can help.

 

I have a 2001 Prius that my son is still driving and I have a 2002 that I am still driving with 150,000 miles on it and so far, no problems. I have had to replace the water pump and the regular battery, that's it. I love this car! I'm still getting 42 mpg without even trying. I can get up to 46mpg on the highway. I signed on today because it is getting hard to make the key turn over in the lock. I called the dealer and they said it is probably the key is getting old, not the cylinder itself.

 

Your ignition key may be physically worn. Find out what they want to cut a new "black chip" key by VIN CODE and mate it to the car. If the price is too high, here's a cheaper option:

Ask the dealer to cut a plain metal door key by VIN code. Should cost around $20. This key will not start the car, but it will open the doors and should turn in the ignition easily since it is not worn at all.

Then buy a 4C blank Toyota key (with chip) on Ebay for under $10. Take the metal door key and the 4C blank to any hardware store and have them copy the cut from dealer door key to the chip key.

Then you need to mate the key you copied at hardware store to the car. It is not hard to do if you follow the "chicken dance" instructions, but you must have one working black ignition key to make the car learn the chip of the new key.