Considering a Prius, Reliability?

Prii have proven to be very reliable cars that have low maintenance costs. The little 12v battery tends to be weak and if stressed, will require replacement (about$200 since it it somewhat specialized - more at bad dealers). in the 7 years and 192k miles I have driven my 2004 there have only been a few issues:

1. The MFD (MultiFunctionalDisplay) had the classic failure that 2004-2005 Prii were subject to. I fixed it myself for free, but a dealer would have charged over $2k. Not a likely problem in later Prii.
2. Steering column problem ($900). The subject of an early recall, but it had a recurrence later.

Of course there is always the possibility of a problem in any car.

1. An electronics problem can be expensive, but there are salvaged parts that can keep costs down (dealers tend not to allow this). I replaced a failing CD player (actually the whole stereo unit) for $82 that way (any car stereo shop can do the installation inexpensively)
2. The transmission should hold up well, especially if you do regular (60k mile intervals) ATF drain and refills (about $100 at a honest dealer). Otherwise this is an $8,000 dealer job (again a salvages part cuts this by 2/3).
3. The engine is very reliable if you do your oil changes.
4. Brakes last virtually forever (I am still on my original brakes) on a Prius.

Good luck. JeffD

 

Basically, the HID headlight bulbs and puny 12V battery are the only potential headaches on an '08 before you get to 100,000 miles. There are countless stories here about failure symptoms and replacement options. An 08 Prius with low mileage should give you many years and tens of thousands of miles without mechanical breakdown.

 

I don't have nor do I want HID headlights. LED's, on the other hand, would be nice but are a little expensive.

JeffD

 

Were LED's ever an option on the Gen2 prius? Or are they available as an upgrade?

Anyway I'm definitely looking forward to when we can use LED's for all lighting needs. They're really the most efficient option.

 

When you do have a failing 12 volt battery, replace it immediately, one of the most expensive repairs you can need on a Prius is caused by jumpstarting badly. So never jump start routinely. (and NEVER jumpstart any thing else)

And, if you are a paranoid like me, carry these.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B002RRZX06?tag=priuschatcom-20

 

No. It first appeared on the 3rd gen.

 

The 2008 models should be even more reliable than my 2005 and I've never had any issues with my car in 127,000 miles I've owned it.

W ith the cheap cost of HID replacement bulbs and the ease of installation, I would go for it despite complaints. They are MUCH better than halogens.

 

Jeff -

Is there a precursor to MFD failure that one can look for before buying a used Prius? What is the failure and how did you fix yours?

Also, what was the steering column recall about?

I close to taking possession of an 05, so that is why I am asking.

Thanks.

 

It starts out as an intermittent problem, but gets progressively worse. Mine didn't act up till 6 years and 150k miles.

Late 2005's have the corrected MFD design and are unlikely to exhibit the problem. Read: Prius MFD Thanks again Hobbit!
Any good car stereo shop can remove/reinstall the MFD for you and if you choose, either:
Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle PHEV (Indianapolis) or
Peef - a very competent Engineer in CA who is active here on PC or
Find a local Electronics Technician that is experienced in surface mount soldering.
Can do the repair for you at a reasonable cost.

2004 Through Early 2006 Prius Steering Intermediate Shaft Replacement Safety Recall Notice (SSC 60C) Received June 30, 2006;“In certain 2004 through early 2006 model year Prius vehicles, due to insufficient strength, a portion of the Steering Shaft Assembly may become loose or may develop a crack under certain operating conditions, such as when the wheel is turned forcefully to the locked position at low speed or the tire contacts roadside curbs while driving. If this condition has occurred on your vehicle, in some cases due to the components becoming loose and possibly rattling, an abnormal noise may be heard from the area of the Steering Shaft Assembly. The Steering Shaft Assembly consists of the Intermediate Shaft and Sliding Yoke which connects the steering wheel to the steering gear box. If this condition has occurred on your vehicle, in the worst case, you may lose vehicle steering control, thus increasing the possibility of a crash.â€

JeffD