After 250,000 miles (Update: now 293,000), should I just drive it 'til it drops?

It broke off right at the latch. I'm sure that lubrication would have avoided the problem as the winter road salt eats away at everything and anything!

When did you acquire the car (mileage) and how much oil does it burn? How frequently do you change the oil/filter and how often do you check the level between oil changes? All fluids should be changed as they break down over time. The 12 V battery, all exterior lights, brakes, exhaust system, and wipers should be inspected and replaced if necessary before winter hits. Under the hood check the ICE water pump for signs of weeping / fluid loss, the condition of the belt, levels and condition of all fluids. Wheel bearings let you know when they need replacing as they produce an audible sound.

 

WoW! Talk about inspiring... Here we go into 2018. The Pri now has over 318,000 miles and still doing very well SOC is normal and it has been starting in temps (literally) of -25 F. The 12v was last replaced in June of 2011 (not because of any problem but as a precaution) so that battery is now approaching 7 years old. Nothing has been done to the car since my last posting except replacing the after market hood release cable with OEM because it failed less than 2 months after replacement. Lesson learned. I really believe that the drive train will outlast the body of this little beast!

 

wheel bearings

 

Update: Warning lights appeared last week (BRAKE, (!), VSC, and ABS) - but no master warning light. Time for a new battery as we are approaching year 7. I bought a new battery as a precaution and installed it this morning. Warning lights did not disappear. The code reader indicates that there is a malfunction with the rt. rear wheel hydraulic system. Since this car has drum brakes, I assume that the wheel cylinder pistons may be shot as there is no evidence of a leak and the brake fluid remains at the max level. The brakes seem to be behaving normally with no unusual sounds or pump noises. If anyone has any suggestions, chime in.

There are no odd noises or any other indication that would point to the brake actuator going out. Otherwise, the car is still running fine, the SOC is WNL (within normal limits), and all is ok. Getting closer to that 320,000 mark...

Thank you again everyone!

 

The battery is 6.75 years old. The extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations in my area warrant replacement at that age unless one is like my son who parked his vehicle ( '08 Prius) for the night and couldn't get it started the next morning (original battery 7.75 years old). It had a good life. I'd rather not take chances since my daily commute is a bit less than 100 miles a day.

 

I usually service the brake fluid but with all the cars that I own (and the kids cars that I service), I can't say exactly when it was last done. The fluid, however, is relatively clear and shows no sign of breakdown at the present time.

 

We have reached the end of the line. The car will not pass inspection due to severe rust. It runs great and everything works mechanically. The brakes have been responding normally to this point regardless of the codes. The hybrid battery still doing well. If anyone was local and needed parts... We will keep it around for a while... May make it to 320,000 in the next few weeks as the inspection sticker is good until the end of the month...

 

Retirement. We bought a 2014 V in August as we planned on the car dying at any time... I would like to part it out. It has been a great car and would be a great parts car. Interior is mint. Always kept carpeting covered. Leather seats ( heated), etc etc. All very clean and functioning. Body panels also straight.