200k + miles prius users share your experience

The correct iridium spark plug is Denso SC20HR11.
http://www.toyota.com/toyota-owners-online-theme/pdf/09_SparkPlugs2014_final.pdf

You can get the correct PCV valve at any Toyota dealer. I suggest that you stock up on windshield wiper refills, engine oil filters, engine air filters, cabin air filters, and a spare plastic cover for the oil filter housing. I buy my parts from this Toyota dealer which sells parts at ~25% off MSRP:
AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway Parts

As to how to replace the PCV valve, you will need to access it from under the car. Refer to the repair manual info that you can download from techinfo.toyota.com

Do not wait to subscribe to that service until you are in Africa, because techinfo will only accept credit cards with North American billing addresses.

Mini VCI gives you the same diagnostic power as a Toyota dealer tech has. You will be very happy you have that available to you, the first time warning lights appear in your dashboard while no one in your local area has a clue about what to do. You will need a Windows XP or Windows 7, 32 bit OS laptop to run the software.

You will need a wrench to remove the engine oil filter cap. This is the tool I bought:

 

A car at auction with 230k+ miles will most likely need a major repair. I think you should've gotten one with lower miles, especially if you're exporting it to a foreign country that doesn't sell or service this car

 

If you had asked about purchasing this Prius which was in taxi service and logged 235K miles before you bought it, and disclosed that you were planning to ship it to a country whose Toyota dealers do not sell or service that model, I would have strongly advised against that purchase.

However, you bought the car, apparently without even driving it prior to purchase. Have you actually taken delivery of the car yet? If so I suggest you drive at least 1,000 miles while you are in the US to find out what is wrong with the car, and take care of any existing issues prior to shipping the car.

Considering the car has logged 235K miles I suggest that you plan to replace:

1. the front struts and rear shocks
2. the front brake pads and rotors, and the rear brake pads and rotors
3. the wheel bearings at all four wheels
4. the four tires if the tread depth is not at least 6/32" now. Buy decent tires, for example Costco sells the Michelin and Bridgestone brands and you can buy the correct low rolling resistance tires for the Prius there.
5. the traction battery with a used unit from a donor 3G vehicle that logged no more than 60K or 70K miles prior to being totalled

Plus, fixing whatever issues become evident as you drive the car in the US. If there are any fluid leaks, those need to be identified and fixed. If the constant velocity joint boots are leaking, replace the drive shafts now. If the exhaust system has any issues, replace it now. If the air conditioning system does not work perfectly, figure out what is wrong and replace the failing components.

It would be much better to do this maintenance/repair now, instead of waiting for a failure and paying 3x or 4x more for parts (if you can even get them) and not having professional help available to you if you should need that.

 

have you driven the car yet?

 

Nothing to worry, My friend who's been Lyfting hardcore-ly since 2012 and his 2010 Prius has over 200k+ and has had no major problem. According to him, He's replaced/changed; motor oil & filter every 10K, both ATF and brake fluid every 12months(that's 60-70k driving in Bay Area), spark plugs, shocks(all-around) and brake pads every 100K, new rotors(all-around) on 2nd set of brake pad replacement, 1 pair of shocks for the trunk(too much open and close from the Lyft & Uber riders), rear left wheel bearing@90K, rear right wheel bearing@110K. Both front wheel bearings@between 160-180K. Powertrain & Hybrid system still operate just like day 1. The original 12v battery is still in the car and he has a brand new Yellow Top Optima sitting in the garage just in case the original battery decides to die. I think that's about it.

 

is he in africa too?

 

Zerex "Asian Formula" claims to be equivalent. Coolant sold by most other Asian car brands (e.g., Hyundai) for their recent models may also be equivalent, or very close. I know nothing about availability in Ghana.