What to do with my 2007??

It sounds like a fine commuter car. If you have the funds, by a new car. If not, buy a new battery and fix your bearings with quality parts this time

 

We are still running a 2007 Touring with 257k miles because it refuses to die. Last year, I bought a 2017 Four Touring because I thought we would need it by now, but it mostly just sits while the Gen 2 car gets all the work.

We have never had to do the wheel bearings (nor did the previous owner, according to his records) possibly because our car has spent most of its time on the highway instead of the rough roads that are so common in most inner cities. Since buying the car with 211k miles, our only major expense (other than tires) was to replace the windshield after a chip grew into a large crack in the summer heat. I know the battery isn't as strong as it used to be, but we are still getting highway MPG in the low to mid 40s, which is a lot better than any other car we have ever owned, so how can we complain?

From the moment we bought the car a couple of years ago, I said as soon as it has a major problem we will get rid of it. I thought we could continue to drive it with a crack in the windshield, but it wouldn't pass inspection that way, so we ended up spending money anyway. For sure I'm still thinking if the HV battery ever throws a code or the brake actuator needs replacing we will donate the car to charity, but we've come to love the car so much, I'm not sure I'll be able to stick to my principles when the time comes.

I guess if I were in your situation, I would continue to run the car until the wheel bearing and tire problems or brake accumulator going out (are you sure that's not the sound you hear that keeps going and going?) got to the point where it became unsafe to drive. I wouldn't think it would be worth spending more than a few hundred to keep it on the road. (Everything on our car still works and it has no dings or noticeable wear anywhere, so I'm guessing our car is in better condition than yours overall, despite the higher mileage.) Even if your car is no longer driveable, I wouldn't think it would be worth any less than $2,000 to someone who wanted it for parts.

 

These little beasts go and go, I have a new 2015 sitting in the garage like your new car. Still driving the old gen 2

 

I do have the funds, but I dislike payments.

I don't want to get to a position where I'm spending money when I can use that for a down payment

First set of bearings were from Toyota. Second set was manufactured in Japan but from an aftermarket. They actually lasted longer than the Toyota ones. Two big contributing factors to bearing wear. Chicagoland roads are horrible especially in the winter time. I corner aggressively. I have the Tanabe strut tower brace and subframe brace.


iPhone ?

 

If you have the funds, just go for a new car. You only live once.

If you choose to keep the car, then use Timken brand bearings next time. They may or may not last any longer than your current ones, but they are the higher quality ones on the aftermarket.

You can buy a battery reconditioning kit for about $650, and that'll help you put off the battery replacement for a few years

 

Yes, Timken! That's what is on the car now. Lasted longer than the Toy brand.

If I'm going to spend $650, I'll spend $1,600 and get all new cells.


iPhone ?

 

I think $1600 is a good choice, even if it lasts for 5 reliable years. That's about all you'll be hoping to get out of your car

 

Dump it, before it dumps you.

 

I'm torn. But if I end up dumping few thousand over the next 6 months, I don't think it's worth it. Rather take that money and the money I can get for it and put it towards something new.


iPhone ?

 

And in what way do you predict it will dump him? Other than hv battery, because we all live with that threat.

 

I agree. If you know the warning signs and act promptly when they appear, you will not get stranded anywhere.

 

i don't predict anything. are you saying nothing serious ever goes wrong with 11 year old 213,000 mile prius?

 

Needing a HV pack is a CERTAINTY, if you keep any hybrid long enough. The rub is that you save enough in fuel costs every 3-4 years to cover that (based on the EPA "average" MPGs of a Prius and average vehicle).

Our 05 has 193k on it and NEVER has had a wheel bearing replaced and does not need one. You are in the sale belt, I wonder if that is a factor, due to poor seals? They are not difficult to change, but a pain none-the-less.

If you *just* need a car, two and from work + errands, it would be difficult if not impossible to find an equal or better one than you have for the money needed to fix this one. That is THE question.... "Can I get an equal or better vehicle for what the repairs on this one cost?" The answer is almost always... NO.

 

My daughter's Prius is over 200k, and mine is approaching 200k. It was an honest question for a respected member. I really want to know what other major issues we may face.

 

I'd fix and sell if I was in your position... A lot of issues can get wrong at over 250k miles... you'd rather not be holding it with the mentality that 1.5k is a lot. My transmission failed at 190k miles, my combo meter went back at 170k, my battery just failed at 215k miles.. if it was me I'd have sold it at 170k if I knew any better and put it towards a nicer newer car.

By fix, I mean the cheapest recondition possible or by listing as is with the cost of the recondition off the top.

 

Problem solved. Give it to me and I'll love it and cherish it and pet it every day.

 

Could always sell it to a member here. Looks like it would be a great car for a fellow DIY'er here.

 

you would do well to search, but a few key expensive components are the engine, tranny, brake actuator, inverter and a/c compressor. all in the thousands of dollars to repair.
that doesn't mean yours or the o/p's will break tomorrow, but what are you expecting as more miles and years accumulate?

 

Thanks

Thanks, that helps. Fresh info is always better than searching outdated or erroneous info.