I'm Done THINKING About This Prius!

Main purpose for buying a Prius:

Reliability.
Great gas mileage.
Low-maintenance.
Simple maintenance.
Ease of use (let the car computers and hybrid system do their thing). Not having to "overthink" everything!

In other words, just drive it, and enjoy the technology without having to constantly think about it or fiddle with all the settings.

You read enough of these threads, over enough time, and your head starts to spin. I just want to keep everything very basic and simple. I got more important things to worry about, this new Prius should be the least of my concerns.

Simplicity:
Sticking with the basics. I've decided I am going to change my oil once per year - every 12 months. I am going to rotate the tires once per year. Put in a new cabin pollen filter once per year. (it was filthy after only 12 or 13 months in my car.) And check the engine air filter once per year, and replace if necessary. Check my oil level every month, along with the tire pressure. That's it folks, No need to make this Prius complicated.

I'm going to use Mobil 1 extended performance oil. (15,000 miles.) I don't even come close to driving that much per year, but this oil *supposedly* has better additives, or whatever. And it's no more expensive than the regular Mobil 1. (Brake inspections and all the other *checks* will be done per the time frame in the maintenance guide.)

I also won't be obsessive (or constantly tracking) the gas mileage. Anything over 30 MPG is great, in my book. So, my Prius is just another car. I'll operate it like any other car, relax, and enjoy the ride. Peace.

 

And I have much respect for all the the do it yourselfers, those guys with the mechanical skill who are more passionate about maintenance and love to work on their Prius at home. I am pretty much at the mercy of the dealer Service dept, and fortunately they have served me pretty well.

And no disrespect intended to all the members on these forums who like to analyze, and dissect, and debate, and really get into all the inner workings of the Prius. I found myself starting to get caught up in all that… unnecessarily so, I believe.

I hope to have a nice peaceful retirement. Not be overly concerned about my Prius. Just driving and enjoying it. Keep up with all the routine maintenance and hopefully it will be trouble free for many years.

 

I had a beautiful long drive yesterday. I stopped along the coast at a point and just sat there. Taking in the quiet beauty. And all you could see was water... As far as the eye could see, nothing but that huge ocean.

And the Prius performed wonderful. I seem to get better gas mileage when I just drive it, and don't worry about the speed or the air conditioner or pulse & glide and all that. She likes to be driven! She seems happiest when I stretch her legs, at speed.

And the new Michelin Premier "Total Performance" tires? After about 2000 miles, I am very happy with that purchase. They sure make my Prius feel good and handle nice.

 

I've bought three Toyotas there. I'm sure they are not perfect, and maybe I have just been lucky with their service dept. (And the Toyota vehicles have been so reliable, I never really had to go there with any serious repair issues. Just routine maintenance.)

 

I saw a generation one Prius on the road, a couple of weeks ago. At first, I didn't know what it was! They sure have changed since then. It's nice to see that there are still some of them out there driving.

 

Yeah, those. "consumption screens" (and all the other displays) do tend to distract me, and I have had a couple of close calls. But, that may be more due to me being an old guy. I haven't completely shut them all off, but I have eliminated some.

I guess that's why that warning pops up on the big screen when you first start the car. "Looking at these screens while driving can cause an accident."

Keep up the good work men. And ladies. This is a very nice website and great forums. All of your knowledge and experience is much appreciated. I may lurk from time to time, and see if any new issues or problems have popped up with the GEN 4. I'm still a Prius rookie, so I will be out there driving the coastline and enjoying this fine hybrid.

 

You're correct, I meant to say 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. But then again I keep changing my mind… I may end up changing it twice a year.

And yes, I am joking about the 30 mpg. I do expect my Prius to get in the mid to high 50s mpg. And it has done that easily, without even trying any special driving techniques.

I just had my oil changed, speaking of oil. Mobil 1 Extended Performance. 0W-20. I had a jug in the garage, and used it up. I swear, the gas engine now sounds quieter when accelerating. Not a huge difference, however a noticeable difference in quietness. Did the Mobil 1 do that? Even if I am just imagining it, I'll take it!

 

Saw this new 2017, trim three, at the dealer. Customized with 18 inch TRD wheels, and Continental "extreme contact" 245-45R-18s? It also had leather seats as an installed option.

And a surf rack and surfboard on top! That is your typical California Prius, for the younger generation.

$2500 for those wheels!
$1895 for leather (seat covers)?
The younger generation must be a lot richer than me!