After 250,000 miles (Update: now 293,000), should I just drive it 'til it drops?

The Prius is widely known to need new hub/bearing assemblies in the Northern climates. Just as it is widely known that the hybrid batteries take a beating in the lower south with extremely high temperatures. It is just unfortunate that Toyota had to produce a sealed wheel hub assembly that needs total replacement rather than producing the cars with removable bearings that could be serviced or replaced when necessary at under 40.00 per axle. The Prius hubs, once they are removed for replacement, are pitted and rusted out. With that type of degradation, the salt works its way into the bearings which eventually fail. It's not a fun DIY job, but it can be done. The first time doing this was a total nightmare as there is a learning curve involved. The rust was unbelievable and several bolts had to be cut. I guess that the manufacturers want to force the public to use their dealerships by making it nearly impossible to access "wear" parts that were once changed quite easily in the days of the big ol' V8. Now with specialized tools needed or lack of information needed to get the job done, the dealerships often have the upper hand. In my case, the dealership is the last resort. Can't be trusted. I believe that if I bring a car in for service, there is a good possibility that shortly after picked up, there will be a light on the dash (TOD) and that very same dealership will try to sell me a new car. Why would a dealer want to "help" an owner with over 283,000 miles on a car? They can only see another sale in sight...

 

In addition to my 2 Prii, I have a 2003 Highlander with (currently) 109,000 miles. It was not used as much once we bought the Prius, hence the low mileage. Last year when I had a local mechanic change out the timing belt as part of routine maintenance (I didn't have the time), he recommended that I get the car treated with Krown undercoating. I researched the process as it seems very popular in Canada and, of course, we live only 20 - 30 minutes from the border. So... I went ahead and had this done back in April. Does it make a difference? Yes. Immediately, I noticed that the suspension was a bit quieter, and the gas cover opened much easier. There were no holes drilled into the vehicle to get this done. The downside is that the car does drip oil for a while after the procedure. This has to be repeated every year, preferably in the Spring. Hopefully, it will help keep the rust at bay.

Trying to get my son to bring the '08 Prius in to get the undercoating as well.

For the 2005 Prius with its high mileage, I won't bother at this point. The gas cover already snapped due to rust at the hinge and the rocker panel is going. During the annual inspection, however, I was told that the frame and suspension look good (for now). Will it make it through ANOTHER winter? We'll see. If so, the car should have over 300,000 by the Spring.

As far as the sealed wheel hubs: Unfortunately, any iron and steel components are subject to rust unless stainless steel, copper or brass. The bearing seals may be doing their job but if the metal into which the seals are pressed begins to deteriorate due to excessive salt and moisture conditions, there is an avenue for moisture to seep into the bearings.

 

Looks like I could only get this product if I drive up to Canada. Not available in the US.

 

WoW! two years just sitting. That's amazing. My 2005 Prius has been outside and never garaged during its lifetime. Now up to 285,000 or so miles. It completely amazes me. But then again, I've owned it since day 1. The only time it sat was for six weeks in January of 2013 while it was at the dealership waiting for a new combination meter to arrive. These cars can really take abuse as long as they receive routine maintenance.

 

Time for an update: The car is still going strong... Geesh! What a powerhouse! I bought a new set of Michelin Ice-X for the winter and held off on replacing the muffler until this week as it is due for inspection by the end of this month. Replaced the right side HID bulb last weekend. Closing in on 300,000 miles now! If all goes well, I will get there within a month!

 

Passed inspection with flying colors. New muffler installed. Checked everything yesterday and noticed that the brake fluid was a bit low. Pulled wheels and noticed that the brakes and rotors needed replacement. Right caliper piston was not functioning as it should so that was replaced as well. All is good. Onward...to 300,000 miles!


Note: Back in August of 2016, it seemed as though the hybrid battery was acting up. At start up, the number of bars would quickly drop (sometimes into the purple range) before quickly recouping. This happened randomly on a few occasions. I was sure that the car may not make it through the winter no less to the end of 2016. Since that time (with no intervention), I have not noticed a rapid discharge / charge pattern and the car continues to drive with no problems. The Hybrid battery and the ECU are original to the vehicle and the rear fan has never been activated due to an overheating situation. I hope this encourages others...

Good luck with your Prius, The Phoenix! Keep us up to date!

 

Your guess is as good as mine ! The temperature outside was up to 60 degrees today. Very unusual for this time of year. We will be keeping an eye on the SOC as the weather warms and I will report back with any changes.

This has to be the toughest little vehicle that I've owned! I have not really kept pace with the later generations of the Prius in comparison with the Gen II. Have they proven to be as durable?

I plan on test driving the Chevy Bolt when it is available in my area as well as the Gen IV Prius. I can't justify spending money on a new car when I put so much mileage on it each year. I guess I'll wait and see. Don't want another vehicle if this one is running fine but I also do not want to have to buy something in a rush.

 

I have a 2008 that my son is driving that just passed the 150,000 mile mark. If MY Prius is running well and the body holds out so that it can pass inspection, I will get an OEM battery. When the engine gives out, that battery can be swapped out into his Prius. With the exception of some rust on the rocker panels, all is well. Driven in a rural area for the most part and taken on long distance trips. Currently, not much "city" driving or stop and go. The car was used as a mail vehicle from 2007 - 2011. There are also drastic altitude changes as the car is in the Adirondacks...

 

Here's to Spring! Currently over 298,000 miles. Taking a 600 mile trip this week in addition to my 150 mile daily commute (x5 days). Should be hitting 300,000 some time within the next week. All is well!