Has Toyota lost its way?

On the oil consumption issue...once a Prius starts consuming oil it usually has a very long life left...provided the oil is checked and topped up properly. Some here treat oil consumption as a death sentence even though it really isn't at all.

As for personal experience, our 2010 liftback consumes oil and 'only' has 110K miles on it. Our 2012 v (wagon) has 140K miles on it and consumes 'no' oil. So it's not like every Prius is destined to consume.

Like another post said...you tend to hear mostly about problems folks are having in forums like this. This is as it should be. There has been some incredible work done by members here to diagnose and solve problems that Toyota won't even admit to ( EGR clogging, catch can, etc... )

 

If oil consumption is the worst problem you have to deal with, your money ahead.

Our 2010 with 192 k miles consumes about a quart every 5 k miles or so. I just check it every Saturday along with the installed oil catch can and top up as needed.

I’ll take that over other cars every day of the week .

 

someone here has had one for a year or so and lifetime average around 50mpg in colder climate.

which package did you get?

 

nice!
40 mpg in a camry in winter uphill is nothing to sneeze at!

i can't wait to move my wife from her 2013 into a new one. how are the deals?

 

Is any of this a real problem?
Judging from the vehicles the OP has owned and does own, judging from the choices on the table, I'm speculating that the OP has the financial means to buy new automobiles.

No choice, is going to be perfect, or come with a 1/2 million mile guarantee. In the automotive world however, Toyota, Toyota products, and specifically Prius, have pretty good reliability reputations.

What you want? Is up to you however. If it's the most fuel efficient return on a Hybrid with a Prius? or Whether it's the more potentially more comfortable drive of Hybrid Camry, or whether it's something entirely different...that's simply a choice you have to make for yourself.

It's hard to offer an opinion, when you're looking at purchasing two cars, with a seeming much in flux series of desires and concerns about either of them.

Personally? The internet, automotive websites, owners forums, are absolutely fantastic for gaining knowledge about a potential vehicle and potential ownership experience. But I have yet to research any vehicle that didn't garner some negative posts from some owners.
If you are going to be thrown off, by things as simple as recommended oil viscosity, and perhaps needing to buy a specialized oil wrench? Then I don't know what to tell you. Reading the original post, it just seems what you want...isn't settled.

I would venture to say, I think a new Prius, or a New Camry Hybrid, or both in tandem are good choices. Toyota has become one of the worlds largest automakers based on the fact that they sell vehicles that owners feel they get good value from.
I wouldn't guarantee or feign to guarantee how long any particular vehicle is likely to last. But well maintained "Toyotas" have the reputation of returning excellent reliability. In that manner in no way do I think Toyota has lost their way.

If the vehicle fails before reaching 1/2 a million miles? Well, at that point....you get to look for a new vehicle.

 

Is Mrs. Bisco looking to upgrade ?

How many miles you got on the HyCam?

 

no, she loves her car. about 50k, but i wouldn't mind a new ride to florida every winter, and 55mpg or so.

she'd probably go along with it if the deal were right.

 

Looks like a lot of choices coming as far as vehicles equipped with versions of Toyota's HSD.

Prius, Prius AWD-e, HyCam, Rav 4, Corolla Hybrid....not to mention a Subaru variant. Seems like a very good strategy for Toyota. That is, roll out existing, proven, tech to other vehicles. In my view, the Prius was/is nothing more than a 'test' vehicle to 'perfect' the HSD system.

Personally, I think the Prius AWD-e looks really interesting. I want someone to buy one and give us more info. From the reviews I've read the rear motor also gives it a little 'boost' from a stop...which seems beneficial.

 

depends on sales numbers. hycam and hyava have not done well. i hope they don't discontinue them.

they need to get the price similar to non hybrid, due to higher repair costs and problematic technology

 

It’s probably very similar to the hyhi or RX450h platform AWD.

Nice setup and if you can lop off 1 Ton of weight, it’ll be very good for mpg.

My avatar pic is the best I could do in the RX450h.

Not bad for moving 3 tons.

 

There's a good possibility they've nixed the temp spare to accomodate the 4WD.

They don't come right out and say it, but the pictures and descriptions hint at this.

 

From the diagrams it certainly looks like no spare will be included. However, you are correct...I can't find any direct info about it yet.

BTW...the hybrid battery location for all Gen4 models (excluding Prime of course) is under the rear seat...correct?

 

correct