No headgasket repair is $100, you must be thinking about a valve cover gasket replacement. The labor time (book time) for the head gasket replacement is 17-18 hours (it assumes engine removal), but the job can be done in about 7-10 hours. But shops typically charge “book time” for repairs.
Well, I dont drive much at night, and I cant imagine they are worse than a 24 yo car, but cant you change out light or bulbs or something? And are there really any cars (in my under $20k range) that are perfect? Since my Corolla has held up 24 years, I figure Toyota's a pretty safe bet...
I should have added, with same amount of cargo space--I have big dog, and carry a lot of camping stuff, and sleep in car in bad weather--with same gas mileage. I kept waiting for another Corolla wagon. They sell one in Europe, but not here. Liked Subaru Impreza, until I learned about all the class action suits re: engine.
I just looked this up, and the 2016 Prius V was only vehicle to get good rating on headlights....my '95's lights are badly faded, but when I was an national park ranger, I used to zip up mountains in pitch blackness, or deep fog, and be ok, so I am sure these will be an improvement..... I am also super excited to graduate from a cassette player lol....it will all be vast improvement.... IIHS News | March 30, 2016Subscribe First-ever IIHS headlight ratings show most need improvement ARLINGTON, Va. — The Toyota Prius v is the only midsize car out of 31 evaluated to earn a good rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's first-ever headlight ratings. The best available headlights on 11 cars earn an acceptable rating, while nine only reach a marginal rating. Ten of the vehicles can't be purchased with anything other than poor-rated headlights. A vehicle's price tag is no guarantee of decent headlights. Many of the poor-rated headlights belong to luxury vehicles.
My advice: Get a '15. You clearly are going to keep this car forever and put on lots of miles. You don't want to be dealing with burning oil and head gasket failures. Regarding GPS: The Toyota system was designed in 2010 -- it's already outdated technology. Imagine how antiquated it will be in 10 years... 20 years. For $250 (less than the update for a Toyota system) you can get a Garmin that is superior to the OEM GPS in every way. And you'll have free updates for life.
This is true of the v with the advance technology package which I think is only offered on level 5. The lower trim levels have the not-so-good headlights. We have a 2015 and the low beams are weak. Here is a quote from further down the article quoted above: "The Prius v earns a good rating when equipped with LED lights and high-beam assist. To get those headlights, consumers must purchase the advanced technology package, which is only available on the highest trim level. When equipped with regular halogen lights and without high-beam assist, the Prius v earns a poor rating."
I was told to get 15 instrad of 14 because of safety crash ratings. Are you saying 15 doesn't have gasket issues, but 16 does?? Was going to Leave soon to look at 16, so would like to be sure! As far as gps, I drove to Colorado and bqck via Mi with only 25 yr old Rand McNally. Most of time my cell phone is fine.I just wanted a bit of luxury, but at this point, havinf a car with all gears working will be a luxury (I have no 5th, have to hold in place for 4rth, lol)...
They are all prone to headgasket and EGR issues, but the 2015+ are less likely to have oil consumption problems.
Well, I did it, I bought the 2016 prius V trim three. I chose 2015 or later because of advice here--thanks again! Finally found one I could afford--and not moment too soon, as the 24 yo Corolla barely made the trip. It checked out fine, and came with 12 mo bumper-bumper and lifetime powertrain warranties...those made me feel more confident, even if they might not be all that easy to use--more than I ever got buying from private owner (which were all fine). Only bad part--I have to wait a few weeks for friends to take me back the 300 mi to bring home. Now to shift to another part of forum--need to take out back seat, build platform to make flat for big dog and car campin. "Just can't wait to be on the road again." . Oh, would like to find roof rack rails...any recommendations? Think I saw some on Amazon....
I bought a 2016 V Two with 49,000 miles. I love it. Headlights have not been an issue for me. My eyes are getting old and I do have trouble seeing at night. I have actually been happy with the illumination from the headlights. Maybe I don't know any better. I drive Uber so I do a lot of miles and mostly at night. My biggest issue with night vision is the side mirrors and blind spots. I really have a hard time telling if there is something next to me at night. I just ordered a couple of blind spot mirrors that are about 3x1" that are supposed to be a lot better.
Congrats! I just purchased my 3rd Prius and opted for the V. The first 2 are 09 and 08 lift backs both touring editions. I bought both for work so didn't splurge for any extras. I recently started having issues with my 08 so decided to go all out and got a '16 V trim 5. Thus far, I'm very content with my recent addition Also a noob here, just joined 10 mins ago!
"Forget the Planet....move to Mars". This is, after all, a Prous chat. I have had my 2016 for over 7 months, put over 10k miles already, love it. Took out back seats, built a camping platform using online instructions, and 2 short humans, one 80 lbs dog slept there comfortably, with upholstered all our camping stuff stowed below platform (but not in front of vent, of course).
