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

I'm in upstate NY

 

Unibody. Suspension not bad.

 

The road salt is awful here and the car has never been garaged. It had a good run, though. It's a shame because mechanically, it runs great!

 

It was a fleeting thought to have another inspection station look at the car but there is one section of the frame that is so rusted out, I would consider it a safety risk. It will be driven locally around town until the end of the month then we will part her out. I have a 2008 Prius as well so it's not a total loss as parts are (for the most part) interchangeable.

 

Genius! You nailed it right on the head with those speed sensors! Finally got the chance to get a really good look at the car now that the weather has been clear for a few days and the ice and snow that had built up on the underbody melted away. I confirmed that the left rocker panel was severely rusted out . The rust traveled up the frame and compromises the safety of the vehicle if it were involved in a crash. Front wheel bearings are shot AGAIN, and using tech stream has pointed to both front speed sensors. I will be driving the car just here and there locally until the inspection expires on February 28th. I plan to part out the car or sell it whole if anyone wants it. All harnesses, electronics, etc. are in good working order.

 

It ain't over 'til it's over...

I brought the '05 Prius to another NYS inspection station after a conversation with the owner this past Saturday (who was doing some exhaust work on my '03 Highlander). He had never seen a Prius too rusted out to pass and asked that we bring it in. Good news: I just found out that it WILL pass!
Now on to the codes and other repairs: I was right in that there is a slight leak and loss of piston travel in the right real wheel cylinder which will need replacing. The rear brakes and shoes will need replacement (this will be the second time in 319,000+ miles). The front wheel bearings are shot (no surprise and being replaced for the 4th time) and the lower control arms and struts need replacement (first time since owning the car).

I lucked out yesterday in that opening my email, I found out that I had won $100 off a parts order at Conicelli Toyota! Parts are ordered and I am ready to go. I will be installing aftermarket preloaded struts to make my life easier...

Once all this is done, the car will fly through inspection! It should only need an alignment at the shop. I am thrilled that this car (and the original hybrid battery) can work its way to 400,000 miles! Only 80,000 or so to go!

 

Seven months ago I gave everyone an update so it's time to tell you all how the car has been performing. No news is good news. We are up to over 331,000 miles and the car runs and starts as it should. No problems at all. The rocker panels are beginning to rust out on both sides now and I may buy a new set of winter tires before the snow flies. No breakdowns and no repairs since February. My A/C is not blowing cold air. Last recharge was about 4 years ago but cooler weather is on the way so this is not a priority at the moment. Geez. I was hoping that this car would make it to 2015... Still amazes me every day...

 

Right now I don't have the time to tinker. The combination meter was replaced by the dealer a few years back. I track my miles with each fill up. No time right now for any more weekend projects - I have been prepping my property for a new house addition and have been working on cleaning up about a quarter of an acre of logs - after all the trees were taken down. The chainsaw and log splitter are getting quite the workout! I wonder if the car will last the winter. I guess time will tell. It has been an incredible journey!

Amazing that you retired a 2010 with 352K miles! That's a lot of driving! Is that car still on the road? The Prius is an amazing car!

 

341,000 miles and still going! No further repairs since last year. Is it common for these vehicles to reach this age (13 yrs. 3 mos.) With the original (never been touched) hybrid battery, CVT, and engine? Only engine work was a ice water pump a few years back and spark plugs at 150,000 mi.