Longbow, I would not spend $2k on a new catalytic converter/pipe. You will likely foul it again in about 30-40k miles (this happened to me). If you search on Craigslist for "Prius Parting" you will likely find someone, or a salvage yard, that will sell you the "exhaust pipe, middle section" (that just so happens to include the cat). I paid $500 for a used one. Took a garage 30 minutes to replace for $70 (or do it yourself with 2 jack stands). If you are stuck, in an emergency, then get a 0.25" dia drill bit, about 12" long, and drill a dozen holes in the first layer of the cat to get you home (it will run like new, caution light will be on until you replace it - right away).
200Volts I appreciate your perspective. I have considered this as a choice. However I have had excellent results from my dealer's work and I drive too much to mess with used parts. It goes in Tuesday and well be ready for another couple hundred thousand miles.
I have a 2006 with 298,725 miles on it. I have not changed either the HV battery or the 12 volt battery. I am going to replace the 12 volt this weekend though, and would appreciate suggestions on replacements. The transaxle is original fluid, I have changed plugs twice, did recall work and I'm on my third set of tires currently using Falken Sensia. They are a bit loud but am still getting 46 mpg, I drive 144 miles a day for work. I have not changed my brake pads yet either. I did recently get a P0420 code and that is the reason I'm looking to change my 12 volt battery.
Man, looks like you've got a warhorse there. Congrats! No 12V in 8+ years....wow. Personally, I'd look for good pricing on a Toyota OEM battery ($150-175). Maybe the service manager at one of the dealerships will cut you a discount if you ask and show them the 300K Prius. If not, I'd still be tempted to pay the 20% difference over the Optima to get the OEM. If it were mine, I'd change the tranny fluid. But you have 300K on yours and I only have 85K on mine so I defer to seniority. Don't know about the code, but I'm sure someone will chime in on that.
and then... Just incredible. Whoever heard of brake pads lasting 300,000 miles on a 'normal' car?! or even 30,000! Love it.
I was going to have it changed about 100,000 miles ago, but the dealer did not want to do it. He said it was sealed for life and if it wasn't giving me trouble leave it alone. Other posts I've read here are adamant about having it changed. I won't now that it has so many miles on it, but will on the 2012 V that we got last year. My odometer is now at 307,964, I had the display changed a couple of years ago under the recall.
I have found my problem with the Brake, other brake, and vcs lights. Looks like the 12v battery is only reading 10.9V. I've had the car since 2009. So 6 years is pretty good. Don't know how long the previous owner had it tho. Great thing about the Prius, dieing 12v battery does not mean you are stranded.
This guy made his goal Used 2006 Toyota Prius Base 4D Sedan near Indianapolis #C15245A | Andy Mohr Interesting carfax, sometimes 6,000 miles in a month or 2
I made it last week. Best car ever. New 12v battery. Same HV battery. Same brakes. 3rd water pump. Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Btw, the odometer cluster is stuck at 299,999k even after a new replacement last spring. Hope to go another 200k.
Start planning where you want to get that traction battery. I know I thought mine was an immortal like Thor. I was able to get Gen 3 cells in a Gen II BUILD BUT PAID. $3000. Hope with planning you do better. iPhone ?
Use your trip meter carve a notch in your steering wheel every 10k and watch your savings grow. iPhone ?
HSD transmission does not have any friction-intended parts, except for the torque limiter system, which never heard of problems before.
I have the same transmission; it seems to be running fine, never sense a slip. Going to replace the struts/shocks this week. Lifetime mpg average is 45. Oil is burning @1qt for the first 5k. I'll report about the next 5k later. I change my oil every 10k.
Do you know if the cells were produce recently, or like 2009 (which were the last batch of 2nd gen.)?