299,999+ Mile Club

Attached is a report from R&G labs on the ATF in my 2004 Prius which has been changed every 60k miles (three times so far).

JeffD

 

I recently changed mine for the first time at 21K, here's Blackstone's report:

 

Are your results provided in the column which has 21K miles as the header? If so, why no Fe or Si readings?

 

Strange. Somehow the first PDF was corrupted. It's fixed now!

 

Thanks for reposting that. Note that at 21K miles the oil viscosity is at the low end of the acceptable range. Also note the relatively high Si and Fe content. This is why I change the transaxle ATF at 30K mile intervals.

 

Thanks Patrick! Your experience was definitely a factor in deciding to change this early! I figured there would be some unwanted stuff in there from manufacturing. Seems like if you really want to treat the transaxle well, maybe the best recommendation is to change at 15k, then every 30k afterwards.

 

If you look at my report, the 120K and 180k tests show greatly reduced FE and AL content, so my usual suggestion is do the first ATF refresh early then each 60k miles thereafter. But I am just approaching 200k miles so it will be a while for me to join this club.

JeffD

 

Great info here. One of our Prii is nearing 20k miles. I'll get the ATF changed and send in a sample at the next oil change.

How much oil is needed for a test? Does the testing firm have a preferred sample container or would an empty pill bottle do?

 

This is good to know. What fraction of your mileage is now in EV mode? Isn't one of the theoretical consequences of sustained EV mode a lack of transaxle lubrication?

 

2 or 3 oz is sufficient. In the Past R&G labs would send you a kit of bottles to do the sampling if you contacted them.

JeffD

 

If you do conventional EV mode, the ICE doesn't spin at all, thus the transaxle oil pump doesn't run. However at those low speeds and torques, there isn't really much stress. Since my car spends a lot of it's time over 42mph even while still in EV mode, the ICE does spin (without fuel) and I get lubrication. Still, I'm going to be vigilant about the lubrication health!

The big thing to watch for is hyrdocarbons in your oil. Because I don't use the ICE much, unburnt fuel that sneaks past the rings ends up in the oil those few times when the ICE is used. Since I rarely heat my oil up to full operating temperature and keep it there, the hydrocarbons don't have time to boil off.

It's something I plan on keeping an eye on!

 

Blackstone will send you a free kit upon request, that includes everything you need except free postage. Once you get a test done, they send you 2 more kits.

 

passed 341,000 today

 

UPDATE: 339000 Have a situation, seeing the tragedy in japan. I have my eyes set on this 2011 bluetooth prius $26,200 trading there trying to give me $5500 for my 2009. Not sure when japan will recover not sure future of prius if i buy will there be parts will they transfer plant to america or should i go maybe jetta tdi or keep my car pay for battery whenever it goes and hope there are batteries available along with parts.
reason is i drive more than the average person if i buy say toyota matrix i will spend about $200 to $250 in gas more a month 30mpg vs 50mpg is about $10 dollars more per day for me and also with jetta tdi depending on price of diesel will be about the same $200 a month more. Or buy 2011 prius and hope it last me at least 3 years as my 2009. Sorry for the rant.

 

Hi 2 fas 4 u,

You could buy a used 2009 (with < 50K) , and if it has a problems, get parts from autobeyours.com ?

 

I sincerely doubt 2fasforU is going to receive $5500 for his Prius. As for trading -- there are more than enough lightly used components in the US market to cover any repairs that arise, and they remain inexpensive. If the car is working well I do not see much reason to jump through any hoops.

One consideration I can think of is the time until a repair is finished. This matters to 2fasforU because it is his work car. Luckily though he is in Florida which already has independent hybrid mechanics. I presume not as quick a turn-around as a local dealership but likely not bad. Personally I would assume a two-week rental in my repair cost estimates.

Yeah, a little
Is the $10 a day savings correct ? I thought 2fasforU drives about ~ 500 miles a day, which uses 10 gallons in a Prius. A 30 mpg car would consume 16.66 gallons, so the difference is 6.66 gallons a day. That sounds more like $20-25 a day.

 

A Jetta will not hold up. You already know that an '09 Prius could last 339,000 without major faults, and spare parts are widely available. We don't know yet what issues Gen III will have at extremely high mileage, and spare parts will be much harder to find for these first few years. On the other hand, your mileage will be a bit better with a Gen III, and features are better. Tough decision!

It's a virtual guarantee that your '09 will go to auction if you trade it in.

 

I already went to the dealer and they quoted me 5500 for the trade, I actually from my house back home is exactly 604 miles, and it makes it worst at 25 a day, the bottom line is 339000 is alot of miles how long will it last i dont know the problem is when i put my mine set on something such as a new car it is rough trying to get past it, another option lets say i have the highest mileage at 350000 what happens then it is only a title and to be honest who would really care if i put 400000 on my prius, just ranting, had my hopes on the new prius v wagon seeing it is pushed backed possibly who know when lets see if i could overcome anyway just ranting again.

 

2002 Prius I passed 300,000 as of recently!

1) Did you replace the HV battery pack? No
2) Did you replace the hybrid transaxle fluid? No
3) Did you replace the brake pads? Once
4) Your lifetime MPG (if available)? I still average between 50 - 60 mpg
5) How often do you change your oil? What brand / product did you use? 3k - 5k just standard oil from dealership
6) How about post a picture of 300,000 miles on ODO? I will post a picture shortly I have to get a cable for my camera.
7) Are you the original owner? Yes. I purchased in San Jose, Ca with 1 mile on it.
8) How many miles under your ownership? 299,999
9) Feel free to add anything else you wish to share. I love this car would not part with it for nothing.

 

Update 340000 Guess my ranting did me no good. Here is one for my mathematicians. Orlando toyota was willing to raise my first quote of 5500 to 6500 for my 2009 prius. I owe 11600. Looking at 2011 prius 3 price 26200 they marked it up to 27500. With a 12.99 apr 5000 down, 614 for 72 months is this good or bad. I kid u not this is the truth. Guess for now 430000 here I come. And the sad part about it was the salesman actually taught I might be interested.