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New Prius Owner

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by SonnyNorCal, Nov 2, 2013.

  1. SonnyNorCal

    SonnyNorCal Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2013
    10
    4
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hello everyone. Figured I would check in here, as I just purchased a new (to me) 2010 Prius II Hatchback today. Been an owner of almost every kind of car, from Volvo to Saab, to a Mustang GT, to the most recent, a 2010 Ford F-150. (and a lot in between all of those)

    If someone would have told me a couple years ago that I would buy a Prius, I would have scoffed at the idea. However I recently incurred a longer commute (45 miles each way), and the F-150 was literally robbing my wallet. Being in Nor Cal, you see a Prius on every corner, and I started to investigate them, researching, etc. for about a month before I made my decision.

    I didn't buy the Prius to save the world, live green, or anything like that. Although you do feel a lot less guilty driving one than an F-150. I simply bought it to save money on gas, and the technology really impressed me.

    Initially I was intimidated by the size of the car. I am 6'3" and I thought I simply wouldn't fit. I have more leg room in this Prius, than many other cars I've owned. Its amazingly spacious inside.
    I drove a Toyota Hilux in Afghanistan a long time ago (military) and was amazed by its durability, so I am looking forward to many great years with this car. Also look forward to any advice you all may give a newb.

    Thanks
     
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  2. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2012
    3,779
    1,282
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Congrats on the new car. Definitely saving money on gasoline is a huge benefit. I only owned a Prius one year. My only advice is follow the maintenance schedule. Since the transmission which Toyota calls a Transaxle does most of the breaking to regenerate the battery I suggest you have the dealer change the transaxle fluid at 30,000 miles and every 60,000 miles thereafter. If it has not been done best to do it. The cost is $100. Transaxle failure can cost thousands so the fluid change is cheap insurance. Toyota recommends 100,000 miles but many will disagree. Other than that enjoy the car
     
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  3. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2009
    7,543
    1,558
    0
    Location:
    Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride! Pretty much the same story here.
     
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  4. Jae Sea

    Jae Sea Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2013
    5
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I just bought a used 06 with 88k miles. Mine "shifts" hard between the gas engine and electric engine, especially when I have the heat on. I can't seem to find an answer for that on this site. Any ideas what I need to do? Seems to be getting worse, too. I was going to change the spark plugs. What are the best plugs for this car?

    Thanks
     
  5. SonnyNorCal

    SonnyNorCal Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2013
    10
    4
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    JMD, Thank you for the advice. I purchased my Prius with around 27,000 on the ODO, so I will definitely look into the transaxle fluid change soon. (I am not sure if the dealer I purchased it from did that service) I did buy it from a Toyota dealership, and the car fax showed faithful service up until I bought it.

    Sonny
     
    JMD likes this.
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,235
    50,090
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    all the best!(y)
     
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