Thanks, I appreciate it. Because 38 owners have already signed up to help, the odds are good for a preliminary result for the 2008 in February. Total for all years is now 293. 300 soon? Details here: Auto reliability research
The 300th Prius owner recently signed up. Thanks, guys. 40 of these are 2008s. However, only 18 of these have responded to the survey, for a total of 32 months of data. I only show a result at all if there are at least 45 months of data, and asterisk this result unless there are at least 75 months of data. At this point, there's virtually no chance of a result without an asterisk. I think most people simply took delivery too recently. But there could well be an asterisked result. Just need at least 13 more months of data (and the more, the better). A follow-up email with links to the survey goes out tomorrow. If you've already signed up, please respond to it. If you haven't yet signed up, please consider doing so. Details and link to the enrollment form here: Auto reliability research
I spent many years working in different sales capacities at dealerships. Because I was always around different cars, I was not brand loyal to anything. I viewed cars as transportation only, and had seen virtually every car have problems regardless of their overall reputation. While I was working at Toyota I purchased a new Prius and have really enjoyed the car. I have read some of the concerns and complaints, but I can tell you I have not had any issues with my vehicle. The lone concern I had about the vehicle was having to replace the hybrid system or components due to the high cost. However, the warranty will cover me up to 100,000 miles and I doubt I will still have the car at that point. If you are looking at a Prius you are making a wise decision.
if i remember the consumer reports for the 08 prius, the satisfaction, reliability and ?? forgot the third was the max that CR would rate. that was good enough for me as i also had more than 5 friends own the prius - with zero problems. as i said, good enough for me. and further the point, when the batteries are green and you punch it, this little car has some impressive punch. so easy and effortless to run. all this and my average of 47 mpg......good enough!
The third one would be for depreciation. One correction, though. CR has no results for any 2008s, because until next October their results will be based on a survey conducted in the spring of 2007. Not many people realize how old their data tends to be. TrueDelta posted a result for the 2008 back in February. Now, for the Prius this isn't such a big deal, since their are four previous model years. But when the Prius is next redesigned a quick result will be key. That's when prompt, quarterly updates will pay off. Same goes if the Prius ever hits a point where reliability starts to drop off. Hasn't happened yet, but at some point (150,000 miles? 200,000?) it will.
Hello, I have a Prius 2006 and I am getting ready to buy a new one. I have two Questions: 2008 or wait for 2009? any opinions? Second question, has anyone had trouble with a mildew or mold smell from the AC vents when car is first started? Thanks, Lisa
I just signed up my '05. I've done no unscheduled maintenance save replacement of the junk OEM tires.
I find Consumer Report a frustrating magazine ..and on-line consumer guide. They often compare apples and oranges like the comparison of the Prius base model and the Prius Touring model with all the bells and whistles. . I could not detect a real difference between the two models from a low package touring model I rented in AZ to my base Prius with package 6. CR said Touring scored significantly better for handling and maneuver yet when you look at ther reliabity record its virtually the same. Seems strange to me. I didn't know how adding McPherson struts and wider tires could add that much difference to the Tourig Prius. Any thoughts about CR? Terry
I've been meaning to drive the Touring, but haven't. And now I probably can't find one to drive. Tires and suspension tuning could make a big different in instrumented test scores. Their test scores do not include reliability. Reliability is reported separately from the road test score. There should be just one reliability score, not one of the base and one for the Touring.
Updated results have been posted. Thanks to excellent participation by Prius owners--thanks guys--we have results for all years of the current Prius, with relatively large sample sizes from 2005 on. Repair rates continue to be very low for the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The repair rate for the 2004 has increased, to where it's just a bit better than the average. But it's worth noting that the sample size is smaller, and that these cars have an above-average number of miles on them--71,200, on average. With the November update it should be clearer if this is a brief blip, or a sign that the cars are starting to reach a point where they'll require more attention. Additional participants always helpful. I'd especially like to have results for the Gen1 cars, but there are clearly fewer owners to draw from. The full set of results: TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results
It's been three months, so the Vehicle Reliability Survey results for the Toyota Prius have been updated again. Repair rates remain very low for all model years. We've had excellent participation by Prius owners. A big thanks to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May, August, and November. Additional participants always helpful. Especially need more 2004s and 2009s. We now have a separate results page for each model that includes the results for competitors. The page for the Prius: Toyota Prius reliability comparisons
So based on the reliability results. Should I buy the extended 7yr/100k warranty or not? I have a 2006 and need to decide in about 3 months.
Our results (as well as others') suggest that there are few cars for which an extended warranty makes less sense. I'd only buy one if you absolutely want to limit your potential repair expenses.
I was reading the above article and I found that your site and articles are quite interesting and useful for us. Thanks for sharing. Stella
Has been for a few years. We have updated results for the Prius to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year: 2008: 5 2007: 11 2006: 18 2005: 13 2004: 29 All are much better than average. A big thank you to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years. We'd especially like to have a quick result for the new 2010. Toyota Prius reliability comparisons
