There is an infrared sensor toward the base of the windshield on the driver side. Make sure it is not blocked by the registration or inspection sticker. Prius' AC uses it to detect if you are in a shade or direct sun light and adjusts the output.
2005 Prius purchased used (w/5000 miles on it) about 6 years ago to the day. I've put ~150,000 miles on it. Relatively trouble free & getting ~44 to 46 mpg. I go through a set of tires about every 14 to 16 months, oil changed every 5K miles, etc. HOWEVER - i just got the Hybrid System Warning Light when i went out to start the car. Of course, it's Saturday just after dinner & there's no place open tomorrow to do a diagnostic...
I'm in the club, although I now have 109,000 miles. I bought the car used in November with 90,000 miles on it. As you can tell, I drive a lot. I don't know what a traction battery is. The water pump was new when I bought it, I do love my car, however just today it is making some weird noises. Sure hope it is something very minor.
2008 Prius, purchased new in December 2007. Turned over 100000 miles last month. Not many posts to this forum because I haven't experienced many issues. Quite dependable overall. HID headlights and MFD display replaced. Other than that, only gas, tires, and general maintenance, like oil changes and fluid replenishment.
100,433 miles as of today. Bought my '07 Prius in June of '07. Outside of replacing the tires (twice), and oil changes, I have had ZERO issues. My Prius is perhaps the best car I've ever owned, and I plan on driving it at least another 100,000 miles, if not more. I'm currently using it to deliver pizza in it, so that may wear it out a bit sooner, but the car just goes and goes, with never a lick of a complaint.
100,033 Today. Outside of replacing the tires, oil changes and the headlight issue. I have had no major issues.
We have a 2004 Prius with 104,000 miles on it. We've only had it three years as we bought it used. Unfortunately, although we're happy with the mileage and are pretty sure we saved about $5,000 in gas by not driving our subaru forester (12 years old), we have spent about $4,000 at the Toyota Service Station -- and we're starting to think that they're cheating us left and right. Just had the 12V battery changed and it cost $442 (because the brakes started failing) -- looking around the forum, it looks like we should not have paid nearly that much. When they were changing the battery, they messed up the dimmer and when I asked them to look at it, they were going to charge us $200 for diagnostic. After I demanded they look at it for free since it was working before we brought it into them, turns out it was their fault because they also fixed a recall situation (for free), but unhooked something in the dimmer. Also, we bought a new key, which didn't work in the slot -- and again, they were going to charge us to look at it (seemed to me for $300, we should get a functioning key). They keep trying to charge us exorbitant amounts for diagnostics -- and often don't find the problem. I got them to re-diagnose a loud noise that turned out to be the right wheel bearing -- this time without charge (six months ago, they charged us for a half hour work -- only $55, however they couldn't find the problem that time.) Anyway, now they're offering to replace the wheel bearing for $360 (discounted from $600) -- and again, looking through the forum, it looks like it shouldn't cost more than $300 anyway. I've seen similar posts by other people. I will not buy a Toyota again, if for no other reason than I can't fix my own car and the Toyota people hear seem to be extremely unscrupulous -- or at best, highly incompetent. (and clearly the Prius is a somewhat complicated car when it comes to repair.)
Sounds like your dealership is making his profits through his service department. Just purchased a 2007 Prius with 90K miles. Anyone have any experience with the Toyota Service Warranty packages? Given the reliability that I've heard about from Prius owners, are they even necessary? The car will be used by my daughter who is attending college out of town. Thanks.
I bought my 2004 Prius a couple of weeks ago with 129k miles on it. It came with most of the service records. Mostly oil and filter changes, one 12v accessory battery, a water pump and brakes. I'm in the process of going through 100k and 120k maintenance. The PO had the inverter coolant changed and the oil changed on condition of sale. I've changed the air and cabin filters, replaced the license plate lamps and replaced a failing HID headlight on the passenger side. Left to do: 1. PCV valve 2. spark plugs 3. CVT transmission oil 4. Replace engine coolant hoses 5. Replace drive belt 6. New tires -VR
Purchased my 2007 Prius in 2007. It just hit 108,000 miles this weekend. I have to say that after owning 9 other cars in the past 25 years, it's the best of the bunch. The only expenses have been the normal oil changes (synthetic only ever since the initial breakin period), air filters and just had the HID bulbs replaced last week. Dealer says I still have lots of brake life remaining. It's been trouble free and still maintains a steady 49-53 MPG through every tankful. I've read some other posts from owners driving over 300,000 miles and more. And I thought I drove a lot. Unless I get into a major accident, I hope to be there myself someday.
I have a 2008 Prius with 102,000. I'm looking for advice. If I keep the car what issues will I encounter to say 120,000 or beyond. Could not find that info on that site. My alternative is to buy a newer used or new model..or keep both. Thanks Bob
You could read the experiences from other owners at 200k and 300k+ mile club. Our maintenance schedule booklet ends at 120k miles. I made an extended schedule all the way up to 300k miles while keeping the original booklet look and feel. That'll tell you what you need to do to keep the Prius in top condition.
I have a 2006 Pruis with 111,000 & still going strong. I replaced the 12 V. battery just because of the mileage. I put a Optima battery in & it was easy. Brakes still good & only on 2nd set of tires. Best car I've ever owned including 2 Benz's.
I bought my 04 in Oct, 2004. It now has 115k. Problems: Stereo died under warrantee; replaced. Car stalled and would run only in e-mode under warrantee (needed new chip that later became part of a recall). Other than that, not a single problem! I love this car more than any other I've owned... it makes all other cars seem very old fashioned and primitive. I average 45 mpg in mixed driving in southern CA. I will DEFINITELY get another prius for my next car. I'm thinking this one will last 10+ years?!
My 2006 Prius just hit 150,000, so i'm a little behind the curve on the 100k. This car is the most impressive piece of machinery I have ever seen. The only repair outside of tires I have had to do is the water pump, even it wasn't shot, I was doing a little preemptive strike. I recommend replacing the water pump to everyone because the pump is in an area where the weep hole drip tends to get scattered before hitting the ground and giving the tale tell powdery water stain. The original engine battery and Hybrid battery are still kicking.
Hi I m new here from U.S.A ca somebody can tell me which scann tool is best for reading codes in mu 2007 prius 120.000 mile on it so far the car is great . went to the dealer twice inverter converter water pump and 12v baterry for reading codes that i cannot read with a regular tool from atozone or any of those places . Anyone can give some info . Thank you very much.
I just passed the 165,000 mile mark. One accessory battery died with no warning right after the 120,000 mile huge service. Both water pumps failed. I was reimbursed the $400 for the big interior one. Both headlights failed. First one was $400 but was reduced to $200 by service manager. Second one was the $200 regular reduced price. I want a new Prius, but I'm waiting until next spring when I hope all of the options will be available from which to choose.
