I'm considering buying a Prius, but because of the new technology, I was wondering if it costs appreciably more to maintain than a non-hybrid car. What has been your experience with this?
Same or less than any other car. every 5k mile oil changes, usual tire/wheel rotation, usual parts inspections. One coolant exchange every 50k miles. Regular oil and air filter changes. No special costs at all.
Is it 50k miles? I thought 100k. Under my hood, there's a sticker that says 160,000 km for the first coolant change (Toyota Super Long Life Coolant). It's next to (or on) the sticker that shows a diagram of the cooling system.
[font=Comic Sans MS:e1746784c3]I think the engine/drive train costs should be the same or lower than most cars. Toyotas have excellent quality, as a rule, and don't fall apart much. On the other hand, you may wind up paying a lot more for car washing and waxing supplies since you'll fall in love with your car and want to keep it looking perfect.[/font:e1746784c3]
maybe it is 100k...heck, I'm not even thinking about it yet....in any case, it's a long time and certainly not a major maintenance cost concern.
Many cars have the new Anti-Freeze that pushes flush and fills out to 100K miles...sounds like the Prius is the same. Also: Brakes will tend to last longer, thanks to regenerative braking. (I thought I read someone here say 100K miles???) Isn't the first "tune up" @ 150K miles, thanks in part to the iridium spark plugs? (I know platinum is 100K...). Like efusco, all that stuff is way too far out for me to know by heart.
[font=Comic Sans MS:1d44ad1384]And while not exactly "maintenance costs", you will be spending a little on mods, like getting better/quieter tires, mud flaps, maybe brighter back-up lightbulbs, how about clear paint-protector film... in addition to all that washing and waxing I mentioned earlier. I suppose it's possible for someone to treat their Prius as simply a means of getting from point A to point B, albeit very economically, I haven't met or chatted with a Prius owner yet who doesn't LOVE their car.[/font:1d44ad1384]
Hey Bill, you've made a good point haha. Next time someone asks if there's extra cost associated with the Prius, I'll tell them "Yeah! The extra cost of soap and chamois" hehe
